Author: Chris Habib

Posted on by Chris Habib

Ashwagandha: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Uses, Side Effects, and Herbal Tincture Benefits

Ashwagandha, a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine, has captured the attention of the global wellness community for its remarkable health benefits. Known scientifically as Withania somnifera, Ashwagandha has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration. This article delves into the multifaceted benefits of Ashwagandha, with a particular focus on the herbal tincture form, exploring its uses, side effects, and how it can be integrated into daily wellness routines.

Ashwagandha plant illustration highlighting its medicinal properties with detailed depiction of small green leaves, bell-shaped flowers, and red berries in a natural environment, emphasizing its significance in traditional herbal medicine

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha belongs to the Solanaceae family and is recognized for its distinctive horse-like smell, which is the literal translation of its Sanskrit name. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote physical and mental health, balance the doshas, and enhance longevity, Ashwagandha’s roots and leaves are packed with bioactive compounds that contribute to its therapeutic effects.

Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

Stress and Anxiety Reduction

One of the most celebrated effects of Ashwagandha is its ability to significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels. It regulates the body’s stress response by modulating the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

Improved Sleep Quality

Ashwagandha has been shown to enhance sleep quality by addressing sleep disorders and promoting restful sleep, making it a valuable natural remedy for insomnia.

Enhanced Physical Performance

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts may benefit from Ashwagandha’s ability to improve strength, muscle mass, and endurance, as evidenced by several studies.

Cognitive Health and Memory Support

The herb supports brain health by enhancing memory, reaction time, and the ability to perform tasks.

Immune System Boost

Regular consumption of Ashwagandha can strengthen the immune system, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Ashwagandha Herbal Tincture: An Overview

The Ashwagandha tincture, a liquid extract made from the herb’s roots, offers a concentrated and easily absorbable form of its active compounds. Tinctures are known for their quick absorption, making the effects of Ashwagandha more immediately noticeable compared to other forms.

How to Use Ashwagandha Tincture

For optimal benefits, the recommended dosage of Ashwagandha tincture is typically a few drops, taken 1-2 times daily or as advised by a healthcare provider. It can be mixed with water, tea, or any beverage of choice.

Side Effects and Precautions of Ashwagandha

While Ashwagandha is generally safe for most people, it can cause mild side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting in some individuals. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with autoimmune diseases, and those on medication.

Conclusion

Ashwagandha stands out as a versatile and potent herb with a wide range of health benefits, particularly when consumed in the form of a herbal tincture. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve sleep, enhance physical performance, or boost cognitive function, Ashwagandha offers a natural and effective solution. As with any supplement, it’s important to use Ashwagandha responsibly and consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s suitable for your health profile and needs.

Posted on by Chris Habib

How to Make a Tincture: A Beginner’s Friendly Guide

Let’s Dive Into the World of Tinctures!

I. Introduction: What’s a Tincture, Anyway?

Hello, fellow herb enthusiasts! Today, I want to take you on a journey through the wonderful world of tinctures. Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or just dipping your toes into herbal remedies, this guide is perfect for you.

First things first, let’s talk about what a tincture actually is. Imagine capturing the essence and benefits of your favorite herbs in a tiny, easy-to-take liquid form. That, my friends, is a tincture for you! Tinctures are super-concentrated herbal extracts and are an amazing way to consume the goodness of herbs.

A Bit of History

Tinctures have been buddies with humans for centuries. Picture ancient Egyptians meticulously crafting tinctures to heal ailments. Pretty cool, right? Through the ages, tinctures have been passed down and cherished in various cultures. Fast forward to today, and they’re all the rage in the wellness community.

Modern-Day Elixirs

Not just a relic of the past, tinctures are incredibly relevant today. With the hustle and bustle of modern life, we all need an easy and effective way to keep up our health. Tinctures are just the ticket!

II. Ingredients: Picking Your Herbal Allies

Now, let’s talk about what goes into a tincture. Herbs, of course! But which ones? And what else do you need?

