Author Archive

Heart Awareness-The Endothelium

February is “Heart Awareness Month”, a perfect time to continue our series on maintaining a healthy heart. Part 3 of this series will focus on three herbs that have shown to support the structure and function of the cardiovascular system. (1)
The Endothelium
When we look at the structure of the cardiovascular system, every vein and artery has a layer of cells called endothelial cells. This one-cell thick lining is known as the endothelium. And even though it’s only one-cell thick, the endothelium layer is extensive. In fact, if spread out, it would take up the area of 8 tennis courts! In larger vessels such as veins and arteries, the endothelium forms the blood vessel wall along with muscle cells and and elastic fibers. But, in capillaries, the endothelium is the entire blood vessel wall. One main job of the endothelium (one of many) is to provide a barrier between the blood and the rest of the body (2). However, substances (proteins, enzymes, gasses), must be allowed to come in and out of the endothelium, so it is really a selectivity permeable barrier. It also has a central role in the regulation of blood coagulation and it vascular tone and growth.
The endothelium can be damaged due to:
Poor nutrition, infections, physical trauma, as well as the secondary affects of stress contributing to hypertension, and atherosclerosis and insulin resistance.
So how can we protect our endothelium?
Clearly, proper nutrition is our first line of defense, as is finding ways to cope with stress. But if we turn to herbs (and spices), there are a number of them that can be very helpful.
Green tea (Camilla sinensis)
In 2007, a study found that catechins (or more specifically, epigallocatechin-3-gallate) in green tea were found to be helpful in reversing endothelial dysfunction associated with the arteries, but it was not just the catechins. (2) The authors go on to state that the believe it is the flavonoids found in the in green tea that also contributed to supporting the endothelial function. Now flavonoids can be found in dark berries, cacao nibs (and dark chocolate). So have a bowl of berries, a bar of chocolate, and a cup of green tea and support your endothelium and your heart!
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic has so many wonderful attributes—you can just Google “garlic” and read about them. But did you know it also can help your heart—or more specifically the endothelium? Now most studies are not done on plants, but on extracts (including the green tea study). This is also true of garlic where many studies are done on aged garlic extract. Extracts are easier to administer and there is no variation in quality or potency of the plant, thus making them more ideal for studies. There was a study done in 2005 which found that that aged garlic extract did indeed have a positive effect on the endothelial function. This was a clinical trial done on men who had coronary heart disease. (3). They found that–yes, aged garlic was helpful; however, it wasn’t enough by itself to lower the risk in this population group. The take away is that it can be helpful but so is eating right and reducing stress.
With garlic, although it tastes better cooked, you will lose most of the herb’s health benefits eating it this way. Therefore, the best way to eat garlic is to smash it and let it sit for about ten minutes, then eat it raw. And then rinse your mouth out with a strong mouthwash! Of course, for taste, I love cooking with garlic.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng), also known as Korean ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Asian ginseng
Probably the biggest, ‘baddest’ herb in the study of herbal medicine is Panax ginseng; an herb that has been used in China for thousands of years as a tonic for aging. Good quality ginseng is extremely expensive, but for many people, it is indispensable and synonymous with good health. It is an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the body deal with stress, but it is so much more.
Here is the upshot of an important 2014 study: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) supports the endothelium by actually helping to open the diameter of the blood vessel. Greater diameter = greater flow = lower blood pressure. (5)
Now the details. Normally, when processing ginseng, it is either dried or steamed. If steamed, it is known as Korean red ginseng (KRG). In the above mentioned study it was steamed. Before the 2014 study, there were several preclinical studies which examined ginseng’s vasoprotective actions. Researchers wanted to figure out how ginseng worked. They concluded that it worked by enhancing nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in the endothelium—mainly the heart and lungs. The authors of the 2014 study wanted to take it to the next step and conduct a randomized, double-blind, crossover, controlled trial to see if ginseng really did have an effect on the endothelium. The two constituents they were looking at were: ginsenosides and polysaccharides. The study did indeed prove that KRG actually helped to open the diameter of the blood vessels. “Among the clinical implications of this trial is the vasodilatation potential of KRG during flow-stimulated conditions, thereby improving endothelial function, particularly for patients with cardiovascular disease. Endothelial dysfunction can contribute to atherogenesis preceding arterial plaque formation and increase future cardiovascular risk. Therefore ginseng may join the ranks of promising alternative agents that can affect endothelial function.” Enough said!
In the next part we will look at herbs to keep our blood flowing. In the meantime, eat right and love big! Blessings, Jayne
Footnotes:
(1) I originally said I was going to look at We will look at: plantain (Plantago major, lanceolata), calendula (Calendula officinalis) and Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), and witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), but I am going to talk about these in answering some questions on the skin.
(2) If you are interested in a great tutorial on the endothelium, go to Marrta Toran’s lecture on “Endothelial cells: Function and explanation”. A video of this can be found at: https://study.com/academy/lesson/endothelial-cells-function-lesson-quiz.html
(3) Re: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate Found Effective in Reversing Endothelial Dysfunction; Widlansky ME, Hamburg NM, Anter E, et al. Acute EGCG supplementation reverses endothelial dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease J Am Coll Nutr. Apr 2007;26(2):95-102.
(4) Re: Aged Garlic Extract Appears to Improve Endothelial Function in Men with Coronary Artery Disease; Williams M Sutherland W, McCormick M, Yeoman D, de Jong S. Aged garlic extract improves endothelial function in men with coronary artery disease Phytother Res. 2005;19:314-319
(5) Modulation of endothelial function by Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) and its components in healthy individuals: a randomized controlled trial. Jovanovski E, Peeva V, Sievenpiper JL, et al., Cardiovasc Ther. August 2014;32(4):163-169

