Guest post by Naga Sanapally
Elderberry or Sambucus nigra, the Latin name, is one of the most versatile herbs closely tied to human health and healing. The history of Elderberry dates all the way back to 400 BC, and Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” called the Elder tree his “medicine chest”, for it seemed to cure a wide variety of ailments.
Plantago lanceolata and major are both common plants that grow across most of the United States and United Kingdom and are a member of the Plantaginaceae family. Plantain, as commonly known, likes to put down roots near human activity and is often found along roadsides, popping up through sidewalk cracks, in meadows and other areas where the soil has been disturbed. Not surprisingly, plantains in the garden are common and are usually considered unwelcome weeds. This is unfortunate because plantain is considered one of the most important healing herbs in the Materica Medica and is probably more nutritious than most of the leafy greens typically cultivated in garden patches.
Everyone longs for the summer getaways to the pools and beaches and sipping cold drinks at the waterside, but the joys of summer can sometimes leave you with sunburn. We are aware that the summer season brings a number of skincare issues that leave skin dry, dehydrated and rough.
It is a known fact that the summer season can use up large quantities of water in the body through sweat making skin look dull and parched. Though we flaunt our fancy hats and umbrellas to beat the heat, it is also important to follow a summer skincare regime to protect the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
This time of year is always so special. Everything starts to buzz with life and oscillate between bright, fresh, intense sun, extreme wind and rain. All elements playing their role in generating new bright green growth, vibrant flowers and energy in everything and everyone! Energy for “Spring Cleaning!”.
There are several thoughts about where the term “Spring Cleaning” came from. It appears to date back many centuries and could have been influenced by several traditions. The Jewish tradition during Passover (March and April) requires the removal of all leavened products from the house including utensils used for making these products. In doing so it is thought that this time coincided with a thorough clean of the house.
The topic of mental health has been in the media before the advent of Covid. Often looked at in binary terms of those who are healthy and those who have mental illness. The truth, however, is that mental wellness covers a huge spectrum. Even those who are "mentally healthy" can still improve their mental wellness. Without self-awareness and knowledge of how to maintain your mental health, poor mental health is something that can affect anyone of us.
The world has changed, and we are adjusting to new ways of living without any sense of how long this will go on. Throughout this pandemic and the latest lockdown, parents themselves are confused about the current situation, are often having difficulty to process their own emotions, whilst at the same time trying to coach and support their children.
Holiday meals are all about carbs, sugar, and, let’s face it, indulgence. And we’re all here for it. The holiday season is notorious for unwanted weight gain. But it’s not just the weight you gain, it’s the onslaught of sugary foods you’re not used to consuming which will play chaos with your blood sugar and insulin levels. This will leave you bloated, fatigued, and make you lethargic, decreasing your energy levels. Extra calories and less activity can mean a higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses. Scientific studies are showing that intermittent fasting may help reverse these trends.
