Natural Wellness

Merrell’s leadership in the barefoot category continues with the Vapor Glove 6 LTR. These are the most minimal shoes Merrell creates, featuring a Vibram® E

This week, I wanted to talk about Essential Oils for PTSD as part of our commitment to PTSD Awareness Day on the 27th of June. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a serious mental health issue. It’s estimated that around 3 in every 100 adults will experience it at some time, profoundly affecting their everyday existence. Unfortunately, however, it’s all too seldom spoken of. Even though most people associate PTSD with war, 90% of people with PTSD (or PTSI - Injury) have survived catastrophes, torture, assault, or abuse. Traumas can often derive from road traffic accidents, natural disasters, or many other kinds of trauma. Pertinently, we should note that many refugees usually arrive in new countries with the after-effects of torture and the sheer trauma of what has happened to their homelands too.  What Causes PTSD? As yet, scientists do not

Hi Palmer- “All disease begins in the gut” – It's a quote attributed to the Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates nearly 2500 years ago. And while we now know that not all diseases start in the gut, it’s true that many serious imbalances can be traced back to our digestive system, including a number of autoimmune diseases. Beyond the physical implications of an imbalanced gut, emerging scientific studies continue to validate the fascinating connection between gut health and mental health, something called the “gut-brain connection.” One can see great benefit from nourishing their digestive system with herbs, bitters, and a wholesome diet to support the digestive and nervous systems.   Herbs for Gut Health There are many different categories of herbs you can turn to for digestive support, and one great option is vulneraries. Vulneraries support healing of the tissues of the gut, whether through coating and soothing inflamed tissues or speeding their replication on a cellular level. Many budding herbalists think of vulneraries for external wounds, but these herbs share many of the same supportive benefits when applied internally, as well! A few vulnerary herbs for gut health include:  🌿 Calendula (Calendula officinalis) flower 🌿 Plantain (Plantago spp.) leaf and seed 🌿 Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root and leaf    HAPPY BELLY OVERNIGHT INFUSION The recipe features marshmallow and calendula, two vulnerary herbs that support gut health and help strengthen intestinal integrity. Marshmallow contains carbohydrates called “mucilage” that are best extracted in cold water, which is why this recipe has two different infusion steps. Mucilage has a somewhat slimy consistency (this is what helps it coat the stomach lining with supportive goodness), but if the drink is too gooey for you, then try swapping marshmallow root for marshmallow leaf, which is still effective but contains less mucilage so will be less slimy. Ingredients:  ½ cup marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root or leaf ½ cup calendula (Calendula officinalis) aerial parts ¼ cup peppermint (Mentha x piperita) leaves 2 quart-sized glass jars Directions: Place marshmallow in a quart-sized glass jar. Cover with cold water then store in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours or overnight. Add calendula and peppermint to a second quart-sized glass jar and cover with just-boiled water. Cap and let infuse on the countertop for 6-8 hours or overnight. Strain both infusions into a large bowl and stir to combine. Rinse both quart-sized glass jars, then divide the finished infusion equally between them.  Store in the fridge, and drink one quart daily to support a strong gut and a healthy stomach lining.   Digestion is a big topic, and we have plenty of opportunities for you to dig in deeper!  Healthy Gut and Herbal Vulneraries LIVE Class: June 17   Get ready to discover and celebrate the wonders of digestive health! You can use herbal allies to support your digestive system while enjoying heightened vitality. This webinar is Class 1 in Herbal Academy’s 3-part Summer Herbal Health Series. SAVE YOUR SPOT Summer Bitters with Dandelion, Gentian, and Licorice Root Recipe   When you taste something bitter, it sends a signal to your body to kickstart the digestive process. The bitter flavor triggers the release of saliva and signals your stomach, liver, and other digestive organs to ready the body for food. In this Summer Bitters, we use a balanced blend for summer.  FIND THE RECIPE   Ayurveda and Digestive Health Intensive   Delve into the foundational concepts of ayurvedic eating, such as the six tastes, and the role that each of the three doshas plays in digestive health. You will learn how to recognize vata-, pitta-, or kapha-type digestive imbalance and what to do to provide support and balance.  LEARN MORE  We hope you enjoy this recipe and resources for a happy, healthy gut! Will we see you live on June 17th? As herbalists, we’re always looking for ways to support health for ourselves and those around us, and digestion is at the heart of this conversation.   Botanically yours, Jane & Amber Your friends and educators The Herbal Academy Team theherbalacademy.com   P.S. We can’t wait to see our Advanced Herbal Course students on Tuesday, June 11 for our first LIVE bonus class, “So You Want to Be a Registered Herbalist?” with instructor Lindsey Feldpausch, RH(AHG)! This six-part live series starts Tuesday, so if you haven’t yet enrolled, but you want to join the series, then sign up today and we’ll make sure you have the link to join.                No longer want to receive these emails? Unsubscribe. Herbal Academy 24 South Road Bedford, MA 01730   

Women want to feel beautiful and comfortable all the time. It is not easy to achieve such combination but with Barefoot Shoes by Magical Shoes it’s finally possible. Check them out right away!

A ready-to-wear barefoot-inspired sandal for travel, walking, hiking, yoga, working out, paddling, even running ultra marathons.

Introducing Gen 3, the latest iteration of our Origo line. These white sneakers, made from genuine leather, are designed for your everyday wear. They feature a touch of lilac at the ankle, adding a chic touch to the classic design. Gen 3 offers an enhanced and roomier fit, taking the Origo collection to the next level.

