Throughout my life, smoothies have been a staple, a balm, a lifesaver.  The idea is simple, and the execution is simpler.  You dump a bunch of things in the blender;

4 ostensibly “bad-for-you” foods that that are much better for you than you might have heard…

Medicinal Mushroom for Energy, Vitality, Immunity, Jet Lag, and More. Trending on social media, but is it for real?

Better sleep? Better digestion? Reduced pain and inflammation? Amy says “yes,” and then some. 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is tricky. Basically, you show up at the doctor’s office with lower GI symptoms – alternating constipation and/or diarrhea, gas and bloating perhaps, maybe bowel pain and

(See part 1 here) Multivitamin technologies fall into four basic categories. I have my favorite! And I’ll tell you what it is — eventually. In the meantime, as I go

So… do we really need a multivitamin? Well, “need” is a strong word… Okay, should we take a multivitamin? Some of us definitely should! You definitely want to consider a

A subset of people have always suffered from diverse, chronic symptoms following viral infections — although they haven’t always been taken seriously. Long COVID may be worse, or more prevalent. But it’s not unprecedented.

In the fall of 2000, I wrote my first article ever for the Debra’s newsletter, an ode to and an appreciation for whey protein. Obviously, it was a favorite! 20 years later, and I still like whey. But some things have changed

We can’t cure asthma, but we can help, with obscure medicinal plants and at least common culinary spice (common in India…)

This is Part 1: What it Is, What to Do. (Find Part 2: Herbs and Supplements HERE) Asthma is a condition effecting the lungs. People who “have” asthma can go

Want to optimize health and vigor — subjective and objective wellbeing? We’ll talk about ginseng, shizandra berries, deer antler velvet, cordyceps and reishi mushrooms. How they work, and how to use them.

Most of us are just tired.  It’s the times and more. Many of us grab a cup of coffee for breakfast. A donut if willpower is weak. Many of us live on

Migraines aren’t just bad headaches. They’re “special” headaches. Sometimes, they’re not even headaches —

From Hippocrates and Sung Tse, to WWII and finally our own Debra. We sing the praises of this most humble of remedies.

Anxiety is nothing now. Neither is herbal medicine for treating it. We’ll talk about CBD, of course, but ginseng, and Chinese medicine

Heart disease? Overweight? Low energy? Cognitive dysfunction? The body’s inability to process blood sugar is central to all of them.

For decades now, we’ve questioned how much cholesterol mattered — or if it even mattered at all. Newer research helps crystallize our understanding. Plus: SCANDALOUS misrepresentation of the science!

It’s hard to turn on the television these days without seeing ads for drugs to treat “Low T.” Well, where there’s a drug, there’s usually also an herb.

Nutrition for brain development, immune health, growth, and digestion — all in a delivery system that brightly colored, delicious, and easy to make (and clean up after)!

This is a slight reworking of an article I wrote in early February and published last month. The biggest thing I’ve reworked is the title. That original title (again, written in early

Sore calves, sleep deprivation, and serious pain. Leg cramps are no joke! Debra shares some simple fixes to this common problem.

A for Acne, B for Bursitis, C for Celiac…

I love handing adults little vials of foul-tasting “herbal elixirs,” or handfuls of giant-size horse pills. I say “here – take this – it will make you feel better.”  And

Extracts of citrus and seaweed to the rescue! Alkaline water and even melatonin play roles.

Chronic cough and throat clearing? Phantom congestion? Lump in the throat? Frequent infections?

We talk about magnesium, vitamin D, and more

Part 1: The Basics, Sleep & Stretching

Let’s talk about hair, skin, and nails. This is a Part 2. Part 1 (last month) was “Eating for Beauty.”

This is an article about skin.  Not “problem skin” – we’re not going to focus on problems like acne, eczema, or psoriasis – but supple skin that glows with health, and ages gracefully.  It’s about thick, luxuriant hair, and strong nails. 

Look past the marketing to these seven superfoods with established benefits.

CBD is great! But it’s not the end-all, be-all. For pain, anxiety, and sleep, there are other herbs and nutrients that help CBD work.

CBD (mostly) lives up to the hype. We look at pain, anxiety, neurologic disorders, addiction, irritable bowel syndrome, and more.

Part 2 Next Month: CBD: What it Does & What it Doesn’t Do.

Beautiful skin comes from the inside. Debra speaks about her personal journey to bring what’s inside, out. And good news: cleansing masks don’t need to be goblin green anymore!

