Keep Cool with Water

Keep cool with water!

We’re all about proper hydration during the warm months of the year but you can also utilize cool water from your tap to prevent overheating. Chill your pulse points by running cold water over your wrists and splash your temples with cool water for the same effect. You may have had a mother bring you a cold cloth when you were sick as a child and that’s a great idea during the summer as well. If you’re feeling overheated or struggling to stay cool, wet a cloth and apply it to your forehead to bring your internal temperatures down a bit. Peppermint oil also has a cooling effect; consider mixing it with a carrier oil and applying it to your temples for a cooling sensation.

Eat to Sweat and Keep Cool

It seems strange to me to plan to have a meal that’s spicy to induce sweating but scientist tout the effect of sweating during a meal to cool the body through evaporation. Latin America, Thailand, and India are some of the world’s hottest places and they happen to serve some of the hottest foods. Coincidence? The capsaicin, a chemical in hot peppers, encourages sweating without raising your body temperature.

Go Tropical to Keep Cool

Loose, lightweight cotton or linen clothing is a great option all summer long. While long sleeves may seem like a bad idea during the warmer months, you’ll be protecting your body from the sun while naturally staying cool. Keep your shirt untucked to promote the circulation of air and to keep cool. The guayabera, or “Mexican wedding shirt”, as well as Filipino barongs, Madras, and even the American classic seersucker, are all great choices for this tip.

Graze to Keep Cool

Avoid a feast to keep cool!

Protein-laden meals force your body to start up your metabolic fire in order to break down what’s in your stomach. Ever notice how you feel hot sometimes after a big meal, even if the dish wasn’t hot? Save your body the heat by grazing on smaller, more frequent meals; you’ll feel cooler and it’s better for you.

Keep Cool Under the Covers

That hot water bottle you take to bed in the winter or use for sore joints can serve as an ice water bottle as well. Filling your bottle with ice and water to take to bed with you is a great way to avoid uncomfortable summer sleep. Try using the bottle to cool your ankles or behind your knees to get an instant cooling effect. Want to take it to the next level? Some people have reported great luck in bagging their sheets and putting them into the freezer for a couple of hours before bed! Keeping your head cool is a great way to keep your body cool so that cool rag mentioned above is a great item to bring to bed as well as choosing a cool, absorbent pillow made of organic cotton if possible.

Following these tips this summer will help to keep you cool, even without the use of air conditioning or a swamp cooler. Try creative ideas to bring your body temperature down and you’ll be able to ward off the heat while keeping your bill costs down. One of my favorite methods to cool myself off is with a foot bath. I add a few drops of peppermint essential oil and ice to a tub and soak my feet while relaxing in the shade.

Tell us here what do you do to keep cool and be sure to check out part one and two of our healthy summer tips as well as items to include in a summer first aid kit!

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Beautiful and powerful, check out all the reasons Turmeric is my favorite healing spice.

We’ve shared here how Turmeric can make a big impact on your life (even in small amounts) through a variety of posts. It’s no stranger to this blog and we hope you’ll consider reading how Turmeric is:

• A Powerful Adaptogen
• One of the 10 Foods that Promote Longevity
• An Employee Pick for Natural Anti-Agers
• A part of Eating Color for Health
• A Culinary Antioxidant
• A Natural Remedy for Skin
• A Natural Anti-Inflammatory Food
• And its Heart Health Benefits

Would you believe there’s more for us to share with you about this great and healing spice? It’s true. I don’t expect you to amaze your friends with tales of Turmeric during a dinner conversation but with the natural power to address a number of ailments in your body—you just might.

Turmeric has more than 50 healing actions, from relieving pain to improving circulation to reducing inflammation, and has been used for more than 2,000 years to treat a range of ailments. This wonder spice acts as an antacid to soothe digestive problems, a stimulant to improve blood flow, a decongestant to clear nasal passages, a topical paste for skin problems, a powder to speed healing when applied topically (or used in a bandage as is the case in India), and as an analgesic to relieve headaches. Speaking of… did you know curcumin, the healing compound in Turmeric, is an ingredient in Tylenol?

