Detergents and Your Endocrine System

What is the Endocrine System?:

The endocrine system is a network of glands, organs, and pathways that produce hormones and send them along to carry messages to certain cells and organs. This process influences many of your daily bodily functions and regulates big systems like your metabolism, reproductive systems, stress responses, and many others! Organs involved in the endocrine system include the pituitary gland, the thyroid, the adrenal glands, the parathyroid, and the pancreas. 

What is an Endocrine Disruptor?:

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) can naturally occur in our environment or be human-made. These chemicals mimic, interfere with, and block the body’s naturally occurring hormones. Even small levels of these chemicals can have a big impact, as hormones act in very small amounts.

Not to be an alarmist, but many of our everyday items contain EDCs. Many cosmetics, toys, food packaging, and detergents contain varying amounts of EDCs. We come into contact with them in our air, food, and water. Though they can’t be eliminated entirely from our lives, we can make small choices to decrease our interactions with them. 

If you want to learn more about endocrine disruptors, check out this article by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Endocrine Disruptors.

Everyday Items That Contain EDCs:

  • Laundry Detergents: Many detergents in the US contain chemicals known as Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs). The EU and Canada have since banned NPEs. Unfortunately, the US still uses them in a wide array of products. Studies are showing that they have the potential to impact hormone function, which can lead to infertility and even affect fetal development. 
  • Cosmetics: Among many other things, cosmetics typically contain 1,4-dioxane, a chemical compound that is known to be “likely carcinogenic to humans” and a possible hormone disruptor. 1,4-dioxane is rarely listed on ingredient labels, but it’s found in soaps, detergents, and shampoos. 
  • Fragrance products: Many of our household products contain synthetic fragrances: detergents, cosmetics, feminine hygiene products, baby products, shampoos, powders, dish soaps, etc. Common fragrance ingredients to look out for include: 
    • Beta-myrcene, a carcinogen and fragrance ingredient found in 3 out of 7 cleaning products and 19 out of 25 personal care products
    • Diethyl phthalate (DEP), a common EDC found in cleaning and personal care products
    • DEHP (Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), even though this phthalate was banned in the EU over 20 years ago, we still have it in many of our personal care items, notably Summer’s Eve Feminine Products
    • Propylene glycol, this EDC is known to impact reproductive health and is found in cosmetics, fragrances, topical medications, soaps and cleansers, hair care products, deodorants, as well as E-cigarettes and vapes

How to Avoid EDCs in Laundry Detergents:

Opt for an eco-friendly, Environmental Working Group-approved product:

  • AspenClean Laundry Pods
  • Blueland
  • Seventh Generation

Make your own!:

At-Home Powder Laundry Detergent (stays good indefinitely)

Ingredients:

  • 1 bar of castile soap, chopped or grated (on the smallest grater setting you have)
  • 1 cup of coarse salt
  • 1 cup of washing soda
  • 1 cup of baking soda

Instructions:

  • Chop or grate your castile soap into small pieces
  • Then, add all of your ingredients to a food processor and blend until your powder is incorporated. 
  • I will typically triple this recipe, which lasts me a few months. 

If you prefer a liquid detergent, check out this blog post by Live Simply

If you’re looking for recommendations on choosing safe Cookware, Tupperware, or Toys, check out our blog: Holiday Toy and Gift Safety – A Naturopathic Perspective!

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Pouring herbal tea into a teacup
May’s Herb of the Month: Cleavers

We see it time and time again. Mother Nature grows just what we need, just when we need it. Springtime is filled with blood-building and liver-detoxing bright green herbs/weeds. Many spring greens help us shake the winter off and give us the energy to head into the hot and heavy summer. Cleavers is one of those herbs that look like weeds but work like magic. Lining many gardens, this little, unassuming plant is an excellent water purifier for your body. It helps cleanse the lymphatic system and the kidneys, and is especially helpful at relieving pain during urinary tract infections.  

Common name: Cleavers

Latin name: Galium aparine

Part Used: Aerial parts, during flowering, before going to seed

Benefits: Mineral-rich, lymphatic support, blood cleanser

Taste: Salty, Moist, Mild, “Green”, Sweet 

Energetics: Cooling, Relaxing, Moistening in the short-term, and Astringent in the long-term

History:

Cleavers has a long history as a plant medicine in North America as well as parts of Europe. It’s also a favorite among deer! In the spring, when does are giving birth to fawns, they look for beds of cleavers. This is for their plushy texture and sweet, straw-like scent that masks their own to help avoid predators. Because of this, Indigenous American groups considered cleavers to be “Deer Medicine,” and considered it a remedy that relates specifically to the nerves, artists, and beauty. In Greece, a 1st-century Greek physician, Dioscorides, prescribed it for weariness. Greek shepherds and Swedish dairy farmers used dried cleavers to fashion sieves through which they would strain their herds’ milk. 

 

Cleavers has many nicknames, one of them being Lady’s Bedstraw. During medieval times, it was used both to stuff mattresses and to throw about the floor to cover unpleasant odors. 

Benefits:

Mineral-Rich: Cleavers, like many mineral-rich plants (stinging nettle), taste a little bit salty.

 

Alterative:

When an herb is considered an alterative, it’s considered to open the body’s natural detoxification pathways and promote metabolic waste elimination. It does this through diuretic mechanisms and supports the kidneys, urinary tract, and lymphatic systems to “clean house!”