One of our most crippling chronic conditions. And there are simple solutions that seriously WORK!

Want to optimize health and vigor — subjective and objective wellbeing? We’ll talk about ginseng, shizandra berries, deer antler velvet, cordyceps and reishi mushrooms. How they work, and how to use them.

The strongest antioxidants are not in the berry patch, but in the kitchen garden and in the spice chest.

Heartburn Tea. Chocolate Pregnancy Milkshake. Coconut Milk Mango Omega-3 Ice Cream. Plus, we preach the gospel of eggs!

Five supplements EVERY pregnant woman should take. Plus a few more, just in case…

Three eggs a day is a start. But what about nuts and seeds? What about caffeine? We provide guidelines, if not necessary rules…

CBD is a healing compound from the hemp plant, a close relative of the marijuana plant. Contrary to popular belief (and a lot of seedy marketing), CBD does not get you high! It is, however, useful for certain kinds of pain and agitation.

Diabesity? Sounds fattening! Debra “weighs in” on the epidemic sweeping our nation, and has a few suggestions.

Eating healthy is only half the battle. You have to absorb what you eat. And before you absorb it, you need to digest it.

Let’s talk about everything that isn’t calcium — magnesium, vitamin K2, strontium, and more.

Natural medicine has a lot to offer for bone health. But calcium is not the answer. Calcium management is.

A quick tour through Maitake, Shiitake, and Lion’s Mane mushrooms: what they do, what they taste like, and how to cook them.

PMS is real. You can do something about it. We talk about Western and Chinese herbal medicine, vitamins and minerals, progesterone cream, and more.

In which we answer the eternal question: heat or ice? And then go on to talk about herbs for sprains, bruises, poison ivy, sunburn, and whatever else just whacked you on the forehead.

No food or drink is going to take the place of sunblock. Or a hat. But some foods — green tea in particular — really do protect us from damage.

Let’s address some controversy. Is coffee good for you? Bad for you? What about multivitamins, calcium, and saturated fats?

Debra broke her ankle, and healed in record time.

PART 2: Herbs and Supplements. Natural medicine does not offer a one-size-fits-all solution for focus and attention.  We don’t have a “natural Ritalin™” that works immediately, for everyone.

Distractability and lack of focus is an unavoidable part of the childhood. And adulthood. Doesn’t mean we can’t do something about it, though…

Reflux, ulcers, gas? Probiotics, enzymes, antacids? There are a few dozen kinds of indigestion — and a few hundred remedies for all of it. We help you navigate.

We all know that yogurt is fermented milk, rich in beneficial probiotic bacteria. But there’s a lot more out there than yogurt. Fermented vegetables, meats… even chocolate is a fermented food.

Inflammation hurts! Here we explore natural medicine that puts out the fire.

Natural medicine absolutely SHINES at handling common respiratory viruses such as colds and flus. This stuff works. We’ll walk you through the basics.

It is becoming increasingly obvious that a high calcium intake is not the solution for osteoporosis. It isn’t how much calcium we get, but how well we use it. Calcium management nutrients not only help calcium go to the right places, but also keep calcium out of the wrong places.

After decades of being told to simply “take more” calcium, we now have convincing evidence there may be such a thing as “too much.” We go through the research. The safe and effective dose may be less than you think!

Eggs. Coffee. Chocolate. Salt. Coconut. Bacon may be too much to hope for…

Simple answers are easy and comforting, but they are rarely accurate or complete. They don’t account for individual differences in fitness, reproductive status, metabolic function, medical history, genetic predisposition, time of day, time of month, and time of life. They don’t tell you the whole story, and they don’t listen to your story.

A good smoothie has a lot more in it than just fruit. Ingredients that add flavor, texture, and supercharged nutrition — if you use them right. Here, we talk about Bee Pollen, Cacao, Chia, Probiotics, Coconut Oil, and Maca Powder

A good smoothie has a lot more in it than just fruit. Ingredients that add flavor, texture, and supercharged nutrition — if you use them right. Here, we talk about protein powders, frozen fruit, greens powders, and fish oil.

This essential mineral is crucial to healthy bones. Plus it can help with leg cramps, anxiety, high blood pressure, migraines headaches, and constipation, too.

You don’t need to be medically constipated to be just… a little backed up. It happens to everyone.

According to Dr. Mark Hyman, family physician and a four-time New York Times bestselling author, we’re battling a “diabesity” epidemic. Diabetes + Obesity.

