Category: Natural Living
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Ultra-Processed Foods: Why They Dominate Our Diet and How to Break Free
Ultra processed foods are everywhere — from sodas and chips to frozen dinners and packaged snacks. A new advisory published in JAMA from the American Heart Association highlights just how much these foods dominate the U.S. diet. On average, more than half of daily calories now come from ultra processed foods, and for kids it’s Read more
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Herbs for Stress: How to Balance Hormones & Find Calm Naturally
Feeling Stressed? Let’s Talk About Herbs, Hormones, and What You Can Actually Do About It Have you ever noticed how eating salty chips or a sugary snack can leave you feeling a little off? Turns out, your diet plays a major role in your blood pressure (BP)—especially when it comes to Feeling Stressed? Let’s Talk Read more
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Tiny Diet Changes That Can Make a Big Difference for High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) impacts millions and is a major driver of heart disease and stroke. The good news? Even small diet shifts can make a meaningful impact—and you don’t have to overhaul your whole eating plan to start seeing benefits. Science Speaks: Why Diet Matters Research from PubMed and other reputable sources continues to Read more
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Ditching Processed Foods for a Happier Heart: Simple Diet and Herbal Tips
Have you ever noticed how eating salty chips or a sugary snack can leave you feeling a little off? Turns out, your diet plays a major role in your blood pressure (BP)—especially when it comes to processed foods. Let’s explore how choosing wholesome foods and incorporating gentle herbs can help keep your heart happier and Read more
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Yarrow: Wild Medicine You Can Find (and Use) Just About Anywhere
Every year around midsummer, I head out into the dry, rocky hills of North Central Idaho and start scanning for one of my favorite herbal allies—yarrow. This hardy little plant shows up just about everywhere: along gravel roads, in open fields, at the edge of the forest, even poking through your lawn if you’re lucky. Read more
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A Spring Walk Above the Clearwater River: Discovering Nature’s Medicine
There’s something magical about a spring afternoon in north central Idaho. The Clearwater River sparkles below, the hills above it bursting with life. The air is warm, the sun stretches long across the landscape, and every breeze seems to carry the songs of meadowlarks and red-winged blackbirds. It’s the kind of day that begs you Read more
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Sipping Into Spring: Why I Drink Herbal Tea (and You Might Want To, Too)
By Julie Nelson | NW Apothecary Spring is one of my favorite times to drink herbal tea—though truthfully, I sip tea all year long. There’s something comforting about the ritual of steeping herbs, wrapping your hands around a warm mug, and letting your body soak in the nourishment. Every season, my tea shifts just a Read more
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The Many Benefits of Stinging Nettle: A Powerhouse for Health
If you’re looking for a herb that does a bit of everything, Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is worth your attention. Despite its prickly reputation, nettle is one of the most versatile and nutrient-dense plants in herbalism. It’s been used for centuries to support seasonal allergies, calm inflammation, and nourish the body at a cellular level. Here’s Read more
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Spring Allergies? Try These Herbal Allies for Natural Relief
Spring is here—and so are the sneezes. If you’re tired of reaching for antihistamines every time pollen floats your way, it’s time to consider herbal support. Plants like nettle, eyebright, and goldenrod have a long history of easing seasonal allergy symptoms—without the drowsy side effects. Here’s how they can help you breathe easier this season. 1. Read more
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How to Make Your Own Liquid Laundry Soap: A Simple DIY Recipe
Making your own liquid laundry soap is an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to commercial detergents. This DIY recipe is gentle, effective, and safe for HE washers, plus you can customize it with natural ingredients for extra cleaning power. Why Make Your Own Laundry Soap? Most store-bought detergents contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals that can Read more