 

Lymphatic Support/Mover: 

Cleavers is known as a lymphagogue, which means it stimulates the lymphatic system to produce and move more lymph. In this way, it acts as a soothing or cooling relaxant diuretic. It is therefore very beneficial for inflamed UTIs with symptoms of burning upon urination and swollen lymph nodes around the groin region. 

 

Nervous-system support: 

While not considered a calmative agent for the nervous system, cleavers may still support it by combating inflammatory nerve conditions. Cleavers are often used alongside other nervine herbs, such as oat straw or lemon balm, for those presenting with nervousness or excess sympathetic nervous system activity. 

Emotional Aspects of Cleavers:

Cleavers is associated with emotional attachments, boundaries, and letting go. They clear negative or heavy energies and stagnant emotions and behaviors to balance emotional well-being. Cleavers is aptly named, in that as a plant, it cleaves or clings to passersby. As an emotional plant medicine, they do the opposite in that they help untangle and let go of emotional baggage. 

How To Use Fresh Herbs: 

  1. Add to any cooked or stewed meal just as you would with any other herb.
  1. Make cleavers tea
  2. Incorporate fresh cleavers into apple cider vinegar for salad dressings. Just take one part fresh cleavers and submerge them in two parts apple cider vinegar. Then, use the vinegar in place of lemon juice when making your dressing. 
  3. Blend with a small amount of water to make a juice to drink or to soothe sunburnt skin.
  4. Add to a green smoothie. Cleavers have a mild flavor, so they’re an excellent green to add. Green Smoothie with Cleavers by Jennifer Prentice at My Healthy Homemade LifeIngredients
    • 2 cups water
    • 1 cup chopped fresh cleavers
    • 1/2 cup fresh chopped pineapple
    • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mango
    • 1/2- 1 frozen banana (frozen in chunks)
    • 1 tbsp chia seeds

    Instructions

    •  Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately

 

Want to learn more about herbs? Check out some of our other Herbs of the Month:

 

April Herb of the Month: Lemon Balm, The Herb That “Makes The Heart Merry”

March’s Herb of the Month: Violet

February Herb of the Month: Hawthorn, the Herb of the Heart

January Herb of the Month: Fennel, A Natural Way To Avoid Gas and Bloating

 

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Earth Day Every Day

Every year, on April 22nd, we celebrate Earth Day. It’s an important day as we show love and support for our first home, our planet Earth. Earth Day is a day of celebration to raise awareness around some of our most pressing environmental issues – issues like climate change, pollution, habitat loss, and natural resource loss. 

 

History: 

Post WWII, the American economy was booming, with little regard for the toll it was taking on the environment. By the 1960s, we were at an environmental crossroads. For decades, factories with little to no environmental regulations had been churning out pollution so consistently that rivers literally caught on fire. Though this had been happening for a while, it wasn’t until the publication of Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring that the general public took note and began to demand some token of environmental justice. 

 

From there, the movement made its way through the American university system. After a Wisconsin Senator saw the vast damage of an oil spill in California in 1969, he called for a nationwide teach-in to discuss the implications of forgetting to take care of our natural environment and to urge politicians to take action. With the help of activists, this teach-in became the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. Since its establishment, Earth Day has always had a deep connection to college campuses and in fact, always falls on April 22nd due to this date being between spring break and the end of the academic year. Over 20 million students, teachers, and community members participated in the first Earth Day. It was the largest grassroots movement in US history at the time. 

 

Earth Day’s Legacy: In response to the growing unrest over environmental degradation, Earth Day prompted the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and initiated change in legislation, which resulted in the creation of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. Today, Earth Day is celebrated in 190 countries. 

 

Earth Day, Every Day! 

You can celebrate Earth Day every day by:

Celebrating Nature! Appreciate the beauty of nature all around you. Learn about new places across the globe. Take time to look at the small things like the little bugs in a creek. Take time to look at the big things like all the stars in the night sky. 

Perpetuating environmental awareness! Take note of and share about environmental issues that are dear to you. Consider issues like deforestation, climate change, plastic pollution, species loss, etc. 

Taking Action! Participate in a community environmental activity that’s important to you. Join in on cleanups, host a clothing swap to keep clothing items out of landfills, or learn about native plants and their roles in keeping our environment healthy. 

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April Herb of the Month: Lemon Balm, The Herb That “Makes The Heart Merry”

Melissa officinalis, commonly known as lemon balm, is an aromatic member of the Lamiaceae family and, therefore, is thought to have high antioxidant potential.1 It’s a fast-growing perennial, native to southern Eurasia, and later naturalized in North and South America and beyond over the generations.2 This global spread lets us know just how widely used and depended upon lemon balm really is! 