A Subscriber Asks: Smelly Herbs Q&A

I recently bought some herbs. One ziplock bag of herbs smells of manure. I’m not sure if that’s a natural herb smell or if it’s manure that was dried with it. If it is reeking of manure. Would it affect the tea?
Hi Sage:
Great question! Unfortunately, based off of what I’m hearing from your post, it sounds like you have a problem. I would contact the company that sourced the herbs and let them know of your concerns. Herbalists and reliable growers take the quality of their products very seriously. If you ever have a question, I always suggest to contact the source directly. The company should be adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s) as mandated by the Food and Drug Administration. They should be able to track the exact source of the product by the batch number to further investigate and take appropriate action.
Herbalists always evaluate the quality of plants through our senses to the best of our ability through a process referred to as organoleptic analysis. Organoleptic means “impression of the organs.” No need for fancy equipment: we use our senses and knowledge of the plant to identify and to assess its quality. Color, taste, and scent is a pretty good way to identify a potential ‘problem plant’. If it looks funny and smells funny, I’d pause before I taste it. I know that seems a bit wishy washy, but official standards to establish the identity and authenticity of a plant are referenced in pharmacopoeias and official publications, which is the basis for this assessment.
Herb quality, safety, and efficacy is extremely important. The Sustainable Herbs Project, an organization committed to consumer education about herbal manufacturing and issues is a great consumer friendly resource. This 12 minute videowill give you a ‘quickish’ peak into the quality and control process of herbal companies.
Lastly, quality is key. Purchase herbs from companies that you trust. I’ve listed a few companies I like below:
Thanks for contacting us. When in doubt it’s always good to ask questions and to trust your gut. The nose usually knows. I hope this helps!
xoxo Monica

