Natural Health, Natural Medicine: The Complete Guide to Wellness and Self-Care for Optimum Health by Andrew Weil

This book is a guide to preventive health maintenance. It also includes suggestions for treating many common ailments on your own with methods that are safe, natural, effective, and not as expensive as standard medical treatments. If you are looking to live a more conscious and healthy lifestyle, this book is a good read for you.

This book offers:

Fear seems to be running rampant in the U.S. these days. Fear of the future, fear of other people. As Elizabeth Gilbert says, the Land of the Brave has become the Land of the Very Anxious. I get it.

Growing up, my sister and I were vegetarians, which means we learned how to cook meals together that we could both enjoy. This sisterly bonding usually meant that we were about to indulge in a whole lot of carbs. A sodium-filled box of rice or pasta mix accompanied by a frozen vegetable, such as fake cheese sauce-drenched broccoli, was a typical go-to meal for us. So, claiming that we were cooks may be a bit of an exaggeration, but the end result was always fabulously tasty nonetheless (and rather unhealthy).

Black beans are a species of the common bean and are native to areas in Central and South America. They were brought to Europe in the 15^th century and became a major crop in India and China. Today, they are a staple in many international cuisines. Black beans are rich in nutrients and are used to prevent many diseases. Ayurveda uses black beans to regulate Pitta and Kapha doshas and recommends they be avoided by those with Vata dosha.

As someone with an Italian heritage, I feel that a richly flavored marinara sauce is a must in my household. Sure, you can buy the stuff that comes in cans and jars, but a delicious, homemade sauce is just as easy to whip up, and much more satisfying.

It may be strange to my veggie-loving self, but, apparently, some people aren’t too fond of the goods that are good for you. Some people grew up not wanting anything to do with the stuff, and continue to be less than enthused by fruits and/or vegetables, even into adulthood. If you’re one of these people, I’m happy to share a few ways to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your meals that just might convert you into a plant-based food fanatic.

Anxiety and stress are commonplace in the world today. More and more people have experienced the debilitating effects of anxiety and face sudden interruptions to their daily lives. 

Several people have turned to medications to cope.

However, anxiety medications don't work equally for everyone and can have intimidating side effects.

If you think your pancreas is not particularly important, think again. A healthy pancreas is essential for a healthy digestion; so here’s what to eat to make your pancreas function at its optimum…

Brushing and flossing are a very important part of a regular dental hygiene routine. However, despite brushing, flossing and rinsing, cavities, gingivitis and receding gums are still very common. I experienced bleeding gums (or gingivitis) before and didn't think much of it until a visit to the dentist informed me that gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease! In other words, inflamed gums is nothing to take lightly, but luckily it's pretty easy to treat. Here are 5 herbs you can use to keep your teeth and gums in top shape!

Wellness Wednesday 49: Standing Figure Four

Benefits:

Helps strengthen the leg.

Stretches the thighs and knees.

Improves balance.

Foundation & General Alignment:

Start standing on one leg, other leg bent.

Bent leg comes up like tree pose.

Reach down and pull foot across standing leg. Rest foot/ankle on thigh.

Keep foot flexed, not pointed.

Hands can be on hips  -- wherever is most comfortable.

Pelvis is in a natural position.