June 2, 2020
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Brazilian Pepper Tree: A Berry with BIG Benefits

You may not have ever heard of the Brazilian Peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia, but have likely heard of its relatives which produce pink peppercorns, pistachios, and cashews. This thorny tree is native to Brazil and becomes invasive in subtropical areas like Florida, California, and Arizona. Unlike its relatives, the Brazilian Peppertree isn’t used to season food; its role is more medicinal. The small pink fruits from this tree have been used by traditional Amazonian healers for generations to treat infections and wounds. Traditional folk medicine has asserted that the Brazilian Pepper Tree possesses antibacterial activity which can be harnessed by isolating […]
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April 7, 2020
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Try Some Natural Swaps for These Medications

While you may think of prescription medications as being created by scientists in a lab, the truth is that many drugs started as natural products. These plant-derived compounds are refined, isolated, and replicated in a lab where they become the common medications you’re familiar with. Many natural products can still offer health-promoting support and have powerful effects, just like medications. Keep in mind that you’ll need to work with your doctor on this for safety but here are some examples of natural counterparts to pharmaceutical drugs you may already be using. 1. PHARMACEUTICAL DRUG: IBUPROFEN Ibuprofen is one type of […]
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April 7, 2020
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Moringa: A Healing Plant with Benefits

Have you ever heard of the medicinal moringa tree? Though not many people in the U.S. consume the leaves of this plant, lots of people around the world include its leaves as part of their regular diet. Those familiar with traditional herbal or Ayurvedic medicine may have worked with the extracts of this plant native to the Himalayas as it has been used for hundreds of years for health purposes. Moringa grows throughout the middle-east, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa as well and has been used for years as a treatment for a number of diseases from anemia, arthritis […]
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January 21, 2020
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Garam Masala: A Spice Blend with Benefits

Traditional spice blends like garam masala contain a variety of health properties in addition to being a seasoning for many dishes. There’s likely a reason beyond the wonderful flavor combination that these blends were created. Garam masala is a blend made of cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and fennel and this is a spice combination that you should include in your diet for health benefits in addition to flavoring recipes. This herb and spice mixture likely originated from northern India and is used around the world today. A masala is a spice blend so garam masala means “hot spice” […]
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November 19, 2019
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

The Many Splendors & Benefits of Dill

You may have a nutritional and culinary gift growing in your garden right now; dill weed. Dill (anethum graveolens) can be used beyond flavoring pickles, a common preparation. This herb is used in cuisines around the world and also has some fascinating potential health benefits when used medicinally. Native to the Mediterranean and Russia, dill seeds and leaves are used as a spice to flavor foods. Used in traditional medicine, dill is known for calming the digestive tract and has been used since ancient times. It is especially popular in Ayurvedic medicine of India. Medicinally, dill is used to treat: […]
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October 29, 2019
Reishi Mushrooms
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Reishi Mushroom: A Cancer-Fighting Hero

Mushrooms are a major FoodTrient food! Both edible and medicinal mushrooms contain FoodTrient properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune boosting, and disease prevention effects. Two mushrooms backed by research that contain potent health benefits include Reishi and Turkey Tail mushrooms. Reishi mushrooms aren’t something you will find in your local grocery store. Though all mushrooms have health promoting properties including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and immune-boosting compounds like beta-glucans, some mushrooms are more edible than others. Reishi mushrooms are made of non-digestible fiber and have a woody texture. More potent health benefits are said to come from young reishi mushrooms rather […]
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September 10, 2019
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Chaste Tree Berry: It’s Good for Migraines

Weight management, acne, fertility, menopause – there are so many reasons to make sure hormones are balanced properly. When they’re not, the body can communicate in strong (and undesirable) ways. Herbal supplements can help and chaste tree berry – also called vitex and vitex agnus-castus – is one that shouldn’t be ignored. A shrub native to Mediterranean regions, it has a long history of medicinal use, especially for hormone abnormalities and gynecological issues in women. Vitex is used for: Menstrual disorders (painful menses, lack of menses, heavy menses) PMS and menopausal symptoms Infertility in women Increasing lactation Acne Migraine and […]
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