December 29, 2017
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

The Medicinal Wonders of Yarrow

The ancient medicinal healing herb yarrow goes by many names including Achilee, Devil’s Nettle, Noble Yarrow, Nosebleed, Old Man’s Pepper, and Soldier’s Wound Wort among others. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) has been most famously used as an herbal remedy used for wounds, cuts and abrasions. It’s genus name comes from the Greek character, Achilles, who was reported to carry it with his army to treat battle wounds. It grows naturally in sunny locations on thin, sandy soils. You may even see it growing along roadsides, in fields or on lawns. Yarrow is native to Eurasia but now grows all over the world in North […]
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December 5, 2017
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

The Beauty and Health Benefits of Biotin

You may have heard of biotin supplements for hair and nail growth. But does it work? And what is it anyway? This vitamin underdog is in fact a B vitamin – B7 – and is critical for other reasons lesser known but important to the body, hair growth aside. Why do we believe biotin creates silky locks? What else is it used for? Where do we find it? Read on to learn what you need to know about biotin. Medicinally, biotin is used for: ·         Treating biotin deficiency ·         Brittle nails ·         Diabetes ·         Peripheral neuropathy Biochemically in the human […]
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November 28, 2017
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

The Best Herbs To Fight Your Stress

By Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO Stress: a multi-factorial problem for so many as we move through a busy and sometimes chaotic life. Under stress, the body has to adapt by altering a variety of hormones and making adjustments in blood pressure and other regulations. Stress could be emotional or mental – imagine a work deadline, relationship problems, or balancing money or family priorities. Stress could also be physical – toxins in our environment, an unhealthy diet, chemical exposure from cleaning and body products, or air pollution. Some stress is good; for example, physical activity challenges the body and helps […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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