Herbs and Botanical Extracts

This time of year, TV is loaded with commercials showing children coming in from the frozen tundra to the warm comfort of a hot, steaming bowl of soup. Well, soup is a “comfort” food, and it does warm you from the inside out – but it doesn’t PERK you up. Dark, cold gray days scream [...]

Headache and migraine These are lumped together because, at least from the acupuncture point of view, there is little need to separate them. Acupuncture works pretty well for headaches – over 70 per cent response rate. It works best as a preventive, although it can sometimes abort a headache if done early enough. (It can [...]

The most important cereals are wheat, rice, corn, buckwheat, barley, rye and oats. They are plants of the family Gramineae grown since the dawn of time which have provided most of the food for mankind. We have news of the probable existence of cereals since the Neolithic age. The cereals were cultivated in China five [...]

These red, raisin-like berries are best eaten but classically they have been brewed with Schizandra. One of the most popular beverages in China consists mainly of these two berries. With folklore associating lycii and schizandra tea with beauty, youthful skin and “glowing” eyes and complexion, it’s little wonder that Lycii’s a favorite amongst females in [...]

US National Arboretum 3501 New York Avenue N.E. Washington D.C. (202) 245-2726 The National Arboretum is home to many wonderful trees and plants, and contains an extensive collection of trees, ferns, spring ephemerals, and wildflowers at “Fern Valley”, a naturalized stream garden. Plants are best viewed in the early spring when spring bulbs are blooming. [...]

1Q. I have seen your article on summer grasses and you do not recommend planting sod after August 1. The article mainly talked about Bermuda and Buffalo grass. Does this same rule apply to St. Augustine. If it does not, how late in the fall can St. Augustine be planted as sod? Does your response [...]

The advantage to being questioned about the adequacy of one’s diet is that it forces you to take a closer look at the food choices you make for yourself and your family. While those who aren’t vegetarian assume they automatically have more balanced meals, look at most people in modern society and you will find [...]

A Fall Activity That Pays Big Dividends Soil condition is the single most important aspect of successful gardening. More landscapes and lawns fail to flourish because of poor soil than any other reason. The best way to improve soil is through the addition of organic matter. And there’s no better type of organic matter than [...]

I just started walking to lose 50 pounds. A friend told me that I shouldn’t lift weights until I drop some pounds because it will make me look bigger. Is this true? Not at all. In fact, lifting weights along with your walking may help you slip back into your “thin” pair of jeans quicker [...]

INTRODUCTION If there is one place you should to be able to say anything, it’s the doctor’s office. But a surprising new report finds many patients are often resistant to discuss important medical conditions with their doctor. As Dr. Dean Edell reports, not talking about something could result in not getting care. SAM “Since I [...]

To date, the U.S. government has never given a legal definition to the terms “cruelty free” or “not tested on animals”. This means it’s up to the consumer to educate her or himself on the issue of animal use and abuse in industries that are not required by law to test their products on animals. [...]

What tastes good, has only two calories per tablespoon and is easy to prepare? Herbal Vinegars offer all this and more. They add flavor to salads, marinades, sauces and also make thoughtful gifts. Start by picking (or buying) your herbs and washing in cool water. Lay on paper towels and allow to air dry. The [...]

STILLWATER — As a homeowner, you want a neat, landscaped yard. But you also may want a dog for security purposes and for loyal companionship for you and your family. Can you succeed at having both? Yes, but some considerations in planning for both the dog and the landscape will keep both objectives more compatible, [...]

Two case studies in kitchen design — one traditional, the other contemporary — demonstrate different ways to cook up the look. Recipe #1 — Traditional Recipe #2 — Contemporary

If I put an ice pack directly on a black eye in-the-making, will it prevent bruising and swelling in that area? If not, what will? Ice won’t prevent a black eye, but it will ease the swelling and bruising of one. It’s always a good idea in the first 24 hours to apply an ice [...]

The science of alchymy I like very well, and indeed, ’tis the philosophy of the ancients. I like it not only for the profits it brings in melting metals, in decocting, preparing, extracting and distilling herbs, roots; I like it also for the sake of the allegory and secret signification, which is exceedingly fine, touching [...]

Bring back this favorite recipe that used to be served at many a family picnic and baby shower. Our make-over version saves lots of calories and fat without sacrificing oomph. 6 cups chopped broccoli (cut into 1/2″ bite-size pieces) 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced 2 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese 2/3 cup seedless [...]

I’m a 40-year-old woman with a baby and two teenagers. I’m very frustrated because we recently moved to a rural community. The town has busy two-lane roads with no shoulder. I haven’t met many people yet, nor do I have someone to watch my toddler. Any ideas on how I can get walking again? The [...]

Q: My husband has recently been diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy (kidney disease). He is eventually going to need to have a kidney transplant. His creatinine, bun, hematocrit, etc. are all high or low. Does anyone have have information on herbs/vitamins that could help? A1: One of the best, and safest, kidney tonics is nettle leaf. I either [...]

This is a good drink for those who like to avoid sugar. It sounds a bit extreme ~ but it tastes good! 1 oz fresh wheat grass juice or freeze dried equivalent 1 tsp minced ginger 1/2 papaya 2 oz aloe vera gel 1 cup decaffeinated green tea or celery juice

1 stick (1/4 lb.) butter or margarine 10-oz. stick extra sharp cheese – shredded 1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese 1 medium onion – grated Garlic powder (at least 1 teaspoon, or to taste) Put all above ingredients in large bowl & when softened mix thoroughly by hand. Place contents in smaller bowl & refrigerate [...]

Function A coenzyme used by the body to improve the absorption of fatty acids, amino acids and vitamin B12. Vitamin B6 helps to balance sodium and potassium levels, reduces water retention, helps the production of hydrochloric acid, is used in the formation of nucleic acids (used in DNA and RNA), stimulates the manufacture of red [...]

I’m 47 and recently went on estrogen. Since then, I’ve put on 10 pounds. I run 3 to 4 miles a day and watch my diet, but the weight keeps piling on. What fat-burning exercises might work? First, let me reassure you that estrogen should not be the culprit. In fact, it may help you [...]