Though another type of “weed” has been coming into its own of late, the “weed of wonder” we’re talking here is a slightly less controversial one: Dandelion. Those cheery yellow flowers dotting the planet are not only one of Nature’s most abundant plants, but also one of her most nutritious. From its root tips to the tips of its leaves, Dandelion provides a host of health benefits, most notably for the liver and kidneys. The bitter quality of the root… Continue reading →

Lack of deep, restful sleep, especially when it’s chronic, can have significant daytime consequences. It can interfere with our ability to concentrate, our decision-making skills and reaction times, and can make us more irritable(!) and susceptible to illness. So What Can You do to Improve Sleep Quality? Practicing “healthy sleep hygiene” can go a long way to helping insomnia: • Stop caffeine consumption after 2 pm. • Unplug from the TV or computer at least an hour (preferably more) before… Continue reading →

“The way humanity manages or mismanages its nature-based assets, including pollinators, will in part define our collective future in the 21st century.” – Achim Steiner, UN Undersecretary-General and UNEP’s Executive Director Amazingly, bees pollinate over 70 percent of the 100 crop species that provide 90 percent of global food supplies. Many vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes and seed crops are dependent on pollination, with most of that being done by wild bees. According to a recent report (March 2011) from the… Continue reading →

Since before the time of Hippocrates, “Father of Medicine” (370 BC – 460 BC), silver has been used in medicine for its antiseptic and disinfectant properties. Water casks lined with silver were used to purify drinking water during the wars of Napoleon, a practice continued even up through WWII by the Soviet Army. Water filters exist today that still utilise silver in their purification technology. Medical usage of silver products essentially stopped in the 1940s, with the advent of antibiotic… Continue reading →

If your little one is tugging at their ear, it may be a sign that their ear is hurting, either from an infection or inflammation. Some natural suggestions for helping kids’ earaches: • A warmed compress placed over the affected ear provides soothing relief • A dropperful (orally) of Echinacea every hour or two will help support your child’s natural defenses • Herbal Ear Drops: Kid’s Ear Clear Gold from Natural Wellbeing is an effective and soothing combination of herbs… Continue reading →

Good news! The trend towards using natural colors in foods, rather than artificial dyes, is increasing by many manufacturers. Even some big brand names are starting to substitute ingredients such as beets and carrots for Red Dye No. 40, the most widely used food coloring in the U.S., due to consumer demand. This is welcome news for those wishing to avoid unnecessary, cosmetic ‘improvements’ to their food, especially ingredients known or suspected to have an association with hyperactivity in children,… Continue reading →

Regular, everyday types of stress like being late for work aren’t usually enough to cause hair loss. But when you’re under ongoing stress or experience a sudden, traumatic event, significant hormonal changes occur that can trigger hair loss. Emotional stress such as loss of a loved one, divorce, or other significant events can have a suppressive effect on the thyroid. This is due to feedback from stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenalin. Physical events like surgery may also have… Continue reading →

Tamanu oil, pressed from the nut of the fruit of the Tamanu tree, is a remarkable topical healing agent with skin healing, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibiotic and antioxidant properties. It possesses the unique capacity to promote the formation of new tissue and accelerate growth of healthy skin. Coupled with its antibacterial properties, this makes Tamanu oil exceptionally useful for severe burns as it speeds wound healing and reduces the risk of infection. Tamanu oil can be used for all manner of… Continue reading →

With springtime comes a sense of renewal – blossoms on the branch, birdsong in the air, and a hint of warmer days to come…. ahh! Spring is also the traditional time for cleansing, considered by many to be the cornerstone of good health. Cleansing gives the body a chance to release toxins that have been accumulating over the past year and storing in, primarily, the fat cells. It also provides an opportunity for the body to do some deep, restorative… Continue reading →

Introduced to the west from India, Brahmi (Bacopa herb) has been used for thousands of years as a brain tonic. Brahmi is best known for improving the memory, sharpening mental acuity, and increasing concentration. It calms the mind and alleviates symptoms of stress, anxiety, and nervous debility, and encourages a more positive outlook. Brahmi literally means “that which gives knowledge of Supreme Reality.” Though it may not provide you that in just one cup of tea, it can help preserve… Continue reading →