Herbal Q & A: Ouch, my tooth

A reader asks if there are any herbal options for lingering dental nerve pain. This poor person has had pain for almost a year, following some drilling work at the dentist. He doesn’t want to return to the dentist, for fear any suggested remedies will only make it worse.
I can offer some herbal and dietary suggestions and, and, and… pleasefollow up with your dentist anytime you have chronic pain of this kind. I get it that ongoing mouth pain is a real nuisance and it’s understandable that you wouldn’t want to return to the dentist if the pain started there. The thing is…
There can be a lot of reasons for dental pain, ranging from a loose filling to an infection, and it’s really best to have a dentist take a look at it and give you their explanation and ideas for next steps and/or relief. It’s always, always up to you if you decide to go for a medical procedure, or not. Your dentist may have a simple solution, which would be wonderful. If they don’t or if your dentist puts you on edge, it may be time to make a change or seek another opinion.
As for herbal options, if the cause of the pain is nerve trauma, St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is the herb of choice. A standard dose would be 3-6 mls (milliliters) of tincture (herb extracted into alcohol) per day (or 1-2 mls taken 3 times per day). Or for a more economical option, or for those avoiding alcohol, you could prepare a tea of 5 grams of St. Johns Wort flower and leaf, steeped in a quart of water for 15 minutes, then strained and sipped throughout the day.
Precautions: St. John’s Wort is considered safe for long term use, but it does have known interactions that can reduce effectiveness of some medicines, so it is very important that you consult with an herbalist or your doctor if you are taking any pharmaceuticals. St. John’s Wort can also make you more sensitive to sunlight, so take extra care to protect your skin from the sun while taking.
Prickly Ash Bark (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis) would be another herb to try. This plant increases saliva and circulation in the mouth and has a reputation for reducing pain in the trigeminal nerves (facial/mouth nerves). Start with 1 ml tincture, three times per day. This plant has a very unique taste and will make your mouth tingle.
Healing in the mouth may also be aided by an herbal mouth rinse (never mind the marketing name, it’s a great oral health tonic). Herbs in this formula are antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, increase circulation in the mouth, and would be a useful addition to your oral care routine. You could also try rubbing ina topical St. John’s wort oil , around the affected area inside and outside the mouth.
Of course maintaining a healthy diet and good oral care are critical to healing in the mouth. Brushing and flossing, as directed, and eating an anti-inflammatory diet are foundational. A helpful reference, if you’d like to try a homemade tooth powder or explore other ways to use herbs for dental care, is Dental Herbalism by herbalist and PhD Leslie Alexander and dental hygienist Linda Straub-Bruce.
Thanks for this great question and best of luck! Nerves can take a long time to heal, sometimes over a year, so hang in there.

Oh, the (perimenopausal) tides they are a changin’!

Welcome to your 40’s, ladies (and all genders cause, well, we’re all in this together)!
As we approach menopause our estrogen & progesterone levels begin to decline and many women find that:
Our cycles are less predictable — they’re shorter or longer, heavier or lighter.
We’re undersleeping and momentarily overheating. Hot flashes are no joke!
Our moodiness is reminiscent of those challenging puberty years.
decline. . . Wait, what’s a libido?’ you say.What is perimenopause? Most women experience perimenopause for many years until reaching menopause which, by definition, is when we’ve been without a period for 12 months and our ovaries have stopped releasing eggs. Menopause commonly occurs right around age 50 and the marathon of perimenopause can be quite a journey. Thankfully, we have some herbal allies willing to coach us along the way so we don’t necessarily have to resort to managing symptoms with sleep meds, antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds, or hormones. That said, while hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not without risks, sometimes it is the right path for some women. Be sure to consult with a qualified herbalist, naturopath or functional medicine doctor to determine the best approach for your unique needs.What are hot flashes? Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms and are caused by a change in hormones resulting in a quick hormonal spike. Hot flashes can be from a mild reddening of the face to a fire-y rise-up of heat that causes profuse sweating. And, to make matters worse, these can happen anytime day or night at that important work meeting or while your trying to sleep.So, how can we maintain a graceful transition when the tides are changing so fast?! Before we talk herbs, here are some general tips for a healthy, hormonally supportive diet:
“Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” – Michael Pollan. Yes, eat plants – herbs and vegetables alike! Be sure to add in a sizable and delicious serving of phytoestrogen rich Brassicas to your daily plate such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, collards and legumes.
Eat good quality fats! The 80’s are over, ladies, good fat is the new black. Consuming these fats are good for everyone, but are especially important supports for this time of changing hormones: fresh avocados, coconut oil, grass-fed butter or ghee, evening primrose oil, unheated fish, flax & hemp oils and gently heated olive oil are some excellent choicesNow that you have a good idea of what to put in your plate, let’s look at some herbs that can help with this hormonal marathon. Oh, and remember, this is a cycle we’re addressing, so be sure to give herbs at least 6-10 weeks to see results.
Black Cohosh root (Actaea racemosa) – this herb has gained popularity and attention in Western Medicine for good reason, it works! Several double blind trials have demonstrated it as a safe and effectiveremedy for reducing hot flashes and improving mood. I often recommend 2-4 mL of black cohosh tincture three times a day and usually combine it with other herbal tinctures to create a formula. It can also be dosed as a capsule.
Chaste tree, or Vitex, berry (Vitex agnus castus) – this peppery and sustainable berry has long been used to regulate the menstrual cycle, hormones and reduce menopausal symptoms at a recommended dose of 500mg per day in capsules or tincture.
Hops strobiles (Humulus lupulus) – this delightful, and bitter, ingredient in beer is mildly estrogenic, helps decrease hot flashes and promotes deep sleep when dosed at just 2 ml a day of tincture.
Maca root (Lepidium meyenii) – this starchy root has a history of traditional use for balancing female hormones, and therefore, can help with a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including decreased libido. A review of randomized, controlled trials concluded that maca was effective in reducing a variety symptoms in 6-12 weeks when taking 2.5 – 3 grams daily.
Sage leaf (Salvia officinalis) – sage can help reduce excessive perspiration associated with hot flashes. While we don’t know exactly how, it is believed that sage leaf may directly reduce sweat production. In one study, a sage leaf extract resulted in complete elimination of hot flashes and night sweats in 20-30 women! The other 10 also had some improvement. Sage makes a decent tea or can be taken as a tincture.
Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) – one herb of many that possess weak estrogen-like properties (similar to the effects of red clover and soy beans). Wild Yam has a history of traditional use for female hormonal support and can increase libido.
If you’re looking for a ready available herbal formula, here is a list of 5 high quality options:
Gaia Herbs’ Women’s Balance – this complete formula contains Chaste tree, Black cohosh and Sage as well as many other hormonally supportive botanicals and liver and nervous system support
.
Menopausal Health by Herb Pharm – contains both Chaste tree and Black cohosh
Vitex or Chaste Tree capsby Oregon’s Wild Harvest
Maca powder from Mountain Rose Herbs
The fifth option is to contact your trusted local herbalist and have a formula compounded for your specific needs! Some of us need more individualized support to finish this marathon with grace!
Wishing you grace and ease during your transition to your wisdom years!
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Black History Month Salute 3 Women, 3 Doshas: Part II

Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient healing tradition with texts dating back over 3,000 years. Theprinciples of Ayurvedic healing are founded on balancing the energies of the five elements found in nature: earth, air, fire, water, ether. These energies govern all the functions of our bodies and all things.
In Ayurveda, there are three doshas vata, pitta and kapha that represent the balance of the elements. Each person has a predominance of one dosha and often people are a mix of doshas.
According to Ayurveda, your constitution is inherited at birth but can go in and out of balance throughout your lifetime. In disease states, we often find an imbalance of these (hot/cold, hot/warm, cold/dry, cold/moist) qualities that can be overcome through complimentary dietary and lifestyle changes suited to one’s dosha.
This is the second post of a three part series highlighting fabulous African-American women representing each dosha in honor of Black History Month! Last time, we honored Kerry Washington and looked at common vata traits and characteristics. This post we will get to know the firecracker of the dosha’s associated with heat and intensity.
Pitta: Element: Fire + Water
Serena Williams, born September 26, 1981 in Compton, California is one of the top ranked tennis players in the world. Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and is our featured powerful pitta for Black History Month.
Founder of the Serena Williams Fund and the Williams Sisters Fund, Serena has built schools around the world to overcome educational inequalities. Williams is an ambassador for the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse campaign, a program providing services to survivors of domestic abuse supporting victims in regaining the confidence, support and resources needed to live their best lives.
New mom and newlywed, Williams is a classic pitta: a strong willed, hot headed, go-getter type who knows how to turn her dreams into realities. Serena’s drive, on and off the court, is why she is our featured pitta ‘she-roe’ for Black History Month!
Common Traits: Medium size, muscular build, hot, moist, and irritable. Great speakers, competitive, lovers of intense physical activity, ambitious. Rigid, Type A personality, highly opinionated and hot-headed. Pitta’s have voracious appetites, a fast metabolism and they hate to miss a meal!
Best Foods: cooling foods, like grains, sweet fruits, and vegetables.
Foods to Avoid: meat, seafood, sour fruits and dairy products, fried foods, eggs, yogurt, cheese, vinegar alcohol, spicy foods and salt. (Serena’s a vegan!)
Pitta Herbs: cooling and moistening herbs are great to balance out the hot and dry pitta energy: cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), turmeric (Curcuma longa), yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and yellow dock (Rumex crispus).
Aggravators: hot temperatures, outdoor activities in the sun, high stress, jealousy, intense competitions.
Trouble Signs: diarrhea, skin diseases, gerd, IBS, mouth ulcers, anger, headaches/migraines, fevers, inflammation, vertigo, ringing in the ears, excessive sweating, frequent urination.
Lifestyle Advice: Coo
l down and slow down. Avoid aggravation. Chill out. This is easier said than done for pitta’s as this approach is contradictory to their nature, but it is so important. Walking, swimming and gentle yoga are great physical activities as they are cooling, low-impact, and encourage deep and focused breathing. Pitta’s need to make sure they share the intensity directed towards their goals to their self care rituals to avoid “burn-out”. Keep a cool head, check your ego at the door and shine fiery pitta shine!
Other Famous Pittas:Beyonce, Angela Bassett, Angela Rye
Understanding the doshas can be a bit tricky. What’s important to highlight is that like the three women I will feature for black history month we are all perfect as we are and one constitution is not better or more desirable than the other. Your dosha simply, is what it is. This week let’s celebrate African-American pitta’s doing big things in and around the world.
Do you know your dosha? Get out there and have fun learning about your constitution and how to use these energetic principles to help you thrive. There are many free dosha tests available online that can help you determine your dosha or contact an experienced practitioner. Stay tuned for my favorite African-American kapha she-roe coming up in Part III of this post.
What’s your Dosha? Who’s your favorite pitta? Make sure to share your wellness tips according to your dosha in the comments!
XO- Monica