 

Common name: Lemon Balm

Latin name: Melissa officinalis

Part Used: leaves

Benefits: Nervine (supports and calms the nervous system), Cognitive Support, Antispasmodic (relieves muscle spasms), Antiviral, Carminative (dispels gas),  Antioxidant

Taste:  sour, sweet, bitter

Energetics: cooling and slightly drying

History:

Traditionally, its lemon-scented leaves were used for problems with indigestion specifically associated with anxiety, as well as for its carminative (meaning it helps dispel gas), sedative, and antispasmodic (relaxes muscles) properties.3 Folk medicine practitioners have also used it topically to treat genital and oral herpes.4,5

 

Historically, descriptions of lemon balm can be found in ancient Turkish texts from thousands of years ago, where lemon balm was planted near bee hives to encourage the swift return of honey bees after collecting pollen. Its name is even derived from the Greek word melissa, which means a honeybee, and the Temple of Artemis beekeepers used it to keep their honeybees happy and healthy.6 

 

Additionally, throughout the Renaissance, lemon balm was prolifically used as an aromatic tonic called Carmelite Water. The recipe for Carmelite Water was so prized that Louis XIV, XV, and XVI of France granted patents for it under the name ‘Eau de Melisse des Carmes.’  The Carmelite friars who were known to make this tonic kept the recipe and its patent untouched and secret.  All that’s known about the patent recipe now is that it was made of lemon balm, coriander seeds, angelica root, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves pounded together and steeped in wine. Historically, bathing was such a rare occurrence at the time, so lemon balm was used to mask the constant odor, which made this tonic sell like hotcakes (or whatever the Renaissance equivalent of hotcakes is). It also covered up the almost constant stench from illness and death (so many plagues, so little time!). 

Benefits:

Effects on the Nervous System:

Lemon balm is highly concentrated in compounds called volatile oils (such as citral, citronellal, and geraniol). All of these volatile oils have demonstrated a calming influence on the nervous and digestive systems while also producing anti-inflammatory effects. Lemon balm has also demonstrated through studies to be effective at producing sedative and sleep-inducing reactions, with higher doses being helpful in the treatment of headaches and dysmenorrhea (painful periods).7 Further, foods containing lemon balm often produce mild improvements in mood and cognitive performance.8 

 

Anti-Inflammatory Properties:

Lemon balm contains many beneficial compounds, such as rosmarinic acid.9 Studies show that Rosmarinic acid specifically produces strong anti-inflammatory results, and therefore, it’s used in supplemental treatments of cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and depression.10 Additionally, the volatile oil citral, mentioned above, is anti-inflammatory and can counterbalance the effects of free radical damage.11

 

Digestive Tract Issues:

As mentioned above, lemon balm is a carminative, so it’s especially helpful at dispersing excess gas after a meal. It also contains specific components that aid in bile production, which helps break down fats. Basically, a cup of lemon balm tea is the perfect addition to any after-meal treat!

Emotional Aspects of Lemon Balm:

Lemon balm is calming yet uplifting, especially to the emotional heart. Therefore, it’s a perfect pairing for hyper-sensitive emotional states. It’s also said to remove blocks and provide comfort to those who have experienced shock or panic. Additionally, it symbolizes feminine energy, intuition, and emotional healing.

Recipes

Carmelite Water Recipe with Lemon Balm by Mountain Rose Herbs -Makes about 3 cups.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon balm leaves or 1/4 cup dried organic lemon balm
  • 1/4 cup dried organic angelica root
  • 1 Tbsp. dried organic coriander seed
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon zest (about 1 small organic lemon)
  • 1 tsp. fair trade, organic (cassia) cinnamon chips
  • 2 fair trade, organic whole cloves
  • 1/8 tsp. freshly grated fair trade, organic nutmeg
  • 1 bottle of organic dry white wine

Instructions

  • Combine all the herbs and spices in a glass quart jar.
  • Pour the wine into the jar.
  • Stir well.
  • Cover with a lid.
  • Steep for 4 to 6 hours.
  • Strain through several layers of cheesecloth or a coffee filter and compost the herbs.
  • Place the infused wine in an airtight container and chill for several hours.
  • Enjoy within 3 to 5 days.

 

Bees Knees Mocktail Recipe by Mountain Rose Herbs – Makes 2 drinks.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water + 1/4 cup, divided
  • 10 organic juniper berries
  • 1/4 cup organic lemon balm
  • 1 tbsp. raw, local honey
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
  • 3 tsp. organic apple cider vinegar

 

Instructions

  • Add 1 cup water and juniper berries to a small pot.
  • Put on medium-high heat and bring to a simmer.
  • Then, lower heat and infuse for 10 minutes.
  • Add lemon balm and infuse for another 10 minutes.
  • Strain out herbs and stir honey into infusion.
  • Add to cocktail shaker.
  • Pour in the remaining 1/4 cup water, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar.
  • Add ice and shake until nice and chilled.
  • Pour into cocktail glass.
  • Garnish with lemon and enjoy!

 

Loving learning about herbs? Check out some of our past herbs of the month!

 

March, Violet: Cleansing and Cooling

February, Hawthorne: Great for Heart Health

January, Fennel: Combat Gas and Bloating

 

References

  1. Hohmann J, Zupkó I, Ré dei D, et al. Protective Effects of the Aerial Parts of Salvia ofJicinalis, Melissa ofJicinalis and Lavandula angustifolia and their Constituents against Enzyme-Dependent and Enzyme-Independent Lipid Peroxidation. Planta Med. 1999;65(6):576-578. doi:10.1055/s-2006-960830.
  2. Rosemary Gladstar. Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. Storey Publishing; 2012.
  3. Ulbricht C, Brendler T, Gruenwald J, et al. Lemon balm (Melissa Officinalis L.): an evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Herb Pharmacother. 2005;5(4):71-114.
  4. Astani A, Navid MH, Schnitzler P. Attachment and penetration of acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus are inhibited by Melissa Officinalis extract. Phytother Res PTR. 2014;28(10):1547-1552. doi:10.1002/ptr.5166.
  5. Rudolf Fritz Weiss, MD. Herbal Medicine. 6th ed. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd.; 1991.
  6. LEMON BALM. https://academics.hamilton.edu/foodforthought/our_research_files/lemon_balm.pdf

7.Soulimani R, Fleurentin J, Mortier F, Misslin R, Derrieu G, Pelt JM. Neurotropic action of the hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa Officinalis in the mouse. Planta Med. 1991;57(2):105-109. doi:10.1055/s-2006-960042.