Herbs: Nature’s Treasure Trove

Your Herbal Allies and Their Superpowers
  • Echinacea, our immune-boosting hero.
  • Chamomile, the sleep whisperer.
  • Milk Thistle, guardian of the liver.

And the list goes on!

Fresh or Dried: The Age-Old Dilemma

Fresh herbs can be like capturing sunshine in a bottle, but dried herbs are the trusty, always-available option. There’s no right answer here – it’s all about your preference and availability.

Solvents: The Unsung Heroes

The Magic of Alcohol

Alcohol is usually the go-to solvent because it’s so good at pulling out all the great stuff from the herbs. Plus, it acts like a preservative so your tincture will stay good for ages!

If Alcohol Isn’t Your Jam

You can totally use glycerin instead of alcohol. It’s sweeter and non-alcoholic, but not quite as efficient at extracting. So, weigh your options.

Flavor Town!

Feel free to add some honey, citrus, or other yummy things to make your tincture taste divine.

III. Assembling Your Potion-Making Kit

Tools of the Trade

You’ll need a few basic tools: glass jars for brewing, strainers, a funnel, and cute little dropper bottles for your finished tinctures.

Your Lab: Clean and Ready

Make sure your workspace is sparkling clean. We’re making magic potions, not breeding bacteria.

Safety First!

Especially if you’re using alcohol, let’s be safe. No open flames and maybe crack a window.

IV. The Alchemy Begins: Making Your Tincture

Step 1: Preparing Your Herbs

Grab your herbs and either chop or grind them. It’s like you’re unlocking the doors so the solvent can get in there and grab all the goodness.

Step 2: The Mix

Place your herbs in the jar and pour the solvent over them. Make sure they’re completely submerged.

Step 3: The Patience Test

Now we wait. Your tincture needs to steep for about 2-6 weeks. Give it a shake every day and whisper sweet nothings (optional, but fun!).

Step 4: The Big Reveal

Time’s up! Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine strainer. Use a funnel to pour it into your dropper bottles.

Step 5: Label Like a Pro

Don’t forget to label your creation with the ingredients and the date.

V. Taking Your Tincture

Just a Dash

Remember, tinctures are potent! Usually, a dropperful or two is plenty.

Under the Tongue or in a Drink

You can take it straight under the tongue, or add it to water or tea.

Please, Be Cautious

Check for any herb interactions if you’re taking medications, and it’s always good to chat with a healthcare professional.

VI. Bonus: Tincture Recipes to Try!

Here are a few simple recipes to get you started:

  • Sleepy Time Tincture: Lavender and chamomile
  • Immune Booster: Echinacea and elderberry
  • Mellow Out Mix: Lemon balm and passionflower

That’s it, folks! You’re officially a tincture wizard. Isn’t it amazing what you can create with some simple ingredients and a little patience? Tinctures can be an incredible addition to your wellness routine. Go forth and tincture away!

Posted on by Chris Habib

Herbs that Relieve Joint Pain

The musculoskeletal system is the most difficult to treat with herbs. This is because when joint damage happens after chronic inflammation, often the damage is done!

Fear not, anti-inflammatory herbs may be applied to mitigate further damage. When pain is experienced, then herbs that help reduce pain or are sedating can also be used. It is obviously better to identify problems before they occur and before they worsen, as this is when herbs will be most helpful.

If the underlying condition is based on autoimmunity, such as rheumatoid arthritis, then herbal medicine can help modulate the activity of the immune system.

Usually, the older an injury is or the more chronic the pain, the more difficult it is to provide an effective treatment. Again, this underscores the need to seek treatment as soon as possible.

So let’s get into some of the treatments that can help relieve joint pain…

The primary herbs to consider are vascular tonics, circulatory tonics, and topical analgesics. After this, the cardiotonics, anti-inflammatories, and analgesics should be considered.

An example formula would therefore be:

Ginkgo biloba (40mL) and Hawthorn (35mL) for their vascular tonic actions.

