Fall is here! Each season has its own unique energetic signature that influences our bodies, minds, and spirits. Fall is a significant transitional period for both our inner and outer worlds; we transition from the warm, social, vibrant energy of the summertime and into the introspective, and nostalgic energy of the colder months ahead. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fall is associated with the lungs and the large intestine; this explains why ailments such as sinus irritation, asthma flare ups, allergies, and constipation occur more frequently during this time of year. In TCM the lungs ..read more

Arjuna is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine that specifically cares for and strengthens the heart. Its botanical name is Terminalia arjuna, and it is a beautiful, green-leafed tree that grows in parts of India and Bangladesh. The bark of the tree is harvested and used for its rejuvenating, strengthening effects on the cardiovascular system. Arjuna breathes new life into the tissues of the heart and lends vibrancy to the circulatory system, helping it reach a baseline of health. Arjuna is given for recovery after heart attacks to strengthen and heal the heart and its tissues. It is also given ..read more

When cooler, drier air comes rolling in, sometimes drinking more water isn’t enough to stay hydrated. If you’re like me and lack a humidifier, these simple self-care techniques help make the cold months of the year much more enjoyable! Here are a few easy ideas to soothe the senses and stay supple this season, inside and out. 1. Coconut Oil Eye Treatment Oiling the eyes is a soothing, time-honored treatment for dry, tired, or inflamed eyes. Before sleep, lie on your back and put a dab of coconut oil in the inner corner of each eye. Blink several times to spread the oil around. Gently massage a ..read more

From expensive glass bottles with hermetically sealed “pods” to house crystals to gemstone essence tinctures to wearable, wire-wrapped gems to crystal grids, crystal healing has become not just popular, but it is on the verge of becoming mainstream. While many crystals are shiny and pretty and give us pleasure to look at them, some people are just beginning to realize how very potent little powerhouses the shimmery crystals many people use to just decorate their home and bodies can be for healing. There are so many ways to utilize crystals. Some of my favorites are wearing them wire-wrapped ..read more

In light of current world events, I wanted to take some time to talk about one of my favorite formulas for depression, anxiety, and grief. Grief Relief is a simple but powerful combination of Mimosa, Rose, and Hawthorn. Taken separately, all three herbs support mental health, heart health, and peace of mind. But when they’re combined, they become a formula that is greater than the sum of their parts. These herbs don’t numb or take away our feelings, but rather help to open our hearts and give us the strength to experience both the ups and downs of life with balance, poise, and peace. Formul ..read more

Spring is one of the two times of the year when cleansing is most natural and beneficial. The transition from slow, winter hibernation energies to the excited, new growth energies of spring is awakening, especially to the body’s elimination pathways. Using herbs internally to cleanse is one of the best tools to clean the body of toxins and impurities. Aromatherapy is another tool in your wellness toolbox that you can employ to support the body’s cleansing process and encourage the release of old, stagnant energies that can settle into your energy and emotions as well as your physical tissues ..read more

You’ve probably seen enough articles on anti-viral herbs, immune herbs, and remedies for the lungs for the moment. So let’s turn to an equally important aspect of health and preventative care in challenging times: herbs to support us when we are experiencing anxiety, stress, uncertainty, and fear. There is a group of herbs known as nervines that support and nourish the nervous system. Each plant has its own specialties, and there are many to choose from. Here are a few of my favorites. Lemon Balm | Melissa officinalis Lemon Balm This delightful, lemon-scented member of the mint family is ea ..read more

I have always, always had an affinity for Oolong tea over any other kind of tea (except for a brief stint where I’d fallen into lust with a Christmas Morning breakfast tea blend when I was 22 years old). I’ve often wondered about this affinity. Why do I like Oolongs? Why do I choose them when I go out to a tea house? Why do I have to stop myself from buying more Oolongs for Smile Herb Shop when I am choosing new teas? (Hint: It’s because we need to have a balance of teas instead of the massive Oolong section that would give me the most pleasure!) What is it about this tea that has me so enra ..read more

Feeling Stir-Crazy? Some Tips From The Housebound Hi, my name is Susan and I’m just as stressed out and confused as you are right now. But, I’ve been living with chronic pain and fatigue, as well as generalized anxiety disorder, for many years and I believe that experience has given me a bit of an edge dealing with the current situation. If you have never been housebound before or had to live with chronic anxiety and fear of the unknown, you may want to reach out to people you know who have been living with chronic illness or anxiety disorders. They will probably have some us ..read more

Presented by Claudia Joy Wingo, Clincal Herbalist, RN, MPH on March 3rd, 2020. https://www.dropbox.com/s/y2pugya2l8cef3d/Be-Prepared-and-Fear-Not-Herbal-Support-and-Coronavirus.mp4?raw=1 To learn more about the herbs Claudia mentions in her webinar, please click this link to visit Smile Herb Shop. Click Here to Download the Presentation PDF The post Herbal Support & Coronavirus: FREE WEBINAR appeared first on Smile Herb School ..read more