October 17, 2017
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Black Pepper Shakes Up the Benefits

Black pepper is a household staple that is likely sitting on your kitchen counter right now. One of the most widely used and common spices in the world, it is a well-known flavor in many types of cooking. But it also has some medicinal and topical uses as well. The active compound, piperine, has shown promise for health benefits when eaten, and also when used as an essential oil. There is evidence that black pepper was used in kitchens dating back to 2000 BC in India. Reference to this spice also shows up in Greek and Roman texts. It has […]
Do you like it?
Read more
October 3, 2017
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Salt Is a Must-Have, But How Much?

Common salt is in fact a bit more complex than many people think it is. Table salt with iodine, Himalayan salt, Sea salt – what’s the difference? Crucial for life because of its role in nerve and muscle function as well as in fluid and electrolyte balance, salt is a must-have. But in the modern diet we often focus on restriction because intake is generally high. It wasn’t always that way. Whole, natural, unprocessed food is very low in sodium and well balanced with potassium found in fresh produce. Early humans and those without access to processed foods may have […]
Do you like it?
Read more
July 18, 2017
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Herbal Staple Wins Thyme After Thyme

The delicious culinary herb thyme is a staple in most kitchens and one of the most popular herbs today, but there may be health benefits to using it medicinally as well. Thyme, or Thymus vulgaris, is a perennial shrub with small grey-green leaves native to the Mediterranean. Culinarily, thyme is used in a variety of seasonings from poultry and other meats to vegetables, dressings, sauce, soups and stews. But thyme is also used medicinally for: Lung issues (cough, bronchitis) Gastrointestinal troubles like gastritis, colic, diarrhea Stimulating appetite Sore throats Skin disorders Thyme oil and extract is used topically and in […]
Do you like it?
Read more
June 20, 2017
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Mullein: Ancient Plant May Offer New Health Benefits

You may have seen the medicinal plant, mullein, growing along the side of the road, noticed it’s beautiful flowers and never known that it is, in fact, one of the oldest known medicinal plants. However, parts of this flowering plant have been used in traditional and folk medicine in many cultures for centuries for a variety of lung problems, gastrointestinal troubles, inflammation, skin conditions and migraines. Mullein, officially Verbascum thapsus L. or Verbascum densiflorum, has been used medicinally since ancient times and its popularity has once again been increasing commercially for the past few years. The part of mullein used […]
Do you like it?
Read more
June 6, 2017
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Juniper: Jury Is Still Out on Medicinal Safety

You’ve likely heard of Juniper as a trendy additive in foods, often used as a culinary condiment or a flavor component in gin and bitter cocktail preparations. You will also find it as an extract and oil used as a flavoring agent in a variety of foods and beverages. Aside from these culinary uses, juniper is also used medicinally, especially as a diuretic and anti-diabetic agent and there are some really important considerations to know about when considering juniper used for these conditions. Juniper, officially Juniperus communis, is used therapeutically in oral form in capsules, tinctures or oils for a variety […]
Do you like it?
Read more
May 9, 2017
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Valerian Root Is Natural Sleep Aid and More

If you have heard of the herb valerian, it has likely been in the context of improved sleep or relaxation. Used in traditional and folk medicine in many cultures for insomnia and anxiety-ridden sleep, there is evidence to support that it works. In fact, valerian root remains the most commonly used herbal product for sleep support in both the United States and Europe. Recent research suggests valerian root’s possible effectiveness in fighting inflammation to support cognitive function after surgery. Valerian root, an herbal product made from the root of Valeriana officinalis L., a perennial flowering plant, is widely available over […]
Do you like it?
Read more
April 25, 2017
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Constipated? What To Eat & What To Avoid

Constipation is an unspoken discomfort most people will experience at some point in their lives. It is a symptom, in fact, that appears for many different reasons but is not a disease on its own. Slow transit of stool can be caused by medications, health conditions, a sedentary lifestyle, hydration status, hormonal shifts and certain foods. Constipation strikes women more often than men; they are at 2.5 times more likely to report this symptom. Constipation can be cured or lessened with natural remedies including food and certain types of activity. Constipation can be different for each person but generally means […]
Do you like it?
Read more
March 28, 2017
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Maca Is Hormone Balancer and Energy Booster

You may have seen maca popping up in trendy restaurants and wondering if this South American vegetable root may benefit your health. Maca grows wild at high elevations in Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina and has recently gained popularity in U.S. cuisine. A relative of the radish, maca and often appears a brilliant yellow color with an odor similar to butterscotch though it does come in a range of colors from white to black. A member of the Brassica family, maca contains similar health benefits to other cruciferous veggies but is best known for its potential for boosting libido and […]
Do you like it?
Read more