  1. Scholey A, Gibbs A, Neale C, et al. Anti-Stress Effects of Lemon Balm-Containing Foods. Nutrients. 2014;6(11):4805-4821. doi:10.3390/nu6114805.
  2. Carnat AP, Carnat A, Fraisse D, Lamaison JL. The aromatic and polyphenolic composition of lemon balm (Melissa Officinalis L. subsp. officinalis) tea. Pharm Acta Helv. 1998;72(5):301-305. doi:10.1016/S0031-6865(97)00026-5.
  3. Bulgakov VP, Inyushkina YV, Fedoreyev SA. Rosmarinic acid and its derivatives: biotechnology and applications. Crit Rev Biotechnol. 2012;32(3):203-217. doi:10.3109/07388551.2011.596804.
  4. Apoptosis-Inducing Effects of Melissa Officinalis L. Essential Oil in Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells (PDF Download Available). ResearchGate. https:// www.researchgate.net/publication/261762686_Apoptosis- Inducing_Effects_of_Melissa_ofJicinalis_L_Essential_Oil_in_Glioblastoma_Multiforme _Cells. Accessed August 17, 2017.

 

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Celebrate the Spring Equinox With Us!

The spring (or “vernal”) equinox marks one of two times a year when the Earth’s axis is tilted in a direction so that our daylight hours equal our night hours. In fact, the word “equinox” is Latin, meaning “equal night.” This means that after today, our nights will be getting shorter, and our days will be getting longer. This equinox marks the transition from winter to spring, even if it’s seemed a little springy out since the beginning of March. Before modern technology, our survival was integrally related to the sun and its warmth. We wouldn’t be able to grow food to eat, complete our work, or even survive if our hemisphere didn’t rotate its way back toward the sun. Because of this, many pre-modern cultures marked and celebrated the return of the sun. 

 

Spring Equinox of Past:

  • The Celts marked the spring equinox with rituals and celebrations involving bonfires, meant to symbolize warmth, vitality, and purity. As an agrarian culture, the return of the sun was very important to them. 
  • Holi is a Hindu festival of colors that has been celebrating the arrival of spring since about the 4th century CE. To celebrate, people throw brightly colored powders, called gulal, up into the air and at each other while dancing and feasting. 
  • Ango-Saxons marked the spring equinox by celebrating the goddess Ēostre. She was associated with spring, dawn, fertility, and rebirth and is most likely where we get the word Easter. 
  • Since about 2700 BCE, Egyptians have celebrated the spring equinox with a festival called Sham el-Nessim. It was a time where they would offer salted fish and other foods to their gods, hoping to ensure a good crop season. Sham el-Nessim is still celebrated to this day and is one of the few holidays that is celebrated by the whole country, as it predates both Christianity and Islam.

 

Spring Equinox in Natural Medicine:

Energetically, this time of year aligns more with New Year’s resolutions than January. So don’t worry if some resolutions have slipped through the cracks. The sun is now on your side! Naturopathic medicine draws much of its wisdom from observing the natural world, so we believe this time of year is important for experiencing renewal. With more sunlight to go around, our bodies may even feel a little more invigorated and lively. Like new baby plants that have to push their way through the cold earth, spring’s energy is powerful. New growth on spring trees is both extremely strong and extremely flexible. This is how we should leave winter and enter spring. And after a long winter of heavy foods, we need to help support our bodies’ detox pathways to help them work more efficiently this spring. This means supporting our livers with bright and fresh spring greens and lots of fresh herbs. 

 

Spring Nutrition: Bitter Nourishing Foods 

As soon as our tongue tastes food that is even mildly bitter, this sends a direct message to our stomach and pancreas to begin making digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes such as amylase, lactase, and lipase, help us break down macromolecules (proteins, fats, and carbs) into small, more digestible pieces before they move into our lower digestive tract. Digestive enzymes are essential for good digestion.

Bitter Foods To Enjoy for Spring:
  • Dandelion greens
  • Burdock root
  • Chicory
  • Kale
  • Green tea
  • Chamomile tea
  • Radishes 
  • Watercress

 

Combat Allergies Naturally:

Seasonal allergies are one of the more common frustrations we hear about from our patients this time of year. Luckily, there are many things we can do to support our body’s histamine clearance. One simple thing to add to our daily routine is to drink nettle tea. Nettles work in part by blocking histamine receptors as well as lowering inflammation in general.  Try this overnight Nettle Infusion out for yourself! Note: using nettles is just a small portion of many techniques for allergy support. They typically need to be used for over a month before benefits are noticed. 

Recipe: Overnight Nettle Infusion

Take a 1-pint mason jar and add 4 tablespoons of dried nettle leaves. Cover with room temperature filtered water and fill to the brim of the jar. Seal with a tight-fitting lid and give it a good shake. Let sit overnight to infuse. In the morning, strain out the nettle and sip throughout the day for allergy support. Add a squeeze of lemon or a bit of honey to taste.