Cardiovascular Support (Part 2)

In Part I of this series. we looked at high blood pressure—some of the cause (stress) as well as herbal support through the use of “nervines”, or herbs to help relax and/or strengthen the nervous system. Now, we will take a look at another cause of high blood pressure—namely the build up of plaque in the arteries.
Having consistently high blood pressure and reduced arterial blood flow due to a diminished size of an artery is very dangerous. But how did our arteries get that way and how can we support them so they stay, “clean and supple”?
When we are under stress, our blood starts pumping hard to make sure that nutrients get to where they need to be. But constant pressure on our arteries can make them weak and causes tiny tears in them. These little tears are now able to catch pieces of lipids (triglycerides, very low density, lipids, etc.). Once our body senses something foreign in the blood stream, it sends out its army of macrophages to clean up the site. These macrophages basically “bury the body” by wrapping the lipid in a foam cell. So now the artery is nice and smooth again, but—there is now a slight bump in the artery where the foam cells ‘hid’ the fat particle. If parts of these clumps called ‘plaque’ break off, real problems like heart attacks, strokes or pulmonary embolisms, can occur. In addition, our arteries can become stiffer as a protective response to the constant pounding of our (raised) blood pressure. Over time, if they are hard enough, the body actually thinks that our arteries are bones, and so it tries to build them up with calcium (called calcification) which is yet another problem.
What can we do?
Eating healthy is our first line of defense. You wouldn’t think of putting cheap oil in your new Mercedes, right? So, why clog your body’s engine with junk food?. Fresh fruits and vegetables are so important! If we want to support the structure of our vessels, (arterial and venous sides), with herbs, we should first look to those that are high in Vitamin C as vitamin C is the basis of skin, collagen, etc. We can also take herbs that are high in anti-oxidants to scavenger free radicals. Several herbs that come to mind are the following:
amla, ( Phyllanthus emblica, Emblica officinalis), hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), bilberry (Vaccininum myrtillus).
Amla. The amla berry has been documented in Ayurvedic medicine dating 5000 years ago. It was thought that the fruit was not only a good liver stimulant, but that it had healing properties as well. Amla’s taste is sour and yet very refreshing. According to Linda Treadway, writing for The American Botanical Council, “The gelatinous plum-sized amla fruit contains between 700 and 1,000 mg of heat-stable vitamin C. Experiments conducted on patients with pulmonary tuberculosis showed that the natural vitamin C contained in the amla berry was more quickly assimilated than synthetic vitamin C; a finding that “certain unknown factors in the fruit may be responsible for this advantage.” (HerbalGram. 1994; 31:26 American Botanical Council, AMLA Traditional FOOD and MEDICINE, by Linda Treadway). Amla is also one of three herbs in the ancient Ayurvedic herbal remedy called “Triphala” or ‘three fruits’, which was created long ago to support the lower digestive system.
Hibiscus. Cheryl McCutchan, PhD, writing for HerbClip, (American Botanical Council), 3-31-15, has this to say about hibiscus: “The calyces, leaves, and seeds of hibiscus are rich in vitamins and minerals. Calyces contain vitamin C, β-carotene, calcium, and iron. The leaves also contain high levels of iron and β-carotene and, in addition, thiamine, riboflavin, and ascorbic acid. Hibiscus seeds are rich in fat and protein and also in numerous minerals, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium. In addition, hibiscus calyces contain a large number of bioactive compounds that include organic acids, anthocyanins, polysaccharides, and flavonoids.” Hibiscus, like amla, is a bit tart and very refreshing when drunk cold. And when the blossoms are used in tea, it turns the tea bright red.
Bilberry. Bilberry (related to the blueberry) has been shown to be have anti-oxidant properties and act as a venous tonic, i.e., it has a connective tissue stabilizing effect. According to James Snow, professor at MUIH, billberry has also been shown to be anti-edematous (lowers swelling) by decreasing capillary fragility. The key constituents are: polyphenols, flavonoids, oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs) anthrocyanins (the purple color). Of course blueberries taste much better so eating a cup of blueberries a day would be a great start to keeping all the cells of your body healthy.
In Part 3, we will look at herbs that can help repair the structure of our cells, which will can help to repair damage to our arteries (and other tissues of the body). We will look at: plantain (Plantago major, lanceolata), calendula (Calendula officinalis) and gotu kola (Centella asiatica), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) and witch haze (Hamamelis virginiana).
In Part 4 will we will look at herbs that can support the body in helping it to lower heat (inflammation), and keeping the blood flowing by keeping our sugar intake and lipids in check.
Wrapping up in Part 5, we will talk about herbs that directly support the heart, itself.
By the way, all herbs can be purchased at Mountain Rose Herbs. www.mountainroseherbs.com.

