By Dori Cranmore RN The wild leafy plant yellow dock (Rumex crispus) is found growing throughout the world and belongs to the buckwheat family. This flowering perennial is characterized by the narrow leaves that curl along the edges, which is why it is also called curled dock, narrow dock, narrow-leafed dock and garden patience. The name of the plant is associated with the yellow color of the herb’s fleshy root, which shows when it is slightly scraped. The root of yellow dock is the major source of its medicinal properties. However, its sour-sweet leaves are not only added to salads, …
By Dori Cranmore RN Garlic has been used in many cultures for both its culinary and medicinal properties. Folklore shows garlic to bring good luck or protect 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 …
By Dori Cranmore RN This sometimes ‘pesty’ weed growing in our gardens and lawn is actually edible and medicinal. Chickweed got its name because it’s a favorite food for chickens and other small birds. It is very nutritious for us as well, high in vitamins and minerals and can be added to salads or cooked as a pot herb, tasting a bit like spinach. Unlike other herbs that utilize just a part of the plant, Chickweed’s entire plant is used. As a leafy vegetable it is high in chlorophyll, calcium, iron, niacin, selenium, GLA, thiamine, zinc , vitamin C and …
By Dori Cranmore RN GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) is a non-essential amino acid found mainly in the human brain and eyes. It is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it regulates brain and nerve cell activity by inhibiting the number of neurons firing in the brain. GABA is referred to as the “brain’s natural calming agent”. By inhibiting over-stimulation of the brain, GABA may help promote relaxation and ease nervous tension. Mostly GABA is used for overactive brain activity such as those with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Autism. ADHD is one of the most common behavioral disorders in …
By Dori Cranmore RN Rhodiola rosea is not a common herb but it’s getting more popular every year. It typically grows at high altitudes in the Arctic and mountainous regions throughout Europe and Asia and has over 200 different species. Rhodiola rosea is now being grown and harvested in Alaska under the Alaska Grown label and is available at All About Herbs,Inc. in Wasilla. One of Rhodiola’a attributes is that it is an adaptogenic herb. This means that it acts in non-specific ways to increase our body’s resistance to stress, without disturbing normal biological functions. There are many recognized herbs …
By Dori Cranmore RN For many years the benefits of chlorophyll have been discovered in the field of science and research. What is chlorophyll, what makes it so special and what benefits can we get out of it? Chlorophyll is the single most critical substance in plants that allows them to absorb light from the sun and convert that light into usable energy. All green plants contain at least one type of chlorophyll. It is usually easy to tell when a food has significant amounts of chlorophyll because chlorophyll provides the green color that is found in grasses, leaves and …
By Rallie McAllister Ginger does more than just add a snap of flavor to foods and beverages. For centuries, the root of the plant has been used as a remedy for a variety of illnesses ranging from the common cold to cancer. The spice has long been prized for its potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties can work wonders in the gastrointestinal tract. Long before commercially produced ginger ale became a popular remedy for stomach upset, ancient healers prescribed ginger tea to soothe a variety of digestive symptoms, especially nausea and vomiting. Research suggests that taking up to …
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 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 …
Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds