Tag: wellness
-
Ask Me Anything Wednesday for August 6 2025
QUESTION: “Can combining specific breathing patterns with herbal remedies enhance their absorption and therapeutic effects in the body?” ANSWER: The idea of combining specific breathing patterns with herbal remedies is rooted in both ancient and emerging sciences. In traditional systems like Taoist medicine, Ayurveda, and Tibetan healing, breath is considered a carrier of life force…
-
Leonurus (Motherwort): Nature’s Gift for the Heart and Spirit
Leonurus, commonly known as Motherwort, is a revered herb in both traditional Chinese and Western herbal medicine. Its Latin name, Leonurus cardiaca, speaks volumes—literally meaning “lion-hearted”—hinting at its historic use in supporting cardiovascular strength and emotional courage. This flowering plant belongs to the mint family and grows widely across temperate regions, where herbalists have long…
-
Ask Me Anything Wednesday for July 16 , 2025
QUESTION: “Can the phase of the moon influence the potency or absorption of herbal remedies, and if so, how should timing be adjusted when using tinctures or decoctions?” This is from Shauna who lives in Bangor, ME. Thank you Shauna! ANSWER: Throughout the ages, lunar rhythms have been honored as subtle but potent influencers of…
-
Tylophora Indica: The Ayurvedic Ally for Lungs, Immunity, and Inflammation
Tylophora indica, commonly known as Indian Ipecac or Antamul, is a traditional Ayurvedic herb recognized for its powerful therapeutic effects, particularly on the respiratory system. Native to India and Southeast Asia, the plant is a climbing vine with distinctive purple flowers and soft, oval leaves. For centuries, Ayurvedic physicians have used its leaves to support…
-
Privet Fruit: A Potent Ally for Longevity and Immunity
Privet fruit, also known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Nu Zhen Zi, is a small, glossy black berry harvested from the Ligustrum lucidum plant. Long revered for its restorative properties, this herb is especially valued for its ability to nourish the liver and kidneys—organs central to vitality and aging in Eastern medicine. Often prescribed for…
-
Natural Health Question of the Week
What ancient remedy or forgotten natural ingredient was once used to promote dream clarity—and could it still have relevance in modern holistic sleep support? Throughout history, many traditional cultures valued dreams as sacred messages or diagnostic tools for health and spiritual guidance. Among them, ancient Egyptians, Taoist sages, and Native American tribes all used specific…
-
Ask Me Anything Wednesday for July 2, 2025
QUESTION: What forgotten or lesser-known ancient remedy—once used by indigenous cultures but now rarely discussed—could hold the key to solving a modern chronic illness without pharmaceuticals? ANSWER: One such forgotten remedy is pitcher plant extract (Sarracenia purpurea), a carnivorous plant once used by Native American tribes, particularly in the northeastern regions of North America. The…
-
Ramulus Cinnamomi: The Great Digestive Warmer
Ramulus Cinnamomi, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Gui Zhi, is the tender twig of the cinnamon tree. While many are familiar with cinnamon bark for its culinary uses, the twig itself holds a special place in classical herbal formulas. Harvested when the branches are young and pliable, Ramulus Cinnamomi is considered warm, sweet,…
-
Spirulina: Nature’s Ancient Superfood
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that has been consumed for centuries due to its exceptional nutritional value and health benefits. Originating from alkaline lakes and warm, mineral-rich waters, this microscopic organism is often called a “superfood” because it contains an extraordinary concentration of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Just a small amount of spirulina delivers a…
-
Stop Westernizing Natural Medicine
In recent years, natural medicine has exploded into the mainstream. Yet beneath the glossy packaging and influencer-approved branding lies a troubling trend — the Westernization of an ancient, patient-centered practice. Instead of honoring the roots of Eastern wisdom, many so-called “natural” products now mimic the pharmaceutical model: isolate symptoms, match them with a formula, and…
Dr. David Orman 