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 – Support for Stress and Anxiety part 1
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 →
How to Make an Herbal Tincture
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 →
Luxurious Homemade Calendula-Infused Body Butter
I've been experimenting with different recipes for homemade natural body products, and I've concocted a body butter recipe that I'm especially proud of. I gave away jars of it to friends and family, and within weeks, they were returning the jars and asking for more! It smells wonderful, has a lovely whipped texture similar to... Continue Reading →
The True Power of Positive Thinking
I consider myself a positive thinker. I try to look on the bright side, I try not to get caught up in too much negativity, and I always try to find the silver lining. Without a doubt, our world is affected by our state of mind. This is not a new concept. If you've seen... Continue Reading →
Winter Blues Already??
We just changed the clocks last week. Since then, we've had sleet, snow, wind, and temperatures dropping into the teens. I'm already feeling that vague pit in my belly and that cloud overhead. Unsettled and restless, yet unmotivated to move...then beating myself up for my lack of productivity. I wish I could curl up in... Continue Reading →
I Survived Sensory Deprivation – Naked! (AKA Float Therapy)
I saw it on Groupon, and thought it'd make a great gift for my mother. A voucher for a "float tank experience." She loves hot tubs, baths, etc., and she's usually up for novelty experiences. The reputed relaxation effects of floating made my decision and the appeal of a mother/daughter "spa" day made me buy... Continue Reading →
Elderberry for Colds and Flus
Ugh..Waaahh!! I woke up today with a raging sinus headache and the beginnings of what will likely become a congested cough and general miserable condition over the next few days. I headed to the kitchen for some elderberry syrup that I made a few weeks ago...and realize sadly that it's almost gone. Waaahh! When I... Continue Reading →
What is Wellness?
Wellness is such a buzzword these days, and it's something I've been pursuing for some time now, but what is it exactly? Obviously, it must refer to physical health...one cannot be "well" and be ill at the same time. I think most people would agree that mental health would fall into the same category. So is "wellness"... Continue Reading →
Ashwagandha for Stress Relief
It's been a while...I don't have any excuses, I've just been busy living, researching and doing. My focus has been elsewhere, although I'm keeping track of all of it for this blog. Someday, really...I promise... Anyway, on to the ashwagandha. While exploring options for natural remedies for stress and anxiety, I came across something called... Continue Reading →