Herbal teas have often been suggested for their health benefits and as a substitute for coffee. Chamomile tea is on this list and is caffeine free compared to coffee and green tea options. Chamomile is a herb that comes from flowers that look very similar to daisies. These flowers are dried and then to make the tea, are infused into hot water. It contains properties that have health benefits and natural remedies we can explore when needed. The most popular use of chamomile tea is to drink it as a sleep aid. It contains an antioxidant called apigenin, that binds to sleep receptors we ..read more

We have heard about making sure we get enough potassium to help our bodies. We might hear someone tell us this if we are having muscle cramps or seem to be experience fatigue more than normal. There are a number of reasons our bodies need potassium and several sources we can obtain this mineral from. Keep in mind that our body doesn’t produce potassium, so we need make sure we pay attention to obtaining it for our bodily functions. Potassium assists with several operations in the body. It is both a mineral and an electrolyte. It helps with muscle contractions, heart rhythm, digestion, water ba ..read more

The more you eat, the more you lower your risk of certain cancers. Beans have more servings of fiber than any other vegetable. One single serving will give you 20 percent of your daily recommended fiber. Researchers in Japan did a seven-year study. They studied more than 43,000 people between the ages of 40 and 79 that had high cancer rates and ate little fiber. The more fiber they got from beans, the lower the risk of colon cancer, especially in men, became. It was the bean fiber that impacted the colon cancer statistics more than any other source of fiber. Other research indicates that the f ..read more

For ACV to be really beneficial it is essential that it is organic, unfiltered and the apples used, fully ripened. If the ACV is distilled, enzymes are destroyed as is the potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, iron, copper, silicon, trace minerals, and essential amino acids. Distilling also destroys natural acids that fight body toxins and inhibit unfriendly bacteria. The fact that ACV is so potassium rich is incredible as this one chemical is responsible for preventing hair loss, brittle teeth and nails, sinusitis, runny noses and toxic waste in the body, for openers. The reality is that ..read more

We hear a lot about apple cider vinegar and the various health benefits it has for us, but what about plain white vinegar? Some people call this type distilled or spirit vinegar. It doesn’t get the same attention. It is very versatile, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was sold out at stores because of its cleaning uses. Most everyone has it in their pantry because at any time you might need some for cooking, baking, and cleaning. Drinking it by itself tastes much too harsh so it is always an ingredient used for something else.  It is made of 4–7% acetic acid and 93–96% water. It ..read more

Learning the Aloha Spirit? Every time we pick up a newspaper or watch the news, the lead story is always about some person-to- person horror with the foundation being centered around race, culture or religion always resulting in bloodshed, mayhem, chaos or oppression. Seeing this we become fearful and anxious and struggle to remain optimistic and positive. Somehow, in Hawaii, we seem to find a way through this with tolerance, civility and being observant. Coming to Hawaii in the 70’s, in the laid back town of Lahaina, which has now been burned down by a**holes to remodel it,  I was defini ..read more

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects somewhere between 5-10% of the population. This digestive condition is uncomfortable and intrusive upon daily living. Those who suffer from IBS must be careful of certain foods that trigger disruption to digestion. Although having a complete list of possible foods to avoid for a person with IBS is practically impossible, at least eliminating foods that could pose problems is a proactive measure to keep IBS at bay. Attempting an elimination diet is a way to pinpoint what does and does not strike IBS issues to occur. The goal is to maintain regular bowel mo ..read more

In an era where our interactions are increasingly digitized and our social circles can feel cramped by the walls of our own minds, the vibrancy and pulse of a summer festival can be a great antidote. The Pull of Shared Passions Festivals are the embodiments of shared passions, diverse yet united under a common thread, and an undercurrent of belonging. Be it the melodic hum of a music festival where genres transcend barriers and time, or the breathing chants of a yoga retreat that connect breath to movement and hearts to one another, the power of a collective passion is undeniable. In these mom ..read more

Respiratory issues in dogs can be a cause for concern for any pet owner. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from a variety of respiratory conditions that affect their airways and lungs, which are essential for breathing. Some of the common respiratory problems in dogs include infectious diseases like kennel cough, inflammatory conditions like bronchitis, and even more serious ailments such as pneumonia. It’s important for dog owners to recognize the signs of respiratory distress and seek veterinary care promptly. Recognizing the symptoms of respiratory issues in dogs is key to providing timely ..read more

Cold therapy, termed cryotherapy, has become a popular form of self-care for the body. It can be done in one or more areas of the body and some people have it done on their whole body. The idea behind cryotherapy is that immersing the body in cold temperatures produces several benefits. The most popular approach is called WBA, which means whole-body-cryotherapy. This is when the person puts their whole body in a chamber that has an opening for the head and the water is nearing 200–300°F. The process is quick and lasts only two to four minutes. For best results, this should be a repeated p ..read more