Herbal Medicine

Climate Change Takes Toll on Herbal Medicine

By Kristen Schepker, Assistant Editor

As global temperatures continue to rise, scientists predict that environmental shifts will impact the ability of medicinal plants to grow and thrive in affected regions. Botanists across the world are shining light on the ways that climate change could fundamentally alter the practice of holistic medicine.

Essential Oils: Vital Tools for Healing Connections

By Elena Brower, Contributing Writer

Use of high-quality essential oils as part of daily practices of physical and emotional support can mitigate our stressors and bring us toward a more robust and clear connection––to ourselves, our families and our communities. 

Cinnamon Induces Apoptosis in Cancer Cells

By Kristen Schepker, Assistant Editor

Outside the kitchen, cinnamon stacks up as a powerful anti-cancer ingredient in a recent European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry paper. Research shows that the beloved culinary spice possesses multiple cancer-fighting properties, including an impressive ability to induce apoptosis.

Botanicals Can Ease the Silent Suffering of Incontinence

By Kristen Schepker, Assistant Editor

Urinary incontinence is far more common than many people realize. Those affected often feel ashamed, and they hide their suffering. Further, the commonly prescribed drugs can cause adverse effects so unpleasant that patients choose to forego treatment. Fortunately, there are alternatives. Several botanical medicines, used in combination, can safely address urinary dysfunction without the concerning side effects.

In New Self-Policing Effort, Herb 
Industry Urges, “Burn, Don’t Return”

By Erik Goldman, Editor in Chief

Leaders in the dietary supplement industry have a sharp new directive for manufacturers who discover adulterants or contaminants in botanical raw materials: “Don’t Return It, Burn It.”

The innovative self-policing policy, launched in October, and supported by all the major herbal industry trade groups, puts direct economic pressure on raw materials suppliers to improve the quality of the ingredients they sell into the US market.

Webinar: Pediatric Immune System Support

By Erik Goldman

VIEW WEBINAR Many of our patients experience daily immune system challenges, and children are no exception!  Stress, busy school & extracurricular schedules, and erratic or poor eating habits can all impact the body’s natural defense mechanisms. On top of that, there’s exposure in schools to a whole new host of germs. Kids’ immune systems really […]

Webinar: CBD for Anxiety & Depression–Case Studies & Clinical Pearls

By Erik Goldman

  VIEW WEBINAR Information about CBD (cannibidiol) and the endocannabinoid system is everywhere these days. So are claims about the health benefits of CBD. As compelling as these topics may be, the information presented is rarely clinically applicable. What practitioners want–and need–is more information and guidance on how to use CBD safely and effectively in […]

Quality Assurance for Hemp CBD: Key Questions to Ask

By Erik Goldman, Editor in Chief

Quality assurance is a challenge for all herbal companies. For those making hemp extracts, the challenges are compounded by a confusing regulatory landscape, the inherent complexity of the plant, the surging consumer demand for CBD, and the entrance of dozens of upstart brands with no prior herbal experience and little understanding of basic QA methods.