Ginseng has been called the King of Herbs. Although exact numbers are hard to come by when dealing with unregulated products, ginseng is probably the most widely used and respected medicinal herb through out the world. It is used in Europe and Asia and of course here is the US. FATIGUE Ginseng helps with fatigue. Fatigue is probably the main reason people use ginseng. A recent study, (Nutrients 2016 Dec 13;8(12):807) confirmed the anti-fatigue effects, and determined it was due to inhibition of oxidative stress and improvement of mitochondrial function in skeletal muscles. These researchers suggested athletes could use ginseng …
By Dori Cranmore RN Hawthorn is known as the ‘heart herb’ for its many benefits as a heart tonic. Traditional use of hawthorn berries has been confirmed by German studies to strengthen and normalize the heart beat, prevent and reduce heart arrhythmia’s and guard the heart against oxygen deficiency. There is research to suggest that hawthorn might also be effective when used in the treatment of mild-to-moderate heart failure. Hawthorn (Crataegus species) has been used to treat heart disease as far back as the 1st century. In the early 1800’s, American doctors were using it to treat circulatory disorders and …
By Dori Cranmore RN If you’ve ever gotten “stung” by a nettles plant, you’ve no doubt gained quite a respect for the lingering pain and possibly a fear for the plant. Hopefully I can show you the stinging nettle is probably one of the most important herbs available to us and if harvested correctly, you can avoid getting stung. In Alaska we are abundantly blessed with Urtica dioica. There are over 500 species world wide. Spring is the best time to harvest the top 6-8” before they flower (summer solstice in Alaska). Note: ingesting flowered nettles have been known to …
By Dori Cranmore RN The liver is the largest organ inside the body with an amazing number of essential functions to perform. The liver transforms toxic compounds into non-toxic substances, filters blood from the intestines, produces bile, mixes essential nutrients, inactivates disease causing microorganisms, regulates glucose levels, stores fat-soluble vitamins, activates and deactivates hormones, provides a significant amount of the body’s heat and energy, helps regulates cholesterol and many other functions. How amazing! Unfortunately when the liver becomes damaged or congested, it can adversely affect these functions causing a deterioration of one’s health. Poor liver function can directly affect metabolic …
By Dori Cranmore RN We’ve all heard how healthy it is to include olive oil in our diet, and from a health perspective, the oil may not even be the most important product of the olive trees. The omega-9 monounsaturated fat called oleic acid is considered a “healthy” fat and it is even said that those who use it regularly are less likely to have heart disease. The Mediterranean Diet hierarchy says it not only protects the heart but also the brain! A bestselling author, Dr. Wildman asks, “What is the secret behind olive trees living thousands of years and …
By Dori Cranmore RN Rose hips are the seed pods of roses. If you leave the spent flowers on the rose bush at the end of the season, you should see these small, berry-sized, reddish seed balls, left on tips of the stems. Both rose hips and rose petals are edible. Roses are in the same family as apples and crab apples, so the resemblance of their fruits is not purely coincidental. Rose hips also have a bit of the tartness of crab apples and are a great source of vitamin C. All roses should produce hips, although rugosa roses …
By Chris Kilham The use of red clover as an herbal remedy goes back centuries, and the plant enjoys a history of both topical and internal applications. As a topical aid, red clover is often an ingredient in liniments and balms, for relieving the pain of both eczema and psoriasis, for sores, burns, and as an aid against skin cancer. The pain-relieving properties of red clover are likely due to the presence of the anti-inflammatory compounds eugenol, myricetin and salicylic acid in the flowers. Salicylic acid also demonstrates activity against eczema. Red clover has long been used as a “blood …
By Dori Cranmore RN Are you looking for a way to lose a few pounds and also make your body healthy? Your blood type is your genetic blueprint. It can be the key that unlocks the mysteries of disease, health, herbal programs and emotional strength. It also determines your susceptibility to illness, indicates which foods you should eat, and provides ways to avoid health problems. What is “Eating right for your blood type”? It means following the guidelines outlined in Dr. Peter D’Adamo’s book, Eat Right 4/For Your Blood Type. The book explains the history behind all blood types, the …
By Dori Cranmore RN Elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995.Elderberries (Sambucus) have been a folk remedy for centuries in North America, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, hence the medicinal benefits of elderberries are being investigated and rediscovered. Elderberry is used for its antioxidant activity, to lower cholesterol, to improve vision, to boost the immune system, to improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsillitis. Bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell. People with the …
By Dori Cranmore RN Scientific name: Taraxacum officinale. The word dandelion comes from “dent de lion” which is French meaning Lion’s tooth, referring to the jagged leaves that resemble Lion’s teeth. The leaves are considered to be one of the most nutritious greens available. The greens are high in potassium, which creates a natural diuretic action that helps relieve water retention and bloating associated with PMS. Every part of the dandelion can be used: the root, leaves, and flower. The above ground parts, i.e. the leaves, flower, and stem are used as a laxative, for healthy circulation, blood vessel cleanser …