 

Spring Morning Routine

After daylight savings time, try to awaken and get out of bed at the same time each day. This consistency will help to align your body to the time change. It will also support your circadian rhythm throughout the day and night, supporting your sleep quality. Ideally, wake just before sunrise and enjoy the morning sunlight on your face and skin. 

 

Want more tips for Spring? Check out some of our other recent blogs:

 

 

Works Cited

“Sham El-Nessim: A Guide to the Egyptian Spring Festival.” Middle East Eye, www.middleeasteye.net/discover/what-sham-el-nessim-egypt-spring-festival-explained.

‌Equinox, Spring. “An Darach Forest Therapy.” An Darach Forest Therapy, 20 Mar. 2024, silvotherapy.co.uk/articles/spring-equinox-celts-picts.

“Holi : A Joyful and Colorful Festival, HoliFestival.org.” Holifestival.org, 2019, www.holifestival.org/.

‌“Celebrate the Spring Equinox and Ostara.” Www.cantonpl.org, www.cantonpl.org/blogs/post/celebrate-the-spring-equinox-and-ostara/.

 

 

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March’s Herb of the Month: Violet

This month’s Herb of the Month: Violets

Looking around our local landscapes, starting in March, we begin to notice the at-first small and then undeniably robust signs of spring emerging. Signs of life seem to crack open from the cold of winter. And all of a sudden, the vibrancy of green crawls over our natural spaces. Looking at your lawn or any patch of grass that isn’t sprayed with lawn care chemicals, you might notice the beginnings of the violet season. When given the chance, these little beauties will spread their celebration of spring and can easily maintain a steady presence year after year. I like to take a mental note of the first violets I see every year. Like many plants deemed “weeds,” violets have a deep history and medicinal benefits.

Common name: Violet
Latin name: Viola sororia
Parts Used: flowers, leaves, stems
Benefits: Soothing, Anti-inflammatory, Expectorant, Lymphagogue (stimulates the production and flow of lymph), Vulnerary (promotes wound healing), Diuretic, and Mild laxative,
Taste: aromatic, slightly sweet, and slightly salty
Energetics: cooling and moistening

History:

There are about 500 species of violets around the world, so of course, just about every corner of the world has a historical account, myth, or legend about violets. Folklorically, there is a myth from an ancient people group from what is present-day Turkey that seems to be inspired by the Greek and Roman myths of Venus and Adonis. In this story, the great mother earth goddess Cybele loved Attis. Wild boar killed Attis while he was hunting, and violets sprang up wherever his blood touched the ground. Violets were also used in ancient medicine for gout, headaches, and dry hacking coughs. They were also used to flavor wines and sweeten dishes.

Benefits:

Violets can be used medicinally as teas, tinctures, salves, syrups, and food. They’re very high in minerals and can be used internally as a blood cleanser, respiratory remedy, and lymphatic stimulant. They have a cooling and moistening impact, so they’re helpful in respiratory remedies. Violet tea is an excellent companion for a sore throat. They also have a slightly mucilaginous property and are able to soothe hoarse or raspy bronchial tissues. In European Herbalism, violets, along with marshmallow and licorice roots, were used for ailments such as bronchitis and whooping cough. In addition to its mucilage, violets also contain soluble fiber, so they may positively affect cholesterol levels and microbiota integrity (since soluble fibers feed our gut bugs).

Violets can be used topically as a salve for chafed skin, eczema, hemorrhoids, and abrasions. Their cooling and moistening properties can soothe inflamed skin.

Emotional Aspects of Violets:

Violets have an affinity for the heart. In fact, violets are also referred to as “Heartsease.” From an emotional/energetic standpoint, violets protect the heart and support its opening up, moving beyond grief and heartache and calming the emotional nerves.  Folk herbalists used them to support the physical and emotional heart since the days of Hildegard von Bingen, the 11th-century German Benedictine abbess and herbalist.

Recipes

Precautions: There are many types of violets out there. Make sure you’re looking for the Common Blue Violet. Violets also have many look-alikes, some of which are inedible or poisonous, so only harvest them when you are 100% sure that it’s a violet. Additionally, the roots of most violet species can cause nausea and vomiting.

Enjoy violet leaves and flowers in salads, pestos, sandwiches, and wraps. The leaves and flowers can be harvested with scissors throughout the spring until the leaves become too fibrous. You can also sautée, steam, or stir the leaves into soups as a nutrient-dense thickener. The flowers also make a beautiful garnish – ex: sprinkled on salads and used to decorate cakes.

Violet Syrup – by Learning Herbs
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh violet flowers
  • 2 cups just-boiled water
  • 1/4 cup honey (or sweetener of choice)
  • Lemon juice (small amounts, optional)

Instructions

  • Place the violet flowers in a pint-sized glass jar.
  • Fill the jar with just-boiled water. Stir well. Cover.
  • Let sit for at least 30 minutes to 24 hours.
  • Strain off the flowers.
  • At this stage, you can choose to add lemon juice. When I make violet tea, the water turns blue. I like to add just a few drops of lemon juice to make it purple. The more you add, the more the color will change. More lemon juice can result in a magenta or pink color. Go slowly to get the color you want.
  • Add honey (or sweetener of choice). Stir well.
  • Store in the fridge and use within a few days. For a longer shelf life, measure the liquid, add an equal volume of honey or sugar, and use within a month. Discard if it develops mold.
    Yield: Approximately 2 cups

*Make your violet syrup into violet lemonade! Just combine violet syrup and fresh lemon juice. Add sparkling water or club soda to taste, and enjoy!