How to Seduce an Herbalist?

Seduction, herbalist style.
Roses out-of-season, meh.
Greeting cards, meh.
Wine, notsomuch.
Chocolate – duh (extra dark, please).
Dishes done, childcare handled – now yer talking.
Back rubs, a delicious night out (bonus points for dance, fresh air/natural beauty, live music or art), laughter, excellent conversation, consent – for sure.
And if you really want to give your herbalist partner something exquisitely pleasurable (or yourself, if it’s self-loving on the agenda)…pull out some herbal aphrodisiacs and deepen into a whole new level of fun and intimacy –
yes,
yes, yes!
“Wait!”, you say, “Aphrodisiacs are real?”
Why, yes they are.
And they aren’t just for herbalists, of course…You too can give your libido a nudge in the direction of juicy, with a tincture like Love Potion #9, from the amazing formulators at Seattle’s The Herbalist. Or head on over to our friend Joan Greeley’s shop at Plant Wisdom Within for her incredible, inspired line-up of eight different Pleasure Cordials , including formulas like the enticing Cacao-Rose Love Elixir, Vacation Sex, and Aphrodite’s Aperitif!
“Pleasure Cordials are a thing?”, you say.
Why yes, YES they are.
Infused with herbal constituents that help you relax your mind and body, bring circulation to the pelvic area and lubrication to the important bits, herbal aphrodisiacs* can really help you get down with your sensual self.
As with all herbal products, some are great and some not at all. SO, look for a nice, handcrafted tincture like the ones mentioned above or shop locally and look for herbs like Damiana (Turnera diffusa), Rose (Rosa spp.), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Oats (Avena Sativa), or Catuaba (Trachillia catigua). Or, even better…..go see an herbalist who can make a recommendation to you personally. If your libido is low, aphrodisiacs may be a part of the solution, but you may also benefit from tweaks (or an overhaul) to your eating or lifestyle, to help you find your spark.
More on the holistic herbal care philosophy– from aphrodisiac maker and life loving goddess Joan Greeley herself.
Now, go make some love, give some love, get some! Alright? Alright.
Like this post? Please share! And remember to post any questions you have to Ask The Herbalists!

