RegActiv Probiotics: Immune, Heart and Liver Wellness through Antioxidant Support

By Miles Sarill
Supplements Buyer and M.S. Candidate - Experimental Medicine

In the last thirty years, the market for probiotics has evolved and grown greatly. No longer is the sole capsule of Lactobacillus acidophilus the only option; rather, the aisles are populated with a multitude of products each touting “more than 10 bacterial strains” with anywhere between 5 and 150 billion cells per capsule. This boom in the probiotic market is partially fueled by both consumer interest as well as novel research into the microbiome.

It is increasingly understood that our microbiome, our individual collection of bacterial strains, plays a tremendous role in our health at many levels. Although probiotic supplements are often marketed toward balancing good digestive health, novel research indicates a role for a strong gut flora in maintaining healthy immune, skin, lung, and brain health. There are thousands of scientific articles on the effects of probiotic supplementation; although many of these publications center on animal studies, there are an increasing number of human clinical trials.

One such research project involving humans took place at the University of Tartu in Estonia. Dr. Marika Mikelsaar was working to solve the question as to why Estonian children had more resilient immune systems compared to children from Sweden. What they had found was that Estonians grew up with a specific probiotic bacterial strain, Lactobacillus Fermentum ME-3, which the Swedes lacked. Following the isolation and identification of this strain, scientists in Tartu further characterized the biochemical activities of ME-3. What they found was that ME-3 could produce glutathione, the master regulator of antioxidant response.

Glutathione: The Master Antioxidant

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide formed from the amino acids L-glutamic acid, L-cysteine and glycine. GSH is involved in many biochemical processes throughout the body. Through its antioxidant activity, GSH cooperates in transforming dangerous free radicals into water or for detoxifying environmental contaminants in the liver. GSH levels are found to be lower in states of chronic disease and in aging. Although the effects of imbalances between antioxidants and free radicals are still being researched, there is much scientific evidence to suggest that increased concentration of GSH leads to healthier cell division, liver metabolism, heart health and overall vitality.

Free radicals and reactive oxygen species are small molecules with unpaired electrons. Electrons left unpaired become unstable, and can use up electrons from DNA, proteins or molecules within our mitochondria or cell’s plasma membrane. A strong antioxidant system has been shown in research to protect our cells from free radicals and oxidative stress. It is hypothesized that lower antioxidant defenses in aging lead to increased free radical damage. Can boosting glutathione protect our cells?

Supplementing with Glutathione: Does it work?

Unsurprisingly, I’ve heard nutritionists say “glutathione precursors are worth their weight in gold.” The reason for this is that GSH itself is not well absorbed when taken in a capsule. This is partially due to the fact that much of the GSH one takes in a capsule becomes oxidized glutathione (GSSG), therefore requiring our bodies’ cells to recycle GSSG back into reduced, active, GSH.

The ways in which boosted GSH levels can be achieved through supplementation often include fueling our cells with the precursors of GSH. One such supplement precursor is N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), which boosts GSH levels.  NAC is also considered a free radical scavenger.

Supplements containing selenium, especially selenomethionine, are useful as Selenium becomes incorporated into enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, which uses glutathione to detoxify the reactive oxygen molecule H2O2 into water. Similarly, vitamin B2 is necessary for the conversion of oxidized glutathione back into active, reduced, glutathione. Hence, both selenium and B2 may be an important part of maintaining good antioxidant balance and wellness during the cold season.

Some extracts from plants, such as milk thistle, or green tea, contain antioxidant polyphenols which instruct our cells to produce more glutathione. This effect is mediated through the transcription factor, Nrf2. When Nrf2 is activated, it transcribes for a battery of genes that mediate Phase II detox and antioxidant activity.

Well, what about the RegActiv probiotics? As previously stated, a strong connection between intestinal health and immune health has been established by nutritional research, with probiotics underlying support to this link. Lactobacillus Fermentum ME-3 is a strain that produces glutathione, as well as recycles inactive, oxidized GSSG. Even though ME-3 would reside in the intestines, scientific research indicates that ME-3 raises the blood markers of antioxidant activity.

