Catching a cold wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the lingering after-effects. A few days of intense discomfort is one thing, but a long drawn-out month of protracted misery is quite another. And really, what I'm talking about here is the cough. It's the cough that begins just as you believe you've made to the other side of your illness; it no longer feels as though you're swallowing razor blades when you eat or drink and you can almost smell again.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to find an herb that has superpowers? Imagine finding a plant that can support sleep, stress, body detoxification, memory functions, immune health and so much more. Meet Ashwagandha.
Nutrition for the second trimester should focus on five important elements that are vital for both mother and baby.
During May, take time to honor the mother within. This nurturing inner presence is creative, abundant, generous and compassionate. Nourish the feminine by making a healing soup with greens from the abundant earth. Green spring tonics are a time-honored tradition to encourage gentle liver and gall bladder renewal. Leafy greens, both wild and cultivated, are some of the most nutrient dense vegetables available.
When WishGarden Herbs' formulator and president, Catherine Hunziker, purchased the company from a colleague in 1987, the business literally fit inside her hallway closet. Now, 35 years later, WishGarden has a national reach and continues to grow in both size and mission. In this interview, Catherine shares her memories of WishGarden's past and her vision for its future.
As we enter the season of fluctuating temps, pollen deluge and biting insects, I entreat you to think of our old friend Peppermint.
Chamomile is an herb that soothes. From the digestive tract to the skin to the nervous system, the sweet smelling flowers of German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) are the very first thing I think of when there is a condition requiring a soothing action.
Ashwagandha is a perfect herbal medicine for people (particularly men) seeking more energy, stamina, and vitality for exercise and sexual function.
The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous and oftentimes new mothers are concerned with the quality and quantity of milk supply. Goat's Rue, or Galega officinalis, is an herbal galactagogue that has been used for centuries to increase breast milk supply.
Herbal aphrodisiacs increase libido, nourish the nervous system, and increase overall energy and stamina.
We asked three skincare experts to share their favorite-and easy-DIY skincare recipes for summer to keep you looking and feeling beautiful from head to toe.
We find balance in summer weather by eating foods that are bitter (cooling, moist), such as: unsweetened cocoa, olives, Dandelion, kale, celery, amaranth, quinoa, and millet. It is also important to take time to rest, sit in the shade, breathe deeply, and absorb the green color that surrounds us.
Those super sweet treats that we all associate with hot chocolate and campfires got their name from the plant they were originally made from — marshmallow. Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) is a tall perennial plant with pink flowers that is native to Africa but now found growing in other parts of the world. Its roots have been used as a food and medicine for thousands of years.
Hearty winter soup with lovage, an incredible herb supporting multiple body systems: revitalizes detox organs, supports the health of the urinary tract, and helps to activate the immune and lymphatic system.
With the recent outbreak all over the news people are thinking about mosquitoes. From the use of bay leaves in books to prevent bookworms or chili peppers in grain to prevent weevils, plants have long been used to repel bugs of all sorts. Mosquitoes are no different. Over time, plants have developed various chemical mechanisms to protect themselves from bugs. The essential oils that are extracted from these plants can also be used to help protect us as well.
Feeling flighty, nervous or jittery? I'm sure you have all heard numerous times how you should just "take a deep breath and slow down." Admittedly, when I used to hear this, I would just respond to the advice with a dramatic eye-roll. Here is a simple breathing technique, or pranayama, that works to relieve stress.
The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous and oftentimes new mothers are concerned with the quality and quantity of milk supply. Goat's Rue, or Galega officinalis, is an herbal galactagogue that has been used for centuries to increase breast milk supply.
Catching a cold wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the lingering after-effects. A few days of intense discomfort is one thing, but a long drawn-out month of protracted misery is quite another. And really, what I'm talking about here is the cough. It's the cough that begins just as you believe you've made to the other side of your illness; it no longer feels as though you're swallowing razor blades when you eat or drink and you can almost smell again.
Herbs can be a wonderful tool in aiding the body to deal with stress because, of all the things they do, one of the most important is that they nourish the body. This is exactly what you need in times of stress. Here are two categories of herbs that you should become best friends with this holiday season.
Oxy-what? You are not alone if you've never heard of oxymels.
In many cultures, there is a blurred line between food and medicine. In fact, many of our favorite foods and spice blends were first created for their medicinal purposes, including Moroccan ras-el-hanut and Ethiopian berbere. Beyond this, food is also a great way to get your daily dose of health-promoting herbs. Here are five great herbs to start cooking with.
PMS or "premenstrual syndrome" refers to a group of symptoms experienced in the days leading up to a woman's period. Many factors can contribute to PMS, but there are also beneficial foods that help ease the physical and emotional discomfort that accompany the body's sensitivity to hormonal changes.