Turmeric is from a rhizome, an underground stem.

In his book, “Healing Spices” Bharat Aggarwal shares a list of maladies that Turmeric may help prevent and/or treat including:

• Acne
• Allergies
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Arthritis (osteo- or rheumatoid)
• Asthma
• Blemishes
• Cancer
• Cholesterol Problems (high LDL or low HDL)
• Colitis
• Cystic Fibroisis
• Depression
• Dermatitis
• Diabetes (type 2)
• Eczema
• Eye Infection
• Flatulence
• Gallbladder Disease
• Gout
• Gum Disease
• Heart Disease
• High Blood Pressure
• Itching
• Liver Disease
• Macular Degeneration (age-related)
• Overweight
• Pain
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Pollution Side-Effects
• Psoriasis
• Rash
• Scleroderma
• Stroke
• Wounds

My favorite Turmeric supplement from Kroeger Herb.

Turmeric has also been helpful in relieving my headaches. As I have gotten older the intensity and frequency of my headaches has increased and while they aren’t completely gone, I credit Turmeric for the relief I have been able to achieve. I no longer wait for a headache to come every week or two and am actually caught off guard when one strikes at this point.

There is no spice under more scrutiny in the US and around the world, and no spice offering more promise for better health, than Turmeric. If the long list of healing action didn’t sell you then maybe taste will; Turmeric is a delicious addition to your spice cabinet and this Potato Cauliflower Curry recipe is a fantastic way to incorporate Turmeric into your cooking while also providing an antioxidant rich meal for your family.

Potato Cauliflower Curry (aloo gobi)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped 
• 3 tomatoes, diced
• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
• ½ teaspoon diced fresh ginger
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon garam masala
• Salt, to taste
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the turmeric and cumin seeds and heat for about 30 seconds, until the spices become aromatic. Add onion and garlic; sauté for about 8 minutes or until soft. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cauliflower, potatoes, ginger, chili powder, and ground pepper. Reduce the heat, cover partially, and cook for 40 minutes, stirring frequently. If the mixture appears too dry, add water. Add the garam masala, simmer five minutes then turn off the heat and add the cilantro, if using.

This dish can be found in nearly every home in India. Makes 6 servings.

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Herbs for Breastfeeding and Pregnancy

These two blog posts are a great resource for mothers! Herbs for Breastfeeding outlines which herbs can increase or decrease milk supply, depending on the need and was written by one of our staffers who had some great tips to share! Herbs for Pregnancy lists the herbs that should be avoided during pregnancy to ensure the safety of your baby and your body as well as which herbs provide relief from common complaints that come along with carrying a child. Did you know we have a Pre/Post Natal section on our website? Check it out!

Herbs for Menopause

It's National Women's Week!

Anti-Aging

Every woman wants to look her best and we believe that the power of herbs, like Schizandra, can help you to keep your youthful glow without adding toxic chemicals to your beauty regimen. Remember that what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in your body (find out about toxins in cosmetics here). Schizandra was called an anti-aging miracle by Dr. Oz and this tiny berry can improve the function of your entire body, not just the appearance of your skin.

Home Remedies

Whether you’d like to know how you can get glowing skin, use eggplant to remedy cellulite, or which steps you should take to deal with a yeast infection, we’ve got home remedies for you! Hanna shared so many wonderful tips and remedies for everyday ailments and we are happy to pass them on to you. Be sure to check out the home remedy section of the blog for more great topics from bad breath to diaper rash.

Heart Health

While we wear red in February to raise awareness of heart disease in women, don’t wait for Heart Health Month to take this concern seriously. More women die from heart disease than men and we’ve got simple changes you can make to help protect yourself from heart disease here.