A is for Acne, B is for Bruises, C is for Canker Sores… This month, the lazy Health Writer will relax by not doing research, not using complete sentences, not justifying or explaining his recommendations, not citing sources, and not going into depth. Enjoy!

Demystifying the multisyllabic world of omega-3 fats. What kinds? How much? And, what if you don’t eat fish?

Good oils are like good spices. No good kitchen should be without them. I’m not going to try and cover every oil, just the six I use in my kitchen.

Whether or not you’re a “health nut,” you should know about cooking fats. Ride out the trends, secure in the truth.

Got red, dry, flaky, itchy skin? You may be one of 15 million Americans who suffer from a non-contagious skin condition called eczema. Borage seed oil can help.

Of all the changes we have wreaked on traditional diets over the last hundred years, our drastic reduction in fiber intake might very well be the most significant. The impact on our health — our weight, our hearts, our long-term disease risk — are profound.

Why research on natural medicine is often “better” and “cleaner” than research on pharmaceuticals

Athletes, and the rest of us — we’re learning to take concussions seriously now. Natural medicine can help.

Recipes include the Classic Berry, the The Choco-Banana-PB’Splosion, the Bird of Paradise, Swamp Thing, and Turkey Day (which does not contain turkey).

We’re settling this once and for all! More than just “rules,” we’re going to tell you WHY…

The daily energy that gets us out of bed with a spring in our steps and a twinkle in our eyes; that maintains our focus throughout the day; that keeps us lively even after work, and the kids are put to bed.

Tofu, you can buy anywhere. But sausages — and nine other things — you should really buy in a health food store!

Digestive enzymes help us digest food, for comfort, and for better nutrient absorption. Not to mention they can help with gas and bloating, reflux, etc.

Having a hard time getting to sleep? Staying asleep?

Can natural medicine make you smarter? Can it help with dementia, like Alzheimer’s? There are mountains and mountains of research out there. And that research is, for the most part, highly nuanced, and still inconclusive.

No longer “the disease of kings,” this painful affliction can strike any of us. Natural medicine to both prevent and address gout symptoms.

Cordyceps mushroom is a rare, high-altitude medicinal treasure to maintain endurance and lung function. Creatine is a dietary supplement to increase muscular force.

Allergies are the result of a healthy, robust immune response — at the wrong time. You attack pollen or animal dander like it’s a dangerous invader. Sneezing and hives ensue…

We sell cleanse kits where you take the herbs, follow some simple instruction, and can keep eating pizza. This one, though, isn’t just a cleanse, but a reset for the entire diet. AND — you won’t be hungry.

The foods will be different, but they’ll taste the same.  Sound too good to be true? Read on…

Magnesium stearate is a natural additive in most tablets and capsules on the market today. Some people claim it is toxic…

Children with colds are an especial challenge. They can’t always communicate much, except being PROFOUNDLY UNHAPPY. Plus, the remedies have to taste good.

Well-researched, effective, and safe.

Warfarin is the generic name for Coumadin(Tm), a common anti-clotting drug. Patients are often told they need to avoid vitamin K when they’re on Coumadin. But that turns out to be bad advice.

According to nationally reknowned, locally-based Dr. Mark Hyman, family physician and a four-time New York Times bestselling author, we’re battling a “diabesity” epidemic.

One of our very rare posts where we partner with a supplement company, to recommend their products. But Vitanica is more than a supplement company; it’s Dr. Tori Hudson’s company…

You understand soluble vs. insoluble fiber. You know how to seek out fiber-rich foods. Now, here are four supplements to your diet.

Which kind of fiber is best for weight control, blood sugar, regularity, and cholesterol.

Fiber is arguably our most-important-yet-least exciting nutrient. Does it really prevent cancer and heart attacks? Help us lose weight? Keep us from feeling tired? Detox the liver? Make the world a better place? And what about soluble vs. insoluble fiber?

Amidst the buying and selling and marketing, the big natural products trade show had some oases of traditional herbalism.

Shingles, cold sores, mono & chicken pox are all outbreaks of the herpes virus. We can treat outbreaks, and strengthen the immune system to prevent them.

Is there really an herb for this? How quickly does it work? And how can we slip it into Bob’s coffee without him noticing?

Never before have we written for the sole purpose of criticizing a specific drug, or pharmaceutical company.

Is salt destined to always raise our blood pressure? Debra says no!

Is high fructose corn syrup really worse than plain white sugar? Does vitamin C actually cure a cold? Is coffee good for you?

