In pursuit of wellness…
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 →
Kava kava, or just "kava," is one of the first herbs I've ever tried for medicinal use. A friend recommended it for stress and insomnia, so I bought a bottle of extract from a local health food store. It worked, but I used it sparingly because it was expensive. When it was gone (as was... Continue Reading →
A year ago, I was sitting in this very room thinking of dozens of changes I wanted to make in my life. Some of them seemed impossible, others were just a matter of committing. As I sit here now and reflect on the past year, I am amazed at how different my life is and... 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 something like a cold or sinus infection. I'm lucky to be in good health, and my immune system usually... 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 →
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 →
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 →
Pathways and Potions 