RegActiv probiotics are also designed to affect three different areas of wellness in the body where antioxidant defense is needed: immune, heart and liver health. In the Immune and Vitality formula, ME-3 is paired with vitamin C and B vitamins for promoting healthy immune activity and function. In the RegActiv Cardio Wellness, the active form of CoQ10 – Ubiquinol – is used in conjunction with pantethine. Pantethine, a derivative of vitamin B5, may help balance healthy cholesterol levels. For those looking for love for their liver, RegActiv Detox & Liver Health provides ME-3 in conjunction with the glutathione precursor N-acetyl-cysteine and silymarin from milk thistle. Silymarin is an extract of compounds that induce Nrf2 activation, transcribing for enzymes that create more GSH.

Taken together, RegActiv probiotic supplements represent a different approach in antioxidant support. An increasing understanding of both the importance of probiotics in whole-body wellness and the role of glutathione in immune, heart and liver health by the scientific community has led to the discovery and development of Lactobacillus Fermentum ME-3 as a supplement for consumers.

REFERENCES

1) Kullisaar T, Songisepp E, Aunapuu M, Kilk K, Arend A, Mikelsaar M, Rehema A, Zilmer M. Complete glutathione system in probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol. 2010 Sep-Oct;46(5):527-31. PubMed PMID: 21058502.

2) Mikelsaar M, Zilmer M. Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 - an antimicrobial and antioxidative probiotic. Microb Ecol Health Dis. 2009 Apr;21(1):1-27. Epub 2009 Mar 16. PubMed PMID: 19381356; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2670518.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information presented here is not meant to replace professional advice, diagnosis, or care from a licensed healthcare practitioner.

The author declares no conflicts of interest.

Staying Hygge this [Holiday] Season

This blog post is an update of an earlier one we wrote last January. As we approach the winter solstice, it's the perfect time to start thinking about how to stay hygge all winter long!

In Denmark, the winter nights are long and cold and very dark (sounds pretty similar to Boston!). Those savvy Danes combat this seasonal dreariness with the art of hygge (pronounced 'hooga') a word that roughly translates to "coziness". This means things like lighting lots of candles, cooking meals and playing games with friends and family, wrapping up in warm blankets and reading good books by the fireplace.

Through the holiday season and beyond, incorporating hygge into your daily life can help keep that warm, festive spirit alive throughout the winter. Here are some ideas to help you bring the art of hygge into your home!

Candle light can really lift your spirits on these dark, dark nights! We suggest this beautiful Oakmoss + Leather travel candle from Simply Curated - the deep, rich, musky scent will really help you get in the hygge frame of mind. We suggest donning some warm flannel, turning on some jazz, and sipping your wintertime favorite beverage as you enjoy the flickering glow!

The next morning, pour yourself a cup of Counter Culture Coffee's Iridescent Blend. CCC donates a portion of proceeds from every pound they sell to organizations doing important work in the communities where they source coffee - to complete the cycle of good works, good cheer, and great coffee - truly embodying the hygge spirit we think! CCC's #anycoffeeanybrew campaign shows that there are so many ways to brew a delicious cup - check out the brewing guides on their website.

Christmas trees in a bottle. Need we say more?! This Christmas Tree Cabin Spray by Juniper Ridge is the epitome of holiday smells. Spray the scents of hygge all over your house - in your living room, bedroom, even the bathroom! When the holiday rush is over, it will help transport you back to that festive frame of mind.

Nothing says hygge like curling up with a good book - and better yet, an adult coloring book! It's another 6 months till summer, people, so surround yourself with the joy of plants with this "Just Add Color: Botanicals" book by Lisa Congdon. It will delight your creative senses and add bring a pop of color into these long, dark nights!

Feeling hygge is also about being comfortable and happy in your skin, even in these months of cold, dry air! This beautiful Patchouli & Geranium Body Oil from Thesis Beauty is the perfect antidote to all of those winter skin challenges. We suggest performing the ayurvedic practice of self-massage to increase circulation and keep your skin soft and moisturized! Rub this oil deep into your skin for 10 minutes before a warm shower: massage in circular motion towards the heart; rinse with water but not with soap.

This beautiful Bamboo Aromatherapy Diffuser from NOW uses ultrasonic technology to release a cold mist, filling your home with the pleasing, hygge scents of the pure essential oils of your choice. The cold mist maintains the integrity and holistic properties of the essential oils. Use a single oil or an enticing, hygge combination like bergamot & clove, or frankincense & orange.

Let us know how you're staying hygge this season!

