Did you know that the use of medicinal clay dates back to prehistoric times? The use of clay is making a comeback when it comes to cosmetics and medicine, and for good reason!
The Science Behind The Clay
Companies saw a 171 percent increase in fitness tracker sales from 2014 to 2015, according to the International Data Corporation, and hoped that those numbers would continue to skyrocket in 2016. Instead, bad press and negative reports quickly turned this fad into one that might leave as quickly as Livestrong Bracelets or Gangnam Style did. Or do these devices still have a chance?
A native of India, organic sesame seed is rich in vitamins and minerals and has been used as a healing herb for millennia. The plant is a tall annual of the Pedaliaceae family growing up to five feet and bearing pink-white foxglove-like flowers. The pods contain white, brown or black seeds arranged in vertical rows. The plant flourishes in well-drained sandy soil in a tropical climate and can be found throughout Asia and Africa. Though not used as extensively in Europe, the plant found its way to America with the slave traders and has been cultivated in the Carolinas.
Did you know that sage (Salvia Officinalis) is actually one of the biggest members of the mint family? There are well over 900 different species of sage worldwide. Many species of this plant are recognized for their healing properties. In fact, there are reports from various countries that state the pharmacology and therapeutic properties of the plant. This article will specifically cover the healing benefits of the Salvia Officinalis variety.
Welcome to our #WellnessWednesday yoga primer. Yoga is a wonderful way to become attuned to your body and increase circulation and flexibility. Each week I'll offer you a pose with benefits and instruction.
The Tech-Free Detox
Need to detox? Skip the traditional fasting and start with being tech free for some surprising benefits.
Fasting is good for the mind, body and soul – it detoxifies us from the inside out and also teaches us new levels of self-control. But fasting is not just about food. You can also go on a technology fast – going tech-free just once a month can reconnect us with nature and our own self in whole new ways.
The avocado tree is a member of the laurel family and was first cultivated somewhere in Central America 7,000 years ago, making its way to Mexico some 2,000 years later. By the late 15th century it could be found as far south as Peru where it is known as “palta.” The English term avocado was derived from the Spanish translation of the Aztec name “ahuacatl” -- their nomenclature was “aguacate.” The original fruit was round in shape but as it was cultivated it became pear shaped. It is said to have arrived in the West Indies after the arrival of the Europeans in the Americas.
One of my yoga teachers says we don’t notice the breath until we’re out of it.
By the time I started a yoga teacher training in 2011, I was out of it, both figuratively and literally: my breath was labored, shallow, strained. I was a first-year 4th grade teacher, and my heart was always racing, whether I was standing in front of my classroom, lying in bed, or brushing my teeth. I was clearly overwhelmed, my body was rebelling, and I couldn’t find the off switch. I was sure my short, panicky breaths were announcing my anxiety to the world.
We all have those days when finding energy throughout the day is as hard to find as a needle in a haystack. You know -- those mornings when you just can’t seem to get yourself up and motivated. Stop reaching for the caffeine and sugary snacks; they’re not what your body really needs. Take a look at these five ways to naturally boost your energy.
We all know lemons and strawberries are really good for us, but did you know adding those two ingredients to warm water in the morning could provide many health benefits? I kept hearing all this hype about the benefits of drinking a warm glass of lemon water every morning, and I decided to try it out for myself. I noticed a difference the first day and was excited about the results, but I had to add my own twist to it. I decided to put a spin on the lemon water and added some organic strawberries to it and that was even better.