A handful of herbs—some familiar, some fairly exotic—offer surprising weight-related benefits and, in some cases, other perks.

Herbs to Kick Start Your Metabolism

Obviously no herb is going to do it all for you. You need to do your part by eating well and exercising. Then check out these herbal options.

• Cinnamon Extract

  This herb is an antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral powerhouse that may kill off parasites and yeast overgrowth, and in the process spur weight loss.

  How? Parasites thrive on sugar, which makes you crave more of it.

  Cinnamon stabilizes blood sugar and slows food absorption, so you feel full longer. By helping the body metabolize fat, this digestive aid lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and raises HDL (good) cholesterol.

• Green Tea Extract

  Years of research on green tea's catechins (a fancy way of saying  antioxidants) point to weight-loss benefits. A popular “fat burner,” green tea boasts a body of credible data to back up those energy-burning claims.

  A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted that a group of men who consumed 690 mg of green tea extract per day lost significantly more weight in 12 weeks than a control group. Green tea may also reduce LDL and overall cholesterol.

• Green Coffee Extract

  With its high concentrations of chlorogenic acid, green coffee extract affects glucose and fat metabolism in the body.

  A recent 22-week study clocked significant reductions in weight and percent of body fat, with no other changes in diet, leading researchers to note that this extract may also be an inexpensive way to keep overweight adults from becoming obese.

• Guggul

  A traditional Ayurvedic herbal remedy, guggul appears to speed the liver's processing of bad fats in the blood. The accompanying metabolic kick may help explain its reputation as a weight-loss helper. Guggul lowers LDL and raises HDL, and has a stimulating effect on the thyroid, too.

  Herbal expert Dr. James A. Duke recommends looking for a product that's standardized for 25 mg of guggulsterones.

• Eleuthero

  This root comes in capsule or liquid extract form. It is one of the best herbal remedies for increasing stamina and endurance. With better access to stored energy, you'll be less tired after your workout, more encouraged to continue, and more likely to commit long term. 

• Stevia

  How better to cut calories and lose weight than by replacing sugar with a calorie-free alternative that's good for you?

  Stevia can be substituted in hot drinks, cooking, and baking. Stevia in herbal powder form is 10 to 15 times sweeter than table sugar. In refined extract form, it can be 200 to 300 times sweeter.

  It doesn't raise blood sugar levels, and it doesn't cause tooth decay.

• Mustard and Cayenne Pepper

  Consider hot-headed herbs like mustard and cayenne. Dr. Duke notes that in a study at the Oxford Polytechnic Institute in England, adding 1 teaspoon each of red pepper sauce and mustard to every meal raised metabolic rates by up to 25 percent.

If your health regimen seems repetitive these days, there are a few unique additions you can make to liven things up while still staying healthy.

Good Habits for Heart Health

• Red Wine

  While experts do not condone overdrinking, research shows that it can’t hurt to enjoy a glass in moderation. Studies show dark purple and black grapes—used to make red wine—are high in resveratrol, a compound that regulates blood pressure while preventing arterial clotting and heart disease. Pop the cork!

• Adult Coloring Books

  For those living in a fast-paced world, putting time into creative activities, such as adult coloring books, can help reduce daily stress. Not only have they shown to increase concentration levels, but they can also help people achieve a relaxed, meditative state.

• Dancing

  Physical activity is often recommended by doctors, but while you strengthen your heart’s rhythm, you can also keep the beat. In addition to heart health, dancing can also keep you in shape. A 30-minute dance class burns between 130 and 250 calories—about the same as jogging.

• Chocolate

  Dark and in moderation, this once-controversial sweet may be beneficial to the heart and the taste buds. Researchers say it can reduce blood pressure, improve circulation, lower cholesterol and balance blood sugar. Take a bite.

• Laughter

  Studies show that laughter releases endorphins, which create a light euphoria. This can elevate stress that may be harmful to heart health.

• Knitting

  According to a recent report from the New York Times, studies have shown that the repetitive actions of knitting and sewing induce relaxation while lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Research has also shown that this activity can lower harmful levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.

Who doesn't want a toned midsection? Between infomercials promising fast results and sales of home gyms to over 25 million American households, flat abs seem like a national obsession.

While it's enticing to believe you're only a couple crunches away from achieving such a goal, exercise comprises only part of the picture.

