A new show on the History channel, Appalachian Outlaws, highlights the politics of one of this region’s most valuable herbs, American ginseng. Many of us here in the Ozarks also have a personal attachment to this medicinal plant. A good friend of mine had the ginseng patch he had nurtured for over 20 years decimatedContinue reading “Save American Ginseng: Save Yourself”
Tag Archives: digestive health
Detoxification Support Part 3: Kidneys and Bowels
I work hard at reducing my exposure to toxic substances. I eat clean organic food, drink filtered water, and use all natural body care products and household cleaners. But I know that despite my efforts, toxins are so prevalent in the modern world that my body still has a toxin burden. This is why weContinue reading “Detoxification Support Part 3: Kidneys and Bowels”
Enhance Digestion and Absorption with Black Pepper
This ubiquitous spice on nearly every table in America is for more than just flavoring. Black pepper actually increases your ability to absorb nutrient. Black pepper stimulates the activity of the digestive tract by increasing the production of digestive enzymes and supporting normal gut motility. Black pepper also is a circulatory stimulant so it increasesContinue reading “Enhance Digestion and Absorption with Black Pepper”
Catnip: This Nerve Soothing Herb Is Not Just for Cats
My cats love it, but there are many great reasons for people to choose this nerve-toning herb too. While catnip is stimulating to cats, it is relaxing to us. Because of these benefits, catnip can be a good option for restlessness, insomnia, and nervous headaches. It also helps relax tense muscles and ease muscle spasms.Continue reading “Catnip: This Nerve Soothing Herb Is Not Just for Cats”
Spice Things Up: Warming Spices for Digestion
Now that we are getting some true fall weather, it is a good time of year to enjoy some of my favorite warming spices. I love hot beverages spiced with cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger just to name a few. I usually choose a tea that has some of these spices, but for special occasionsContinue reading “Spice Things Up: Warming Spices for Digestion”
Dandelion: Don’t overlook this friend in your yard
Fall is the time to start harvesting roots. Just like we will soon be digging our sweet potatoes out of the ground, it is also time to harvest the medicinal roots. As plants go dormant for the year, they store nutrients in their roots, making medicinal roots more potent in the fall. As far asContinue reading “Dandelion: Don’t overlook this friend in your yard”
Amazing American Ginseng
September is the beginning of American ginseng season here in Arkansas, or as the old-timers call it ‘sang. We are lucky to have such an amazingly beneficial plant growing nearby, but we need to make sure that we protect it. If you are lucky enough to know a ‘sang hunter or are one yourself, makeContinue reading “Amazing American Ginseng”
The Power of Probiotics
We have billions of microorganisms living in our guts and the balance of species of these organisms has a powerful effect on our overall health. Imbalances in gut flora are common due to antibiotics, disease, stress, or diets high in meat and saturated fats. The wrong population of bacteria in our guts can contribute toContinue reading “The Power of Probiotics”
Warming Spices for Winter Health
It is the first day of winter, and though the weather has been slightly warmer than usual here, I am still having some trouble adjusting to the cold. It is no wonder that many of the traditional holiday treats involve warming spices to help us feel cozy. Some of my favorites are mulled apple juiceContinue reading “Warming Spices for Winter Health”
Dr. Laurell Matthews, ND 