A Healthy Dose
Almost two decades of writing on natural health from our monthly newsletters, and the Debra's braintrust. A deep dive into herbs, vitamins, and common sense.
a bowl of natto
Mar 2003

A few months ago, I wrote that vitamin I was only tangentially important in bone health. Only small doses were required. It didn’t do much. Apparently, I was very, very wrong…

Mar
2003
harb boiled eggs
Feb 2003

We know by now that cholesterol isn’t the only factor. But maybe it isn’t a factor at all…?

Feb
2003
cultivated cordyceps mushrooms
Oct 2002

One of our most profound and revered tonics, Cordyceps can increase oxygenation and energy, immune function & more.

Oct
2002
St. John's Wort
Sep 2002

The herb St. John’s Wort is a reliable and gentle aid for lowered mood. We’ll talk about St. John’s Wort — tradition, and science — and then move to aromatherapy.

Sep
2002
a silhouette of a man in the sunset
Aug 2002

Last month we talked about “lifestyle.” Now let’s start talking amino acids. Did you know that neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine are made by the body from natural amino acids.

Aug
2002
A dark and foggy landscape
Jul 2002

Are people depressed due to what’s going on in their lives (“situational depression”), or is it simply a matter of brain chemicals (“endogenous depression”). Maybe it’s both…

Jul
2002
acne face
Jun 2002

Acne is one of those things that doesn’t really hurt and probably won’t kill you, but it can still make your life pretty miserable. But there are some things you can do about it. Zinc, vitamin B6, and herbal allies to the rescue.

Jun
2002
cookies dusted with sugar
Jun 2002

Craving something sweet? Aren’t we all…

Jun
2002
heart pattern
Feb 2001

Well, it’s that time of year again, that most intimate of holidays.  After the December hustle and bustle of shopping for gifts and returning gifts, and putting up lights and taking down lights… it’s finally Valentine’s Day, where all you have to do is brush your teeth.  Anyway, this is as good an excuse as

Feb
2001