by Laurel Redmon, M.S., L.Ac. Dipl. Ac.,C.H Flu shots may afford many a sense of security this time of year. Those with a mind toward holistic and preventive health, however, can easily see that many more genuine and effective measures can be taken to protect ourselves, families and loved ones. Frankly, herbal remedies […]
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Natural Approach to Addiction Recovery
By Cheryl Hoard There are so many things to which we can become addicted. As is often the case with a natural approach, the same herbs and essential oils can be helpful for the various difficult moments associated with recovery from all kinds of addictions. Addictions to cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, unhealthy […]
Making Tea From Freshly Cut Herbs
by Maria Roderick Making tea from freshly cut herbs from your own yard is an easy and rewarding task. Some of the most commonly used herbs are Peppermint and Spearmint. Both of these herbs are extremely easy to grow and usually provide more than enough leaves for making tea many times throughout the year. […]
Is your Essential Oil Natural, Standardized or Synthetic?
by Cheryl Hoard Essential oils are the fragrant soul of a plant. They are the characteristic scent or odor of a plant. Many chemical constituents make up this volatile oil. Peppermint essential oil (Mentha x piperita), for example is made up of menthol, menthyl acetate, menthone, cineole, pulegone, limonene, phellandrene, pinene, beta-bisabolene […]
Echinacea called ineffective…
by Jeffrey S. Hoard Yesterday I saw the headline, “Popular herbal cold remedy fails to relieve symptoms, study finds” in my morning St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The herb in question turned out to be Echinacea. Knowing empirically that Echinacea does indeed do what we think it does when it is prepared and used properly, I was […]
Catnip as Mosquito Repellent
by Jeffrey S. Hoard Herbal folklore has long included the use of aromatic herbs and oils as insect repellents. Most of us are familiar with the use of citronella oil (Cymbopogon nardus) in candles and in products designed to be used on the skin. Other aromatic herbs used for centuries for their insect repellent […]
Alternatives To Hormone Replacement Therapy
by Cheryl Hoard I am frequently asked questions about alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy. The use of herbs, essential oils and hydrosols gives more options to adapt to changes during menopause. Herbalism is most effective when used in a holistic approach, which is integration of the body, mind and spirit. Changes during menopause happen not […]
Actions and Energetics of Some Common North American Trees
by Laurel Redmon, M.S., L.Ac. Dipl. Ac.,C.H Trees, Earth’s largest plants, embody the wood element. Humans and trees have co-evolved to a degree that our lives seem unfathomable without their wealth of resources. Symbolically, trees have represented longevity, wisdom, fertility, and a strength that can yield without breaking. These universal themes apply to the elemental […]
The Abuse of Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica)
By Jeffrey S. Hoard I have used Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica) for years. I find it is very effective when used – in conjunction with other herbs and for a specific and very short period of time – for respiratory problems. It saddens me to contemplate that the FDA may now actually be considering […]
APPLICATIONS OF NEEM TO SKIN & HAIR For People and Pets
Neem Seed CO2 Essential Oil Soap/Shampoo Treatment: Add ½ teaspoon Neem Seed CO2 Essential Oil to every 1 oz of Cheryl’s Herbs Summer Soap/Shampoo or Cheryl’s Herbs Soap/Shampoo Base or any Cheryl’s Herbs Soap/Shampoos. Our Summer Soap/Shampoo makes an excellent choice because these herbs and essential oils are well known for their insect repellent action. […]