immune system

Superfood 101: Fun Healthy Facts About Kumquats!

Kumquats are a member of the family Rutaceae, commonly known as the Rue family of the genus ortunella Swingle, also known as kumquat P., which contains four species. The plant has its origin in China and was described in Chinese literature in 1178 C.E.

The Benefits Of Dry Brushing & How To Do It

Even though I live in California, where winters don’t always merit the name, I’ve been piling on the cozy sweaters and donning the sturdy boots that make winter wardrobes the best part of the season. But what’s out of sight is out of mind, and I recently realized that my long-hidden skin could use some serious love. Parched and pasty, my legs especially showed signs of neglect, so I decided to bring my dry brush out of its winter retirement.

Superfood 101: Swede!

Swedes are closely related to rutabagas and turnips, who are fellow members of the cabbage family. They are a relatively new plant cultivated in Sweden in the 15th century. They were introduced in Scotland in the 18th century, where a swede was known as a Swedish turnip and called a “neep.” It was often served pureed or mashed as a side dish with haggis.

Cooking With Essential Oils 101: Detox With This Zesty Cranberry Elixir

Would you like to clean up from the inside out or give your immune system a boost? Cranberries are packed full of detoxifying nutrients that can guard your body against disease. Today I’ll teach you how to harness their nutritional powers by creating a drink that will give you a huge dose of protective plant elements.

Adios, Achoo! A Holistic Approach To Reducing Allergies

Why am I bringing up spring allergies in January??? Because now is the time to start getting ready for them!  Don’t have seasonal allergies but are allergic to Fido?  No problem…keep reading—this is relevant to you, too. 

Superfood 101: Celeriac!

The History of Celeriac

Celeriac is a member of the Apiaceae Umbelliferae family, commonly known as the carrot family, and is a variety of the wild celery whose

Detoxing With Essential Oils: What You Need to Know

Do you want to have more energy, improve your digestion, or sleep better? These are just a few reasons why people embark on a detox.

Mallow Mania: 5 Mallow Uses

Mallows are great plant allies for our health. You may be familiar with marshmallow root, but did you know that the flowers and leaves are also good medicine?  And that other mallows are equally useful?   These include Hollyhock (Alcea rosea), that beautiful and easy-to-grow ornamental plant; Globe Mallow (Sphaeralcea species), a denizen of more desert-type areas; and Wild or Common Mallow (Malva neglecta & M.

Superfood 101: Clementines!

Clementines were accidently created by Father Clement Rodier who was planting Mediterranean mandarin seedlings that pollenated with a willow-leafed ornamental variety of C. aurantium, commonly known as Granito, in the garden of an orphanage near Oran, Algeria. The plant was brought to Florida in 1909 and taken to California in 1914 by H. S. Fawcett of the Citrus Research Center, Riverside.

Superfood 101: Grapes!

Grapes are a member of the Vitaceae family that has eleven genera. This fruit bearing genus is Vitus, which has approximately sixty species. The plant was cultivated by humans around 6500 B.C.E. and by 4000 B.C.E. the grape could be found in vineyards from Transcaucasia east to Asia Minor and south to the Nile river delta. The grape existed long before humans walked the earth and could be found throughout the world. The Old World grapes were used as a snack food and dried to make raisins, but in Europe the main use of the grape was to make wine.