We hope you’ll celebrate National Women’s Health Week with some healthy changes that will benefit your body for the rest of your life. Women are often spending so much of their time caring for family while juggling responsibilities and find they’ve missed paying attention to themselves. Have a little “me” time and learn more about National Women’s Health Week , take a look at trusted products for your good health in our Women’s Section, or check out our favorite gurus of health and wellness, the ladies of Fun and Fit!

This post was a part of a blogger’s challenge to help spread the word of National Women’s Health Week. Want to learn more about the challenge and take part in it? Take a look here!

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Check out these great products from Hyland's and enter to win a basket of natural products!

Every parent wants to give their child the very best of everything and nothing is more important than choosing natural health tools that are safe and effective. That is why more parents are choosing homeopathic remedies for their children. Homeopathic remedies work naturally by stimulating the body’s own ability to heal. One of the most trusted brands in homeopathy is Hyland’s, which carries an extensive line of remedies for both kids and adults. Some of our favorite Hyland’s homeopathic remedies for kids include essentials for common complaints like teething, earaches and cold and flu.

Hyland’s Teething Gel and Tablets

Ranked as one of the most popular natural remedies for children, Hyland’s Teething Tablets and Hyland’s Teething Gel each effectively relieve the irritability and restlessness associated with teething. Both are uniquely formulated for safety, effectiveness and quality, and contain no synthetic ingredients, artificial flavors, dyes, or parabens. Plus, each works quickly to relieve irritability, redness, inflammation and discomfort on a child’s gums—and have always been benzocaine-free!

Earache Relief

One of the worse feelings is watching your child tug on his or her ears when they have an earache. Hyland’s makes both Earache Drops and Earache Tablets that can stop the pain—even the kind that antibiotics won’t take away. The medicines in Hyland’s Earache remedy have been clinically shown to reduce earache symptoms during the first 48 hours of the episode and without any side effects. Perfect to have handy for those late nights when your child is up with an earache and has trouble sleeping!

Vitamin C Tablets

Getting your child to eat enough Vitamin C can be a real challenge. Sometimes more nutritious food ends up on you than actually in their mouth! That is why it’s important to take steps to ensure that your child gets the Vitamin C that he or she needs. With Hyland’s Vitamin C Tablets, their immune system is better equipped to ward off colds and flu. Tablets dissolve quickly and deliver 71% of the daily value for babies under a year, and 63% for kids between 1-3 years.

Win a Gift Basket of Hyland’s Baby Products!

Now you can win your own Hyland’s Baby Products. One lucky winner will receive a delightful collection of the most popular products including:

• Teething Tablets
• Teething Gel
• Cough Syrup
• Colic Tablets
• Diaper Ointment
• Tiny Cold Tablets
• Vitamin C Tablets
• Infant Earache Drops
• Valued at more than $66!

Enter to win these great products from Hyland's Baby!

 

Entering to win is easy and there are several chances to get your name in the drawing!

1. Like Hanna’s Herb Shop on facebook  and leave us a message about which Hyland’s product you’re excited to try.
2. Follow @hannasherbshop on Twitter then tweet a message containing our name as well as a link to a blog you like. An example is:             Check out this post on remedies for poison ivy from @hannasherbshop (include link) 
3. Leave a comment on this or any other blog post here at hannakroeger.com and let us know what you think about our posts!

There is no limit to the amount of times you can enter but hurry! Last day for entries is May 23, 2012.

This giveaway is open to US Residents only.

To learn more about Hyland’s and their fantastic products for the entire family, visit Hyland’s online!

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Natural Remedy for Arthritis – Fish Oil

Fish oil is a powerful natural remedy for arthritis.