Chicory (Cichorium intybus Asteraceae): A Root for the Season

By Steph Zabel
Herbalist, Ethnobotanist and Educator

Fall is the traditional time to harvest roots — it is the season when the cold-sensitive, above ground parts of the plants die back, and the energy returns underground. In many plants the root is an important storage organ, keeping hold of carbohydrates and nutrients during the dormant season. For this reason, we harvest many roots in the fall, when they are at their peak.

We are most familiar with the vegetable roots and tubers that grace our winter dishes (carrots, beets, parsnips, potatoes, etc…) However, one of the roots I am most enamored with is the humble and often-overlooked chicory. I’m sure you’ve seen this wild and weedy plant growing around our city environs. It is a very hardy creature and can grow in almost any soil. You’ll often see it along roadsides and sidewalks. It is most noticeable in late summer/early fall when its sweet blue flower is in full bloom.

Chicory is a good plant to know. It is a local wild edible, and the leaves, flowers and root can all be used in culinary creations. In fact, when you see large “dandelion” leaves sold in fancy grocery stores, more likely than not they are actually misnamed chicory leaves! Dandelion and chicory are closely related plants and both have bitter tasting leaves that are great for our digestive health.

Chicory is also the same plant as Belgian endive. When it is cultivated in the dark it produces small pale leaves that add a sophisticated bitter note to any meal.

The bitter taste of chicory is in fact where much of its benefits lie. It supports and strengthens digestive function because of its bitter constituents that enhance digestion, increase the flow of bile, and help with the absorption of nutrients. Similar to dandelion, chicory also possesses liver cleansing and detoxifying properties.

Chicory was traditionally used for gall stones, gout, indigestion and constipation; any issue related to the digestive tract may benefit from this useful plant. Either the leaves can be incorporated into the diet, or the root can be used as a tea. It is often used as a coffee substitute or added to coffee to reduce its over-stimulating effect;  chicory root has a similar bitter and deep flavor, and a very dark color. Or, use it in chai: every fall I make a big batch of my herbal root chai tea blend, which features roasted chicory root - yum!

Beyond its bitter side, chicory is also a nutritive plant. It is high in folate and has often been used for anemia. It also contains a unique constituent in its root, called inulin, which is a special kind of starch. This inulin feeds our beneficial gut flora;  it acts a prebiotic (rather than a probiotic). Using chicory root can therefore help to increase the good bacteria living in our digestive tract.

HOW TO USE:

To make a decoction (a simmered tea) place 1 Tblsp. of roasted chicory root in 2 cups of water; simmer in a small covered saucepan for 10 to 20 minutes. Then strain out the root, and add honey and/or milk to taste.

The young leaves are edible and can be added to salad, or sautéed like spinach. The older the plant gets the more bitter its leaves will become.

If neither of drinking nor eating large quantities of chicory appeal to you, then why not try your hand at a chicory infused vinegar? You can use this as a condiment on meals — dash it over roasted vegetables, or drizzle on salads. Or, use it as a digestive tonic and take a spoonful before or after meals…

Digestive Bitters in Vinegar

2/3 cup roasted chicory root
1/3 cup roasted dandelion root
1/3 cup burdock root
1/3 cup chamomile

Place all ingredients in a glass quart sized jar. Cover completely with apple cider vinegar, filling the jar to the top. Stir to remove any air bubbles and add more vinegar if necessary. Place a sheet of wax paper over the jar if you are using a metal lid (vinegar corrodes metal) or use a plastic lid. Label with the ingredients and date. Let this steep for 3 to 4 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain out through a fine sieve or through cheesecloth. Bottle the resulting liquid in a dark glass bottle.

Steph Zabel is an herbalist and educator based in Somerville, MA who helps urban dwellers connect with the plant world.  She teaches herbal classes, is available for individual wellness consultations, and is also the founder of HERBSTALK, Boston’s community herbal conference.  Learn more about her work at: www.flowerfolkherbs.com and www.herbstalk.org.

References:
https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/chicor61.html
http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Plants.Folder/Chicory.html
http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/sites/default/files/bitters-mase-2015_1.pdf
The Earthwise Herbal by Matthew Wood

This blog post — Chicory (Cichorium intybus Asteraceae):  A Root for the Season — is for general health information only. This blog post is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. Users of this Web site should not rely on information provided on this Web site for their own health problems. Any questions regarding your own health should be addressed to your own physician or other healthcare provider.