Violet Green Juice – by The Herbal Academy

Ingredients

  • 1 large handful of spring or new violet leaves
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  • Wash violet leaves
  • Combine with water in a blender
  • Blend thoroughly until leaves are completely macerated into a smooth green juice.
  • Drink and feel energized by the green goodness!
References

1.Blankespoor J. Violet’s edible and medicinal uses. Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine. Published April 13, 2016. https://chestnutherbs.com/violets-edible-and-medicinal-uses/
2.Violet Herb. HerbalRemediesAdvice.org. Published 2022. Accessed March 7, 2025. https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/violet-herb.html

You may also be interested in:

Herbal Bitters: The Best Digestive Aide

Herbal Steam for Bronchial Wellness

Check out previous Herb of the Month posts!

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Hawthorn herb
February Herb of the Month: Hawthorn, the Herb of the Heart

As we progress through the cycle of seasonal changes, we find ourselves in mid-to-late winter. February is a time of deep rest, just before new spring energy arrives. Continuing our monthly walk with herbs, February’s herb of the month is hawthorn, the great heart herb. Hawthorn has been used throughout the ages for physical and emotional heart health. Hawthorn trees decorate the global landscape with many species, each native to a different region. Though some species were already native to North America, Eastern Hemisphere ancestors brought over many of our current hawthorn trees from the old world, indicating their profound importance. 

 

Common name: Hawthorn

Latin name: Crataegus monogyna

Part Used: berries, flowers, leaves, and young twigs 

Benefits: Cardiovascular health, emotional health, aids in digestion

Taste: slightly sweet, sour, astringent 

Energetics: cooling and moist

History:

Due to its globalized nature, hawthorn has a history of being used in countries all over the world for hundreds, if not thousands of years. As early as the 1st century, China used hawthorn for its cardiovascular benefits as well as its strengthening effect on the spleen. Also, according to Traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn helps promote healthy digestion and blood circulation. Its Latin name, Crataegus, comes from the Greek word krataigos, which roughly translates to “strong thorn.” The Greek physician wrote of hawthorn, “Its fruit stops diarrhea when drunk and eaten. Its root finely ground and plastered extracts splinters and thorns.” This was likely due to its astringent flavor.

Hawthorn has many informal names, such as the Maythorn and the Thorn Apple. This is likely because it typically blooms into beautiful white flowers around the beginning of May. Legend has it that May Poles were made out of hawthorn trees and that the Mayflower was named after the hope inspired by the hawthorn trees, as they were seen as a symbol of hope and love. 

Additionally, according to folklore, it was believed to be bad luck to cut down hawthorn branches and bring them inside. But if left outside, hawthorn branches would keep witches out. 

Benefits: 

Hawthorn is considered a great heart herb, and all of its parts are used to benefit heart health. The berries, flowers, leaves, and young twigs all contain high bioflavonoid and antioxidant content. Hawthorn works on the heart by helping to dilate the veins and arteries, which helps blood flow more freely to and from the heart, releasing cardiovascular constrictions. It also works as a tonic, which means it helps strengthen the heart muscle, works as a preventative measure, and works best when taken regularly. It can also help to regulate and normalize blood pressure and cholesterol. Hawthorn is an excellent natural option for people who bruise easily, as it works to strengthen the ligaments, tendons, and capillaries. 

Emotional Aspects of Hawthorn:

Being the herb of the heart, hawthorn is a great natural approach to emotional heartache as well. Herbalists and naturopaths employ it to help with grief and deep sadness. Just like the thorns of the hawthorn tree protect its berries, hawthorn helps protect your emotional heart. It helps those who are attempting to have a more open and courageous heart, and it also helps set emotional boundaries for those who need help with deep heartache. Hawthorn also helps support the nervous system and, therefore, is used to alleviate nerves and anxiety. 

Recipes

Precautions: Before taking hawthorn, individuals who are taking beta-blockers or other heart health medications should consult an experienced practitioner.

  1. Rosemary Gladstar’s Heart-ease Tea 

According to Rosemary Gladstar, “This is an effective remedy for deep-seated grief and feelings of loss. It’s also an effective remedy for seasonal affective disorder.”

Ingredients:

  • 2 parts hawthorn leaf, flower, and berry
  • 1 part green oat top (milky oats)
  • 1 part lemon balm leaf
  • 1 part St. John’s wort flower and leaf
  • Honey (optional)

Instructions:

  • Prepare an infusion of the herbs by pouring boiling water over them. Let steep for 30-45 minutes. The length of steeping time and the amount of herb you use will affect the strength of the tea. 
  • Strain and drink

 

Circulatory Tea for Ears and Tinnitus 

This tea is a circulatory stimulant. Increasing the circulation throughout the body may help with some cases of tinnitus and hearing loss. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 part ginkgo
  • 1 part hawthorn berries
  • ¼ part cinnamon
  • ¼ part ginger

Instructions:

  • Prepare an infusion of the herbs by pouring boiling water over them. Let steep for 30-45 minutes. The length of steeping time and the amount of herb you use will affect the strength of the tea. 
  • Strain and drink 

 

Rosemary Gladstar’s Sprinkles for the Heart

This is a heart-healthy addition to any meal that can be sprinkled on for extra flavor. Place it in a small bottle with a shaker top and set it on the table to make sure you remember to use it often. 

