Lately, I’ve been really good about going to the gym four times a week. However, when my mom and dad came down with a cold, I couldn’t help but think of the bright side of things—if I caught what was going around, I’d get a few days of rest from the gym. If I could manage to eat anything right now, I’d be eating my words because this sickness is terrible. I’d take the gym over this sore throat that refuses to go away a million times over. Since I always seem to become ill pretty early in the cold and flu season, I decided to look into foods I could eat to help my body fight back.

The agave plant ranges from the southwestern United States down through Central America to the northern regions of South America. It is the same plant that is used to make tequila. For centuries, the native peoples gathered the plants and removed the leaves to extract the sap from the core. They boiled the sap to form a thick nectar. Agave nectar did not find its way into modern America until the 1990’s when the process of hydrolysis could be applied to the agave. This process heats the extracted agave juice in a mass production, making it a viable commercial product.

To heal this fall, just work with your hands. Here are some cool DIY ideas of bottle art.

Parties and get-togethers are great fun, but the cleaning up the morning after is so not! Chances are you have a stack of wine and beer bottles you’re wondering how to reuse. The first thought is obvious; just chuck them into the local recycling plant where old bottles can safely be turned into environmentally-conscious reusable things, or even more bottles.

To reduce your garden’s carbon footprint, try organic pesticides… Be safe, be sure!

To be eco-friendly, otherwise known as environment friendly, means to practice not harming the environment. To act in accordance with the natural phenomena of our living planet, rather than to rule or control it. It means having a friendly relationship between humans and nature, while taking care of our surrounding environment. Being eco-friendly is a great goal to have because you are trying to accomplish the least negative impacts on land, water and air. Here are 11 easy ways to be eco-friendlier in your day-to-day life.

Whenever I travel by air I carry with me my own herbal medicine chest complete with essential oils and other precious tools for healing. By slipping my favorite piece of smoky quartz into the bag with my herbs and oils (along with a blessing and good faith) I help ensure their protection from the effects of radiation and the negativity of those handling my wears. There is no better protector in the mineral kingdom, against harmful waves and negative vibes, than smoky quartz.

You probably don’t need another recap on the benefits of buying organic. Whether it’s for increased nutrient value or more sustainable farming practices, choosing organic over conventional can reap a lot of benefits for your body and the planet.

There are currently 25 states that have legalized the use of medical marijuana. Regulations and restrictions vary from state to state.

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah), the magical seed known for its high nutritional content and grain-like texture, is also incredibly versatile. My first introduction to quinoa came as I was working for a natural foods cooperative; I was new(er) to the all-natural, organic food arena and every which way I went someone was talking about quinoa. “It’s a great source of protein,” some said, “it’s filled with vitamins and minerals,” said others, “it’s gluten free and easy to digest,” said more people still.

If you’re someone living in an urban setting, yet still trying to live as close to the earth as possible while doing so, then you may have considered urban gardening in the past.

My backyard is a paved-over pocket in the city that I call “the oasis.” It’s just enough room for a few reclining lawn chairs, a grill, and six potted plants. It’s not much, but it’s just enough to feel like I have a little nature right out my back door.

Living in an urban area, you have to make the most of all your spaces, especially if you have any outdoor room. A well-planned