In February, we're still experiencing cold weather, but we may also enjoy a few warmer days here and there, pointing to the warmer weather that will be coming in spring. The days are noticeably longer now too. It's natural to want to slim down, rejuvenate, and refresh yourself in late winter, so consider following some of these selfcare tips for February. February Selfcare Tips Food You may notice that your body naturally wants some lighter foods now, particularly green leafy

February is Heart Health Month and is celebrated to raise awareness about heart disease and to promote cardiovascular health. Heart disease is a leading cause of death, so throughout the month, people are encouraged to focus on their heart health through lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, and managing stress. So, let’s explore Hawthorn – our wonderful herbal ally for February. Hawthorn - February’s Herbal Ally Hawthorn Flowers and Berries Botanical

Various dried herbs stored in glass jars for herbal remedies Living with a chronic disease, such as an autoimmune condition, heart disease, and diabetes, can feel like navigating a maze. Every day brings new challenges, and finding ways to support your body gently and effectively is essential. That’s where custom herbal remedies come in. These natural allies can help soothe symptoms, boost your energy, and nurture your overall well-being. Understanding Custom Herbal Remedies

The holidays are behind us and we’re now in the heart of Winter, or “cold and flu season”. To ward off viruses and bacteria as well as to strengthen the respiratory system, learn about Garlic - January's herbal ally. Garlic - January's Herbal Ally Botanical Information Garlic (Allium sativum) is an edible bulb belonging to the amaryllis family. Originating from Central Asia, it is closely related to onions and leeks. Garlic is distinguished by its head composed of separate cl

A calming cup of herbal tea to support wellness Living with a chronic disease can feel like a constant balancing act. Some days are better than others, and finding ways to support your body gently and effectively is key. Over time, I’ve discovered that embracing effective natural remedies can make a real difference in managing symptoms and boosting overall wellness. These remedies don’t replace medical care but can complement it beautifully, helping you feel more in control a

As we head towards winter, the days continue to get shorter and colder, beckoning us to slow down and stay home more often. While we may feel inclined to stay home and settle in, we also have many celebrations this month. To balance the hustle and bustle of the holidays, be sure to eat healthily when you’re not celebrating, and get some rest. To help you maintain balance during the festive season, here are some self-care tips for December. December Self-Care Tips Food In gene

Living with an autoimmune disease can feel like walking a tightrope. Every day brings new challenges, and finding balance often seems elusive. But what if there was a way to nurture your body, mind, and spirit all at once? That’s where the power of holistic health benefits comes in. By embracing a whole-person approach, you can take meaningful steps toward feeling better, reducing flare-ups, and reclaiming your life. Let’s explore how you can achieve balance through simple, p

It's time to make Fire Cider! Fire Cider is an old folk remedy that is made in Autumn for the cold winter months. It can help boost the immune system, clear up sinus congestion, warm you up on a cold day, and aid digestion. Fire Cider is a combination of an herbal infused vinegar, sweetened with local honey – so it’s hot and sweet. Because it’s an old folk remedy, there are a lot of variations of the recipe. Most recipes call for garlic, onion and horseradish infused in apple

A good night's sleep is so important for overall health. If you're having trouble sleeping, make a cup of Golden Milk at night for a good night's sleep. Golden Milk, aka Turmeric Milk, is a warm, spiced milk that supports both the immune system and the nervous system. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and high in antioxidants, Antioxidants are compounds that fight cell damage and protect your body from oxidative stress. Cinnamon and ginger are also high in antiox

The leaves are turning color, and the Balloon Fiesta is starting this weekend here in the Albuquerque area. It’s a beautiful sight – lots of colorful balloons with colorful changing leaves. So, now that we’re fully into Fall (or Vata season), it’s important to stay warm and build immune health. The holidays are right around the corner, so be sure to get some rest to calm the nervous system. Follow some of these selfcare guidelines for October. Selfcare Guidelines for October

In late September, summer comes to an end and autumn begins. The mornings and evenings are becoming cooler, the leaves are starting to turn color, and soon the smell of apples and pumpkins will fill the air. Autumn is Vata season in Ayurveda, and has the qualities of dry, cold, windy, and rough. We need to balance these qualities with moist, warm, stable, and smooth. So, follow some of these selfcare tips for September. September Selfcare Tips Diet Minimize or avoid raw foods

Although we’re still in summer, which is Pitta season in Ayurveda, we can feel that summer is winding down, preparing us for the transition to Autumn. Fall begins Vata season, which is characterized by the qualities of cold, dry, light, and mobile. Many of us notice these qualities in our bodies in the Fall, which can manifest as dry, rough skin; dry mucus and nasal passages; chapped lips, increased urination at night; depleted electrolytes in the body; earaches; insomnia; co

One of the assignments in my herbal training was to create an Herbal First Aid Kit. My kit contained dried herbs, salves, and tinctures based on my and my husband’s needs. I also included some basic First Aid items, such as Band-Aids, gauze, tape, small scissors, a tweezer, etc. So, now that it’s summer and we’re outside more, be sure to have a First Aid Kit for all your summer activities. You could create your Herbal First Aid Kit from scratch and add the basic first aid ite

Have you been diagnosed with high blood pressure, another heart disease, pre-diabetes, or diabetes? If so, your doctor may have told you to cut down or eliminate salt from your diet. Salt adds flavor to foods, but so do other spices and herbs. Try any of these 12 herbs and spices instead of salt when you cook. In addition to making your food taste great, these herbs have health benefits. 12 Herbs and Spices for Cooking Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Basil is an anti-inflammatory,

The days are longer and warmer, children are out of school, and we turn our attention to summer activities, such as vacationing, pool parties, picknicks, and barbecues. To stay cool and healthy this June, follow some of these selfcare tips. Selfcare Tips for June Diet With the summer heat, you’ll want to focus on smaller, lighter meals, because they’re easier on your digestion, especially during the heat of the day. Choose from any of these seasonal foods.  Fruits that are in

If you can’t have a garden due to a lack of space or you don’t have the time for one, consider starting an indoor herb garden. Growing herbs indoors is convenient because the herbs are easily accessible for cooking. They don’t take up much space and it's easy to care for them. They’ll need at least 5-6 hours of sunlight each day, so pick a sunny spot. However, each herb has its own set of conditions. Start an Indoor Herb Garden First think about which herbs you like to cook w

If you don’t have the time or the space for growing vegetables, consider an herb garden. Growing herbs is easier than growing vegetables...

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible for one-third of global deaths, claiming approximately 17.9 million lives annually. CVDs encompass heart and blood vessel disorders, including coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and rheumatic heart disease, among others. The World Health Organization reports that heart attacks and strokes account for four out of five CVD fatalities, with one-third occurring in individuals under 70 years old. To lower your risk of

For Valentine’s Day make a batch of these Rose Petals and Chocolate Chip Herbal Candies  for you and your valentine.  Rose Petals and chocolate are classic aphrodisiacs. Rose is the "Queen of Flowers" and has been known for thousands of years for its beauty and fragrance.  Rose fills your heart with love and peace.  If you don’t have dried rose petals, check your local herb shop, or you can order online from Mountain Rose Herbs.   Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is high

If you love garlic, then you’ll love this garlic-infused olive oil recipe. It’s great for so many recipes, such as stir-fries, sautés, roasted vegetables, mixed into mashed potatoes, home-made hummus, and salads.  Actually, for any recipe that calls for oil, I use my garlic oil. For those that love garlic but can’t eat it because of digestive issues, such as colitis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel, SIBO etc., and must follow a Low-FODMAP diet (FODMAP stands for F ermentable