Health Topics

Valerian is a well known and commonly used plant in western herbalism that has been categorized as a sleep herb. Many people have used it late at night when they are tossing and turning and are disappointed when it doesn’t provide the sleep results they were hoping for. This article provides further information on this plant and some ways to combine it that may provide better results for the sleep deprived. Botany The common valerian in commerce is Valeriana officinalis. It is native to Europe and has naturalized in wetter areas of North America. It is commonly found in cultivation […] See More

I am pleased to share an article by Arthur Haines that helps clarify some of the misconceptions around the Paleo Diet. Arthur has some of the very best thinking on diet, health, wild foods and our ancestors from various traditional cultures. The article originally appeared here. This is an Exist Anew guest post by Arthur Haines. This article is a result of recent discussions with a number of people who practice the Paleo Diet.  For the record, these discussions were polite and the dialogue centered on pursuit of evidence and application of logical actions in the diet. Grains were a […] See More

Coffee has long been a controversial drink, both in the alternative health community and in mainstream medicine. Some see it as an elixir, instant energy and the only way to begin the day. Others see it as liquid evil and a cause for many health problems. Actually, coffee is a mixed bag. It has many health promoting chemicals including the antioxidant chlorogenic acid. Yet for some, its stimulating and drying energy can be too strong. The final verdict on coffee? Whether it is helpful or harmful depends on the type of roast, what else is added to the cup, the […] See More

Chai tea has become quite common in the US in recent years. While it is still considered a bit of a newcomer here, it has been a staple in India for many generations. Like many traditions, the change from one culture to another is not always smooth. The current view of chai in the US, especially in coffee shops, seems to be a sweet and creamy drink with a few spices thrown in for a mild flavor. It can be served hot or cold. This is very different from its intended use in India. Another difference I have noticed is […] See More

Where can we find quality dried herbs by the ounce? By the pound? Almond oil? Salve containers? Droppers for tincture bottles? These are questions that often come up in our classes. Having a reliable source for the tools of the trade is important in any field. Fortunately for herbalists, there are good options available. Gardens & Nature The best way to get herbs is to either grow them in your garden or sustainably harvest them from nature. This way you control the quality, harvesting and processing from the ground to your herb cabinet. An herb garden need not be a […] See More

Plant medicines help us in many ways. Some plants have a strong medicinal effect due to alkaloids, polysaccharides or other constituents. Many other plants straddle the food-medicine border and are simply considered 'healthy' due to their high mineral content. A common, easy and effective way to get minerals from the herbs is to use a tea. More specifically, this is known as the hot infusion method. To make a mineral rich infusion, simply place one ounce of dried herb in a quart jar or French Press. Add one quart hot water, cover and let steep for several hours or overnight. […] See More

I think it is easy to make our herb work more complicated than it needs to be. Working with a woman recently who was feeling under the weather reminded me of this. Day 1: I was contacted in the evening by a woman who says she had many flu-like symptoms including body aches and a fever. These had started during the day, She was going to bed early to get extra rest. Day 2: We met in the morning, I gave her a bottle of Elderberry Elixir with the directions to take a teaspoon every hour, eat lightly and rest […] See More

Thoughts on a cold, wet, snowy evening while sitting by our wood stove... Thorough and complete digestion is a foundation to good health in many traditional systems of healthcare, both East and West. While the entire digestive process is quite complex, I want to focus on one key aspect in this article. One of the primary jobs of the digestive system is to take food from the outside world and transform it in a way that our bodies can absorb and benefit from the nutrients. The idea of transformation has long fascinated me. Anyone who has spent time around a […] See More

Some additional thoughts on the challenges presented by cooler and drier autumn weather... Staying warm and protected from the wind and lower temperatures is essential in cooler weather. Even though the temptation to bask in the waning rays of the October sun may be strong, this is not a good idea. Tank tops and sandals need to be replaced by long sleeves, higher collars and eventually, hoods and scarves. Protecting the back of the neck from cold and wind is especially important in TCM. The diet should shift from the cooling beverages of lemonade and ice tea to something a […] See More