Goji berries (Lycium Barbarum) are known by several common names – Gogi berries, Chinese wolfberries, Boxthorn, Tibetan goji, or Hymalayan goji. These small red berries are native to northwestern China, and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. In the United States, they are making quite an impact as a health food.

Opinions conflict regarding whether or not berries grown in Tibet are nutritionally superior. Only a small percentage of the world’s total annual yield is grown in Tibet; the bulk of goji berries are grown in China. Chances are, what you buy in the the health food store is from China, not Tibet, even if they are named “Tibetan goji berries.” The most important thing is that the goji berries you buy are organic, so that they are nutritionally sound and free of artificial pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, etc. Read the rest of this entry

There is a lot of information – and misinformation – circulating about natural, herbal antidepressants. Depression is not an insignificant disorder, and should be approached with care and with the expertise of a physician. Be sure to check with your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing as well.

There really are legitimate, herbal antidepressants out there. Some of them contain MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors, which are antidepressants found in commercial drugs. Here is a list of some of nature’s antidepressants and just how and why they can help. Read the rest of this entry

Not dying your hair is for many not an option. Whether we go gray earlier than we’d like or we’re just not happy with the color nature gave us or perhaps we just like to be a bit different, hair dye has become a staple in households around the world. Unfortunately, hair dyeing can be an unhealthy and dangerous process. Let’s take a look at what’s in hair dye, the dangers it poses and how you can dye your hair naturally. Read the rest of this entry

You’ve probably heard about practical things we can do to help the environment, but have you thought about how our state of mind can affect the earth? One of the most important ways to help the planet is to teach the next generation to appreciate it. Read the rest of this entry

Herbal teas are delicious and refreshing. They also promote good health, and some are used to combat various ailments. You can buy the herbs, roots and flowers you need to make various types of herbal tea at health food stores. But growing your own herbs allows you to have everything you need at hand any time you want a good cup of tea. Read the rest of this entry

When the holidays come around it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You want to show your appreciation to your clients and business associates, but the commercialism and potential for waste can leave you with a sense of guilt. There’s a solution! You can give gifts that make a difference in the world. Read the rest of this entry