What Are the Purple Dots on Michael Phelps? Cupping Has an Olympic Moment →

More and more athletes are using cupping therapy for pain relief and muscle tension - even the likes of Olympic champion Michael Phelps! He sported his cupping marks this year while competing and it’s making ALL the rounds on the internet. Read about his (and other athletes’) experience with cupping and how it can help improve blood circulation, relieve pain, and relax muscle tissue. I love seeing these old wellness therapies making splashes in the modern world!  

Back to School Battle Plan!

The kiddos head back to school this week and it’s a good idea to be prepared for the ups and downs the beginning of the school year may bring for our little ones - physically, energetically, and/or emotionally. There are some GREAT herbs - in pediatric formulations - that can assist your child by stabilizing their immune systems, nourishing their energy to stay focused, and easing emotional transitions. These are 3 of my favorite herbal formulas for children to help get them through the back-to-school phase and beyond:

Children’s Jade Defense Formula (by Golden Flower - shown above): This formula can be used for several different applications. Foremost is for recovery following an illness. Fever and cough deplete the body, and it is important to replenish qi after a cold, cough, or other acute sickness. Secondly, I use it when a parent asks me what can I do to boost their child’s immune system, especially when sickness is running rampant at day-care or school.  It’s great for this & can safely be taken for a long time, or off and on during the school year. The third application is before and during allergy season. Overall, Jade Defense is a wonderful immune formula for your child! 

Peaceful Focus Formula (by Blue Poppy): This formula treats the most commonly seen multi-pattern presentation of ADHD which is a liver-spleen disharmony with heat and restless heart spirit in Chinese medicine. If your child is having trouble focusing, fidgeting, having poor sleep or feeling irritable and restless in the classroom - Peaceful Focus can help them stay grounded and soothe their restless mind-body connection. 

Quiet Calm (by Kan Gentle Warriors): Like the digestive and respiratory systems, the mind and nervous system of a young child are rapidly changing, and many youngsters have not yet learned how to adjust smoothly to the flux that surrounds them. Often, but not always, tantrums, crying spells, nightmares, agitation, irritability, and anxiety are harbingers of natural and expected phenomena of growth: meeting new people & adapting to school, playgroups, or babysitters can conspire to upset the apple cart of daily life for the infant, toddler, and older child. Quiet Calm can help ease these transitions when emotions are high and hard to handle. 

* All of these pediatric formulas listed above are available at herbal medicine stores with a prescription - call me for details or a consultation for your child. *

… And don’t forget nourishing your child should always begin with food! Packing a healthy and inspiring lunch is a good place to start. Check out Weelicious for delightfully yummy pics and recipes for your kids’ lunch boxes and more. 

Summer: Season of the Heart

When I think of June I always think of the beginning of long, hot summer days balanced out by a LOT of swimming in Deep Eddy or our neighborhood pools. Summer means we are moving out of Wood (Spring) and into the Fire phase of Chinese Medicine. In fact, the Summer Solstice was upon us this week on June 21st - the longest day of sunlight in the year! 

Summertime means warmth, light, activity, elation, and socializing. In Chinese medicine, summer is also the season of the heart organ, and during this season we should strive to balance the heart organ system with our food, actions, and intention.

The heart is seen as the emperor of the body, governing the blood and blood vessels, and storing our Spirit. It acts as a leader for the body and maintains order of thought and intention. If there is no order, chaos will occur and you may have anxiety, insomnia, inappropriate behavior, discomfort around people, heart palpitations, panic attacks, or stuttering. Just as blood pumped from the heart communicates with our cells, bringing them oxygen and nutrients, our heart is also responsible for social communication and thrives on love and warmth from people.

To keep the heart in balance during the hot summer months use the following foods: salads, fruits, beets, carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, melons, brown rice, tofu, celery, sesame, slightly bitter greens, or longan fruit. Eat less red meat, fats, and extremely spicy foods. Stay connected with family and friends. Balance the fire and activity of summer with enough rest and time in the water! Water balances Fire. Meditation is also a valuable tool for quieting the busy Fire-type mind.

Are there herbal alternatives to Ibuprofen? Yes!

I think I could be pretty confident in saying that just about EVERYONE throws back a couple of Advil on occasion. For pain, injury, surgical recovery, headaches, arthritis… people take it for so many reasons and almost without thinking whether there might be a better solution to their pain. “Just take some Advil!” I know that phrase was commonplace in my home growing up and many others, I bet. Advil certainly has its place in your medicine cabinet - but I wanted to let you know about a few other herbal approaches that deserve similar status. Here are my favorite herbal pain relievers that really work when taken properly:

1. Turmeric Root + Ginger Root: Turmeric and Ginger are relatives of each other and both have big anti-inflammatory properties. They can increase circulation and relieve pain due to inflammation. Turmeric needs to be heated to release its healing benefits  - so use them both in cooking and warm teas for best results, or take as a supplement.