A good night’s sleep is absolutely foundational to good health. Without it, we see an increase in heart disease, brain disease, weight gain, depression, lowered immunity, and wrinkles.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is more common than you might know. Alternating constipation and/or diarrhea, often (but not necessarily) worsened by stress.

Antioxidants are the protective compounds that protect our cells from “rust.”

A breakthrough form of magnesium to improve memory and recall, especially as we age.

Let’s not jump right to angioplasty. Stable heart disease can be treated by diet, lifestyle, and supplementation.

A profoundly beneficial tonic herb for stamina and wakefulness.

Internal cleansing is one of the most time-honored concepts in traditional medicine — and in modern health food-stores. We bridge the gap.

The issue of arsenic contamination in rice was raised. We felt it needed to be addressed.

Which marine omega-3 is going to win the throwdown? Efficacy, sustainability, and cost.

Not only herbs and supplements that can turn the tide, but surprising research on fatty foods, sugar, and milk.

We make vitamin D when our skins are exposed to sunlight. The health effects of this “sunshine vitamin” are far-reaching and profound.

Just a decade ago, dose recommendations for vitamin D ran around 1,000 iu a day. Now, often, they’re 2,000, 5,000, and even 10,000… what changed?

Nutrition that fits into their busy lives. Cold and flu formula. One *GREAT* cookbook. And hot sauce. Definitely remember the hot sauce!

Of course hydrogen peroxide is a tried-and-true remedy for toenail fungus. Here, Debra goes over some of the other things we use this versatile compound for.

Research shows that pregnant women who consume fish oil have smarter babies.  But what, exactly, is a smart baby?  And does a smart baby necessarily grow up into a smart adult?

We can prevent asthma even as early as in utero. We can reduce the frequency of attacks. And we can control attacks when they happen. You’re never going to throw away your rescue inhaler — just in case — but hopefully, you’ll need to use it a lot less frequently.

We finish the A-Z with molasses, sugar, sugar alcohols, and yacon syrup.

In part 3, the A-to-Z guide continues with two natural sweeteners, and two artificial sweeteners: saccharine, sorghum molasses, stevia, and sucralose.

In part two of the alphabetical guide, we cover fruit syrup, high fructose corn syrup, honey, licorice, lo han, maple syrup, and miracle berry.

We begin Three Fundamental Sweetener Concepts, and then the A-to-Z begins with acelsulfame-K, agave, aspartame (Nutrasweet), barley malt, coconut sugar, and date sugar.

Survive the holiday season with your sanity and your weight intact.

After decades of being told to consume “more calcium for your bones,” we see compelling evidence that we need to question that advice.

natural medicine can both prevent the painful stabbing pain — and its underlying causes.

The Government Accountability Office released a report on herbal supplements, alleging that they are often marketed deceptively, and contaminated with heavy metals.

Prescription fish oils exist. Are they any different than fish oils you’d buy over the counter?

Chewing gum can improve dental health (of course!), reduce the risk of ear infections, and even help children focus in school. It can help with appetite and digestion. A miracle remedy?

This simple molecule is profoundly beneficial for human health, rivaling even fish oil omega-3s and vitamin D. Research on flu prevention, cardiovascular health, mental health, detoxification… the list is almost endless.

“Somebody asked me recently, “What the heck is KLB6?”  Still around after all these years, this formula is an old-fashioned diet aid was all the rage when I was in college in the 60’s.”

This isn’t just about weight loss. This is about all those other diets: gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian, low-purine, paleo, FODMAP, and more.

Sometimes an herb comes along that barely has a shred of research to back it — but it’s amazing. It’s the best we’ve got. Lomatium is one of those herbs.

Actually, we kept going, and got as high as 13 Healthiest. Some of what made the cut may surprise you!

Melatonin is normally produced in our own bodies, in the pineal gland. It is also available as a supplement. It’s the brain’s way of signaling to itself — and the rest of the body — that it’s time to sleep.

… in which we sarcastically (caustically, even) address the allegations that a popular condiment can make you psychotic. Because that’s how the media talks about healing herbs.

Sometimes a legitimate good-for-you food is overtaken by its own marketing. There’s nothing wrong with the acai berry. But it isn’t half of what people say it is…

“Public Health bulletins are sounding more and more these days like a Dr. Seuss book, evocative less of mass pandemic death than whimsical barnyard shenanigans.”

Neti pots works! But what do you put in them? Do you need to use bottled water? Are there herbal ingredients you can add, in addition to salt?