Valerian (10mL) for its analgesic actions.

Ginger root (10mL) for it’s circulatory tonic actions.

Cayenne (5mL) for it’s topical analgesic functions.

These are of course only examples of how a formula may be put together. If you are suffering from joint pain, arthritis, or musculoskelatal problems or injuries, please make sure you talk to one of your clinic practitioners.

Posted on by Chris Habib

Herbs For Energy

What does it mean to have burnt out adrenals? We are used to experiencing stress. The problem is what happens after an extended period of stress.

In the later phases of the stress response, there are changes in cortisol levels, adrenaline, testosterone, DHEA, and aldosterone. At this point, the body has run out of resources, can no longer meet the demands placed on it, and has begun to crash.

Depression, anxiety, irritability, weight loss, apathy, absent sex drive, poor sleep, and frequent infections plague a burned-out individual in ways so severe that they are nearly nonfunctional. People struggle to step back from their day-to-day lives and recover.

Adaptogenic herbs are plants with the potential to lower cortisol levels and support the body in its adaptation to stress. They are exceptionally effective at promoting energy levels, encouraging sleep, lifting mood, and preventing illness.

Here are some common adaptogenic herbs that can boost energy:

Withania: It is also known as ashwagandha and is an Indian herb with implications in thyroid health and adrenal support. Withania works for every stage of adrenal fatigue, but has best effects on the second and third phase, increasing focus, calming the mind, and supporting the immune system in just a matter of days.[

Rhodiola: This herb has a great benefit in the third and fourth phases of adrenal fatigue because of its uplifting effects on mood, enthusiasm, and motivation. This herb is best taken in the early parts of the day and is most effective in combination with St. John’s wort and Panax ginseng.

Eleutherococcus: It is also known as Siberian ginseng and is a common part of many combination adrenal formulas. It supports the immune system and reduces the frequency of infections. With less of an impact on the mental-emotional side of things, Eleutherococcus can be used with other medications and can also be consumed in tea form.

Glycyrrhiza: We know this one commonly as licorice and often add it to liquid herbal formulas to improve taste. Glycyrrhiza has a tremendous impact on adrenal health.

As always, we recommend you seek advice from your health care practitioner to make sure you are proceeding safely.

Posted on by Chris Habib

Herbs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most difficult conditions to deal with. It’s hard to diagnose. It’s inconsistent. It’s annoying as heck for doctors to try to figure out.

Lab tests and other diagnostics rarely give a clear-cut picture. So it’s often viewed as a problem with physiological adaptation. The small intestine sends the message to slow things down because it needs more time to absorb nutrients.  This temporarily causes problems with elimination and transit time.

However, once toxicity accumulates to a certain point, the body tries to get rid of these things very quickly. And this cycle repeats.

IBS may be due to insufficient digestion, insufficient acid as an example, or it may be due to the consumption of damaging foods. Foods that hurt the small intestine.

So what can be done from a herbal medicine perspective?

Digestive support should be both bitter (from an action perspective) and warming. Demulcents are useful to soothe irritation and inflammation. Slippery elm, marshmallow, and aloe juice have been used traditionally for this purpose.

Nervines support the body in moving forward and being more relaxed. Laxatives, adaptogens, and alteratives may all be indicated, depending on the IBS case.

Here’s an example formula to consider:

Gentian 40mL

Archangelica 30mL

Meadowsweet 20mL

Ginger 10mL

Tincture: 1 tablespoon (15mL), ideally in a cup of warm water, taken after meals, especially lunch and dinner or larger meals.

If you have any questions about your particular IBS case, or just need digestive support in any capacity, please get in touch.

Posted on by Chris Habib

3 Herbs to Help Improve your Memory and Focus

Whether you need some extra brain power to study for a test, focus on tasks at work, or just to remember where you placed your keys, we can all benefit from improved brain health.