2. Corydalis: Corydalis (or Yan Hu Suo, in Chinese pinyin) is an herb tuber with amazing pain-reducing potential. It invigorates blood, and has been researched to eliminate pain due to inflammatory or injury related causes. Researchers from UC Irvine identified the active compound dehydrocorybulbine (DHCB) in Corydalis which holds special promise for those with persistent, chronic pain. Because of its strong circulatory properties, don’t take it during pregnancy.

3. Fish Oil: Fish oil can also ease the inflammation and pain caused by many chronic conditions. The Department of Neurological Surgery at the Univ. of Pittsburg did research demonstrating equivalent effects in reducing arthritic pain of ibuprofen vs. omega 3 fatty acids in their trials! Their subjects took between 1200-2400 mg of fish oil per day.

4. Boswellia: Boswellia is known as Indian Frankincense. It contains active components which help reduce inflammation and pain, & can be taken as a supplement as well as used topically.

5. Magnesium + Epsom Salts: Magnesium helps to relax stiff or spasmodic muscles and improve circulation. In addition to taking magnesium orally, there are topical forms as well as the traditional Epsom salts added to a bath; both absorb easily through the skin and can be quite effective for reducing muscle pain.

There you have it! Next time you are reaching for that Advil out of habit, ask yourself if it’s time to invest in some of these natural products for your home medicine cabinet instead. :)

Fennel Tea "Cure-All"

Fennel teas are plentiful and easy to find in tea bags in many grocery stores, but making your own straight from the seeds is so much more effective and therapeutic if you are really looking for the health benefits it has to offer. And what are those, you might say?? Well, personally, I like to think of fennel tea being a digestive “cure-all” for many stomach & GI issues. I think that is its biggest strength. Upset stomach, heartburn, gas, bloating, nausea, IBS symptoms, even pain from stomach ulcers can be relieved by fennel tea. You can also modify fennel tea with a few other herbs to customize it to your own taste and need, although it’s already pretty delicious on its own. Another benefit of fennel - the naturally sweet & cool flavor makes a great breath freshener. It would be wonderful to serve a large glass pitcher of this herbal tea alongside lunch for friends or family- they will never suspect you are looking out for their health as well as relishing their company. :) Here is my recipe for basic fennel tea, with some additional variations you might find work best for your tummy:

Fennel Tea:

3 tsp crushed, whole fennel seeds (crushed with a mortar and pestle works just fine to release the oils)

3 C water

Bring water and fennel seeds to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink up to 3 C daily for health benefits. 

Fennel + Licorice Root Tea: Licorice has been researched and proven to help with stomach ulcers, heartburn, and as a general digestive aid. You can buy whole licorice root from an herbal pharmacy and use about 3 grams with the recipe above. *

Fennel + Ginger Root Tea: More warming and stimulating, ginger adds another benefit for digestion by helping nausea, bloating, or feeling “stuck” or cold in your gut. Cut up 3-4 slices of fresh ginger root and add to the recipe above. 

Fennel + Dandelion Leaf Tea: Dandelion focuses more on digestive issues related to the liver. Promoting bile flow, helping digest fats, & cleansing from a rich diet. Add 2 tsp of bulk dandelion leaf in a cheesecloth bag or metal tea ball to the recipe above for a great digestive “detox” tea. *

Happy sipping! 

*Always consult with your healthcare practitioner or nutritionist to be sure licorice and dandelion are right for your body type before consuming in large amounts.

Natural & Effective Flu Prevention

It is STILL flu season, what are you doing about it? In my house, we have a box devoted to herbs and supplements to use in acute situations or for prevention. Here is what I recommend for natural flu prevention for your family. Use one or two - but a few of these products in combination give the best results. Happy Healing. 

Elderberry and/or Andrographis Extract: These are two great anti-viral herbs that boost your immune health and help fight pathogens. Use these especially if you are teacher, traveler, or health-care practitioner who finds yourself around lots of people this season. Other anti-virals you can buy over the counter are grapefruit seed extract or echinacea angustifolia. Note: Most of these herbs work best when used BEFORE you have full blown symptoms, so taking preventatively is the safest bet. 

Cayenne capsules or Garlic oil: Cayenne and Garlic are both cooking herbs that have enormous health benefits. Using cayenne pepper as a supplement in capsules can prevent flu, colds, headaches, and arthritis. Making a simple garlic oil is a great use of time. It helps in any case of lung ailment, cough, cold, flu and flu prevention, & infections both bacterial and viral. Note: Make garlic oil by mincing or crushing about 6-8 oz fresh garlic cloves into a mason jar. Add just enough olive oil to cover the garlic and let sit in a warm place with a tight lid on for about 3 days, shaking daily. Strain the mixture and store. You can take 1 tsp of this oil internally up to every hour for colds, flu, fever, and infections. It also makes a great ear-drop oil for ear infections! 

Oscillococcinum Homeopathic Remedy: I think it’s best to take these over the counter vials for prevention, rather than waiting until you have active symptoms. 

Multivitamin: If there is ever a time to take your vitamins - it’s now! Taking a well-rounded whole foods multivitamin is a safe way to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need and replenishing your daily stores. I like Catalyn from Standard Process or Rainbow Light Organic Multivitamins. 

