Yahoo!! Spring is coming (or rather here). At least that is what OUR calendar is saying. However the Chinese have both a solar and lunar calendar that they use to mark the passage of time. Their seasons have ‘nodes’ which
Chrysanthemum tea
Cold Chrysanthemum Tea An ideal summer drink Chrysanthemum flower of Ju Hua in Mandarin, is used in Chinese Herbal Medicine to address early stages of colds with fever, headaches, a dry mouth and throat. If you have itchy eyes from
Adaptogens: Herbs to Build Vitality and Immunity
Adaptogens are a variety of herbs, mushrooms and foods the boost the immune system and provide general nourishment.
Jing Ball Recipe
Herbal Tonics need not be bitter teas or handfuls of pills. In fact, one of the best ways to nourish and tonify is by creating foods and treats one can enjoy. The following recipe is adapted from Rosemary Gladstar’s
Defend Your Vital Energy This Winter
The concept of QI or vital energy is central to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Qi changes its form according to its location and function. The lungs are associated with Wei Qi. Fall is the time to nourish and strengthen the
Bean Sprout and Wood Ear Salad
Bean Sprout and Wood Ear Salad If you have one nearby, visit an Asian market and get the ingredients below. Things will be less expensive there. The sprouts and
How Do You Mend a Broken Heart?
There are many reasons a heart can break. It could be a literal break, as in a heart attack or a cardiovascular illness. Or, it could be a metaphorical break—at the end of a relationship, or after the death of
Beat the Summer Heat
So the sun is finally shining after months of Northwest gloom and drizzle and you’re more than ready to get out there and do some gardening, play some volleyball or tennis, hike in the Gorge, ride the Portland bike paths.
SAVE THE BEES!
About one mouthful in three of the food you eat directly or indirectly benefits from honey bee pollination. Honeybees pollinate over $20 Billion in crops every year. Commercial production of many specialty crops like almonds and other tree nuts, berries,
Beet Borscht for a Spring Liver Cleanse
Spring is Liver time, and a good time to give your liver a little extra attention after a long winter. Beets are a good food to assist your liver and continue to nourish your kidneys as winter ends and spring
Making Lacto-Fermented Vegetables Post
Fermentation may be the oldest method for preserving food. It adds intense and complex flavors to whatever is fermented. Fermentation is used in creating many modern foods such as yogurt, bread, sauerkraut, kimchee, pickles, salami, beer, wine, cider–even chocolate and
The Cholesterol & Heart Disease Myth
We all have heard it for decades. Heart disease is caused by elevated blood cholesterol and the only accepted therapy is prescribing medications to lower cholesterol and a diet that restricts fat intake. The latter, the experts have insisted, will