April 3, 2018

Acne

Acne results from blocked skin follicles, encouraging bacteria, and resulting in infection and pimples.  During puberty, hormonal changes result in increased sebum production that can cause the blocked pores.  Here are a few basic suggestions: Keep the face clean, but don’t over-wash. Don’t touch the face with unclean hands and spread […]
April 3, 2018

Analgesic / Pain

Analgesic substances reduce pain in a variety of ways: as a local anesthetic or anti-nociceptive, and also via the nervous system.  The menthol constituent in peppermint has shown topical anti-nociceptive activity, lavender aromatherapy has shown to calm nerves after surgery to help reduce pain, and comfrey has been used for […]
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

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

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

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 7, 2018

Cognition / Neuroprotective

Do you feel like your brain has gone on a vacation?  There are herbs that can help improve concentration and cognition.  Try some of the recipes listed below to help make studying more effective and work time more productive.  Also included are studies about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.  Alzheimer’s is […]
April 8, 2018

Female Health

A variety of herbs have been shown to help with female health issues such as menstrual pains, menopause, and more. Recipes to Help with Female Health 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 9, 2018

Anxiety / Mood / Anti-depressive

Anxiety can be caused by many things.  Over time, these stressors can have a negative physical effect on the body.  Herbs and essential oils have demonstrated sedative and anxiolytic activities in many human studies. Recipes to Help with Anxiety Blog Articles Here’s a fun article about the how stimulating the […]
April 9, 2018

Insomnia / Sleep

Insomnia is the inability to sleep, often due to stress, caffeine, and alcohol.  Relaxation techniques can help and lavender, valerian, and hops have shown promise in human studies. Anxiety can be caused by many things. Herbs and essential oils have demonstrated sedative and anxiolytic activities in many human studies.  A […]
April 19, 2018

Caryophyllene / Carlophyllene / Beta Carlophyllene

Caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene found in basil, black pepper, clove, geranium, hops, lavender, star anise, sweet thyme, tobacco, cannabis, coriander, litsea, ginger, camphor, spearmint, pine, orange, sage, ginseng, catnip, and ylang ylang.  Alpha-Caryophyllene is found in hops, hemp, geranium, and rosemary.  Beta-Caryophyllene is found in black pepper, catnip, ylang-ylang, hemp, […]