It’s important to discover why you’re unable to concentrate or focus in the first place, as decreased cognitive function could arise from inadequate sleep, high stress levels, anxiety, depression, lack of exercise, or certain nutrient deficiencies, but if you’re looking for a little extra support while working on your overall health, herbs can be really helpful in this area.


Gingko Biloba:

With more than 40 years of clinical research on the effects of Gingko on memory and concentration, it is one of the most well known and widely used herbs for brain health. As a circulatory herb, it works by increasing blood flow to the brain and vasodilation in the cerebral region. Regular use of ginkgo (suggested over a 2-4 month period for best results) can improve mental stability, memory function and mental vitality.


Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)

Rosemary acts as a circulatory and nervine stimulant, often used when psychological tension is present which can potentially show up as headaches or depression. It makes a great tea or tincture especially when combined with gingko, peppermint, and gotu kola. We also love it as a pure essential oil when used in a diffuser near your study or work area, or you can even dab a small drop directly under your nose or on your temples to help boost alertness and focus throughout the day. It never hurts to use rosemary as a culinary herb either! The more ways you incorporate it into your life, the more your brain (and taste buds) will love you!


Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieris)

Bacopa is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for neurological and cognitive improvement. Indian texts dating back to the 6th century describe bacopa as sharpening intellect and reducing mental deficits. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study conducted in 2001 found that subjects who took bacopa had significant improvement in memory, particularly in new information retention. Another double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 2013 found study participants who ingested an extract of bacopa exhibited improved cognition and mood, as well as lower levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress.

*Always consult your doctor or healthcare Practitioner if you want to make sure any given herb is right for you.

Posted on by Chris Habib

Herbs for Weight Loss

A question we often hear is “Do you have any herbs that will help me lose weight?”

The answer is tricky. Yes and no. It is possible to use herbs for weight loss, but these herbs can also be dangerous. The herbs are stimulants. They are usually marketed as appetite suppressants and are one of the most common ways that herbs are used.

Stimulants are similar to caffeine. They increase metabolism and suppress appetite, or sometimes help with lowering blood sugar. The problem is that stimulants have addictive properties and can cause damage.

A BMI or Body Mass Index over 30 is considered obese. It is a crude measure. Some suggest that because weight is correlated to so many other health factors, weight loss by any means is usually a good thing. Others suggest that when weight loss is not achieved by the slow metabolism of fat and adipose (through diet and exercise), it carries other health risks.

What if you really want to try a herbal approach to weight loss? There are several other herbal actions that can be useful, aside from stimulants. These include alteratives, hepatics, laxatives, adaptogens, cardiotonics, vascular tonics, circulatory tonics, and endocrine modulators.

Overall, you could consider a tincture that includes: Burdock, Rhodiola, Yellow dock, Dandelion root, Bupleurum, Greater celandine, and Korean red ginseng. 1 tbps twice a day between meals if the tinctures are in a 1:5 ratio. This type of tincture should be used for a few weeks, then re-assessed to see if the desired results were obtained.

As always, there are alternatives that can be used. The exact herbs you select may want to be decided based on your individual case.

Other tidbits for weight loss include: use diet and exercise alongside herbs. There are no shortcuts for long lasting changes. It requires hard work, discipline, and support. Botanicals are best used for weight loss as part of an overall supportive treatment plan.

Posted on by Chris Habib

The Cold & Flu Survival Guide

Yes, it’s that time of the year when everyone knows someone who is blowing their nose, sick in bed at home, coughing incessantly, and just overall miserable. The common saying that “it’s going around” truly applies to this time! 

