Gotu Kola: The Ancient Herb for Modern Wellness Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), often called “the herb of longevity,” has been a treasured botanical in traditional healing systems for centuries. A low-growing, creeping perennial native to the wetlands of Asia, gotu kola belongs to the parsley family and is recognizable by its small, fan-shaped leaves and delicate purple or pink flowers. In the garden, gotu kola thrives in USDA growing zones 7–11, preferring moist, partially shaded environments. It spreads easily and makes a beautiful groundcover for herb gardens or containers when kept well-watered and protected from harsh sun. Historically, gotu kola …

Nature has a way of providing just what we need, and few herbs exemplify this better than nettles (Urtica dioica). Often dismissed as a pesky weed, nettles are, in fact, one of the most valuable plants in the herbalist’s toolkit. Thriving in the wild landscapes of Alaska, this nutrient-rich herb offers a wealth of medicinal benefits that have been recognized for centuries. Where Do Nettles Grow? Nettles are a hardy, perennial plant that flourishes in nutrient-rich soil, often near rivers, forests, and disturbed areas. In Alaska, they can be found along stream banks, in meadows, and at the edges of …

By: Tabitha Wooster Known for its warm, comforting aroma and flavor, cinnamon has been valued for thousands of years—not only as a culinary delight but as a medicinal powerhouse. Derived from the inner bark of trees from the Cinnamomum genus, cinnamon has demonstrated significant health benefits, especially for cardiovascular health, blood sugar management, and metabolic function. This post explores how this beloved spice can support heart health, help regulate blood sugar levels, and promote overall wellness. ________________________________________ A Brief Background: Types and Composition of Cinnamon There are two primary types of cinnamon: Ceylon, also known as “true cinnamon,” and Cassia, …

Saw Palmetto: A Natural Wonder for Men’s Health   In the heart of nature’s pharmacy, the Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) stands as a testament to the incredible power of plants. This robust, fan-leaved plant, native to the southeastern United States, particularly thrives in the warm climates of Florida and Georgia. Known for its medicinally potent berries, Saw Palmetto has been a staple in herbal medicine for centuries. Let’s delve into the botanical wonders and the historical significance of this remarkable herb, and discover why it’s especially beneficial for men’s health. Saw Palmetto is a small palm that grows no taller …

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 Bees produce Honey in most of the countries of the world. Cinnamon and Honey are both superfoods.  Scientists of today also note honey is a very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases because it contains powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It helps reduces the cholesterol. Regular use of cinnamon-honey can strengthen the heart beat and can help revitalize the arteries and the veins. ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by …

By Dori Cranmore R.N. Garlic has been used in many cultures for both its culinary and medicinal properties. Folklore shows garlic bringing good luck or protects against evil, ward off vampires and at the same time guaranteed to transform any meal into a bold, aromatic and healthy experience. Native to central Asia, garlic is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and has been grown for over 5000 years. Garlic was placed in the tomb of Pharaohs, and was given to the slaves that built the Pyramids to enhance their endurance and strength. From a medical history standpoint, …

The leaves are mostly used for tea and tinctures but the flowers and root can also be used.  It has been reported since the early 1900’s to help with coughing, lung weakness, respiratory constriction and chest colds. It is quite literally one of the best lung healing herbs out there.

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 Turmeric comes from the ginger family and has a peppery, warm but slightly bitter flavor.  It smells like a cross between ginger and oranges. It’s known as one of the ingredients to make curry but it is also used as a natural colorant in many foods like mustard. You might have heard it referred to as curcumin. The yellow-orange pigment in turmeric is what is referred to as curcumin. It is often used to color natural soap. Turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. It is an excellent source of iron, manganese, vitamin B6, …