Brewing Chinese green tea is both a science and an art—balancing water temperature, steeping time, and leaf quantity to extract the delicate flavors and aromas locked within the leaves. Proper brewing not only enhances the tea’s sensory qualities but also honors the craftsmanship and cultural […]
What Are Lectins? Lectins are a type of protein that can bind specifically to carbohydrates (sugars). They are found in nearly all living organisms, including plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria. In plants, lectins are non-enzymatic proteins, meaning they bind to specific sugars—such as monosaccharides (single […]
Vivid color is one of the oldest quality cues of healthy food: ripe fruits look vibrant, baked bread has a golden hue, and consumers instinctively associate certain hues with freshness, flavor and even safety. However, because industrial processing often strips or dulls those natural pigments, […]
Antioxidants have captured widespread attention for their vital role in promoting health and preventing cellular damage. They are frequently featured in nutritional guides, scientific research, and on product labels, yet questions often persist: What exactly are antioxidants? How do they work? And which foods and […]
The burning of Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA)–treated timber and synthetic wood products bonded with urea-formaldehyde (UF) or phenol-formaldehyde (PF) glues poses serious hazards to human health and the environment. Combustion releases carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and toxic chemicals—such as arsenic trioxide, hexavalent chromium, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic […]
Soil along busy roadsides and near industrial sites often is polluted by heavy metals and persistent hydrocarbons that have accumulated there over decades, posing environmental and health risks. This article explores the sources of these contaminants, their behavior in soils, and the dangers they pose […]
Have you ever wondered what exactly is in the products you use every day? Many of us are surprised to learn that some common personal care and household items may contain phthalates—chemicals used to make plastics flexible and to help scents last longer. While you […]
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a class of synthetic chemicals that have become ubiquitous in our modern world. These chemicals are characterized by their unique molecular structure, where fluorine atoms are bonded to carbon atoms, creating a highly […]
Depression, formally known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is a complex mental health condition that affects millions worldwide. Traditional pharmacological treatments, although effective, come with various side effects and are not always suitable for everyone. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in […]
Indoor plants not only add aesthetic appeal to your living spaces but also play a crucial role in improving indoor air quality. Modern buildings often use synthetic materials that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These pollutants can cause various health issues, such […]
This post is part-contributed and may contain affiliate links Modern life is undoubtedly hectic, and if you’re a busy person with a lot on your plate, it can be hard to find time for the things you love, including taking enough breaks from your responsibilities. […]
Gardening is often seen as a tranquil retreat, a way to connect with nature and nurture life. However, some commonly used synthetic gardening chemicals may pose significant risks to gardeners and their families. While pesticides, herbicides and fungicides are widely used to combat pests and […]
This post is part-contributed and may contain affiliate links Gardening is not only a deeply fulfilling pastime but also a therapeutic escape that allows us to unwind and divert our minds from daily stresses, effectively reducing tension and promoting mental well-being. Immersing ourselves in the […]
This post is part-contributed and may contain affiliate links To maintain a good oral health, experts recommended brushing teeth twice a day, which is easiest done in the morning and evening, making it an easy routine to implement. Visiting a dentist for regular checkups is […]
The leaf of the olive tree (Olea europaea) has been used medicinally for centuries throughout the world, where it has been used to treat various ailments, including infectious disorders of bacterial, fungal, and viral origin. Olive leaf contains several bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds such […]
Bees are incredible creatures, and one of the products they create, honey is a truly magical substance – it’s the only food that never spoils if it’s stored in a sealed container. As long as moisture from the air doesn’t get in, honey keeps indefinitely! […]
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, it’s a neurodegenerative disease associated with a build-up of certain proteins and chemicals in the brain, which causes the brain atrophy and brain cells to die. This leads to dementia symptoms that worsen over time. […]
Food additives are listed on product labels with a three or four digit number code, because their real names may be far too long to use. This number system is known as the International Numbering System for Food Additives, or INS for short. For example, […]
Himalayan salt lamps have become very popular home decor accessories because of their aesthetic value and affordability. As natural crystals, they bring nature’s beauty into the home, and when crafted into lamps and illuminated, their warm pink, amber or orange glow creates a calming, tranquil […]
