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.

How & Why to Customize Your Melatonin Dosage

by John Douillard on September 7, 2017 | 9 Comments

For life forms to exist on this planet, a mechanism was required to deal with day and night, as well as summer and winter. Our connection to the light/dark cycles has evolved around our ability to produce one of the oldest molecules on the planet, melatonin. Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland of mammals,

Fight Fatigue & Brain Fog with Shilajit

by John Douillard on August 31, 2017 | 1 Comment

According to the Ayurvedic Plant Materia Medica, which details over 2000 plants, shilajit was the only substance predicted to address all doshic (vata, pitta or kapha) imbalances. Known for boosting the energy of Himalayan mountain climbers and a favorite snack for the Sherpas, scientifically, shilajit has arrived! In a thin layer of the earth called

How Sun Exposure Affects Sleep and Melatonin Production

by John Douillard on August 29, 2017 | 12 Comments

In recent articles, I have discussed the importance of sleeping in a completely dark room with no ambient light to support the maximum production of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, and it is MUCH more than just a sleep hormone. Like the janitor who comes in at night to clean

Healthy Care Package for College Students

by John Douillard on August 24, 2017 | 3 Comments

College can be one of the most challenging times to stay healthy. Suddenly, things like basic nutrition and sleep are taken for granted, resulting in sluggish immunity and making students susceptible to acne, hormonal issues, getting run-down, and more. With six kids, two in college and three college graduates, I have had firsthand experience keeping

Chaste Tree Berry aka Vitex: The Female Hormonal Harmonizer

by John Douillard on August 22, 2017 | 7 Comments

Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus) has been used to support reproductive health for millions of years. Ground chaste tree berries were added to pepper grinders in monasteries, called monk’s pepper, because they believed it helped monks resist sexual temptation. In reality, there is little if any evidence that chaste tree berry will suppress sexual desire

Gymnema for Healthy Weight Loss & Cravings

by John Douillard on August 19, 2017 | 6 Comments

In Ayurveda, there is one plant that has been used for thousands of years to support healthy blood sugar and body weight. Gymnema sylvestre is an herb from the milkweed family that contains chemical compounds that have been found dull both the ability of the taste buds to recognize the sweet taste and the intestinal

#1 Ayurvedic Superfood For Vitality

by John Douillard on August 8, 2017 | 3 Comments

Aaron was an 8-year-old boy whose mom brought him to see me for a check-up before he went back to school one year. Aaron was a vata body type and, come fall and winter, vata types are more prone to imbalance. The vata dosha is governed by the air element. We’ve all experienced the dry

Coconut Oil: Medicine or Menace?

by John Douillard on August 3, 2017 | 15 Comments

The American Heart Association recently released a statement advising against the use of coconut oil, and the internet went bonkers. And for good reason, I suppose… After an exhaustive meta-analysis of many different studies on saturated fats and the risk of cardiovascular concerns, the AHA is strongly advising the public to lower their intake of

When to Use Whole Herbs vs. Extracts

by John Douillard on July 20, 2017 | 8 Comments

When shopping for herbal supplements, few people realize the differences that exist from one brand to the next. There is new evidence that provides deep insight into the differences between herbal extracts and an unprocessed, naturally dried product. While extracts have been considered to be a more concentrated, therefore more potent, bang for your buck,

10 Must-Knows About Homocysteine, 5-MTHF and B12

by John Douillard on July 15, 2017 | 7 Comments

For years, homocysteine has been a reliable marker in blood tests for increased risk of heart health concerns. New research has linked chronically high levels of homocysteine to mood-related concerns, cognitive issues and memory concerns. Below are the top 10 things you should know about homocysteine. Homocysteine is a non-protein amino acid that is produced by

Can’t Sleep? De-Stress with Ashwagandha

by John Douillard on June 24, 2017 | 6 Comments

It is estimated that 50-70 million Americans are unable to get a good night’s sleep. (13) As we age, a good night’s sleep becomes more difficult to achieve. Today, the science keeps mounting linking at least 8 hours of sleep a night to greater longevity and optimal health. (1,2) A poor night’s sleep has been

10 Ways to Increase Melatonin Naturally

by John Douillard on June 20, 2017 | 23 Comments

In a study at the University of Colorado in Boulder, researchers evaluated the circadian rhythms of a group of healthy Boulder residents. What they found was surprising. Instead of melatonin levels rising only during the nighttime hours, about two hours after waking, melatonin levels would surge, causing significant daytime drowsiness period. After delving deeper, the