We’ve covered the benefits of fish oil and omega 3s before in an earlier post but wanted to cover the bases for its ability to remedy arthritic complaints. Fish oil capsules with at least 30% EPA/DHA have proven beneficial for general arthritic complaints while for rheumatoid arthritis, up to 2.6 grams of fish oil (1.6 EPA) twice a day has provided relief. Fish oil reduces inflammation and morning stiffness as well as reducing the number of tender joints for people with arthritis; there has been no proof however that fish oil reduces joint damage. Aside from providing relief from the swelling and pain of arthritis fish oil protects against heart disease, reduces high blood pressure, lowers blood triglycerides, and improves brain function. Please note that women who are pregnant or are hoping to conceive should read labels carefully for the origin of the oil contained in the capsules; shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish should be avoided as sources.

Natural Remedy for Arthritis – Acupuncture

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, exercise may not be an option for keeping your joints moving and if you’re active, that’s a difficult reality to face. Acupuncture has shown excellent results for reducing arthritis pain, usually within 4 to 6 sessions. More frequent or intensive sessions may be necessary for more severe cases of arthritis to find relief.

Natural Remedy for Arthritis – Herbs

Ruma Care, Hanna’s herbal combination aimed at maintaining bone and joint health, is a natural remedy for arthritis and the complaints of inflammation or pain. This combination contains Yucca, Black Walnut leaf, Yellow Dock, Wormwood, and Fenugreek seeds and is a favorite among our longevity products. Yucca has been used for centuries in Native American medicines and has the same anti-inflammatory compounds as prescription drugs used to treat joint pain. 

Natural Remedy for Arthritis – Hanna’s Tips

Find natural remedies for arthritis and more in Hanna's books!

These remedies can be found in Hanna’s books New Book on Healing and Ageless Remedies from Mother’s Kitchen:

• Epsom salts are useful to relieve pain in the hands and feet, especially with arthritis. Add 1 tablespoon Epsom salts to warm water and soak for 20 minutes.
• Flax seed contains a remarkable healing oil which can be used externally or internally. Flax oil is a great alternative to fish oil.
• Apple cider vinegar, honey, and water have been used for thousands of years to balance the body. This combination has been found beneficial to people with arthritis pain when taken every morning by restoring supple movement in hands and dissolving knots. The recipe is 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons honey, and 8 ounces water.
• Crush garlic and spread on a cloth like butter on bread. Wrap this poultice around arthritic joints for 2 to 12 hours. This will raise a large burn blister full of water that will break open and run out, drawing the disease from the joint. Heal the area with aloe vera juice.
• Grate 1 lemon, 1 orange, and 1 grapefruit. Add 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar, 2 tablespoons Epsom salts, and 1 quart water. Drink 2 ounces 3 times per day.
• Eat these four foods often: black cherries (as a juice), alfalfa seeds, peanut oil, celery root.

Natural Remedy for Arthritis – General Tips

Health care professionals recommend that avoiding inflammatory foods (like fried, fatty, or sugary items) will help to keep joint sensitivity in check. Read more about anti-inflammatory foods here. Also, nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers tend to cause problems specific to arthritis so try to avoid these as well.

At present there is no cure for arthritis, and symptoms can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Dealing with recurring or constant pain can interfere with work and lead to fatigue or depression but there are resources for help! The Arthritis Foundation has created a program called Tip Share where members of the peer-to-peer group can share stories and tips for managing pain; membership is free. Finding holistic, natural remedies for arthritis is important for the health of your entire body. Whether your pain or inflammation is mild or chronic, take action and be proactive with your health using these remedies.

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Vitamins B6 and B12

Hanna's Anti-Fatigue combines B vitamins to give your body (and mood) a boost!

