Herbalism. Natural Living. Holistic Health.
This post is about three weeks late, but it's still relevant and it relates to some upcoming posts, so I didn't want to let it waste away in my drafts folder. My blog has become focused mostly on herbalism in recent months, because that is where my current passion lies, and I am immersed in... Continue Reading →
It was only a matter of time before I came across medicinal mushrooms and fungi on my herbal journey. I love eating mushrooms and learning to forage for them has been on my bucket list for some time, but I was completely unaware of their uses outside of the culinary realm. Whenever I learn... Continue Reading →
I feel like I've been living under a rock or something, as I've only recently discovered the “golden” craze. For the uninitiated like myself, it is a beverage made using a base of fresh or dried turmeric. The practice originated in India and the traditional preparation calls for turmeric to be combined with water and... Continue Reading →
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is probably one of the most widely known "natural cures" on the market today. I started drinking it to help with upset stomachs, and continued because of the reputed health benefits. Several friends use it to treat heartburn and swear by it, and these are not the types of people who... Continue Reading →
For thousands of years, humans have utilized nature's resources for the treatment of a variety of ailments. As we progressed in scientific thought and knowledge, we began to focus primarily on treatment of disease, rather than prevention of disease or maintaining wellness. Modern medicine was born. The medical and pharmaceutical industries are what we tend... Continue Reading →
For the last post in this series, I'm focusing on three herbs commonly used for their calming effects on the mind and body. Passionflower, Skullcap, and Lemon balm have all been used as natural remedies for stress, anxiety, and insomnia for centuries and have similar effects, with a few notable strengths and differences. They can... Continue Reading →
I love ginger. It's one of my all-time favorite ingredients. Especially the fresh root, although dried ginger will do. The spicy, sweet rhizome lends flavor and zing to almost any dish, and it is highly versatile in the kitchen. I often add it to smoothies or herbal tea blends, and find it to be uplifting... Continue Reading →
Despite being a nurse, I am one of those people who rarely sees my doctor. I go when I have to, like for work physicals, but I really have to be hurting to seek medical care for a cold or sinus infection. I'm lucky to be in good health, and it usually only takes a few... Continue Reading →
Adaptogens refer to a group of herbs, roots, and mushrooms which have been used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to promote wellness. The term adaptogen indicates their primary usage -- they help the body adapt to psychological, physical, and environmental stress through a nonspecific resistance. In general, adaptogens are known to... Continue Reading →
For my next several posts, I will be focusing on herbs to help manage stress and anxiety. The plant world is full of surprisingly effective remedies that do not come with the same risks and side-effects of typical anti-anxiety medications. I've found several that seem to work well, and I'm hoping others can benefit from... Continue Reading →
Pathways and Potions 