I believe that if we know the local herbs in any region well enough, we can rely on them nearly exclusively to treat most common complaints. This holds true for the Ozark region, where many classic American herbs grow and many introduced species also tend to flourish. In fact, the Ozarks are part of theContinue reading “Herbs of the Ozarks”
Category Archives: Herbs
Lavender for Sleep and Anxiety
Nearly all of us suffer from occasional sleeplessness. For those who experience it more often, insomnia may be taking a serious toll on their health. In the short term, lack of sleep causes fatigue, irritability, and reduced ability to concentrate the next day. Long-term insomnia can also contribute to serious health conditions like heart disease,Continue reading “Lavender for Sleep and Anxiety”
Fight Stress with Magnolia and Relora
Because of the serious impact stress can have on our health, stress-reducing herbs are becoming nearly as important as a multivitamin. An example that might be right for some people is Magnolia, a relaxing herb that has been shown in studies to be effective at reducing nervousness and anxiety in 78% of participants. Magnolia wasContinue reading “Fight Stress with Magnolia and Relora”
Invigorate and Protect with Cordyceps
When I added cordyceps to my morning supplements, I noticed a substantial increase in my energy levels. Other people have shared with me that taking cordyceps improved their endurance while exercising. These experiences made me curious to investigate this medicinal mushroom further. Cordyceps falls in the category of traditional herbs known as adaptogens that increaseContinue reading “Invigorate and Protect with Cordyceps”
Wild Cherry for Gout and Coughs
I remember spending hours during the summer as a child eating black cherries off a tree in our yard. It wasn’t until years later that I learned of the medicinal and nutritive benefits of this plant that is also known as wild cherry. The juice from the berries is a popular folk remedy for goutContinue reading “Wild Cherry for Gout and Coughs”
Keep Calm with Skullcap
Skullcap is one of the relaxing herbs that are native to the Southeastern United States. These herbs are known as nervines, and they both calm and tone the nervous system. Because of this calming effect, skullcap is used for mild cases of anxiety. Its active components have also been shown to bind serotonin receptors inContinue reading “Keep Calm with Skullcap”
Willow Bark: Herbal Aspirin?
Many people consider willow bark to be an herbal aspirin substitute. This is true for many of its actions, but there are some differences that are important to know about. The main commonality is that willow bark has analgesic and inflammation modulating effects that make it useful for pain. Willow bark is used for headachesContinue reading “Willow Bark: Herbal Aspirin?”
Detoxifying Yellow Dock
Yellow dock root is a great addition to a New Year’s detoxification plan by working gently to stimulate multiple organs involved in getting rid of toxins. Yellow dock is a mild acting laxative herb that can help with constipation or making sure the bowels are functioning well for the elimination of toxins. It is alsoContinue reading “Detoxifying Yellow Dock”
Medicinal Kitchen Spices: Favorite Spices From Your Favorite Naturopathic Doctors
I love the fact that most of our culinary herbs and spices also have medicinal benefits. Here is a few of the most common ones used by me and my colleagues. Dr. Laurell’s Favorite, Thyme- it is anti-microbial and reduces coughing so it is great choice for bronchitis. You can make a tea out ofContinue reading “Medicinal Kitchen Spices: Favorite Spices From Your Favorite Naturopathic Doctors”
Soothe Your Nerves with Passionflower
Passionflower is a relaxing herb that is native to Arkansas and other southeastern states. It is a close relative of passion fruit, but that species doesn’t have the calming action of passionflower. Even though the plant is named passionflower, we actually use the leaves of this vine before it flowers. One of the most commonContinue reading “Soothe Your Nerves with Passionflower”
Dr. Laurell Matthews, ND 