Garden season is here!!! This year, in addition to my veggies and flowers, I am going to be planting a medicinal herb garden. There are so many herbs that are gentle, safe, and most importantly, have incredible healing actions. Here are a few that you may want to consider: Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) The perennial lemon balm plant is a member of the mint family, it is sometimes referred to as common balm or balm mint. Traditionally, lemon balm herbal preparations have been used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Its mild sedative effect is well-known without the side effects of common sedating medications. Add a few leaves to a cup of hot water, steep for 5-7 min and enjoy...
We have all experienced a headache now and again, but for some, they are a common occurrence rather than an occasional annoyance. Headaches can be triggered by allergies (that increases sinus pressure), stress (that causes muscle tension), fatigue (that reduces our immune function), eyestrain (that stresses our brains), poor posture (that can strain neck and shoulder muscles), alcohol or drugs (that can dehydrate us and cause toxic reactions), low blood sugar (that starves our brains of energy), hormones (specifically estrogen and progesterone imbalances), constipation (that leads to toxin build up) and nutritional deficiencies (such as magnesium). They are not generally triggered by a lack of Tylenol or Advil :) Headaches, whether it’s a cluster, tension, sinus or migraine headache, are...
An allergy is defined as a type of hypersensitivity reaction to an antigen “allergen'' or an “exaggerated or pathological immunological reaction (such as sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states.” In other words, allergies are due to an over reaction of the immune system that causes damaging responses that can affect the whole body. Some of the most common causes of allergies are things like pollens, grasses, animal fur, dust or particular foods. Allergy symptoms occur when your body responds to allergens by producing a chemical called histamine, which works by helping to counteract the allergen. However, sometimes this production is a severe overreaction and causes negative symptoms. The most common symptoms are: Runny...
Even though spring has technically arrived, there are still some windy and cold days left before the warm weather is here. So, until then, here is a fantastic soup that is easy to make and delicious to eat. Enjoy! Ingredients: 1-2 Tbsp Olive oil 1 lg Onion, chopped ½ lb Chicken breast, diced ¼” Ginger, minced 1 tsp Cumin seeds ½-1 tsp Garam masala 1 tsp Fennel seeds ½ tsp Curry powder ½ head Broccoli, chopped (florets and stems - peeled) 1 c Green beans 1 ¼ c Water 1 c Quinoa 1 c Water Pinch Salt and pepper to taste Instructions for Curry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and add onions. Saute until onions are clear...
Everyone has a different breakfast routine - some fast and don’t eat at all, some gulp down a smoothie, and some go for a more hearty breakfast: a plate of eggs, bacon, sausages, bread, and cheese. But for the majority of North Americans, the morning staple is a bowl of breakfast cereal because we’ve all been told for years how this is a great way to start the day. What Is Breakfast Cereal? Traditionally, cereal is a processed food made from grains, often including corn and wheat. The grains are milled into flour, which is then mixed with other ingredients like sugar, salt, and artificial flavorings. This mixture is made into flakes, pellets, or other fun shapes and toasted. Cereal...