Black History Month Salute: 3 Women, 3 Doshas Part I

Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest healing traditions with texts dating back over 3,000 years. The principles of Ayurvedic healing are founded on balancing the energies of the five elements found in nature: earth, air, fire, water, ether. These energies govern all the functions of our bodies and all things.
In Ayurveda, there are three doshas vata, pitta and kapha to represent the balance of the elements. (There is more on this below!) Each person has a predominance of one dosha and often people are a mix of doshas.
According to Ayurveda, your constitution is inherited at birth but can go in and out of balance throughout your lifetime. In disease states, we often find an imbalance of these (hot/cold, hot/warm, cold/dry, cold/moist) qualities that can be overcome through complimentary dietary and lifestyle changes suited to one’s dosha.
This three part series is highlighting amazing African-American women representing each dosha in honor of black history month!
Vata: Element: Air + Ether
rn January 31, 1977 in Bronx, New York City is an American actress, activist, producer and director best known for her role as Olivia Pope in the hit ABC TV series Scandal.
Her on-screen bad-ass politico persona as the woman that ‘handles it’ and her real-life commitment to addressing social problems through activism is why I’m highlighting this superstar vata for black history month.
Washington, is an advocate for gay rights and received the GLAAD Vanguard Award in 2015. She is also a member of V-Day, a global movement that raises awareness around violence against women and girls. If that’s not enough, Kerry Washington serves on the board of Voices of a People’s History, a non-profit arts and education group using education and performance to bring to life the material inspiring the book Voices of a People’s History of the United States.
Kerry Washington’s active life on and off-screen is full of movement and change and is central to vata’s essence. Vata gives and creates energy and is akin to the moving wind element in nature. Vata energy is associated with all of the moving aspects of the the body and mind.
Common Traits: Small frame, tall or petite, thin hair, cold and dry skin, irregular eating habits, irregular emotions and irregular lifestyle habits. As a result, digestive issues are common. Vata’s are more susceptible to illness, tendency to skip meals, and commonly suffer from insomnia. Vata’s are fidgety types that have trouble sitting still. These busy bees have active and creative minds and enjoy the adventures of traveling.
Balancing Herbs: Warming:Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Garlic (Allium sativum) Moistening: Marshmallow(Althaea officinalis), Slippery Elm Bark(Ulmus rubra)
Nourishing Foods (Warm & Moist): Cooked grains, cooked root vegetables, fruits (except for astringent fruits like cranberries and drying fruits like apples) are great for vata’s.
Avoid: Stimulating and addictive substances like caffeine, sugar and tobacco
Aggravators: Stress, excessive exercise, poor sleep, loud noises, bright lights, raw foods
Trouble Signs: Dizziness, cracked skin, dry hair, constipation, cold extremities, and muscle spasms, racing and anxious mind
Lifestyle Tips: Relaxation is key. Vata’s tend to wear themselves out and are more susceptible to illnesses, so slow down and focus on self-care. Meditating in a hot and moist environment of a steam room is a great way for vata’s to slow down, unwind and recharge. The key to balancing out this energy is to establish routines even though it’s contrary to the vata’s natural sporadic inclinations!
Understanding the doshas can be complicated. What’s important to highlight is that like the three women I will feature for black history month we are all perfectly unique and one constitution is not better or more desirable than the other. Your dosha simply, is what it is. In this week’s example let’s celebrate African-American vata’s moving and shaking in the world.
I encourage you all to have fun learning more about your constitution and how to use these energetic principles to help your lives flourish. There are many free dosha tests available online that can help you determine your dosha or contact an experienced practitionerto help you get sorted. Stay tuned for my favorite African-American pitta she-roe coming up in Part II of this post.
What’s your Dosha? Who’s your favorite vata? Make sure to share your wellness tips according to your dosha in the comments!
XOXO- Monica

Cardiovascular Support (Part 1)

