One of the biggest challenges to fertility success is stress. Most of us have some level of stress, which is, unfortunately part of living in modern society. Ideally, a stress response is meant to be temporary – after the stressor disappears, then the body should go back to baseline. In health, this happens quickly, and most of the day should be spent in the parasympathetic state, or “rest and digest” mode. In this state, the body relaxes, the digestive system is active, the heart rate slows down, and blood flows to all parts of the body. An animal only takes minutes to determine that it is safe from a predator,…
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The Amazing Benefits of Tulsi
A Sacred Plant The Tulsi plant, also known as Holy Basil, has such a special name for a good reason. This plant (Ocimum tenuiflorum or Ocimum sanctum) is native to the Indian subcontinent where it well-respected. There are two different varieties with two different spiritual names – Rama Tulsi and Krishna Tulsi. Tulsi grows wild in India and most families have it growing in their gardens or in their patio. It is believed to provide divine protection; the name Tulsi means “Incomparable One”. It is in fact a cousin of the basil many of us love in Italian cooking, and both of them are part of the mint family.…
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The Science of Gratitude and how it can improve your health
At this time of year, gratitude is a common topic. I wanted to share some reflections on gratitude, and discuss how building this practice into your daily life can improve your life, health, and well-being. We are taught to say thank you when someone give us a gift, when a server brings us water. Some of these actions may take place so often that the true benefits are lost, the benefits really come when we take a moment to slow down and feel that gratitude, feel it in the heart, and connect with the person to whom you are expressing gratitude. The Science Science is showing that the benefits of…
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Top benefits of Elderberry and why you should have it in your kitchen
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra and Sambucus canadensis) is a small tree/shrub that is native to Europe and North America and it is power-packed with vitamins, minerals and immune-boosting properties. American elder can be found all along the Eastern United States, from Nova Scotia to Florida. Towards the end of summer, little white flowers bloom all over this beautiful shrub which then yield clusters of small purplish, black berries. Benefits of Elderberry Elderberry has traditionally been used for a variety of ailments due to its ability to treat a stomachache, sinus congestion, diarrhea, constipation, rheumatism, and the common cold (1) This tiny berry contains anthocyanins (a compound with anti-oxidant properties), vitamins A and C and…
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Castor Oil and How it can Boost Your Fertility and Help your Monthly Cycle
The castor plant (Ricinis comunis) is a plant that originally comes from East Africa, around Ethiopia, however it has been introduced to many parts of the world including the US, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand, and it is now common to see it in the southwestern US. The oil from the seeds is well-known for its laxative effect, and many pregnant women have tried castor oil in order to induce labor (and many of them have stories to tell about what happened next!) In addition to these well-known uses, castor oil has many other uses as well. Background The seeds, or beans, of the castor plant contain ricin, which is…
