Are you stressed, anxious, or feeling depleted? Adding the fast pace of modern life to the ongoing uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased stress for many. A recent survey found that, “…Two-thirds of adults (63%) agreed that uncertainty about what...
As a nation, we are entering flu season in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. For those of us who live in cooler winter climates, this means that we need to figure out new strategies. How do we stay healthy as the weather turns darker and colder? How do we stay both...
“Mindfulness helps you go home to the present.” – Thich Nhat Hanh While there are formal courses in mindfulness, it is a moment-to-moment practice. Even the awareness of when we are not mindful allows us to come back to the present moment. Practicing mindfulness...
The smell of tomatoes ripening on the vine, the sound of a hummingbird zooming past, and the sight of an early morning summer sky are just a few of the pleasures gardening offers. Add to that list the anti-inflammatory effects of fresh vegetables and the myriad health...
Screens seem necessary right now. They have become our primary way to connect to loved ones, keep up with the news, manage learning for our children, entertain ourselves, and continue working (for working remotely). Without tech and media, life during the COVID-19...
On June 11, we will be hosting a virtual class, “The Power of Your Story” with Anthony Layman. Mr. Layman is in the process of getting his Masters through Lenoir Rhyne University in the developing field of Narrative Medicine. As this is a relatively new discipline,...
We all are experiencing varying degrees of stress and worry right now. In response to this collective challenge, Integrative Family Medicine of Asheville’s providers came together to brainstorm resources, strategies, and ideas for how we could all reduce the noise...
An Interview about budgeting for health with OnTrack WNC and IFMA Health Coach, Ariana Figueroa, NBC-HWC. Money, debt, savings, and retirement: these subjects are not usually discussed directly when meeting with a doctor. Yet we carry our finances with us as we...
Many of us want some aspects of our lives to be different. Are you content? Are you happy with your health, relationships, and work? It can be really challenging to make changes that stick. On the one hand, we would like to be stronger and healthier; on the other...
By Herbalist Erin Smith It’s the peak of summer. If you are like me, you are probably spending a lot of time outdoors – with the plants, with the water, with a good book, or perhaps all of the above. While summer is a great time for all herbs, here are a few must have...
Plant Profile: Linden/Lime (Tilia spp.)From Herbalist Erin Smith This time of year the air is sweet with Linden. These beautiful trees provide luscious green shade and have a sweet, sensuous smell that will stop you in your tracks. If you’ve ever walked down a street...
Plant Profile: Elder (Sambucus nigra)From Herbalist Erin Smith As winter gets closer, the cold and flu season is upon us. One of the best herbs for this season is Elder (Sambucus nigra). It offers gentle yet powerful support to promote your supports your body’s...
Plant Profile: Burdock (Arctium lappa) From Herbalist Erin Smith For many, their first experience of Burdock is finding its burs stuck to their clothing or trying to untangle it from dog fur. Besides these Velcro inspiring burs, Burdock is also an ancient medicine in...
Plant Profile: Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) From Herbalist Erin Smith Thistles get a bad rap. They are often looked at as the peskiest of weeds for their persistence and thorny nature that makes them difficult to remove by hand. But as is often the case with our...
Plant Profile: Violet from Herbalist Erin Smith It is hard to not smile in the presence of violet. The beautiful and delicate flowers are a favorite early spring treat and begin to pop up in March. Long associated with Aphrodite, they are a symbol of love and...
Medicine in Your Spice Cabinet from Herbalist Erin Smith You don’t have to go foraging or even to your local apothecary to start enjoying the health benefits of plant medicines. Your spice cabinet is also your medicine cabinet. Spices, and our desire for their varied...
Plant Profile: Ho Shu Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) from Herbalist Erin Smith Ho-Shou-Wu is one of my favorite herbs. It is wonderfully grounding and calming and I find that one of its best adaptogenic effects is to allow you to remain clear and calm during times of...
Plant Profile: Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis) from Herbalist Erin Smith Wood Betony (also known as Hedge Nettle) was long revered throughout ancient Europe for its healing and magical properties. Thought of as a powerful panacea, it was the most prized medicinal...
Mallow: The Wild Green Everyone Should Be Eating from Herbalist Erin Smith I’m a huge proponent of the “eat your weeds” revolution and one of the first “weedy” plants to arrive in spring is mallow (Malva neglecta and other species). There are more than 30 species of...
Plant Profile: Cinnamon (Cinnamomum) from Herbalist Erin Smith This time of year cinnamon is everywhere. The good news is it has wonderful health benefits – so no guilt about this holiday ingredient! Cinnamon is the inner bark of small evergreen trees native to...