When we experience high levels of stress, the body’s natural supply of B6 is depleted, affecting our levels of serotonin. This feel good neurotransmitter is responsible for providing feelings of calm and happiness and is found primarily in the gut. Research on the link between our mental and gut health reveals an intense connection between the two, learn more about that here. To increase your intake of B6, try adding avocados, baked potatoes (with skin), bananas, chickpeas, steamed green beans, and yellow-fin tuna to your diet especially if you’re having a stressful week. Vitamin B12 also soothes the system because of its link to GABA production. GABA inhibits nerve transmission in the brain, calming nervous activity and anxiety as well as helping you fall asleep. Increase your intake of B12 with plain yogurt (fat free), salmon, clams, sardines, and chicken. Hanna’s Anti-Fatigue is rich in B vitamins, including B6 and B12, and nourishes the adrenal glands to give our bodies extra strength while also keeping our levels of serotonin balanced; we consider this vitamin to be a great choice for addressing stress, mental fatigue, and exhausted adrenals.

Vitamin C

Ever noticed a connection in feeling a little blue while you’re under the weather? Maybe it’s just the fact that you can’t get up and do everything you would like, or maybe it’s the connection between the health of the immune system and the brain. Studies suggest that when our immune system is over-worked and we are sick, our mental health takes a hit. Vitamin C plays a large role in the health of our immune system throughout the year, not just in the cold weather months. Aside from supplements or fizzy packets to add to your water, look to your meals to increase your intake of this immune booster. Some of the best foods to supply vitamin C are red and green peppers, strawberries, orange juice (no sugar added), broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Aside from providing a boost to the immune system, vitamin C is also helpful in fighting brain-cell damage as a result from constant exposure to cortisol, a stress hormone. Keep your stress and immune system in check but note that the body readily expels vitamin C so “100% Daily Value” on a label isn’t true to this vitamin.

Magnesium and Folate (Folic Acid)

Asparagus is among the mood foods and supplies our bodies with natural folate.

Like the B vitamins, magnesium plays a role in the production of GABA but also helps to make dopamine, the neurotransmitter in the brain that is associated with pleasure; Folate, or Folic Acid, functions in the same way. Constant stress depletes the level of dopamine in our system and the sense of pleasure is lessened. Incorporate almonds, spinach, tofu, wild rice, sunflower seeds, and amaranth into your diet to increase your intake of magnesium, or consider a supplement. An additional bonus of having adequate levels of magnesium in your system is that it acts as a natural muscle relaxant so if that’s an issue you are attempting to address with over-or-behind-the-counter medications, consider adjusting the level of magnesium in your diet to see an improvement. Add asparagus, orange juice (no sugar added), dark leafy greens, lentils, chickpeas, and oatmeal to your diet to improve your intake of folate or consider a supplement.

If you decide on an increase in these good mood foods as well as taking a supplement, check with your health care provider to discuss the amounts you’ll be ingesting. While on their own these supplements or foods are a great benefit to the system, a dramatic increase can be too much of a good thing. Choosing foods that nourish and heal your body is a great step in maintaining a healthy system and by adding nutrients that soothe your nerves a holistic approach to health is possible through your diet.  If you are what you eat then be sure you’re choosing food to improve your mood!

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Educate on HerbDay

Celebrate HerbDay by learning more about your favorite herbs and their uses for healing.

Did you know we have a glossary of herbs on our website? We include the description of the plant, common uses, and the history for nearly every ingredient in the products we sell. Curious which herbs have a laxative effect or which can be used for ornamentation? Our glossary is a great place to start!

We mentioned in our previous HerbDay blog that there will be a (free!) webinar from Mountain Rose Herbs about a summer first aid kit for kids and how to use herbs to create one. Sign up for that webinar here and take a look at our own first aid kit ideas in this recent post.

Visiting your local health food store on HerbDay and getting to know the friendly staff in the supplement department is another way to celebrate. Most stores offer in-store demonstrations or lectures to help educate their customers and HerbDay would be a great time to inquire!