MariBerry (Mulled Elderberry) Syrup!

As the colder season sets in here in the north east, we tend to spend more time indoors: cooking, creating, gathering with friends, and nourishing ourselves with nutrient-rich foods and supportive, warming beverages. This year at Cambridge Naturals we've put together our own herbal mulling spice mix that we hope will add a little magic to your potlucks, holiday gatherings, and colder days.   

With taste and immunity in mind, we thoughtfully blended a handful of organic ingredients from our bulk herb section that can be used to make traditional beverages like mulled wine and cider. We also like to blend the mix with black tea or chaga mushroom adding milk and honey for a spicy, warming chai. 

We've also created a mulled version of the well-loved elder berry syrup that is simple to make, fills the house with the aroma of spices, and supports the entire family through the winter season that often brings colds, flus, and shivers. In honor of Maribeth who created the recipe, we're calling it MariBerry Syrup. 

Our mulling spice mix includes cardamom pods, cassia cinnamon chips, orange and lemon peel. ginger root, cloves, hawthorn berries, allspice berries, vanilla bean, and star anise. We've also included a recipe card for our MariBerry Syrup which combines this mulling mix with elder berries and honey to make a yummy, supportive syrup. Come pick up a bag at the store for several opportunities to create tasty, cozy beverages!

If you'd like to read more about Elderberry, please visit our post by community herbalist Steph Zabel. 

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum): An Herb for Body & Spirit

By Steph Zabel
Herbalist, Ethnobotanist and Educator

St. John's Wort is a plant of ancient use, one that has been a protector and healer of people for centuries. Folklore dictates that the herb wards off evil influences and protects against harmful, unseen forces.

While we may not use it in quite the same way as it once was, St. John’s Wort continues to offer physical, emotional and spiritual protection for modern humans living in a world with its own unique challenges and negative influences.

In recent times St. John’s Wort has been popularized for its ability to lift the spirits and to alleviate mild depression and seasonal affective disorder. In my experience it is indeed very useful when one feels melancholic, especially in the deep winter months. It seems fitting that such bright yellow flowers would be uplifting in darker days, especially Hypericum flowers which bloom right at the peak of summer, when the days are longest. If you sometimes suffer from seasonal melancholy or from “the blues”, you might consider bringing this joyful, light-filled herb into your life.  

St. John’s Wort also has a great affinity for the whole nervous system. In particular I have found it remarkable for its ability to help with feelings of nervousness, anxiety and vulnerability. Personally, I have used both the flower essence and the tincture with very noticeable results to help myself feel protected, safe and centered when I otherwise would have felt anxious.  In general, I find that St. John’s Wort is an amazing support for sensitive people who tend to feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed in new social situations, or who need to feel more protected in order to express themselves.  

St. John's Wort is a slightly bitter herb, which makes it beneficial for the digestive organs by stimulating gastric juices and bile flow. It also affects the liver, speeding up the metabolic process and removing toxins from the system.  This brings me to a word of caution about Hypericum: if you are taking any pharmaceutical medications it is best to avoid using this plant. St. John’s Wort increases the activity of liver enzymes that metabolize drugs so using this herb in combination with any medications is not recommended.

Traditionally, this beautiful plant has also been used externally as a wound healer. The infused medicinal oil, red from the crimson-hued juice of the flower buds, can be rubbed into the skin. This oil has been used with great success to help with the pain of burns, sore muscles, sciatica and damaged nerves. I have seen it work wonders for the excruciating pain of shingles.

Although it’s now too late in the season, next time you come across a flowering St. John’s Wort, crush a blossom between your fingers. It will exude a deep red stain. This pigment is the bioactive compound hypericin, where much of Hypericum’s medicine resides. Then, take one of the plant’s leaves and hold it up to the sunlight. Can you see small window-like holes in the leaf? This is another excellent way to identify the plant — there aren’t many leaves that are able to let the sunlight shine right through them.

HOW TO USE:

St. John’s Wort may be used in tea or tincture form, but remember that if you are on any medications ingesting the physical herb is not recommended. 

The infused medicinal oil can be used topically, and is a wonderful addition to any home apothecary for use on minor wounds, burns and sore muscles.   

As a flower essence St. John’s Wort is especially beneficial for sensitive people, providing emotional protection, healthy boundaries, and the ability to share one’s own unique inner light with others.  

