Empowering Self-Reliance and Sustainable Living & Microbiomes
Empowering Self-Reliance and Sustainable Living & Microbiomes
We have all heard of taking turmeric (curcumin) with black pepper (piperine) to enhance the bioavailability and absorption of curcumin. Piperine, the bioactive compound found in black pepper, has been shown to significantly increase the absorption of curcumin by inhibiting metabolic enzymes that break it down and increasing intestinal permeability. …
Ashwagandha has become one of the plants I treasure most in our gardens. When I first planted her at my home, I wasn’t sure how she would take to the Ecuadorian climate, a long way from the dry plains of India where she was born. To my delight, she didn’t …
We’re quick to toss what we don’t understand. The skins. The peels. The bitter parts. But sometimes what we discard is exactly what we need to heal. Pomegranate is a perfect example. Most people enjoy the juicy seeds, maybe even the juice, and toss the husk into the compost without …
I can feel it … the pulse of something long planted, now pushing its way to the surface. The Living Ground Store and Café is almost ready to open. And standing here, on this edge between what has been vision and what is becoming reality, I’m carrying a thousand stories …
Stinging nettle, wild nettle, Urtica dioica: whatever you call her, she has a way of making a first impression you won’t forget. Most of us meet nettle the hard way. A bare arm brushes past a patch of green along a trail or fence line, and suddenly your skin is …
Parsley, often underrated as a simple garnish, is a herb with a rich history and a plethora of medicinal benefits that deserve recognition. Its journey from a seed containing the creative essence of earth and sun is a true marvel of nature. As the seed germinates, it initiates a transformation …
Strawberries, with their vibrant red color and luscious taste, are beloved by many worldwide. These juicy fruits are not only a delightful treat but are also packed with nutrients and health benefits, making them a popular choice among fruit lovers and health enthusiasts alike. The cultivated garden strawberry (Fragaria × …
Plantain, often seen as just a common weed, holds a remarkable position in the world of natural medicine. Known scientifically as Plantago, this perennial herb is easily identified by its broad, oval-shaped leaves that feature prominent parallel veins, growing in a basal rosette pattern. The leaves, smooth-textured and dark green, …
The fascinating world of tansy reveals both its historical significance and contemporary applications, showcasing a plant that has captivated human interest through the centuries. Tansy, or Tanacetum vulgare, with its rhizomic nature, sends a network of roots beneath the earth, mirroring the cycle of life itself. A resilient perennial, tansy …
Elderberry, with its vibrant clusters of berries, has long enchanted those who seek not only its deep, sweet taste but its powerful health benefits. To deepen the relationship between myself and this ancient botanical, I began crafting a yearly batch of elderberry syrup. By incorporating other natural sources of Vitamin …