Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) When we hear “marshmallow” most of us think of campfires or hot chocolate – not necessarily an ancient plant medicine! Marshmallow grows in marshy areas and bears pale, clustered flowers with white petals and purple anthers and stigmas (centers) that bloom in late summer. The genus name of marshmallow, Althaea comes from the…
Among wellness trends, optimizing – or “maxxing” – cognitive health has become a massive movement, as people strive to enhance focus and cognition for performance and efficiency. However, some are looking for a more holistic approach of supporting mood, memory and stress resiliency to enhance their enjoyment of everyday life. In either case, nootropics have people interested! Nootropics is a word used to classify substances that are referred to more commonly as brain support…
It is estimated that between 14-25% of women experience menstrual cycle irregularities throughout their reproductive years1. Menstrual cycle irregularities can look different for everyone and can appear as unpredictable, delayed or missed cycles, cycles of varying length, frequent symptoms of PMS, and inconsistent or uncomfortable flow. Not only is an erratic cycle irritating and inconvenient and tricky to plan around, but these irregularities can also affect a woman’s health physically, mentally, socially and play a part in reproductive or fertility issues. Despite how common irregular…
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a member of the daisy (Asteraceae) family. Among the 15 species there are both annual and perennial varieties. Distribution Calendula has been cultivated for centuries, making the location of its origin unclear, although it is thought to be native to the southern European Mediterranean region. Calendula now grows across Europe, Asia, and the Americas and is widely naturalized throughout the world. They are highly tolerant and…
From Beach to Pool to Patio Everyone looks forward to summertime! A respite from the cold weather and flu viruses (for the most part), farm stands, festivals, camping – the list goes on! That said, some common issues can hold you back from enjoying all of summers delights! Here’s our herbal summertime guide for helping you avoid common issues that can arise. Fun (and safety) in the sun! …
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is a perennial flowering herb that is a member of the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family. It bears characteristic spikes of small, white, fragrant flower clusters called “racemes”. Plants can grow up to 4 to 6 feet in height and take about 3 years to mature. Common names: black cohosh, black bugbane, black snakeroot, rattle-top, or fairy candle. The name “cohosh” is thought to be derived from Algonquian (Eastern Abenaki / Penobscot) ‘*kkwὰhas’, meaning…
The Connection Between Detox and Women’s Hormonal Health Hormones sometimes get blamed for things like mood swings, acne, and questionable decision making. But hormones also deserve credit! They help regulate us around the clock, give us the sensitivity to react to our environment, the ability to form deep connections and bring life into the world! These “chemical messengers” also determine our appetites, metabolism, sleep quality, stress responses and influence our mood, weight and…
Your skin is an expression of your inner health and one of your body’s main lines of protection against the outer world. Common skin issues can often be attributed to underlying factors including dehydration, illness, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies or exposure to harmful conditions like oxidative damage. As the health of your skin is influenced by both internal and external factors, it makes sense to approach maintaining skin health and treating issues through both avenues. Inner Defense: Skin Defend…
The First Dandelion “Simple and fresh and fair from winter’s close emerging, As if no artifice of fashion, business, politics, had ever been, Forth from its sunny nook of shelter’d grass—innocent, golden, calm as the dawn, The spring’s first dandelion shows its trustful face. Walt Whitman Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) are a harbinger of warming earth and brighter days, and a…
Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) is a flowering plant that is a member of the mint family. It is a woody perennial and bears spiky flowers that can range in colour from purple to pink to white. This is one of the world’s most popular culinary herbs – the very same variety of oregano that is a staple in spice racks…
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