November 17, 2020

Oregano Is a Spice for All Seasons

Oregano is a common spice you likely have in your kitchen for seasoning savory Italian or Mediterranean recipes. The oregano plant is native to warm climates in southwestern Europe and the Mediterranean and currently Greece, Israel and Turkey are main producers of both the spice and essential oregano oils. Oregano is closely related to other spices like mint, thyme, marjoram, basil, sage, and lavender and goes well with these flavors in food. This common spice is used in the culinary setting for a variety of savory baked goods, vegetables, pizza and pasta sauces, and protein like chicken and fish. Like […]
November 2, 2020

Try These Top 5 Oils for More Energy

As the seasons change and the days get shorter again, it’s critical to assess ways to increase energy and vitality so you can stay alert and focused. Instead of reaching for an extra cup of coffee or other types of stimulants, try a whiff of one of these energizing essential oils (or create a blend!) to wake you up and keep you going through the rest of your day. On top of getting enough high quality sleep each night, moving your body with some physical activity daily, and eating a balanced diet to provide you with the baseline energy you […]
October 20, 2020

The Incredibly Bountiful Benefits of Basil

Basil is a common, fragrant herb that may be growing in your garden or windowsill right now but did you know that it has also been used medicinally since ancient times? Used in Asian, Indian, African and Mediterranean cuisine as a spice to enhance the flavor of savory and sweet dishes alike, basil is commonly used in the U.S. now as well. When discussing the use of basil there are two conversations: the culinary uses and the medicinal benefits. Read on to learn more about both including the pros and potential dangers of using basil in cooking and for medicine. […]
October 6, 2020

The Happy, Healthy Benefits of Hemp

Hemp products abound on the market right now. This trendy plant product can be found in many forms: oil, seeds, granola and cereal, non-dairy milk, in makeup and hair products, ground into a powder or flour, and as a clothing fiber or building material. Hemp is in fact an ancient domesticated crop with a complicated recent history. A cousin of the marijuana plant, which is consumed medicinally and recreationally, hemp is a different type of product completely. With federal limits on how much tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be in a hemp product (currently 0.3%), this product cannot be used to achieve […]
October 6, 2020

Magnesium Is Crucial Mineral for Health

Magnesium is a mineral gaining a lot of attention lately and for good reason. Involved in hundreds of processes in the body, it is an essential mineral critical for muscles to work properly, including the heart. Magnesium is a part of key enzymes, or chemicals in the body that help regulate energy within the cells. It is also an important nutrient for bone and nerve health. Magnesium is a major player; it exists in the body in significant amounts until some other minerals. Read on to learn more about this important mineral crucial for human health to be sure you’re […]
September 22, 2020

Pycnogenol: A New Hero in Supplements?

Interested in an extract packed with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune-boosting, cardiovascular protecting benefits? Have you ever heard of pycnogenol? If not, you should learn about this pine bark extract with the tongue twister name that is gaining popularity in the supplement industry and is surely a compound to pay attention to as research continues to emerge. Is it safe yet? Are there any indications against using it? What are the potential benefits? Read on to learn more about pycnogenol. Antioxidants including flavonoids, catechins, phenolic acids and proanthocyanidins abound in this extract. These compounds are a wide-spread part of the human diet, […]
August 25, 2020

Looking for Pain Relief? Try the Top 5 Essential Oils

Nothing disrupts your day more than pain, and this becomes even more difficult to manage when the pain is chronic. Many people struggle with finding solutions to their pain problems without having to rely on medications that often come with unfavorable side effects when used long term. Adding some of our top essential oils for pain relief may be a game changer for you if you’re struggling with chronic pain and inflammation in the body. We’ve compiled our favorite essential oils for pain and muscle soreness to use on your next headache, back pain, menstrual cramps, joint pain, or tooth […]
June 30, 2020

Relax! It’s Time for Lavender

Most people agree that lavender smells lovely and aids in relaxation but did you know that it  has a long history of medicinal, relaxing and anxiety-relieving properties? With peak season occurring from June through August, it is important to review the medicinal, culinary, and modern uses for this calming herb. Read on to learn about the history and modern uses of everyone’s favorite fragrant plant. Dating back to ancient Egypt, Greek and Roman Empires, there are records of lavender being used medicinally and in baths. This plant grows naturally in the Mediterranean region, the Arabian Peninsula, Russia and Africa. It […]