Maximus The Elite Maximus are perfect for someone who wants a little more protection without sacrificing ground feel. These sandals are durable and share the same aggressive tread pattern as the Warriors with a slightly thicker sole. Elite Maximus are designed for those needing the protection of a more rugged sandal without sacrificing minimalist demands. Whether you are in the gym or out on the trail, the Elite Maximus are a great choice in all environments. Sole The Maximus sole uses an 8mm Vibram® Newflex sole coupled with your choice of UltraGrip or Tobacco Brown Goatskin Leather footbed for a 9mm total stack height. Vibram® Newflex is made from a blend of rubber and EVA to form a durable soling material with aggressive tread. At 3mm thicker than the Warrior sole, you will get a much more rugged sandal that

As I’m sure many of you are well aware, BPA (bisphenol A) is a known endocrine disrupter, altering hormone-related activity even at low levels of exposure. Studies have linked BPA toxicity to adverse effects on reproduction, the nervous system and behavioral development (including aggressiveness and hyperactivity). A recent human study has even shown that BPA…

As we discussed in the first article, over accumulation of phthalates in the body has the potential to be a major contender for a series of health challenges. Some of the questions I am commonly asked is where am I getting this exposure from, how do I find out if I have dangerously high levels of plastics and, most important, how do I get rid of the plastics in my body?

Scientists have found a possible link between the development of autism and ADHD and increased exposure to the common plastic additive BPA.

In high amounts, heavy metal toxicity can cause numerous symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and even death. In lower amounts toxicity from lead or mercury, for example, can have much subtler effects. In either case, however, ridding the body of these harmful metals is important. Removal of heavy metals from the body

We are exposed to environmental toxins all the time. Even the simplest of daily routines can expose us to pollutants found in the water we drink, foods we eat, and the air we breathe. Learn how you can decrease your toxin load and better support your organs in removing biologically harmful compounds

This study comes just after a damning study of plastic found in sea salt brands was published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports. They analyzed seventeen commercial salt brands from eight different countries on four continents for plastic particles. They found plastics in all but one brand

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is a critical enzyme that has been associated with several complex psychiatric mental health illnesses. The enzyme can be detected by bloodwork or a cheek swab and, once identified as lacking in individuals, ...

ADHD is a very complex disorder. The number of factors contributing to symptoms is vast — and growing. MTHFR is a genetic abnormality that’s somewhat common in individuals with ADHD, and its presence could explain a lot, and offer additional treatments. Here is what you need to know.

If you're someone who wants a wide toe box and plenty of toe space, but aren't interested in barefoot shoes - you're in the right place.

What Herbs can you Smoke? If so, Which ones? Herbs have been used for smoking for thousands of years. They have played a big role in certain spiritual rituals throughout the ages and have also been used for health purposes. Unlike tobacco, the herbs in this article are not addictive. They also tend to be much less expensive when you buy them and create your own custom blend. (Marijuana is not included in the list because it isn't legal in many states.) Here's more about the best smokable herbs and how to go about making your own smoking blend. Are There Benefits to Smoking Herbs? People decide to try smoking herbs for a wide variety of reasons. There's no question they are better for you than tobacco, and each herb has properties that may be good for your health. Here are a few of the most common reasons for smoking herbs: Kicking a tobacco/nicotine habit Relaxation Mood enhancement Spiritual ceremonies/rituals Respiratory support Mental stimulation/energy However, it's important to keep in mind that just because herbs are natural doesn't mean any herb can be smoked. Be sure to do your research on an herb before sticking it in a smoking blend. Also, smokable herbs are really meant for occasional use because constantly breathing smoke into your lungs- no matter the source- is not good for your health. What are the Types of Smokable Herbs? As you read through the following herbs, keep in mind that a good smoking blend is made up of three different types of herbs: base, supportive, and flavoring. Base herbs (also called carrier herbs) make up the bulk of the blend and

All handmade leather shoes choose the best quality leather and finest waxed cotton thread to make. Each of the items in my shop is made with care

Morley joined host Jason Dean in an engaging conversation with Dr Stephanie Seneff about the impact of glyphosate, viruses and our health.

Try these apple cider-based fall mocktail recipes, inspired by the tastes of autumn. These non-alcohol drinks are sure to have you feeling cozy and warm.

Modern-day diet can wreak havoc on digestion and gallbladder health. Learn how to reset with gallbladder-friendly food.

Beets, fenugreek, cinnamon, and shilajit can help you dial in digestion, support a healthy microbiome, and beat bile sludge and liver congestion.

Introduction One of the most common questions I get when working with patients is “Can my methylation problems cause digestion issues?”  This question has come up over and over again as many people with methylation issues also have gut problems at the same time.  It wouldn’t be accurate, in a strict scientific sense, […]

Mulled cider makes for a delicious and supportive beverage once the cooler weather settles in. This elderberry apple cider recipe with mulling spices is a healthful alternative to traditional mulled wine.

Morley joined host Jason Dean in an engaging conversation with Dr Stephanie Seneff about the impact of glyphosate, viruses and our health.

Join Dr. Chris Motley and Courtney Bursich as they talk about all things detox.

DR-HO'S teamed up with Rosalie Brown, the well-known fitness guru and personality behind Rosalie Brown's Fitness Club. Rosalie shows fibromyalgia sufferers, ...

Pro tip: Having a delicious detox water recipe on the counter is a great way to make sure you’re getting in that H20. Learn how in this post!