Articles in: Herbs & Supplements

Read well-researched articles describing the health benefits of many herbs, nutrients and natural supplements. Our goal is to take the herbal wisdom of the ancients and prove it with today’s modern science.

Decrease Stress with Ashwagandha

by John Douillard on January 1, 2013 | 1 Comment

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a warm, heavy and sweet root that is harvested in the fall to be eaten throughout the winter. Traditionally, it was added to soups and stews to support immunity, stamina and structural strength during the harsh winter months. It is probably best known as an adaptogen, a class of herbs that […]

How Stress Can Damage Your Skin

by John Douillard on December 9, 2012 | Leave a Comment

Reducing overall stress may play a significant role in improving the health and condition of the skin (1). Perhaps the most documented mechanism of stress on the health of the skin is free radical damage. While the sun may be the biggest source of free radical skin damage, research has shown that emotional stress can […]

Trouble Swallowing Pills? Try this Simple Technique

by John Douillard on December 2, 2012 | 2 Comments

A recent Harris Poll revealed that 40% of Americans have difficulty swallowing pills and only 14% actually tell their doctor, leaving many folks staring at a bottle of pills or supplements that they just can’t swallow. With six kids, my wife and I found it an important survival tool to teach them how to swallow […]

Menstrual Cycle Relief

by John Douillard on November 20, 2012 | 1 Comment

In a study reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine, the role of vitamin D in women with painful periods, or dysmenorrhea, was examined. The study included forty women with low levels of vitamin D3 (below 18ng/ml) who had at least four painful periods over a span of six months. Half the group was given […]

Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Aging

by John Douillard on October 28, 2012 | Leave a Comment

In a study published in the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 961 female nursing home residents over the age of 70 were tested for their levels of vitamin D3. The results were shockingly low – their levels averaged 7 ng/ml. The normal range, as reported by most labs, is 30-100 ng/ml. The optimal range, where […]

Key Vitamins for Healthy Mood

by John Douillard on September 16, 2012 | Leave a Comment

A 2010 report published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed a decreased risk for depression when greater amounts of B6 and B12 were consumed (1). Over 3500 participants were evaluated over 12 years as part of the Chicago Health and Aging Project. Higher intakes of Vitamins B6 and B12, from both food and […]

Cardamom: The King of Chai

by John Douillard on August 19, 2012 | 18 Comments

I like to call cardamom the King of Chai, not only because much of that chai tea taste comes from cardamom, but because of the way it transforms a simple cup of tea into a medicinal chai. In the same way it transforms your chai, it can transform your food, making cardamom a prince for […]

Omega-3 Myths: Fish Oil vs. Krill Oil

by John Douillard on August 4, 2011 | Leave a Comment

In the last decade or so, we have seen a huge rise in awareness about omega-3 essential fatty acids and their many aids to health. You’ve likely also heard about two key players: fish oil and krill oil. Several years ago, one study suggested that omega-3s from fish oil may reduce overall risk of premature […]

Calcium and Heart Health

by John Douillard on June 23, 2011 | 2 Comments

Calcium supplementation may increase the risk of heart attack by 30% according to the British Medical Journal (July, 2011), which published the results of a combination of several studies involving over 8000 people who took only 500mg of calcium daily. Here’s some important information about calcium: The RDA for calcium is 1000mg per day. The […]

Summer Weight Gain, Bloating, Constipation

by John Douillard on April 14, 2011 | Leave a Comment

Surprisingly, we all have a slower and weaker digestive system during the summer months. I know this sounds hard to believe, but have you noticed yourself: Gaining weight? Having sluggish bowel movements? Carrying extra weight or bloat around your tummy? All this even though you didn’t really eat bad or pig out. You may be […]

Vitamin D: New Shocking Report

by John Douillard on September 2, 2010 | Leave a Comment

A new report was just released from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) who make the RDA recommendations to the FDA. It is inconceivable to me that they would completely ignore 10 years of research and thousands of studies from the top researchers around the world which prove the […]

Vitamin D: How Much Should You Take?

by John Douillard on August 5, 2010 | 2 Comments

Protocol for Dosage for Vitamin D Step 1: Determine your vitamin D3 levels with a Vitamin D3 Home Test Kit. Step 2: Read the Winter or Summer Protocol below, based on the current season. Follow the recommended dosage for vitamin d. Step 3: Retest again after the recommended time frame.