We believe we can provide a great deal of educational material to help you celebrate HerbDay right here on our blog! We’re proud to have several posts that can help you make good decisions on herbs to use from culinary uses to your pets! Some of our favorite posts include:

• Herbs for Pets
• Herbs for Breastfeeding
• Increase Energy Levels Naturally with Herbs and Oils
• Herbs for Menopause
• Herbs for Kids
• Herbs for Men
• Herbs During Pregnancy
• Herbs to Help You Sleep Better
• Culinary Antioxidants – Healing Power of Herbs in Your Food

Enjoy Local on HerbDay

Celebrate HerbDay by planting your own herb garden!

Farmer’s Markets are great places to meet the people behind the food on your plate. This HerbDay consider making a trip to your local Farmer’s Market to purchase produce and herbs that were grown in close proximity to your home. Farmers are fantastic educators so whether you want ideas on how to create a dish or to learn more about a specific type of kale, ask!

Why not celebrate HerbDay by planting your own herb garden? Several varieties of herbs are easy to grow so don’t worry about a lack of a green thumb. Visit your local garden center and consider purchasing a selection that fits your palate! For example, you could plan and plant a salsa garden with oregano, cilantro, and spring onions to use in fresh salsas you prepare at home. Or how about an Itailan garden with rosemary, basil, and thyme for homemade pizzas or sauces? Get creative and have fun with your food!

Get Creative with HerbDay

Consider any of these great ideas as a way to celebrate HerbDay and get your family and friends involved! By having a little background information on herbs, you can take part in an activity that is fun and provides interesting facts about herbs.

• Have a pot luck where each dish contains at least one herb or try a new recipe that utilizes an herb you’re unfamiliar with.
• Branch out and try a new herbal tea. Teas are a great way to gain benefits of herbs; learn more about teas here.
• Go on a hike and try to spot herbs and flowers that have healing properties like dandelions, roses, or ginkgo.
• Try infusing herbs and garlic with oils or attend an in-store cooking demonstration to learn more about herbs in foods.
• Visit a botanical garden or local farm and enjoy the views.

HerbDay provides us with an opportunity to learn more about the healing power of herbs and the delicious and beautiful addition they can make to our lives. To learn more about HerbDay or to find out if there is an event in your area, check out their website here.

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Celebrate HerbDay by cooking with herbs or learning more about their healing qualities.

This Saturday marks the 7^th annual HerbDay celebration occurring in communities internationally. HerbDay is a grassroots movement and encourages everyone, everywhere to participate in a number of ways. Whether you find benefit in the use of herbs in foods, medicines, beauty products, crafts, or beverages there’s something to celebrate. For us, HerbDay is a reminder of Hanna’s dedication to providing the finest herbal products to anyone in need. To celebrate HerbDay and commemorate Hanna’s lifelong work we’d like to share an excerpt from her book Instant Herbal Locator

Why Do Herbs Heal

The courtroom was small and yet it was not crowded. The main occupants were the twelve jury men and women. The benches to the right were for the defendant and the benches to the left were for the plaintiff.

The case was a trail against a successful and spiritual man—a man of great integrity, a healer, a chiropractor, a patriot, a minister, and most of all, the best herbalist I have ever found.

After lunch it was my turn to testify for the healer’s works. For weeks I had prepared for possible questions, placing the questions in my scrapbook and finding answers which were short and precise so that not much time would be taken.

The first hour went by . . . I had passed the tricks and trickery questions of the DA along with his cunning remarks and humiliations, when out of the blue sky this gentlemen asks, “And why do these herbs heal?”

I was completely unprepared for this question! These wonderful helpers of mankind heal, and I had never even questioned why.

A silence spread over the crowd and into this silence again the triumphant question was asked. “Tell us why do herbs heal?” I needed time and silence so I asked the DA, “If I tell you the truth, will you accept it?”

He replied, “I will.”

Hanna made every day an HerbDay with her formulas and dedication to healing through herbs.

I still needed more time and I replied to him, “If you will accept the truth, then promise that you will not be angry with me.” His reply was delayed and I was able to get my answer. In a flash of a moment the tense atmosphere had broken. It was as if sunshine had spread over all of us. The DA broke the silence with his promise to accept the truth and not to be angry.