How's your digestion? Your diet? Do you eat more fast food than fresh, home-cooked meals? A look at your lifestyle and eating habits may reveal root causes for an inability to attain abs of steel.

Poor digestion, food allergies, and a host of other internal issues lead to bloating and excess fat that no amount of crunches can fix.

Dysfunctional Digestion

Eating the wrong foods, not eating regularly, or not eating enough can all contribute to bacteria responsible for bloating, gas, and even diarrhea, says Tim Ramirez, DC, SPN, MRT, founder of Pacifica Wellness, in Costa Mesa, California.

"Eating too many starchy foods, or foods with artificial colors and flavors plays a role. You want to avoid eating any food that can sit on a grocery shelf for three months or longer. All those preservatives mean your body isn't going to be able to digest easily."

Although some bloating after meals is normal, frequent bouts of bloat can push abdominal muscles outward, stretching them and creating a saggy stomach.

"Think of an overstuffed plastic bag and how it stretches," says Dr. Ramirez. "The same thing happens with your abdominal wall. Undigested food creates gas and a ballooning of the lower abdominals—a 'pooching' out of the abdominal wall in that area."

In lieu of bloat-invoking processed foods, focus instead on fresh foods and well-balanced meals.

"Foods that can spoil are good because they will also break down easier in your body," says Dr. Ramirez.

Aside from food, carbonated beverages and alcohol may also be to blame.

"You can't drink a lot of alcohol and expect to have toned abs, too."

Dr. Ramirez recommends a gradual cleanse versus extreme cleanses involving days of fasting. "You shouldn't have to starve yourself," he adds.

Instead, substitute a cleansing formula such as those found in natural products stores for two out of the eight to ten glasses of water you drink a day.

"A moderate cleanse will change how you're absorbing your food and eliminate abdominal bloating at the same time," Dr. Ramirez says.

Dine Mindfully

In addition to a diet high in processed foods, lack of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) can also inhibit digestion and cause bloating.

"Stomach acid is important not only for breaking down food but also for triggering the pancreas and gall bladder to do their jobs," says Laurie Steelsmith, ND, LAc, author of Natural Choices for Women's Health.

Low stomach acid can result from the natural aging process, stress, or an infection with Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that causes inflammation that may lead to gastritis as well as stomach ulcers.

"To treat low stomach acid, I recommend that my patients drink warm lemon water before meals," says Dr. Steelsmith. Digestive enzymes taken immediately after a meal also aid the body in breaking down and assimilating nutrients from food for improved comfort and overall health.

If you're guilty of eating while driving or walking and talking, you're setting the stage for digestive issues as well. "Eating on the run can cause people to have poor digestion resulting in low digestive 'juices,' which can then cause bloating," explains Dr. Steelsmith.

The solution? Slow down and enjoy your meals instead of multi-tasking.

Imbalances of intestinal flora may also be responsible for a bloated belly. If you have chronic yeast vaginitis, toenail fungus, or if you've used antibiotics more than once a year, you may want to be tested for yeast overgrowth, recommends Dr. Steelsmith.

Herbal products effective at rearranging gut flora include garlic, Pau d'arco tea, and berberine, a compound derived from goldenseal.

Probiotic supplements support digestion and help keep yeast in check, as well. Check with your naturopathic doctor or the trained staff at the store that gives you remedies for specific dosage recommendations.

Allergy-Bloat Connection

Food allergies can subtly manifest as simple bloating. In fact, you may be allergic to foods you eat every day.

"Allergies can cause bloating and gas and may even contribute to irritable bowel syndrome," says Dr. Steelsmith.

Assessing for allergies consists of eliminating common food allergens and then reintroducing them back into the diet one at a time and gauging the body's reaction.

A typical test involves eliminating foods such as gluten, wheat, peanut, dairy, eggs, soy, yeast, sugar, and corn.

“If you wish to test yourself for food allergies, avoid eating a suspicious food for five days, and then challenge it on the sixth day by eating that food a number of times.” Watch for symptoms such as gas or bloating for the next three days.

"Some food reactions are triggered by an immune cell response within hours of eating the food, where other food allergens may take 24 to 72 hours," says Dr. Steelsmith.

Even if you test negative for food allergies, a food sensitivity may be at work, which can also cause bloating, says Holly Lucille, ND, RN, of Los Angeles, California. "Testing for food sensitivities is not as involved as testing for outright food allergies, but ruling out an offending food can have an amazing ability to slim you down."