Five Mushroom Formula: Ask your Chinese medicine practitioner about Wu Gu Fang (“5 Mushroom Formula” by Golden Flower). Because it is both tonifying and can kill pathogens, it is safe and effective to take throughout the season as a preventative and can also be used in the initial exposure phase of influenza. It contains 5 species of mushroom that have the power to kill viruses and stimulate your immune system. Good stuff! 

Don’t Eat Sugar or Junk Food: Numerous studies show that eating refined sugar is immediately followed by a decrease in immune function - happening within minutes of consumption. Don’t allow your body to get bogged down by sugar and junk food during this season… it’s not worth it to yourself or your family. Instead, strengthen your defenses with warm meals like hearty soups, cooked veggies and rice, meat broths, and plenty of water or herbal teas. 

Food Therapy: Increase Your Fertility

I see several patients each month who are struggling with fertility challenges. If you or someone you know happens to fall in this category, keep reading! There is a great home remedy that will boost your potential for conception, and all it takes is a bit of time in the kitchen – making homemade bone broth. Bone broth has many health benefits, one of which is to nourish what we call the Kidney Essence, or Kidney Jing, in Chinese medicine. Kidney Jing is responsible for creating life, the foundation of one’s constitutional makeup (DNA), and the energy one needs for procreating and giving life to another human being. How fertile or virile one is is dependent upon this Jing, or sexual essence. Kidney Jing can be damaged or depleted in a variety of ways over one’s lifetime… poor or malnourished diet, too much exercise or sexual activity, stress over long periods of time, drug use, or chronic illness and high fever. With dietary therapy, bone (& especially bone marrow) is the best way to replenish lost Kidney Jing. Bone marrow has some of the most important functions of the body - producing red blood cells and stem cells that can differentiate into a variety of cells in the body. This is basically what it takes to make life - cell division and LOTS of blood. A pregnant woman will increase her blood volume by 50% to support a growing baby! Drinking bone broth daily can rekindle your Kidney energy and add substantial nutrient-rich nourishment to the depleted body. Try this recipe:

Beef Bone Broth:

~ 4 lbs beef marrow bones and/or knuckle bones

3 lbs meaty rib bones

4+ quarts of filtered water

½ C vinegar


3 small onions, coarse chop


3 carrots, coarse chop


3 celery stalks, coarse chop


several sprigs of fresh thyme


1 tsp peppercorns


1 whole bunch fresh parsley



Place marrow or knuckle bones in very large pot with vinegar and cover with water. Let stand. Meanwhile, place meaty rib bones in roasting pan and roast in the oven at 350 until they have browned. Add these to the pot along with vegetables. Pour fat out of the roasting pan and add cold water to the pan, set over a high flame and scrape coagulated bits from the pan with a wooden spoon. Add this liquid to the pot with bones, and even more water to cover bones if needed, leaving a bit of room at the top of the pan for the stock to expand as it cooks. Bring to a boil. Skim off all scum that rises to the top with a spoon, after you have skimmed add your peppercorns and thyme. Simmer the stock for at least 12 hours (and up to 48 hrs) and just before finishing add the parsley and simmer for 10 minutes more. You will now have a repulsive looking pot of goop and broth. Remove large bones with tongs and STRAIN it into a large bowl! After straining you will have a wonderful and delicious bone broth for drinking or to use in cooking. Let cool in the fridge and remove any congealed fat that rises to the top. Drink 1 Cup daily (warmed) for increased fertility. This makes quite a lot of broth, so store in the fridge or freeze for longer storage. 

As I ’ve been a bit under the weather lately, I’ve noticed my desire to cook meals has wained and almost diminished completely the last week. Enough! This recipe brought me back to the kitchen with it’s promise of nourishment, comfort, and mild flavors. Making a good miso soup really depends on the flavor and quality of the miso you use. I found a new soy-free miso paste called Chickpea Miso that has a great mild and sweet taste that performs really well in soups. Any white or yellow miso will fit the bill for this healing soup. 

Miso Vegetable Soup

6 C filtered water

½ onion, slivered thin rounds

1 celery stalk, chopped

½ C chopped carrots

2 large mushrooms, chopped

scant ¼ C dried wakame, soaked in water to expand for a minute or two

1 C broccoli florets

6 Tsp chickpea miso or miso paste, thinned with a bit of boiling water

few pinches sea salt, as needed

Bring water, onions, and celery to a boil and cook until onions are translucent. Add carrots, mushrooms, wakame and cook a few minutes more. Add broccoli and miso paste and cook just a couple minutes so that broccoli remains bright green and crisp looking. Add salt to taste and garnish with green onion or cilantro if desired. 

Food Facts:  Miso soups tend to be mild or even bland in flavor. This property, along with the fermented miso paste, warm broth, and cooked vegetables make it a perfect healing soup for the digestion and gut. Any person suffering from poor digestion, weakness, fatigue, inability to absorb nutrients or assimilate food well will benefit from a soup such as this. The mild/bland flavor is characteristic of the Earth element in Chinese medicine, which houses the Spleen and Stomach organs that govern digestion.