I discovered Pranic Healing by chance, more than nine years ago in Brazil, where I’m originally from. As a successful software engineer for more than two decades, I had always been very skeptical about anything that was not palpable or fully endorsed by western science. After stumbling upon an article featuring a Harvard study on the benefits of meditation, I decided I had to give it a try. So, I reached out to this genius childhood friend of mine who simply told me to take a Pranic Healing Level 1 class, and my journey began. I registered without thinking and barely read what the class was about, so I had no idea what to expect of this weekend long work-shop. Perhaps some new age, handholding, “let’s get together and feel all right” kind of thing? It couldn’t be farther from that! In a Pranic Healing class the human energy anatomy is taught very methodically and with a high level of detail. We learn about the 11 major chakras (energy centers), their physical and psychological functions, plus practical and powerful no-touch hand movements to remove energy blockages and improve the quality of the energy flowing through a person’s body. Ultimately, a Pranic Healing session can lead to an accelerated rate of self-healing, substantially improving the quality of one’s health, both physically and emotionally. As cool as this may sound, my engineer’s mind instantly rejected it all. I even considered not returning for the second day of class, but there was something inside telling me to “finish what I had started”. Besides, on the second day we would learn the Meditation on Twin Hearts, my main goal from the very beginning.
For 45 years, the herbalists at WishGarden have made it our mission to enhance the relationship between people and plants. One of the most important aspects of that mission has always been helping people understand how to use herbs for the best results. As our owner, Catherine, says, “use strategy is a game changer for efficacy!” We’ve distilled herbal remedy usage down to three unique strategies that encompass what these plants and product do best. Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to using herbs, so always listen to your body and consult a practitioner on what’s most appropriate for you.
Ever wonder what all those symbols on your favorite product mean? Messaging through symbols is a growing way for brands to quickly connect with customers over shared values. Symbols might be used to convey how something is grown or how the company is addressing environmental and social issues. Below, we explore what goes into several important certification and designation symbols, and why industry-leading Fungi Perfecti®—makers of Host Defense® Mushrooms™—is committed to the highest standards.
Thousands of years ago, no one knew the vibrant crimson threads of the saffron flower would become one of the world’s most precious and sought-after spices. Today, saffron is celebrated for its distinct flavor, mesmerizing fragrance, and dazzling golden hue. The spice is an integral part of various cultures, cuisines and traditional medicinal practices. Saffron has a rich history and some surprising health benefits. Originating in the Middle East more than 3,500 years ago, saffron quickly spread to Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world. Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, valued saffron not only for its culinary properties but also for its medicinal and cosmetic uses. In ancient times, saffron was believed to have therapeutic properties and was used to treat a variety of ailments.* CAREFUL CULTIVATION Sourcing saffron is a meticulous and labor-intensive process. It takes thousands of flowers just to produce a single pound of saffron, making it one of the most expensive spices in the world. The crocus sativus plant requires well-drained soil, abundant sunlight, and specific climatic conditions for optimal growth. The flowers bloom for a short period each autumn, and it’s during this time that skilled harvesters carefully pluck the delicate threads from the flowers by hand. 
Quorum sensing (QS) plays a fascinating role in human gut health, acting as a communication system for the trillions of bacteria residing in our gut. Here's a breakdown of its significance and how you can apply this information to building a happier gut. What is Quorum Sensing? Imagine a community of bacteria in your gut. QS allows them to communicate with each other using chemical signals. As the bacterial population grows, the concentration of these signals increases. Once a certain threshold is reached, the bacteria sense they're at a high enough density and can collectively activate specific genes, influencing their behavior.
At Urban Moonshine, we believe the flavor of bitterness is fundamental to great digestion. Most people reach for digestive bitters because they are looking for a solution to annoying and at times unpleasant digestive issues, most commonly gas, bloating and occasional heartburn. Our original and citrus bitters are our best-sellers for those after meal inconveniences. But many folks reach for bitters to help regulate appetite. Bitters can also help encourage your body's own endogenous production of important digestive juices that are crucial to complete the digestive process. When our bodies are properly processing food and completing our natural digestive cycle, it helps keep our system naturally detoxed, our livers happy and our skin healthy. Bitters are the ideal companion to a healthful diet and one of the most fun and delicious ways to enjoy your herbs!
