COVID has touched my household, and likely yours too. Aside from stuffy noses, sore throats, and random feelings of insecurity, isolation has been the toughest, particularly with a 5-year-old. Over the weeks there were sweet moments, like when we made an IG reel together, had a Shakira and Bieber dance party, and made stone ground dark rye chocolate chip cookies with cashews. But to be real, it hasn’t been easy.

May was National Bike Month, and a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling. In the summer of 2011 and entering the second year of Naturopathic medical school,  I resolved to bike. For the next four years, I rode 14.6 miles most days of the week, rain or shine. I felt strong physically and mentally and proud about the carbon neutral impact. I have excuses why I don’t commute by bike today, but these are excuses. This week I highlight the benefits of biking aimed to encourage you and I to bike. 

The day Edith was born was the best day of my life. I went into labor on a Friday night and slept through most of the night. The next morning, her dad Jeff and I took a long neighborhood walk. We stopped at our neighborhood cafe where I was given a cookie for my labor. We walked to a diner and heard women share their birth story. The contractions were intermittent and were mild enough to be in public. Each contraction would stop me in my tracts to breathe. We walked and paused and walked again; chit chatting with the neighbors along the way.

Plants have been used by humans to treat illness and disease for a very long time. In fact, most pharmaceutical drugs are derived from plants. Mushrooms are from the fungi group, form from the fruiting body of spores, and are important because they are both a food and medicine. For instance, commonly used antibiotics are from fungi. Mushrooms have been shown to fight various cancers and stimulate the immune system(1).

In theme with St. Patrick’s day, we inevitably find cabbage on our plates. It’s one of my favorite veggies of all times, and this week my goal is to inspire us all to take full advantage of this holiday and eat that cabbage. A simple search of the scientific literature reveals that there are a ton health benefits to including cabbage into your diet.

Over the past six weeks or so, my friend Dr. Okojie and I have been getting together each week to trade IV therapy treatments. I was introduced to methylene blue (MB) during one of these treatments, and have had four or so infusions ever since. I didn’t know much about this substance and the color was awfully reminiscent of toilet bowl cleaner. I trust Dr. Okojie and his work so I was willing to try. After experimenting and researching on MB, I decided to add this service because of its anti-aging properties. This week I share the benefits of MB and show how you can incorporate this into your self-care regimen. 

The time between winter solstice and the new year is one for reflection and setting intentions. We are nature, not separate from it and just as nature retreats inward, so do we; cultivating and planning for the up and outwards energies of spring. To ritualize this time and play with the magic of plants, I recently made a Fire Cider. Inspired by a gift of fire cider by Shire City Herbals from my aunt, I have been taking daily shots to support my health. This week I share with you what fire cider is, how to make this immune supporting tonic and highlight some science backing it all up.