To prevent cold and flus, the key is to maintain healthy immune systems. However, keep in mind that getting sick once in a while is also a good sign of a healthy and reactive immune system. Having said that, there are many natural, safe and effective medicines to help with the nuisances of a cold or flu. This is my go-to list for surviving this season:

  1. If you haven’t already done so, now is a great time to start introducing more fermented foods to your diet to help you build a strong immune system and stay healthy during this fall/winter.
  2. Use food as your medicine. Make sure to include onions, garlic, berries, lemons, brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and good quality protein. Also, reducing intake of refined sugar and alcohol can help you stay healthy this season.
  3. Reduce stress! and if you can’t on your own, get help! Acupuncture is one great way to chill out and respond to stress in a healthier way. Taking the right “adaptogen” (natural formula to help with stress response) is also very beneficial.  We now know that stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline suppress your immune system by lowering the number of infection-killing white blood cells in your body. This is usually why when you’re stressed out, you get sick more often.
  4. Exercise! I know some of you don’t want to hear it but it actually works and even has evidence to prove it. Exercise increases your levels of infection-fighting white blood cells, allows you to recover faster and of course helps to prevent infections. Try it! It’s an inexpensive way to stay healthy and it can be fun if you find the right type of exercise for you.
  5. Stop throwing away chicken bones! Instead make a bone broth with them; rich in minerals and protein it’s a great for preventing and treating colds and flus. This is such a simple and inexpensive way to improve your family’s immune system without the need to buy lots of expensive supplements. Bonus benefits: it helps to heal your intestinal tract (gut) so for those of you with digestive issues, this might be a great food for you! For those of you with joint issues such as arthritis, this is also a must for you. Your skin and hair will also thank you after you start making this at home!
  6. For those of you who prefer supplements for improving your immunity and help you fight off colds and flus, good quality vitamin A, C, E, selenium and zinc are a must. There are products that you can find that have all of these in one – they’re called A.C.E.S + Zinc. Amazing stuff.

I hope these tools are all you need to allow you to sail right through this season so that you can enjoy all that fall and winter has to offer and you can focus on the things and people you love.   

 

Posted on by Chris Habib

Herbs For Anxiety

Everybody experiences stress and worry sometimes. That’s normal and can be healthy. But when it gets out of hand and starts negatively impacting your daily life, that’s not helpful! We’ll discuss several individual herbs used in the treatment of anxiety and the research behind them, and we’ll offer a few example formulas. Always seek the services of a qualified health practitioner.

Ginkgo influences several chemical messengers or neurotransmitters involved in mood, including dopamine and serotonin. Placebo controlled clinical trials demonstrate that ginkgo extract significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety in those who have been clinically diagnosed, and it can also improve mood.

One study concluded that Rhodiola has antianxiety effects and can have a significant impact on people’s mental status. Rhodiola is already known to benefit memory and male sexual dysfunction, but besides these properties, the herb can be used to protect against stressful situations and can help the body adapt to new obstacles. For this reason, Rhodiola is often called an adaptogen or an adaptogenic herb. Studies have shown that after being treated with Rhodiola for a period of time, people report lower levels of anxiety, as measured by clinical questionnaires.

Research also suggests that St. John’s Wort may lower levels of our stress hormone, cortisol, while enhancing the activity of GABA, a naturally occurring tranquilizer in the brain.

The herb Valerian, through its constituent Valerenic acid also helps with increasing levels of GABA, which as we’ve identified is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Valerian achieves this effect by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for breaking down GABA in the central nervous system of the body, which in turn leads to calming effects and the lowering of anxiety symptoms.

Kava is considered an effective short-term treatment for anxiety. A review of randomized controlled trials indicated statistically significant anxiolytic activity of kava compared to placebo.

Certain herbs work well in combination with others, based on specific case presentations. Here are just a couple of examples.

An example formula (with extracts classified as 1:5) for chronic anxiety then might be:

Angelica sinensis 30mL

Astragalus 20mL

Rehmannia 15mL

Rhodiola 15mL

Angelica archangelica 10mL

Glycyrrhiza glabra 10mL

2-3 tablespoons per day – for 3-6 weeks

An acute formula could also be considered, where anxiety is experienced in bursts or more intensely at specific times.

Lobelia 40mL

Passiflora 40mL

Artemisia absinthium 20mL

2-4mL at the first onset of rising anxiety

These are only examples that are used for specific case presentations. This is not appropriate or necessarily safe for you as an individual. We always recommend you seek a qualified health practitioner.