 

“This is the truth,” I was impressed to say “herbs heal the spiritual body. Herbs heal the aura; herbs heal the subtle vital energies of the physical body. Herbs go far beyond the healing of drugs by healing the spirit, by energizing the aura, by strengthening the Bio-Life power.”

Herbs do not belong in a courtroom.

At that moment the tired judge lifted his head from the Life Magazine he was reading and partook in the conversation. From then I knew that the wholeness of our plants heal our spiritual bodies and reflect to our physical needs.

We’re happy to have a day like HerbDay where international events celebrate, educate, and share the power of herbs. To learn more about HerbDay or where an event might be in your area, check out the HerbDay website here. There are several events going on online, like a webinar from Mountain Rose Herbs called Outdoor Kids: Herbal First Aid for Summer. Sign up for that webinar here.

Whether it’s with a fresh batch of pesto, creating a DIY bug repellent with herbs, or learning more about how you can heal with herbal products, celebrate HerbDay in your own special way!

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How we survive depends on how we adapt and this is the basis for how adaptogenic herbs got their name. Adaptogens reduce the effects of physical, environmental, and psychological stress on the body and some have been shown to boost the heart, liver, immune system, and mental health of the person taking them. While it is hard to pinpoint exactly how adaptogens promote longevity, it stands to reason that any herb or natural product that improves the function of the organs and greatly reduces stress levels will indeed extend your days.

Powerful Adaptogen – Schizandra

Schizandra is a powerful adaptogen for whole body health

This 5-flavor berry has been enjoying the spotlight since it was discussed on Dr. Oz recently and people around the world are discovering how a tiny berry can have a big impact on their health. Schizandra has been a medicinal wonder in China for thousands of years as a full body remedy. Its key use historically has been as a beauty aid for younger skin, a preserver of youth in providing energy to the body naturally, a powerful sexual tonic, and as a remedy to speed recovery. The liver is the organ most improved by the use of Schizandra though it does support others. Read more about Schizandra as a potent anti-aging supplement here.

Powerful Adaptogen – Reishi

The “mushroom of immortality” in Taoist tradition is used to manage age-related disorders like high cholesterol, arthritis, immune disorders, coronary heart disease, while increasing energy and enhancing overall health. This capsule from Source Naturals provides support to the immune system and is a favorite around the shop during illnesses because it combines 16 of the most powerful mushrooms, including reishi, to defend the body against sickness. Want to learn more about mushrooms as a natural remedy for illness? Check out this blog post that outlines some of the most powerful herbs for sickness!

Powerful Adaptogen – Ginseng

Ginseng is a powerful adaptogen for both sexes but is especially potent for men.

American Ginseng has shown promise in addressing a range of ailments including nervous disorders, promoting the health of the stomach, and stimulating energy levels; it is especially helpful for loss of appetite and indigestion. As a part of the Men’s Kit from Kroeger Herb, American Ginseng provides support to the prostate and enhances energy in men. Read more about this herb for men here.

Powerful Adaptogen – Holy Basil

If the impact of stress in your life is a major concern, this adaptogen could be a good place to start. Holy Basil is a sacred plant in Ayurveda, the traditional therapeutic system of India, and enhances the body’s ability to cope with and minimize stress. Holy Basil is often referred to as tulsi or “the incomparable one” and is considered matchless for reducing stress, increasing vitality and energy, and promoting longevity. Add to those benefits the fact that hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems can be addressed with this herb. Want to learn more about ways to cope with stress? Check out this post with 5 easy steps to reduce it!

Please remember that with adaptogens as with any herbal product, benefits won’t be seen over night so approach their use with patience. The power in adaptogens is that you are supporting your entire body with the use of one herb and assisting your system in adapting to the changes in environment, mood, immune system, and so on. Don’t be afraid to experiment with adaptogens! Once you have tried Holy Basil for a few months (for example) give Schizandra a try. There are so many benefits for the system from this powerful group of herbs that taking a variety of them over time will provide. To learn more about this powerful group of herbs, check out this blog post.