This beautiful plant has many gifts to offer us — I encourage you to seek out St. John’s Wort and to welcome it’s joyful, healing qualities into your life.

Steph Zabel is an herbalist and educator based in Somerville, MA who helps urban dwellers connect with the plant world.  She teaches herbal classes, is available for individual wellness consultations, and is also the founder of HERBSTALK, Boston’s community herbal conference.  Learn more about her work at: www.flowerfolkherbs.com and www.herbstalk.org. 

REFERENCES:

https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/st-johns-wort
Wood, M. The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants
http://www.herbcraft.org/commonherbs.html
http://medherb.com/hypericum-drug-herb.html
http://www.healthy.net/Materia_Medica/St_Johns_Wort_Herbal_Materia_Medica/283

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This blog post — St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum):  An Herb for Body & Spirit ​  — is for general health information only. This blog post is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. Users of this Web site should not rely on information provided on this Web site for their own health problems. Any questions regarding your own health should be addressed to your own physician or other healthcare provider.

New Tonic Blends from Oregon's Wild Harvest!

"Everything is interrelated. Healthy food is our medicine. Growing herbs on a holistic farm is just another quest in our path to provide customers with only the healthiest plant material available on the planet." - Randy Buresh, Co-Founder, Oregon's Wild Harvest

The power of herbal remedies and food as medicine is a synergistic relationship between all of our senses coming in contact with a plant or blend of plants. The experience begins with our nose, scent triggers a response in our body that yes, this is good, show me more.

As we begin to taste, we wake up our cells to the medicine as it enters our blood stream. Finally we begin to feel the nuances and effects of the herbs or food we have just consumed. This can happen in a matter of seconds and linger long after we've sipped our tea or eaten our breakfast. 

Here at Cambridge Naturals we patiently awaited the arrival of certified biodynamic herbal tonics by Oregon's Wild Harvest. They are here! We are elated to share this limited run of supplements that were made in small batches, only from the plants the land yielded. We are honored to be one of the few shops to carry these products. Below I share two of the six tonics that I've quickly become a fan of.

HappyBelly is Oregon's Wild Harvest's take on herbal bitters. Fresh burdock root, artichoke leaf, fresh dandelion root, peppermint leaf, and yarrow are combined to create a delicious, powerful blend of herbs to support healthy digestion. A serving size of only 1/2 a teaspoon is recommended and the taste is warm and spicy finishing with a hint of sweet licorice root and cinnamon bark. I've used this blend before a meal to promote healthy digestive juices and afterward to keep gas and bloating at bay. With the colder seasons upon us, I can see myself using this blend to promote circulation and especially to help break down rich, hearty, and sometimes indulgent meals. 

Namaste is a blend to soothe a frazzled or anxious nervous system. This is possibly one of the most important tonics for me, especially during times of transition, whether that be seasonal or just throughout my day. Some of my strongest herbal allies make up this blend: fresh milky oat tops, fresh passionflower tops, skullcap tops, and fresh lemon balm. With a hint of lavender, just the aromatics of this blend quickly quiet my overactive system, bringing me into a state of calm peace. I not only find this blend to be helpful during stressful situations, but it has been important for promoting a deep, restful sleep when I can't seem to quiet my mind. 

Here at the store we offer 4 other flavors, creating a 6-tonic rainbow of herbal support. We'd be happy to talk to you about all of them and find the best blend for you. 

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This blog post — New Tonic Blends from Oregon's Wild Harvest!  — is for general health information only. This blog post is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. Users of this Web site should not rely on information provided on this Web site for their own health problems. Any questions regarding your own health should be addressed to your own physician or other healthcare provider.

Six Autumn Essentials to Get You Through 'til Winter Break

The holiday break is just around the corner, folks! Alex put together this list of six must-haves for getting through the fast-paced autumn season in style:

Simply Curated: These small sized travel candles are beautiful and smell great. I love the idea of being able to bring them with me on my travels! Simply Curated uses 100% pure soy wax that is sourced from the US only, as well as domestically sourced wood wicks. They are always hand poured and phthalate free and oh so pretty!

Klean Kanteen: recently introduced these slimmer mouthed insulated bottles. Perfect for the winter, they will keep your coffee or tea hot literally for hours. Or for that hardcore New Englander, it will keep the ice in your cold brew from melting. Either way, you will be cutting down on those wasteful to go cups and sipping on something delicious!

