Spring Cleaning Your Liver

Spring is here! The ritual of Spring Cleaning is as old as time. You might have already spring cleaned the heck out of your home. But what about your body?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spring is the time of the liver and gallbladder. Heat in the liver is common in Spring when we enter into the time of year that everything is rising, moving, and growing so fast. Sometimes we have a hard time keeping up with the energy and heat develops in our body. Heat symptoms in the hepatic (liver) region could manifest as headache, unexplained anger, "hot temper", skin eruptions, red inflamed eyes and muscle stiffness. Here are a few ideas on how to support the Liver during Spring.

Erin VanheeMarch 24, 2023liver, herbal medicine, springComment

Brain Fog

So, what is brain fog? If you have to ask, you probably do not have it! Brain fog can feel like your brain is dark and full of cobwebs keeping you from being able to think clearly and grasp at thought patterns. You may have a diffucult time finding words or stringing sentences together, you may feel zoned out or irritable or like the “blood isn’t reaching my brain.”

Erin VanheeMarch 4, 2023brain fog, herbal medicine, anatomy and physiologyComment

Feral Foods of Spring

This is an invitation to integrate wild plants into your daily diet. Wild, edible plants are the foods of our ancestors and they are calling. Not sure how to integrate them into your diet? Just add them to whatever you are eating!

Having scrambled eggs? Add some nettle. Mac and cheese? Nettles are great here, too…or how about adding some lambs quarters? Making your favorite wrap, taco, or sandwich? Add some chickweed and dandelion greens for added crunch and flavor.

Erin VanheeFebruary 21, 2023Comment

Using Elderberry for Cold Season

Blue Elderberry has gained quite the reputation as an immune system stimulant and antiviral supplement. Elder sure is a plant to know this time of year, and its popularity as an antiviral is for good reason. It can reduce an inflammatory response in the sinuses and lungs and reduce the length of time you are ill by up to 50 percent. Reducing inflammation will relieve congestion which reduces symptoms, all good news!

RecipesErin VanheeFebruary 2, 2023Winter, Elderberry, Recipes, Tea, SyrupComment

Tired feet? Three Steps to Brighten Your Step

Tired feet? Contrast foot baths, herbal soaks and salt glows can help. Standing on cement floors, (service workers? I see you!) walking long distances, and playing sports will often lead to sore or tired feet. Poor alignment, poor fitting shoes, and even structural issues with the feet, legs, and/or hips can also cause fatigue.

Erin VanheeDecember 20, 2022Comment

Making Fire Cider

Autumn is Fire Cider Season. This classic herbal tonic is a mainstay at our house and is fun and simple to make.

Erin VanheeSeptember 17, 2022Comment

Pickling Burdock

Burdock (Arctium lappa) is one of the most nourishing plants on Earth.

Erin VanheeJune 13, 2022

Nettles As Friends

Nettles are easy to harvest and the perfect Spring food.

Linnaea GrohMarch 3, 2022Comment

An Herbalist's Guide to the Common Cold

Growing up as the daughter of an herbalist, a cold was not something to endure but something to treat with traditional medicine.

Linnaea GrohFebruary 18, 2022 Comment

Herbs for Sleep

There are many herbs that can help sleeplessness. Chamomile and Valerian (the fast actors), Milky Oats, California Poppy, Skullcap, Passionflower, and Schisandra…

Linnaea GrohJanuary 28, 2022