Ah, the refreshing, lively scent of spearmint – it’s good for mind and body. Whether you steep it for tea, add it to a salad or a stir-fry entrée, or diffuse it in a relaxing essential oil blend, spearmint (Mentha spicata) has some surprising health benefits. It has been used to alleviate symptoms of nausea,…

Whether you shut the door and close the blinds to move to the beat of your favorite tunes, participate in a formal dance class, or simply “get jiggy” with your kids, dance is good for the mind and body. The beneficial effects of dance are largely universal for everyone. Children more freely express themselves through…

The beautiful golden-orange state flower of California has several uses for troubling times. California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) has been used in the management of insomnia, mood disturbance, fatigue, and nervous tension. It may also reduce aches and pains associated with over-exertion and stress.  California poppy contains biologically active chemicals recognized for causing sleepiness and relaxation. Some…

The eyes are supported by bands of muscles (the extraocular muscles) that control their movement. Exercising these muscles has significant health benefits, including improved circulation, which reduces inflammation. Additionally, exercising the eyes may minimize eye fatigue or strain caused by vision overuse patterns such as digital eye strain or frequent night driving.  Below are eye…

Antioxidants help rid your body of waste substances called free radicals. These free radicals are unstable molecules that the body produces as it processes food and in reaction to environmental pressure. Free radicals damage the body by producing inflammation that can lead to disease, particularly illnesses such as arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and others.  To…

Many people are surprised to learn that “vitamin E” is not a single vitamin. It’s actually a collective name for a group of fat-soluble compounds. Naturally occurring vitamin E exists in eight unique chemical forms: alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol. Each has varying levels of biological activity, and it’s…