There are a lot of products out there claiming (or at least strongly implying) that they’re going to make you a whole lot prettier.  When it comes to hair and nails at least, there are two that actually work. 

On behalf of the United States food industry, I would like to apologize to the rest of the world for that thing we call “American Cheese.”

Fish oil helps you lose weight. Artificial sweeteners… not so much. Plus, what are Coke & Pepsi up to?

Arthritis hurts! Here, we review and differentiate some of the supplements that put out the fire, ease the pain, restore eroded joint cartilage, and lubricate the joints. Some work quickly. Some take longer…

The first step is understanding the different kinds of arthritis — rheumatoid, osteo, etc. — and understanding how your diet and lifestyle interacts with this degenerative condition.

A few months ago, I came across a news item claiming that the newest food trend in Japan is black food: black sesame seeds, black rice, black vinegar, black soybeans, etc. Is there anything to it?

For years, people didn’t pay much attention to vitamin D. We knew that adequate levels were important to prevent osteoporosis, rickets, and other bone and joint diseases. And that was about it. Get enough, but not too much, and that was about that…

We continue our exploration of the culinary, medicinal, and cultural aspects of spiciness. And we ask: are all peppers created equal? What about ginger?

Spicy foods are healthy foods. They stimulate circulation, decongest, and much much more.

There are a thousand-and-one supplements you can take to lower your cholesterol. Here, let’s narrow it down just a little: Red Yeast Rice, Fish Oil, Artichoke extracts, and fiber.

Let’s start with the myth that eating cholesterol necessarily raises your cholesterol, and move on from there…

We have two shelves worth of “brain supplements.” But how much of it really works? We’re going to look at just a few of my favorites — not for people with diagnosable problems, but just the rest of us who could use a little help.

I last covered the topic for the May, 2001 newsletter.  Yet just recently, it has recently been called to my attention that the first article did not entirely solve the problem…

A study published just last month in The Lancet, England’s most respected medical journal, has confirmed that artificial food colorings and preservatives make children hyperactive.

Coenzyme Q10 is found in every cell of our bodies, and is necessary for energy generation. It’s good for the heart, the brain, and even receding gum lines.

Superfruit juices are a relatively new development.  But in the last decade really, in the last few years they’ve leapt into the mainstream with a vengeance. We evaluate what’s real, and what’s just a fad.

Inflammation, vitamin B12, vitamin D, alpha-lipoic acid, and more.

Natural medicine does not have a cure for MS. We can help, however.

When Debra has a health problem, she does two things. First, she SOLVES it. Then, she write about how she solved it, and shares it with the rest of us.

We’ve all heard about pesticide and industrial residues in non-organic raspberries, strawberries, spinach, and liver. Here are three crops we don’t normally hear about — but among the worst offenders.

“How (you might ask yourself) could MON863 possibly have been approved for human consumption? Well, there’s an interesting story here.”

Not all bacteria are “bad” for us. In fact, healthy probiotic bacteria inside our bodies are crucial for everything from immune health to liver detoxification. They may even contribute to healthy mood.

This is an article about skin.  Not “problem skin,” but skin that glows with health, and ages well.  It’s about thick, luxuriant hair, and strong teeth. The idea here is

Can potassium — potassium citrate! — really by a solution to bone health? There’s surprisingly good research here, suggesting the answer is yes.

Resveratrol is an antioxidant — and much more — found in red grapes and red wine. Many people believe the health benefits of red wine can be attributed to resveratrol. Some people are even talking “anti-aging.”

I’ve always wanted to write a column on how to find information for yourself. Now, in this last column before the printed version of the Debra’s Natural Gourmet newsletter goes to paid subscription (still free on-line), seems like as good a time as any.

Actually, fiber is for a lot of things.  That title was just to get your attention. This is about a special kind of fiber called glucommanan.

I just counted: we have 104 different multivitamins.  And they’re all “good.” This guide should help you make sense of them all. 

A conversation with Grace Pintabona — natural nurse, diabetic, and diabetes educator — on how she navigates the condition.

The higher our blood pressure, the harder the heart has to work.  Over time, this enlarges the heart, which is not a good thing… but we do have options.

…and now you’re going to be thrilled you can eat.

Milk Thistle, lecithin, kutki, and schizandra berries are all useful supplements for the liver.

“For me the question that fascinates is:  Are we stuck with faulty DNA and damaged genes?  Is our inherited DNA our destiny?”

As many as 75,000 saffron flowers – a football field’s worth of intensive cultivation – are needed to produce a single pound of saffron.