Ingredients:

  • 2 parts hawthorn berry powder
  • 1 part cinnamon powder
  • ½ part ginger root powder
  • ⅛ part cardamom powder

Instructions:

  • Mix the powders together and store them in a spice jar on the table. 
  • Sprinkle the powder on any food that could use a flavor boost. 

 

References

Gladstar, R. (2012). Rosemary Gladstar’s medicinal herbs: a beginner’s guide. North Adams, MA, Storey Publishing.

Touwaide, A., & Appetiti, E. (n.d.). Naylor Association management software. American Herbal Products Association. https://www.ahpa.org/herbs_in_history_hawthorn

 

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fennel is an herb that helps with gas and indigestion
January Herb of the Month: Fennel, A Natural Way To Avoid Gas and Bloating

Fennel is an herb that is equally as delicious as it is beneficial. It’s such a good one to keep in your herbal pantry. Fennel seeds are well known for their carminative properties. That means they’re good at dissipating gas. For centuries, people have used the seeds of fennel plants for many therapeutic purposes, specifically for aiding digestion, which in turn helps us absorb more nutrients. This sweet umbel also acts as an anti-nauseant and helps prevent stomach spasms due to indigestion. With its sweet yet stimulating flavor, adding it to just about anything is easy. 

Common name: Fennel 

Latin name: Foeniculum vulgare

Part Used: seeds, leaves, stems, and flowers

Benefits: Helps with digestion, dispels gas, anti-inflammatory, supports the upper respiratory tract, helps support heart health, helps regulate blood pressure, moves Qi, reduces phlegm

Taste: sweet, pungent/spicy, anise

Energetics: warming, promotes healthy circulation of Qi

History of Fennel as a Medicinal Herb

Fennel is one of the oldest medicinal herbs in the world. The earliest records show that the Mesopotamians used fennel as early as 3000 BCE for culinary purposes. Throughout generations, traditional Chinese medicine has utilized fennel for its warming stimulation of appetite and to suppress indigestion. Likewise, in modern alternative medicines, it’s still used to help move Qi and restore a healthy yin-yang balance. In Ayurvedic medicine, fennel has traditionally been revered for its ability to balance the three doshas. In Medieval times, fennel was seen as magical, and those who were superstitious would plug up the keyholes of their front doors with fennel on St. John’s Eve to ward off evil spirits.

 

Greek mythology also heavily features fennel. One myth tells the story of Zeus taking fire away from the people, only to have a sympathetic titan named Prometheus sneak an ember of fire away from Zeus by hiding it in the stalk of a fennel plant. Today, giant fennel (native to Greece) is still used in rituals to carry fire embers.

Benefits of Fennel

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, fennel can help alleviate lower abdominal pain by moving qi and balancing the kidney, liver, spleen, and stomach. It’s also effective at relieving digestive complaints such as bloating, acid reflux, and overfullness. 

Modern studies show that fennel is high in calcium and vitamin C, which can help with bone health and fight oxidation. It’s also highly anti-inflammatory and may help with menstrual and menopausal symptoms. Additionally, since the days of Hippocrates, mothers have used fennel to stimulate breastmilk and alleviate colicky babies. This superfood has so many benefits that it has long been in the medicine bags of doctors all over the world. 

Recipes

After Dinner Tea Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 grams chamomile
  • 1 gram bee balm
  • 1 gram orange peel
  • 1 gram ground fennel seed

Directions

  • Combine the above amount of each of herb and place in a tea strainer inside a jar or mug.
  • Pour 8 ounces of hot water over tea strainer and cover.
  • Steep for 25-30 minutes.
  • Remove tea strainer and enjoy.
  • To make a larger batch, simply multiply the ingredients (for a pint of tea double the amount of each). Larger batches of tea can be stored in the fridge and re-heated (covered) for a couple of days.

Golden Roast Fennel Mashed Potatoes

If you have any trouble with digesting heavy meals, adding herbs like fennel to a classic recipe can help with any after-dinner gas or bloating

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds golden potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups yellow onions, sliced
  • 2 1/4 pounds fennel, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375˚F.
  • Follow the prep technique next to each ingredient.
  • Combine fennel and onions with half the oil and place in an oven-proof pan, cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and puree in a food processor until smooth. 
  • Steam or boil the potatoes. Remove from the steamer or drain. 
  • In a mixer, mash the potatoes, folding them in the fennel puree with the remaining olive oil and the seasonings. Do not overbeat. Serve hot.
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Moving Boxes
We’re Moving!

Have you heard?

We’re Moving!

 

We are so excited to share that we have decided to move office buildings. We are hopeful for the new opportunities this location will bring. Don’t worry, we won’t be moving too far!

New Address: 804 Moorefield Park Dr.

Suite 302

North Chesterfield, VA 23236

 

In order to make our move as smooth as possible, there are a few things to consider during the week of January 13th-17th.

We will be CLOSED on January 17th and will reopen on Monday, January 20th, at our new location!

