Ashwagandha or “Indian ginseng” (Withania somnifera) is known as a very gentle adaptogen. It has been used in so many conditions to help improve and bring back balance. It’s a superb herb to use for anxiety, insomnia, female reproductive issues, depression and even asthma and bronchitis. In Ayurveda, it’s classified as a rasayana, which is …
In recent years, antioxidants have become all the rage in the marketing world. But beyond all the hype, why should you care about antioxidants, and why is it a good idea to get more of them in your diet? In a nutshell, antioxidants reverse oxidation within your cells. Excessive oxidation may be a result of …
Step away from the bag of Lays! Salty, crispy and oh so addicting, these healthy chips make a surprisingly satisfying snack when cravings for something chip-like strike. I have to say, this might actually be the tastiest way possible to eat your greens! Not to be confused with the banana-like fruit, Plantago spp. is a …
This recipe includes only five ingredients and is soooo simple to make. This would be a great thing to take everyday in small pieces for cases of anemia, or if you just find yourself in need of an energy boost. It’s also a great remedy when a cold/flu hits – particularly in the presence of …
It might be September, but thanks to diligent harvesting of the blooms all season, my calendulas are still going strong! Like many flowering herbs, calendula responds well to frequent harvesting. Pinch off the flower head as soon as it fully opens to encourage the plant to bloom again and again, maximizing your herb harvest and …
Stressed out? Looking for a mid-day pick-me-up that’s a great source of sustainable energy and won’t cause you to crash later? Maca root, aka Peruvian ginseng, belongs to the brassica (mustard) family and acts as an adaptogen, helping the body to cope with physical and mental stress and bringing the body back into balance. Keep …
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has a well-deserved reputation as a great cold and flu remedy, thanks to its powerful antiviral properties. (Bonus points that elderberry syrup tastes a heckuva lot better than your average cold medicine!) Today, we’re going beyond the usual syrup recipe and making an elderberry oxymel. The term oxymel is derived from the …
The weather’s warming up, and it’s officially lemonade season, y’all. Stinging nettle has a PR problem. Yes, it can be an annoying weed that stings like heck when you accidentally brush against the leaves, but it’s also a nutritional powerhouse and a tasty tea. Nettle is rich in vitamins and C, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium …
One of the greatest joys of summertime is nearly upon us… blackberry season! In this recipe for a blackberry-sage spritzer, the sweet tartness of ripe berries is beautifully balanced by the warm earthiness of fresh sage. Besides tasting great as a culinary herb, sage (Salvia officinalis) is also great for supporting cognition, the brain, memory …
Let’s Work with Stinging Nettle It’s always fun to find new ways to bring herbs into the kitchen. Honestly there’s no better way to get them into our bodies than through food! Pesto is a super simple recipe that allows for so much flexibility. Don’t have access to nettles? Use dandelion leaves or basil. Don’t …