Detoxification. Metabolism. Storage and synthesis. Is the liver our most important organ? And what can we do about it?

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) has the largest leaves of any plant native to England, as much as three feet across. In olden times, people used to wrap butter in them.

87% less colic, 50% less booze, 27% more breast cancer, 60% less ovarian cancer, 56% fewer colds (that get better 35% faster); and why spicy olive oil is better.

Yes, we make vitamin D when sun hits our skin. But how much vitamin D do we make? And how much is enough?

“If I had written this article on vitamin D just a few years ago, I would have struggled to fill a single page… But the last few years have seen an explosion of research…”

Pandemic flus are cause for both reasonable concern, and sometimes unecessary panic. We have an herb that has stopped pandemic flus in the past.

Clean omega-3 fish oils are gaining traction within the research community for their strong clinical trial results; Silk Tree is a traditional remedy from China.

Natural Medicine for Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, & Diabetic Retinopathy.

Let’s start talking about nutrition and eye health.

Herbs for longevity is an investment in your future. These aren’t necessarily herbs for “energy” or “vitality.” They don’t necessarily make you feel any different when you take them…

Everyone has a stressful few weeks now and again. We’re otherwise healthy, well adapted… just those 2 or 3 weeks are kicking our butts! Here’s how to prepare, how to cope, how to thrive.

There are a lot of herbs for anxiety. It’s one of the things herbs are actually really good at! But how do you pick one? We go through the options.

Anxiety, simply put, is worrying.  And we’ve all done that!  Anxiety disorders, however, are when we worry for no good reason, or the worrying doesn’t go away, or takes over our lives.

Melatonin is the “sleep hormone.” Cheap, easy, safe, and reasonably effect. It works for most people. We’ll talk about melatonin — and about what do do if melatonin doesn’t work for you.

Is the reports that called vitamin E “dangerous” true? Or was it a hatchet job by mainstream medicine and the pharmaceutical industry? Actually, the truth is a little more nuanced…

Adam’s 5-Point Plan to NOT. GET. SICK. Plus a quick-and-dirty guide to dealing with specific symptoms if you are sick: cough, congestion, swollen glands, tonsillitis, etc.

Adaptogens (the ginseng-class herbs) are especially useful for lowered immunity due to stress, sleep deprivation & overwork. PLUS Antibiotics: the good, the bad, and the unecessary.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are vitamin-like substances found in food, that regulate inflammation, hormones, mood, and more. But not all EFAs are created equal…

Whey protein is nature’s superior protein source — and delicious in smoothies and shakes.

In the early 1930’s a dentist named Weston Price traveled to Switzerland to disprove a theory. At the time, people believed that dental problems had nothing to do with diet, but rather, with “race mixing”…

Organic? non-GMO? Humane? MSC-certified…? Food packaging these days can look like a sky full of stars, each star an attribute that’s (ostensibly) important to us.  But what do they all mean?

Because it’s only a matter of time… For bumps, bruises, burns, bites, sprains, broken bones, sunburn, and getting trampled by an elephant.

We continue the article by exploring the controversial use of antioxidants in conjunction with conventional oncologic treatments; and then touch briefly on detoxification, diet, and more.

This article does not take the place of individualized treatment. But if your head is spinning from all the suggestions you’re starting to hear, it may may provide a framework where it starts to make sense.

Herbs can help with both hypo (low) and hyper (high) thyroid conditions. If autoimmunity is involved, we can work to get to the root of that, too.

Progesterone is a hormone naturally at balance with estrogen. We talk about maintaining that balance. We also talk about quick-acting cramp remedies.

PMS is usually bearable. But it isn’t pleasant. Why suffer if you don’t have to? We’ll talk about naturopathic remedies for the mood swings, cramping, water retention, and more.

Over the past few years, a group of doctors, supplement manufacturers, and concerned citizens have been waging a legal battle against the FDA which will ultimately determine our freedom to receive accurate, scientific information about our health.

“I’m going to have a little fun, get a little preachy, and offend some people. Some people, including friends, people I respect, are going to disagree with some of these (see #3 and #6). But as long as I’ve got this soap box, I intend to use it for all it’s worth.”

Rheumatoid arthritis is more complicated and “harder” than osteoarthritis. That also means there are more angles from which to attack it.

Osteoarthritis is basically wear-and-tear on the joints. It’s not complicated. It’s common. And it hurts. AND — we can do a lot about it!

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…

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

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

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.

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.

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…

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.

Craving something sweet? Aren’t we all…

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