I have some oyster mushroom logs on my land, and was delighted to recently find that the combination of fall rains and warm days had led to a good harvest this year. I was also delighted to learn that in addition to being a gourmet treat, oyster mushrooms share many of the benefits of theContinue reading “Medicinal Mushrooms”
Category Archives: Health
Fiber For Appetite Control
Weight loss fads come and go. Currently, a fiber called glucomannan from konjac root is popular for appetite reduction to help people reach their weight goals. Since many Americans aren’t getting enough fiber in their diet, I often encourage this approach. Fiber is a nondigestible carbohydrate and is divided into two categories: soluble and insoluble.Continue reading “Fiber For Appetite Control”
Amazing, All-purpose Aloe
I love herbs and have many favorite herbs that I feel I couldn’t live without. One herb that I always have in my house is aloe. You might keep it around for topical use on burns, but like many herbs, aloe has an impressive list of uses. Topically, aloe can help speed wound healing asContinue reading “Amazing, All-purpose Aloe”
Support for Liver Detoxification
The liver is an amazing biochemical center of the body. It synthesizes important compounds for us like protein and lipids. It stores nutrients such as vitamin A and glycogen, a starch-like molecule used to maintain consistent blood sugar. The liver also is the main detoxification organ in the body. It neutralizes drugs, toxins and substancesContinue reading “Support for Liver Detoxification”
Help for Arthritis Pain
I am not yet 40 years old, but I have already started to notice some creaking in my joints, particularly in a shoulder I injured years ago. So I was not surprised to read that by age forty, 90% of people are already showing signs of osteoarthritic joint changes on x-rays even if they areContinue reading “Help for Arthritis Pain”
Probiotics
Because it is such an important foundation of our wellbeing, I emphasize digestive health in my practice. A key component of digestive health is having the correct balance of bacteria living in our gut. There are trillions of bacteria in the human gut with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria bifidum being the most important species forContinue reading “Probiotics”
New approach to osteoporosis prevention
New research in the area of osteoporosis shows that bone loss increases with the level of inflammation in the body. This gives us new clues on how to help prevent osteoporosis. In addition to standard support like calcium and vitamin D, we can work to address excess inflammation in the body. Though short-term inflammation associatedContinue reading “New approach to osteoporosis prevention”
Carnitine: For more than just weight loss
Weight loss supplements are always popular, but we want to make sure they meet two criteria. They need to be effective and safe. Though most supplements are safe, a few of them in past have been taken in excess and have caused health problems. This is why I am always recommending carnitine to patients whoContinue reading “Carnitine: For more than just weight loss”
Environmental Concerns in Herbal Medicine
When we utilize herbal medicine, we need to keep in mind the potential impact we might be having on the environment. This is similar to paying attention to the environmental impact of other things we consume like the toll that heavy meat intake has on the land. Herbs can be either harvested from the wildContinue reading “Environmental Concerns in Herbal Medicine”
Flaxseeds for Women’s Health
I work with a lot of women’s health issues, and it seems like the most common words out of my mouth are “ground flaxseeds.” It is commonly known that flax is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha linolenic acid (ALA). These healthy fats offer benefits to both men and women because they helpContinue reading “Flaxseeds for Women’s Health”
Dr. Laurell Matthews, ND 