Wellness Blog

We feature useful health information from our providers and collaborators to support you in achieving and sustaining your health goals. If there are topics that you would like us to cover, please let us know.

Garden produce is spread out in the sunshine, including kale, cabbage, squash, tomatoes, carrots, and other vegetables.

Start Gardening This Fall

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…

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A woman's left hand rests on an open journal. Her right hand holds a pen and is writing. There is a laptop, reading glasses, coffee cup, books, and tickets spread around the journal.

What is Narrative Healthcare?

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,…

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Resources to Reduce Anxiety and Stress During COVID-19

Resources to Reduce Anxiety and Stress During COVID-19

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…

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A small, clear glass jar is filled with pennies. A small plant sprout is growing from the pennies.

Budgeting for Health and Resilience

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…

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Health Coach Ariana laughs with a patient whose back is to the camera.

How to Change: A Health Coaching Perspective

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…

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Fresh green herb cuttings are lined up on a wooden surface.

The Herbs of Summer

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…

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A botanical illustration in color shows the flowers, leaves, and pods of the Linden tree.

Plant Profile: Linden/Lime

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…

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White elder flowers with green elder leaves in the background.

Plant Profile: Elder

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…

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Plant Profile: Burdock

Plant Profile: Burdock

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…

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A milk thistle blossom is in front of a blurred grey background.

Plant Profile: Milk Thistle

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…

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A purple violet flower and its stem is in focus with a light blue background.

Plant Profile: Violet

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…

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