http://mysticnaturals.com/blog Herbal, Nutrition & Natural Healing Mon, 19 May 2008 00:01:50 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en "Just as there is an art to serving tea, flower arranging, and calligraphy, there is an art to burning incense. A sixteenth-century Zen priest is credited with describing the ten virtues of incense burning: Incense burning opens the mind to divinity. Incense burning purifies the mind and body. Incense burning divests the mind ... http://mysticnaturals.com/blog/2008/05/18/the-zen-of-incense/ Here are some links to organic resources on the internet. It's a starting point for more information and associations on organic farming and sustainable agriculture. ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service Managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and is funded under a grant from the United States Department ... http://mysticnaturals.com/blog/2008/04/27/organic-resources/ Many people contemplate becoming a vegetarian at one point or another. Some consider a meatless diet because they feel sorry for the animals. Others think a vegetarian way of eating will improve their health. However, out of those well-intentioned people very few actually follow through and change their way of eating. ... http://mysticnaturals.com/blog/2008/04/16/vegetarian-does-not-have-to-be-all-or-nothing/  I find the following article very important for evaluating medical information on the internet. It is so easy to be drawn into mis-information on the web, and can actually be detrimental to your well being. Know your sources! The number of web sites offering health-related resources grows every day. Many sites ... http://mysticnaturals.com/blog/2008/04/13/ten-things-to-know-about-evaluating-medical-resources-on-the-web/ It is through dreams that our subconscious mind communicates with our conscious mind. Herbs have been used for centuries to enhance dreaming and sleep. Scent is the most direct route to our minds and recollections. Traditionally, certain herbs have been used for specific purposes.Herbs can be combined and sewn into ... http://mysticnaturals.com/blog/2008/04/07/herbal-dreaming/ Health Benefits, Brewing & Varieties Green tea is much more than just a refreshing beverage tea; it provides many proven health benefits as well. The Chinese and Japanese have enjoyed green tea's healing qualities for thousands of years but it hasn't been until recently that scientific research has proven the ... http://mysticnaturals.com/blog/2008/04/06/whats-so-special-about-green-tea/ Pink Lady's Slipper  The mission statement for United Plant Savers (UpS) states: "United Plant Savers' mission is to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitat while ensuring an abundant renewable supply of medicinal plants for generations to come." Their website is full of articles, news, images, ... http://mysticnaturals.com/blog/2008/03/27/medicinal-plants-at-risk-and-to-watch-lists/ Organic is always the best, right? As an herbalist, I have mixed views. First, let's define the three different growing classifications for herbs. Commercial: These plants are farm raised, non-organically. Typically fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides are used. Produces nice, large plants, but laden with chemicals that have been absorbed into the plant. Why would ... http://mysticnaturals.com/blog/2008/03/25/wildcrafted-vs-organic-herbs/ Apple cider vinegar has amazing health and healing properties. The best type is organic, naturally brewed, unfiltered and unpasteurized versions of apple cider. Filtered, pasteurized vinegar does not have healing properties. The most recognized brand is Bragg's, which is available in most health food stores. Natural apple cider vinegar should be a rich, ... http://mysticnaturals.com/blog/2008/03/23/apple-cider-vinegar-to-the-rescue/ Healing With Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition (3rd Edition) by Paul Pitchford is by far one of the most comprehensive books on nutrition and healing. At 753 pages, it covers everything. Health and healing of the body involves all facets of the individual: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual; healing ... http://mysticnaturals.com/blog/2008/03/21/healing-with-whole-foods/