In natural medicine, the words detoxify and detoxification have become as ubiquitous as the air we breathe. These terms are so commonly used nowadays that to many, they have lost some of their significance. One can easily read numerous articles encouraging us to detoxify our livers, detoxify to lose weight, detoxify to look better, feel great and much more. However, what exactly is detoxification and why is it not something that everyone should do? Read more →

Image courtesy of graur codrin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

With June serving as the official month for Men’s Health, it’s a good time for both men and women to evaluate cardiovascular health and strengthen the heart. As of 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that heart disease is the number one leading cause of death among all age groups in the US, more than half in men. Smoking, living a sedentary lifestyle, diets high in saturated fats and sodium, and diets low in fruits and vegetables can all contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, quitting smoking, getting adequate exercise and making a more conscious decision of what you eat are essential non-pharmacologic risk reducers. Read more →

Image courtesy of criminalatt / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

With warmer weather finally upon us, who can resist the urge to plant a little something this spring? If you have a small flowerbed, a sunny patio, or a kitchen window ledge, it’s fun to grow something to nourish your body and soul. Here are a few gardening tips from resident Nutritionist and Herbalist Dawn Welch! Read more →

As spring approaches, your interest may be piqued to see what nutritive, medicinal weeds might be sprouting around the neighborhood. It probably sounds pretty odd that this was my first reaction to spring, but as an herbalist who studied with the amazing Nicole Telkes of the Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine here in Austin, TX, I know that healthful delights can be found almost anywhere! Read more →

Looking for a non-estrogen solution for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms? The active ingredient in Metagenics’ Estrovera has been in use in Europe for 20 years and in US since 2009. ERr 731™, a special extract of Siberian rhubarb, contains a phytoestrogen that has been clinically proven to reduce hot flashes from a median of 12 to 2 in just twelve weeks. It also helps other common symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, poor mood, sleep disturbance, feelings of mental and physical exhaustion, as well as urinary tract symptoms and vaginal dryness. Read more →