Ginseng is easily one of the most famous herbs with a long and rich history. When people talk about ginseng, they are almost always referring to the Asian species, Panax ginseng. While this is a wonderful medicinal plant, we are lucky to also have a ginseng species that is native to North America.
Nettle, or Stinging Nettle, is an herb with many medicinal benefits. Because of the antihistamines-like compounds, Nettle is an excellent supportive herb for seasonal discomforts such as allergies. It was used in Roman times for healthy circulation when the soldiers were freezing in northern Europe. It is also used to soothe aching and stiff joints. Nettle is chock-a-block full of vitamins and minerals.
Detox: We all know it's a good idea. We're sure we need it, but where do we begin? And can we really commit? The answer, dear friends, is YES!
Build and Support Immunity Through Conscious Dietary Choices.
Here is one my favorite recipes for the summer: an Elder-scented Aqua Fresca made with sweet summer strawberries. Delicious and refreshing, it draws on Elder's power to clear away that summer heat and keep you cool.
Herbal "bitters" are gaining popularity these days among adults, and it's no wonder why. They're a great way to support one's digestive health. They've not only been found to help stimulate digestion, but they're a great way to increase the amount of prebiotics in one's diet and support healthy bowel function, too.
Every good garden starts with a little planning. Medicinal herb gardens can be especially well planned, since much of what you use may be growing wild in your area. For me, this means the tonic herbs: Nettles and red raspberry leaf.
During a recent trip to Northern California, a WishGardener caught some great photos (Starfish Asteroidea) of some extraordinary sea life, thanks to a record low tide. Feeling intrigued by these brightly colored sea creatures, she did a little asking around and found out some interesting facts about the starfish.
When Winter turns to Spring, your digestion might feel a bit sluggish, Spring time allergies may cause you to have an excess amount of mucus, you may experience some weight gain or water retention, and you may feel lethargic or depressed. So, what to do? When we change our eating and lifestyle habits to echo the current season, we can help to combat symptoms oftentimes before they arise.
American Scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a member of the Lamiacea (Mint) family. It is a rich source of calcium, potassium, zinc, and magnesium — all essential for a healthy nervous and immune system. Scullcap is a favorite herb for combining with other plant allies to alleviate common discomforts, from stress and sore muscles to menstrual and growing pains.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a gentle diffusive herb with many medicinal uses. It supports digestive function and encourages a healthy inflammation response, but it's known best for its strong aromatic menthol compounds. In our Magic Mint Breath Spray, Peppermint freshens your breath and supports healthy microbial balance in the mouth!
Delicious bite-sized snacks perfect for the on-the-go Dad. Chock full of nutrients and adaptogenic herbs like maca, reishi, and pumpkin seeds help boost energy and endurance without depleting the body. By supplying a good balance of protein, healthy fats and fiber, you'll be ensuring Dad gets the nutrition he needs, carrying him through the day without the need to resort to sugar-laden snacks and too many cups of coffee.
The delicious breakfast smoothie below is an easy and effective way to give your adrenals a boost. You'll get plenty of fiber, healthy fats, protein and phytonutrients in addition to the healing and restorative benefits of adaptogenic herbs.
In this interview with WishGarden Herbs' Quality Control Manager, Nicole Anderson, we go beyond the ingredient list to find out exactly what goes into every bottle of WishGarden's herbal formulas when it comes to ensuring a safe, high-quality product!
As the days get shorter, we sometimes find our metabolism slipping into lower gears. And when that happens, you may look for way to boost your energy. One way to do that naturally is by harnessing the power of our herbal allies, such as Schisandra, Yerba Mate, and Maca, all found in our new Rise & Shine Daily Energy Boost.
When I think of chocolate, I picture rich and creamy dark chocolate bars from equatorial climates all over the world. Chocolate makes a great addition to savory dishes as well, such as the mole poblano sauce I enjoyed while living in Ecuador. As this precious fermented food becomes more globally available, I remember my grandfather, who only enjoyed chocolate once a year on Christmas day.
Summer is here, the kids are out of school, and vacations are being planned. It's that time of the year when we all think of being outside, enjoying the sun, going on adventures, and relaxing with friends and family. Now, as nice as that sounds, it can quickly turn into a not-so-fun situation if sunburns become part of the picture, especially if it's your child who's burnt.
Across the globe, we see extreme weather conditions disrupting our economies and livelihoods. The plant world is not exempt from the effects of these drastic conditions. WishGarden explores the benefits of Forest Farming, an innovative approach to botanical sourcing that aligns with the ethos of sustainability.