We will not be placing any supplement orders with our vendors after Tuesday, January 14th. This means that if you have a special-ordered supplement, we will not be able to order it until Monday, January 20th.

If you have any questions, please contact our front desk. We appreciate your patience during this transition period!

 

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Medicinal Roots
December Herb of the Month: Astragalus, the Herb of Support and Fortification

Astragalus is the Herb of the Month for December. And for good reason! As we ease into the Winter solstice of December, we say hello to longer nights, quieter days, and, hopefully, moments of reflection. There is a seasonality to everything. Since it’s almost winter outside, we’re starting to slow down, and typically, our internal energy is doing just the same. Astragalus is the perfect winter companion for this new rhythm. 

Common name: Astragalus 

Latin name: Astragalus membranaceus

Part Used: Roots

Benefits: Adaptogenic, adrenal tonic, antiviral potential, blood tonic, Qi tonic, digestive aid, diuretic, hypotensive, immune stimulant, tonic, vasodilator

Taste: Sweet, Earthy, and Bitter

Energetics: Warm and Moist

History

December’s Herb of the Month, Astragalus, is one of the most commonly recommended herbs in the world. This is partly due to its ability to enhance and balance the entire body. It’s long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to boost overall vitality, improve circulation, and build the blood. While there are literally hundreds of different varieties of Astragalus (they’re all in the pea family!), the medicinal variety that we most commonly use is Astragalus membranaceus, a sun-loving perennial native to China. This root is thought to have been used as a traditional medicine in China for at least 2,000 years (with some writings suggesting that it might be more like 5,000 years!) 

Astragalus was first introduced to North America through the USDA’s Plant Introduction Office in 1925. However, acclaimed herbalist Stephen Buhner points out that it likely wasn’t used in Western botanical practice until the 1960s, when there was a shift towards blending Eastern and Western perspectives in herbal medicine. 1

Benefits

Our Herb of the Month, Astragalus, has been used so prolifically throughout the history of traditional medicine that it is deemed one of the “Fifty Fundamental Herbs” still used in TCM.2 It’s most commonly used as a Qi (or chi) tonic, which means it’s thought to strengthen and replenish your vital force or energy, essentially aiming to restore your vitality. On top of that, this amazing herb is also helpful during times of acute illness to help speed up recovery. Herbalists may recommend astragalus to help fortify the lungs or to help get over a cold. Additionally, Astragalus contains high antioxidant properties and can potentially help protect cells from oxidative stress.

Astragalus’s main claim to fame in Western herbalism is as an adaptogen, helping to normalize behavior in the immune, nervous, and hormonal systems. This helps your body better regulate during times of stress. It can also be taken as a long-term preventative against colds and other viruses. 

You may see other herbal sites also recommending astragalus for the following (As always though, you should consult your doctor first if you are interested in taking Astragalus, or anything, for the long term): 

  • The liver
  • The kidneys and urinary system
  • Blood sugar
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Upper respiratory tract
  • Menstrual cycle
  • Menopause
  • Organs of detoxification
  • The skin
  • Pain/inflammation
  • Stress response

Emotional Aspects of Astragalus:

Astragalus is known for tonifying and building up internal power or energy. It can be used to fortify the energetic body, support vital energy, and reinforce the body’s natural defenses. It also helps keep energy flowing, rather than becoming stagnant. In spiritual practices, Astragalus is used to protect or cleanse the aura, while it also helps ward off negative energies. 

 

Using Astragalus In Your Everyday: 

Astragalus Chai Recipe for Immune Support – Makes 6 cups.

Recipe from Mountain Rose Herbs

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. astragalus root or 10-15 small organic astragalus root slices
  • 10 slices of organic Chinese licorice root
  • 2 Tbsp. of organic ginger root
  • 2 Tbsp. organic dried orange peel
  • 1 Tbsp. of organic sweet cinnamon chips
  • 1 tsp. of organic white peppercorns
  • 1-2 organic cardamom pods
  • 3-5 organic whole allspice berries
  • 3-5 whole organic cloves
  • 1 ½ quarts of water

Directions

  • Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Simmer for one hour.
  • Strain.
  • Add milk and raw, local honey if desired.

Immune Boost Soup – Serves 8

Recipe from Vegetarian Times 

Ingredients

  • 5 cups water
  • 1 Tbs. miso paste
  • 1 cup shiitake mushrooms (sliced)
  • 2 small yellow onions (minced)
  • 1 cup celery (sliced)
  • 1 cup carrots (sliced)
  • 1 cup bell peppers (sliced)
  • 1 Tbs. ginger (grated)
  • 1 tsp. turmeric
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • 3–4 dried slices of astragalus root
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1 Tbs. coconut oil

Instructions

  • Heat water and miso paste in a large pot and allow the paste to dissolve.
  • Add mushrooms, onion, celery, carrots, peppers, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and astragalus slices, and simmer for 1 hour (or longer if needed).
  • Add raw garlic and coconut oil for the final 10 minutes of simmering.
  • Remove astragalus slices from the soup before serving.

Missed our other Herbs of the Month? Check them out!:

November: Ginger… Recipes included!

October: Echinacea

September: Goldenrod

August: Agrimony  

References:

  1. “Astragalus, Astragalus Membranaeus, Huang-Qi.” Steven Foster Group, 2011.
  2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Astragalus: Usefulness and safety. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/astragalus 

 

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