Herbal Medicine

Each fall, Oakland-based herbal pharmacy Five Flavor Herbs stocks up on mullein, marshmallow root, and wild cherry bark. These herbs are tools to protect against fire season, an annual necessity since nearby Santa Rosa was devastated by a series of wildfires in 2017. In 2020, over 3.5 million acres have burned in California alone—and brush fires continue to rage across the state and Oregon. The unprecedented scale of blazes sweeping across the West Coast, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, has infused new urgency into lung protection. Mutual aid organizations are stocking community fridges with free herb bundles, and herbalists are sharing tutorials for how to steam kitchen herbs like rosemary and thyme. Continue reading at MSN

Did you know the humble aspirin (salicylic acid) is derived from the bark of the willow tree (Salix babylonica)? And the glorious cure for most of days’ #firstworldproblems – caffeine – is harvested from coffee beans (Coffea arabica) and tea leaves (Camellia sinensis)? Most plants contain properties that are beneficial for our health and wellbeing. Herbs are wonderful examples. Depending on the herb, they may contain medicinal properties which can help with reducing inflammation, lower stress, and aid digestion. Plus, their delightful aromas and flavours can be used for variety of culinary uses, too. Leafy herbs like mint and oregano can be grown inside, provided they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight. Fruiting and rooting herbs and spices need at least 6-8 hours of full sun and are ...

One in two people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure or known way to prevent it but evidence hints at the promise of certain items in helping to keep it at bay. A particular herbal tea has displayed promise while helping to manage other health risks. Life expectancy is, to a degree, left to chance - a sobering thought to contemplate. You cannot dodge every threat that comes along but you can reduce your risk of facing them in the first place. What's more, you can take steps to ensure you are well-equipped to confront them. This holds particularly true in relation to chronic diseases, which threaten longevity. Your risk of cancer, for example, can be reduced and your response to it can be improved, by making healthy dietar...