helichrysum – Earth to Kathy

April 3, 2018

Asteraceae Anxiolytics

When you see daisies, does it make you smile? Can sniffing a marigold calm you down? Do you like to drink chamomile tea before bed to help you sleep? Several plants of the Asteraceae family have shown research demonstrating the ability to improve mood and cognitive health. Their aromas have shown […]

April 3, 2018

Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is our body’s response to infection and injury. Its purpose is to clear out foreign cells and dead cells from the local area. Inflammation is characterized by increased redness, heat, pain, and swelling to an area. Anti-inflammatory herbs reduce inflammation in various ways. For example, spices like turmeric, ginger, […]

April 3, 2018

Anti-allergy / Anti-histamine

Allergies can be topical, respiratory, or digestive, and result in an immune system overreaction to a substance. This can release histamines, which cause wheezing, rashes, sneezing, vomiting, and even anaphylactic shock. People can be allergic to specific foods, plants, animals, and chemicals. Human studies are lacking, and more research is […]

April 3, 2018

Antibacterial

There are many types of bacteria, and not all bacteria are bad. Some good bacteria in the body help aid in digestion and fight infection. Pathogenic bacteria can cause disease. Wikipedia does an excellent job of categorizing and listing the most common types of bacteria: Pathogenic Bacteria List. Antibacterial herbs […]

April 3, 2018

Anti-fungal

Certain herbs are known for their anti-fungal actions. Most research studies have been in vitro; more human studies are necessary. Recipes to Help with Fungal Infections Blog Articles RESEARCH The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description […]

April 3, 2018

Antimicrobial

Herbs and essential oils are known for their antimicrobial potential, and have been studied for their abilities to inhibits or kill microbes including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and yeast. It is important to understand therapeutic margin for each botanical, the amount at which a substance is both safe and effective to […]

April 3, 2018

Antioxidant

Antioxidant herbs, fruits, and vegetables have the potential to reduce oxidation, which can cause free radicals to form. This can then contribute to aging and disease. Eat Your Colors! Antioxidants protect your cells! They are found in the richly colorful fruits and vegetables that we eat. Here are some examples: RED […]

April 4, 2018

Antiseptic

Antiseptic ointments are topical disinfectants applied to cleanse microbes from tissue and surface areas to prevent the spread of infections. Antiseptic Recipes Blog Articles RESEARCH The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each […]

April 4, 2018

Esters Found in Essential Oils

The Amazing Esters Found in Essential Oils By Kathy Sadoswski MS, LMT, RYT This article originally appeared in the NAHA Journal (Winter, 2017) and it is republished here according to the NAHA Writer Guidelines 2017-2018 statement. Esters are oxygenated compounds that occurs during the “esterification process” when an acid combines […]

April 4, 2018

Antiviral

Antiviral herbs and essential oils may help reduce viral infections. Echinacea has proven noteworthy in helping with prevention of common cold viruses. For most botanicals, more research is needed to determine safe and effective amounts. Antiviral – Recipes Blog Articles Can essential oils offer antiviral activities against the flu? Read […]

April 6, 2018

Common Cold / Cough & Congestion / Respiratory

The common cold is associated with a nasal congestion, cough, and a sore throat. There may also be a mild fever. It can be caused by one of more than 200 different viruses. It runs its coarse in about one to two weeks. Various herbs can help reduce cough and […]

April 7, 2018

Digestive Aid / Nausea / Constipation

Digestive aids can be gastro-protective, anti-inflammatory, and/or improve elimination. Key herbs include peppermint, ginger, and fennel, slippery elm, aloe, and licorice. For indigestion, sniff peppermint oil, chew fennel seeds, or drink ginger tea. For constipation, eat more fiber, stay hydrated, and exercise. For diarrhea, keep hydrated and try probiotics. For […]