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Remedies for Occasional Seasonal Allergies

Sitting in a field not an option during warm weather? Take a look at these remedies for allergies.

We’ve got three simple things to try if you suffer from occasional allergies. If you find yourself suffering from a specific type of allergy (say, pollen from pine trees) then this may be a good place to start. Finding small ways to improve your body’s reactions to allergies can make a big difference, here’s how to address the occasional itchy and watery eye:

• Snack on Salads—A range of fruits and vegetables may help to calm allergies so eat up! Carotenoids in produce have been found to defend against the oxidants in your system that team up with histamines that attack your body. Eating a wide range of produce can help calm allergies. Check out the benefits of incorporating a variety of color into your diet and what each color group can do here.
• Sip Water—If you’re dealing with a dry nose and an abundance of mucous in your system, drinking water will help! By thinning mucous and hydrating dry nasal passages you’ll be on your way to feeling better. Aim for about 9 cups of fluid each day, mostly water. Learn more about the importance of hydration here.
• Block Triggers—It seems like a no brainer but, just to cover the bases: if the lawn is being mowed, shut the windows and when driving, choose the “recirculate” option on your a/c to cut down on pollen making its way into your system. Also, try to avoid outdoor activity in the morning and midday, when pollen counts are highest. Other way to avoid triggers include wearing wraparound sunglasses, taking off your coat or sweater as well as your shoes when you come into your home to avoid bringing allergens in.

Remedies for Semi-Regular Seasonal Allergies

How is yoga a remedy for allergies?!

For semi-regular seasonal allergy sufferers, we have a little hope to offer! If you’re battling itchy and watery eyes or sneezes throughout the day try these tips:

• Supplements—Research suggests that 800mg of vitamin E a day can help ease the symptoms of semi-regular seasonal allergies. The antioxidant quercetin may block the release of histamines and can be taken in supplement form and found naturally in apples and onions. If you choose to take a quercetin supplement, aim for about 200 to 400 mg 3 times a day.
• Stretching and Yoga—Stress can intensify your reaction to allergens by dampening your immune system so keep up with daily yoga or even a few simple stretches each day. As little as 3 minutes of daily stretching can set a relaxed tone for your day and help you ward off stress. Learn more about easy ways to squelch stress in this blog.
• Neti Pot—This small teapot-like device uses salt water to wash away allergens and mucous from your nasal cavities and reduce postnasal drip. If you want to make your own saline solution, be sure to use sterilized water to cut down on any chance of infection. Find neti pots at your local health food store.

Remedies for Chronic Seasonal Allergies

Don't get the achoo blues! Check out these remedies for allergies.

Chronic seasonal allergies are those that last for weeks with little relief to be found from home remedies or a simple stretch. Consider these options if your condition is chronic:

• Acupuncture—Stimulating your body’s natural “defensive energy” is possible by the boost provided to the immune system with regular sessions. One study found that allergy symptoms were significantly reduced with no side effects.
• Medication—A daily antihistamine can lessen the sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and help to clear a stuffy nose. Consider consulting an allergist to see which type of medication would be best for you.
• Immunotherapy—Tried everything and still suffering? Maybe an allergy shot could be for you. The procedure involves 1 to 3 weekly injections of gradually increasing amounts of your trigger. It’s been noted that, after a few years, your body should build up a permanent tolerance.

We’ve shared some employee favorites for seasonal allergies in this blog, as well as some of Hanna’s most loved home remedies for it here. Let us know what works for you, we love getting comments! If seasonal allergies are an issue, whether occasional, semi-regular, or chronic try giving these tips a try for some much needed relief! Want more products to consider to remedy your allergies? Check out our Allergy and Sinus section here!

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