Imagine a convenient, practical option for anyone who wants to reduce their plastic waste and live a more sustainable lifestyle without compromising luxurious quality. At HiBAR, we did! And we came up with some incredible products that we’d love for you to come explore at Marlene’s. Our products are unique in their effectiveness. We've developed shampoos and conditioners that are formulated to work just as well as traditional liquid products. They clean and condition beautifully, leaving hair feeling salon-quality soft and healthy. At HiBAR, we're committed to using ethically sourced, natural ingredients that are gentle on the hair and scalp. Our products are free from harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and silicones that can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. Instead, we use ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and lavender oil that are known for their nourishing and restorative properties. Here’s another key benefit of our products – convenience. The bars can be taken on-the-go to the gym or traveling without the risk of leaks or spills. Imagine whizzing through your next airport security screening with the equivalent of a 24 ounce bottle of shampoo or conditioner in one little 3 oz bar! Not only do our solid, waterless bars eliminate the need for plastic bottles, they are packaged in biodegradable, recycled paper that has a minimal impact on the environment. That means our hair care products are not only effective, but also environmentally sustainable. We're committed to reducing plastic waste and creating an eco-friendlier world, and we’re doing it! Our commitment to sustainability and innovation goes beyond just our products. We're also proud to partner with 1% for the Planet, a nonprofit organization that supports environmental initiatives.
Usually when people track their macronutrients, they focus on fats, carbohydrates, and protein, but another macro that factors into a healthy diet is fiber. Fiber plays a major role in digestive health. It fuels the intestinal cells, helps digestion keep moving to prevent diarrhea and constipation, feeds the microbiome of the gut, and also helps with excretion. Soluble fiber, the type that turns to a gel when mixed with water, can bind cholesterol, hormones, and toxins in the intestines and keeps them moving through the tract until they are excreted in the stool. Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel which slows digestion leading to more stable blood sugar. This type of fiber also binds unwanted fats and cholesterol to help move them through until excretion. Additionally, your gut bacteria use soluble fiber as a food source in the large intestine. Insoluble fiber draws water into your digestive tract and adds bulk to stool, allowing it to pass more easily through the intestine, helping to prevent constipation. The national fiber recommendation for men is 30g and for women is 25g. Most people think salad is enough fiber, but did you know 1 cup of shredded lettuce only has 1/2 gram of fiber? On the other hand, 1 cup of broccoli has 5g of fiber, and 1 cup of beans has an amazing 30g of fiber! If you are aiming for 30g per day and eat three meals per day, a good rule of thumb would be 10g per meal. Whole foods are full of naturally occurring fiber, which is basically just structures that are resistant to our digestive enzymes. The term ‘whole foods’ applies to fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains with minimal processing, and animal products with minimal processing. Whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables are all close to the state they were harvested in, which means they still contain all of the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and essential nutrients our bodies can utilize. Prebiotics are compounds that, when fermented in the gut, produce specific changes in bacterial composition or activity, and support the growth of our normal commensal bacteria. These compounds are mostly carbohydrates that we cannot digest due to a lack of the proper enzymes, aka fiber! In general, fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains like wheat, oats, and barley are all good sources of prebiotic fibers. One of my favorite recipes that helps fulfill the daily recommended fiber goal is the following skillet. This dish is a savory blend of white beans, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and kale, sautéed in avocado oil. One serving has 16.5g of fiber, 21g of protein, and tastes delicious! Adrienne Wilen is a Naturopathic Physician practicing at Federal Way Naturopathy and the creator of Biomi, a 10-week program helping people resolve common digestive complaints. Learn more at MyBiomi.com.