Soul Sunday: This beautifully branded aromatherapy roll-on are made from coconut oil and 100% pure essential oils. perfect for decompressing on the go, you can apply this oil to your temples and wrists and breathe in!

Perfect Fuel: These little bites of energy will satisfy your chocolate craving while providing a quick boost! This Boston based company makes bite sized chocolate with ginseng, espresso or chia. All delicious and help get you through your day or work out!

Pure Life GABA-Max: Stressed? Me too. That’s okay… with a little bit of GABA, one may feel chill within no time. The main ingredient of this formula is compound known as Phenyl-GABA, a derivative of the well established endogenous inhibitory neurotransmitter in our brains, GABA. When taken orally, Phenyl-GABA crosses the blood-brain barrier and may support feelings of relaxation. While many like this product, please do consult your physician when trying any new supplement!

Herbalogic Fixed Focus: Herbalogic focuses on Chinese herbal blends and use three methods of extraction, water, glycerin and alcohol, to provide you with an extra potent and unique product. Their Fixed Focus blend helps support mental clarity and concentration without making you feel wired or jittery.

Milk Thistle: Food for the Liver

By Steph Zabel
Herbalist, Ethnobotanist and Educator

This year I grew glorious Milk Thistle for the first time in my garden. With its sharp, prickly leaves it is not usually the first choice for gardeners, but for an herbalist, it is an exciting plant to grow. All summer long I observed as it spread out its milky-splotched leaves and unfurled its purple-flowers.

And now I have been rewarded with a harvest of fresh milk thistle seeds — the most prized and potent part of the plant. (Well, my favorite part, at least!)

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is not widely known outside of the herbal world. And that’s a shame, because it is an incredibly healthful herb that can easily be incorporated into anyone’s daily routine. My favorite way to use milk thistle seeds is simply to grind them up and sprinkle them on anything and everything I’m eating. I keep a small jar of the freshly ground seeds on my kitchen table so that I remember to add them to my meals — they are equally great on breakfast eggs, lunchtime salads, or savory dishes at dinner.

So, why would you want to eat these unusual seeds?

Well, quite simply, milk thistle is one of our best plants for supporting overall liver health. The seeds impart a protective effect on the liver, and help to prevent the absorption of substances that are damaging. In a world filled with environmental toxins, chemicals, alcohol and drugs, milk thistle is very beneficial indeed.

It is a very practical herb to have on hand for any indulgent occasion… Too much rich food? Too much alcohol? Milk Thistle! Just eat some seeds (ideally before and) after to help keep your liver moving along happily.

With an affinity for the liver, milk thistle really is like a food, helping to build and rejuvenate this vital organ. By increasing protein synthesis, milk thistle’s effects also lead to the growth of healthy new liver cells. Herbalists of past and present have used the seeds for cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, alcohol damage, and for an overall congested or sluggish liver.

I hold a special place in my heart for this dear plant and its supportive effects. I have a family member with hepatitis who has taken milk thistle seeds regularly for the past several years. I am grateful to report that her liver is going strong, her blood tests are normal, and she is healthy and happy!

Milk thistle also contains wonderful anti-inflammatory properties; as such it is often used in inflamed skin conditions that correspond to liver stagnation. Furthermore, the seeds can improve the break-down and removal of fats from the system by stimulating bile production; this action also helps address constipation and keeps the body regular.

As a supportive ally for both the liver and the digestive system, milk thistle is truly a valuable addition to any home apothecary.

HOW TO USE:

Unlike most herbs, milk thistle seeds do not very extract well in water so don’t try to make a cup of tea out of them! Instead eat the fresh ground seeds, or get a good quality capsule. If using the seeds buy them whole and then grind them as needed (I use a coffee grinder to make them into a coarse powder). The seeds taste oily, sweet and bitter all at once — perhaps they are an acquired taste, but they are not unpleasant at all. Start with taking 1/2 to 1 tablespoon per day sprinkled on your food and see how it feels to you, adjusting the amount as you need.

If you like, you can also try mixing the ground seeds into honey, and take a spoonful of this mixture at a time.

Steph Zabel is an herbalist and educator based in Somerville, MA who helps urban dwellers connect with the plant world.  She teaches herbal classes, is available for individual wellness consultations, and is also the founder of HERBSTALK, Boston’s community herbal conference.  Learn more about her work at: www.flowerfolkherbs.com and www.herbstalk.org.

