Stress can affect our lives in many ways. When the level of stress goes beyond the point of being a healthy stimulant and starts to adversely affect our health it is often times referred to as anxiety. Anxiety is a combination of symptoms that occur either in attacks (panic) or as a persistent state. Anxiety […]
The empty shelves looked eerie, the sign above was meant to inform consumers that romaine lettuce was not safe to eat. The black and white sign seemed bland compared to the urgency of the warning…this stuff could kill you. When did my lettuce become deadly? When it contracted E. coli. A recent discovery of lettuce […]
I heard a bang followed by a cuss word and guessed some first aid would be needed. He came down the hall with a bleeding finger. The cut wasn’t life threatening but it was big enough to require a bandage. After applying pressure to stop the bleeding, I cleaned the cut, applied some healing salve […]
The shirt had never been worn. A green polo, it hung in the closet still looking new even though it had been there for almost a year. I had signed up for this weeks ago. Before I had the chance to talk myself out of it. As I pulled the shirt out of the closet […]
When I ask people what they know about hemp I get everything from smoke filled scenes in Cheech & Chong movies to a superfood. And occasionally someone shares a story about the family member that knows a lot about hemp…wink, wink. But the hemp I am talking about is different than what cousin Johnny has […]
Recently a client was in my office for a wellness session and we were discussing lifestyle changes for her particular issue. She recognizes the benefits of minimizing illness and embracing personal growth so we work together on a regular basis. In our discussion about herbs she caught me off guard with a question. Did I […]
I’m a tree hugger. Not in the politically active, tie dye, Birkenstock way…although I resemble that remark. I mean arms around the trunk face pressed against the bark kind of tree hugging. No doubt you’ve heard the phrase before, but have you ever taken the time to really hug a tree? Although some trees, like […]
I’ve been fascinated with Stevia since my early days as an herbalist. It has only been since I have lived in the desert that I have begun growing my own. When I have visitors to the garden I like to pinch off a little piece of the plant for them to taste. They are always […]
I am experimenting with growing ginger root indoors. A friend sent me an article that said it was easy to grow and would do well in low light areas. You would think that as someone living in the desert I would have abundant light indoors to grow plants. In fact the opposite is true. One […]
It was quiet and cool this morning as I walked along the path that goes by a lone mesquite tree serving as sentry for an outdoor space dedicated to the goddess Artemis. That particular part of the path normally has a tranquil, serene energy. But this morning my attention was elsewhere when I realized something […]
Aloe Vera was the first succulent I ever met. The thick, meaty leaves beckon me to touch and feel the plant despite the thorns that stick out both sides. A popular houseplant, Aloe Vera is often kept on hand as a quick remedy for burns. But don’t think of this as a new age remedy, […]
A weed is considered “any wild plant growing where it is not valued”. How can you not value every bit of green that grows in the desert? Yes some plants command your respect by stabbing you when you are not paying attention, but the miracle is still evident. I consider every plant that grows to […]