Many questions have come in on the subject of blood pressure and the cardiovascular system in general. In Part 1, we will look at ways to help the body support healthy blood pressure through the use of herbs. This is, in no way, meant to encourage individuals to stop taking their medication; it is for informational purposes only.
There are a number of factors that can affect blood pressure. Here we will be looking at when blood pressure readings are high and stay that way.
Stress. We actually need some stress in our lives to activate our nervous system so that our body can respond if it is put in a dangerous situation. So if someone is chasing you down a dark alley, your autonomic nervous system kicks into high gear. Blood pressure rises so that it can nutrients to your muscles and brain more quickly. Now, if we were only occasionally under high levels of stress, this response would be healthy. However, as an ongoing lifestyle issue, the result is that for many people, our blood pressure levels stay high because our body thinks we are always under attack. Using an analogy, our bodies’ pilot light should run around 2-3, but under stress it goes to 8-9. If we constantly ran our home furnace at an 8 or 9 all the time, we’d soon have to buy a new one. But for many people, a ‘pilot light’ 8 or 9 is the norm.
One of the ways the doctors of old would help to reduce high blood pressure caused by stress, was to give their patients what are known as “nervines”. The number one nervine given by doctors in western culture up until the last century, was the root of Rauwolfia (a/k/a Indian snakeroot). Rauwolfia serpentina (Apocynaceae family) has been around for thousands of years and was mentioned as far back as 1,000 BCE in Hindu texts (Weiss, Weiss’s Herbal Medicine). Rauwolfia can be taken in tea, tincture or pill form, however, it is not recommended for long-term use. It was considered the fastest acting hypotensive drug in its day.
For long-term use, other, less potent, and more, gentle herbs (or in the case of mistletoe, a parasite which grows on deciduous trees) were used. This list includes mistletoe (Viscum album), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), bacopa (Bacopa monnieri), damiana (Turnera diffusa), gotu kola (Centella asiatica), milky oats and oat straw (Avena sativa), motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), passion flower (Passiflora incarnata), schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), and linden leaf and flower (Tilia, spp.), to name just a few! With the exception of bacopa and motherwort, the rest make lovely teas and can be combined in any fashion. The benefit of bacopa, gotu kola and schisandra is that they also fall into the class of herbs known as “adaptogens”. This means that they help to strengthen the adrenals, which is where our “fight or flight” hormones and neurotransmitters such as epinephrine and norepinephrine are released.
All of these herbs can be ordered on line at Mountain Rose Herbs (www.mountainroseherbs.com).
Next time we will discuss ways to protect the structure of the cardio-vascular system, namely the arteries and the veins. Thanks!
Jayne Tamburello

Your countdown to better sleep. . . z z z . . .

Question: I have an issue getting to sleep. Once I do fall asleep, I am good for the night. There are too many thoughts going on in the brain to quickly doze off!
Insomnia is one of the most common complaints I see in clinical practice. Sleep is complex and insomnia manifests in many undesirable forms! Some insomniacs have trouble staying asleep, some wake up during the night and others, like you, have difficulty falling asleep. The bottom line is that sleep is an active physiological process where many essential functions occur including repair and detoxification, to name a few and, thankfully, there are many herbs and supplements that can help! Here are some important tips to support falling asleep:
Inability to fall asleep, especially when the brain is overactive, is often due to high stress levels and sympathetic dominance (the fight or flight branch of the nervous system). So, taking steps to reduce your stress is key. Here’s a list of important steps to take before we even get to herbs:
10. Create a calm, relaxing environment in your bedroom. 9. Eliminate all sources of light (yes, even that tiny one on your clock or smoke detector!).
8. Keep the temperature in your bedroom cool to support drifting off to sleep. 7. Turn off all screens after dinner and reduce any stimulation. 6. Write your thoughts down to allow your brain to let them go and prepare for sleep.
5. Exercise daily — to manage stress and support stable blood sugar which are essential for good sleep.
4. A healthy diet is key — be sure to reduce inflammatory foods, such as food allergens, sugar and processed foods, such as baked goods; Consume enough vegetables, fats, protein, vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins and magnesium. So many physiological processes happen during sleep and they require fuel!
3. Consider starting a regular meditation practice. Even just 2 minutes of deep breathing can = big shifts.
2. Don’t forget about caffeine – be sure to limit your intake and stop before noon as caffeine stimulates the brain.
1. Get in bed by 10pm or earlier. Remember, all artificial light after sundown is unnatural.
And, now for some herbal approaches (remember, herbs do not exist in a vacuum!). . . In addition to the above, herbal medicine can support sleep in many ways. Adaptogens and nervines can be hugely supportive for stress. My favorite nervine for inability to fall asleep because of a busy mind is, hands down, PASSIONFLOWER!. This gorgeous flowering vine is a mild tea and an ingredient in Nighty Night Tea. Nighty Night also contains gentle sedating herbs including hops (Humulus lupulus) and chamomile (Matricariarecutita). If the tea isn’t enough try adding a few droppers full of California Poppy (Eschscholziacalifornica) and/or passionflower tinctures from Gaia herbs. Another option is a natural herbal melatonin called Herbatonin. This is my favorite remedy for jet lag, but it can be safely used regularly as well. I also recommend keeping some essential oils or hydrosols by your bedside. Two of my favorites are Lavender and Chamomile. Or try this delightful essential oil blend ‘Deep Restful Sleep‘ by Simplers Botanicals. Smell them before bed and anytime upon waking. You can even place a drop of essential oils on your pillow or temples, or spray your face and pillow with hydrosols, before bed to have these relaxing scents lull you off to sleep. . . bonne nuit!