REFERENCES:
https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/milk-thistle
http://whisperingearth.co.uk/2011/06/13/the-marvellous-milk-thistle/
https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/t/thistl11.html#mil
Wood, Matthew: The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants as Medicine

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This blog post — Milk Thistle: Food for the Liver  — is for general health information only. This blog post is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. Users of this Web site should not rely on information provided on this Web site for their own health problems. Any questions regarding your own health should be addressed to your own physician or other healthcare provider.

Jenn's TOP FIVE Back to School Essentials

At the store, we are well-tuned to the cycles of the school calendar - several of our staff members also moonlight as part-time or full-time students. Jenn is completing her undergraduate program in Industrial Design at Mass Art, and put together this entertaining list of student "must-haves" for the fall season. Whether you are a student or just know one, this these items will help you make it through till holiday break in good health!

Jenn says...

Its that time of year again, back to school season. Some dread it and some celebrate it, but no matter what, come September it’s time to hit the books! I wanted to share with you my TOP FIVE Back to School Essentials to get you through the transition.

First day back at school I can almost feel the chill in my bones, as the weather gets cooler I have a tendency to pick up everyone's sickness, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this plight. During this cold and flu season I will definitely be turning to Host Defense MycoShield. This amazing blend of  five powerful polypore mushroom species (Agarikon, Red Reishi, Chaga, Birch Polypore and Turkey Tail) work as a shield of immune support to help support you and your constant contact with germs. The MycoShield comes in a convenient travel size spray flavored in peppermint and cinnamon, perfect to carry in your bag and spray at the first "under the weather" moment. MycoShield is certified organic and grown and processed in the USA.

Back to school means back to school parties, and I want to PartySmart! PartySmart is a wonderful product from the Himalaya company. Taking a capsule of PartySmart before going out helps alleviate the unpleasant side effect of a night of drinking; nausea, headaches, fatigue, and stomach pain. No longer suffer through those rough 8am classes just because you had a little too much fun the night before!

Once my classes start up it seems like I’m always on the go. Most college students today have to balance classes, work, internships, homework, and then try to squeeze in some resemblance of a social life. Eating well sometimes falls to the bottom of the priority list, opting for more convenient options like fast food or convenience store snacks. But who says eating well can’t be easy? Beat the hungry horrors with the delicious little bite size snacks of Barnanas. These little chewy bites are packed full of potassium and fiber. My favorite are the organic peanut butter ones to add a little extra protein.  

When pulling an all nighter, as we all have to do sometimes, our options for keeping our energy up can be a bit grim. Our options seem limited to energy drink products that are full of sugar and chemicals, or coffee, while wonderful and delicious, can take a tole on the stomach when drinking multiple cups. Open to Guayaki organic energy shots. These amazing little shots are packed full of some amazing energizing superfoods, rich in B-12. These little dudes are organic, fair trade, kosher, non gmo, and gluten free; making them perfect for that 'night owl' that lives inside every student. They come in four awesome flavors so you can find one that suits your tastes!

More and more articles are coming out linking coloring to mental sharpness and memory recall, and what college student couldn't use a little extra memory when studying?! The Mini Mandala Coloring Book is a great way to relax and unwind or give yourself a little study break without getting sucked into the magical never ending world of internet land. This tiny little coloring book is the perfect size to throw in your backpack with a few colored pencils or markers for those times when you feel like you need a little mental break. 

Lemon Balm: The Gateway Herb / Melissa officinalis

By Steph Zabel
Herbalist, Ethnobotanist and Educator

Lemon Balm is a delightful and cheerful little plant. With uplifting, lemon-scented leaves and tiny sweet white flowers, it is a pleasant addition to any garden or kitchen apothecary. I have never found anyone who does not enjoy lemon balm tea, so I call it a “gateway herb.” Even the most wary newcomers to herbs fall in love with its scent and taste, and then become open to trying many more new and unusual herbs…!

Both bees and humans find this plant irresistibly attractive. In fact its Latin name Melissa refers to “bees” — these insects will flock to it whenever it is in bloom.