Are Ornamental Sweet Peas Edible? Ornamental sweet peas are not edible, they are toxic and should not be eaten! The common sweet pea, Lathyrus odoratus is an ornamental leguminous annual climbing plant which is native to southern Italy, and is grown purely for its very […]
Turmeric (Curcuma longa syn. C. domestica) is a subtropical/tropical plant which is a member of the ginger (Zingiberaceae) family, and is native to Southwest India. It’s grown traditionally as a spice, medicine and as a source of bright yellow dye. Ground turmeric root is an […]
Aloe arborescens, also know as the tree aloe, torch aloe, candelabra aloe or krantz aloe, is a hardy succulent perennial plant from the Aloe family Asphodelaceae, which is native to the south-eastern coast of Africa (Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe). This drought-tolerant succulent […]
Aloe vera leaves contain a gel which is used externally to treat skin irritation, minor burns, sunburn, itching due to allergies and insect bites, sores, skin ulcers and many other conditions. The edible variety, Aloe vera barbadensis miller, is also used to make Aloe vera […]
For protection against COVID-19 Coronavirus, people have been using disposable surgical masks or N95 /P2 respirators. With the shortage of these protective masks, people have been advised to sew their own protective cloth masks , which are not as effective but still offer some protection, […]
Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) are a popular dish in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine. These appetisers are made of meat, rice, various herbs and spices, all of which are wrapped in grape vine leaves and cooked. When cooking, it’s important to use the correct ingredients, […]
Now that more people are beginning to wear protective face masks, either P2/N95 rated masks, surgical masks or even homemade masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus transmission, it’s important that they use them correctly to get the best protection and avoid accidental contamination. […]
There has been a lot of bad advice coming from government authorities and ‘experts’ during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, and it usually starts with the ominous words “there is still no evidence that…”. The questionable advice which follows usually discourages people from helping themselves by […]
Some medications are known to weaken the immune system, and would therefore compromise the body’s capacity to fight off diseases such as the COVID-19 Coronavirus. There has been a lot of concerns about the safety of Ibuprofen use during the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak, so we’ll […]
The general public can play a significant role in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, it’s everyone’s responsibility, not just the government’s, and everyone has a role to play. Epidemic Control is a Community Effort, Why Selfishness is Dangerous! Since epidemics can affect everyone, […]
Both the US and Australian governments are advising people that masks don’t work as protection against the COVID-19 coronavirus, but is this true? Half-truths are as bad as outright lies, and both governments are guilty of a dangerous half-truth here because they’re being very vague […]
Being prepared is all about being ready for something before it happens, and that implies planning and strategy, not reacting in panic after the fact! There are a range of sensible measures available to everyone to increase self-reliance, regardless of who they may be. Learning […]
Disposable dust masks or respirators offer protection from fine particulate matter in the air such as dusts, aerosols and smoke. At the time of writing, respiratory protection has been in high demand in Australia due to the extensive bushfires sweeping through the country and the […]
Aloe vera is a hardy succulent semi-tropical plant which is native to North Africa and the SW Arabian Peninsula, but at the present time can almost be found worldwide. It’s a very tough plant which will grow in poor soil and hot, dry sunny locations, […]
Sleep Deep Pad (image credit: Earthing Oz, http://www.EarthingOz.com.au, photo used with permission) In my article “Earthing and Grounding – Restoring Your Natural Balance” I discussed how the modern lifestyle subjects the human body to unnatural conditions which are potentially harmful to health and wellbeing. When […]
Universal Earthing Mat (image credit: Earthing Oz, http://www.EarthingOz.com.au, photo used with permission) In my article “Earthing and Grounding – Restoring Your Natural Balance” I discussed how the modern lifestyle subjects the human body to unnatural conditions which are potentially harmful to health and wellbeing. When […]
“The greatest polluting element in the earth’s environment is the proliferation of electromagnetic fields. I consider that to be a far greater threat on a global scale than warming, or the increase of chemical elements in the environment.” – Dr. Robert O. Becker, MD Modern […]
How does Permaculture tie in with our understanding of health? Can it realistically be seen as a ‘health promoting movement’? In this article we’ll examine our connection to Nature and how it affects our health and wellbeing, we’ll look at supporting scientific research on the […]
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more” John Burroughs (1837-1921), American naturalist and writer In Permaculture, we are usually concerned with healthy and harmonious ecological systems, but it’s equally important for us to […]