Lemon balm is originally from southern Europe but is now widely cultivated around the world. Like many mint family plants it is a very prolific grower. If you have limited garden space, you may want to place it in a container so that it does not take over the whole garden. (However, I don’t think that that would be such a terrible thing if it did happen...)

For centuries this aromatic plant has been used to raise the spirits, comfort the heart, and banish depression and irritability. Its sweet, citrusy leaves yield a delicious tea that is equally good as a cold tea on a hot summer day, or as a warm tea on a cold winter day.

It was once believed that if taken regularly lemon balm would promote longevity — perhaps due in part to its calming effect on the central nervous system. Lemon balm is a wonderfully relaxing, and soothing herb, useful before bedtime to help fall into a peaceful sleep. It is also a fantastically supportive herb during times of stress and anxiety. Personally, I have found lemon balm to be a true “balm” whenever I have felt nervous or stressed about something. I once had a big event that involved public speaking and being filmed, which caused me to feel quite nervous. But, beforehand I took a few sips of my lemon balm cordial (recipe below) and within minutes my nerves quieted down, and the butterflies in my stomach disappeared. I was able to relax and just be myself. What a gift during anxious times!

Beyond its wonderful effect on the nerves, lemon balm contains anti-viral properties – this can prove useful for people who suffer from cold sore outbreaks, shingles, colds or flu. It’s definitely one I like to keep handy during the winter months not only for its ability to contain and weaken viruses, but also for its uplifting effect which is beneficial for mild depression and seasonal affective disorder.

Lemon balm is a very gentle herb that can be used by nearly anyone — children love it, stressed-out people love it, and anyone in the midst of wintertime loves it!

HOW TO USE:

To make tea of lemon balm use up to 1/2 Tblsp. of the dried herb per cup of hot water. Let that steep, covered, for 10-15 minutes.

If you have fresh lemon balm on hand an extremely delicious way to use it is to chop up a small handful of the aromatic leaves. Put these leaves in a small jar then cover them completely with local honey. Let this mixture steep for at least a week or two, and then use it as is (or strain out the herbs.) This is a delight in teas, on toast, or on top of desserts.

Finally, one of my favorite and most recommended ways to use lemon balm is below — gather your fresh lemon balm leaves now to make this cordial and you will be thanking your summer self all winter long!..

Lemon Balm Cordial

Harvest a large bunch of fresh and aromatic lemon balm stems. Look for stems that are healthy and vibrant looking. If they are in flower, that is OK, but if they have already finished flowering skip those stems. You are searching for lemon balm in its peak and at its most aromatic phase.

Strip the leaves from the stalks and chop them up as finely as possible. Place your fresh leaves in a glass jar of any size - I usually use a pint-sized or quart-sized jar. Fill the jar almost to the top with the lemon balm, leaving a little bit of room at the top.

Cover completely with brandy (any good tasting brandy will do). Stir to remove any air bubbles and make sure all the leaves are completely submerged. Then cap tightly and place a label on the jar with its contents and date.

Place the jar somewhere where you will see it so you can give it a shake every so often. Shaking helps the plant material from settling too much and makes sure that the brandy is touching (and extracting) as much surface area of the leaves as possible.

After 4-6 weeks strain out the lemon balm through a fine sieve (using cheesecloth is also a good idea). The resulting liquid should be aromatic and lemon-y. Measure this liquid. To this amount add 1/4 the amount of raw honey. (If you have 1 cup of lemon balm infused brandy, add 1/4 cup honey). Stir together well. Pour into a dark bottle. At this point I usually let the honey and brandy infuse together for another week or so, but if you have trouble waiting this long, go ahead and start using it!

Take this lemon balm cordial by the spoonful as a winter pick-me-up, or sip on it as an after dinner drink. It is divine!

Steph Zabel is an herbalist and educator based in Somerville, MA who helps urban dwellers connect with the plant world.  She teaches herbal classes, is available for individual consultations, and is also the founder of HERBSTALK, a community herbal conference.  Learn more about her work at: www.flowerfolkherbs.com and www.herbstalk.org.

References:

http://www.woodherbs.com/LemonBalm.html
https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/lemon-balm
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-lemon-balm.html
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/balm--02.html

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This blog post — Lemon Balm: The Gateway Herb / Melissa officinalis  — is for general health information only. This blog post is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. Users of this Web site should not rely on information provided on this Web site for their own health problems. Any questions regarding your own health should be addressed to your own physician or other healthcare provider.