If you suspect you may have sensitivities, take a common offending food such as wheat out of your diet for a month. If you feel better and your stomach flattens out, you likely have your answer.

Fat & Hormones

Stubborn excess belly fat in both men and women could also be due to an estrogen excess. The danger of belly fat goes beyond aesthetics, as excess fat in the abdominal area increases risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain cancers.

"In our estrogen-dominant society [estrogen levels increase in perimenopausal and menopausal women; testosterone in middle-aged men converts to estrogen with age as well], men and women can both accumulate excess fat around the midsection as a result," says Dr. Lucille. "One solution may be taking an estrogen-balancing nutrient such as diindolemethane, commonly known as DIM. It has been shown to act as an efficient fat burner by encouraging healthy estrogen metabolism and can help eliminate a pouchy stomach."

Frizzy, fried, and coarse strands from all that fun in the sun are not a great start to autumn, and neither is blemished, dried out, or wrinkled skin.

Fortunately, there are plant-based oils that can repair summer’s damage and help us reclaim glowing skin and luxurious locks.

Oils for Your Face

It seems counterintuitive, but applying a small amount of oil to your face can give you a well-hydrated glow—without the shine and stickiness that come from using lotions.

If you’ve never used oils on your skin before, you’ll be happy to know there are many with soothing and hydrating properties.

• Argan Oil

  Argan oil is an excellent hydrator that helps fight free-radical damage and acne. It can help minimize lines, soften skin, and encourage a healthy glow.

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

  Extra-virgin olive oil is another great choice for the face and body. Nourishing, stimulating, and softening, it contains antioxidants and healthy fats. It can even help reduce sun damage.

• Rosehip Seed Oil

  Rosehip seed oil can be harder to find, but it too is an excellent hydrator, boasting a luxurious, silky feel.

• Shea Oil

  A byproduct of shea butter production, shea oil has many of the same fatty acids as shea butter (capric, caprylic, lauric, stearic, palmitic, oleic, and linoleic).

  Easily absorbed into the skin, shea oil can fight inflammation and help create a protective barrier that locks in skin moisture.

  Due to its high content of vitamins A and E, the oil has been used to help heal scars, burns, blemishes, stretch marks, dermatitis, and wrinkles.

Oils for Hair Care

Oils are a great choice when it comes to repairing fried and frizzled strands.

Look for pure, organic plant oils labeled “pure cold-pressed” or “pure expeller-pressed.”

• Almond Oil

  Almond oil is a light and odorless oil rich in vitamins and protein.

• Coconut Oil

  Coconut oil has long been used in folk medicine as a hair conditioner and moisturizing oil.

• Jojoba Oil

  Jojoba oil is a good choice for the scalp and hair, since it is very emollient and contains nutrients that benefit the skin.

• Sesame Oil

  Sesame oil is an antioxidant-rich oil that works as both a moisturizer and a conditioner.

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

  Extra-virgin olive oil adds a non-greasy sheen to your locks, reach for extra-virgin olive oil.

Oil Treatment for Hair

One of the best ways to nourish and repair hair is with an oil treatment. They’re easy to do; you don’t even need to shampoo first.

1. When you’ve decided on an oil, mix 2 tablespoons of it in a bottle with a flip-up spout or in a cup. If you wish, add 15 to 30 drops of essential oil. For a hot oil treatment, place the container in hot water for a few minutes before applying. This warms the oil and enhances the hair’s ability to absorb it. (You can also apply the oil unheated.)
2. Next, put some oil on your fingertips and rub it between your hands. Starting at the top front of the hairline, massage your scalp with small circular strokes, working back toward the crown. Add more oil as needed.
3. Repeat this process from the temple area back to the lower crown and through the nape of the neck. Be gentle and thorough; massage the entire scalp (not just the top of the hair) for at least three minutes.
4. Add more oil to your palms. Work the oil between your hands and massage it into the rest of your hair with a gentle, stroking motion.
5. Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap or recycled plastic bag. To maximize the moisturizing effect, wrap a hot, damp towel around the plastic. Leave for 20 to 30 minutes, and then rinse the oil out with shampoo. Follow with conditioner. Any leftover oil makes a great moisturizer for your skin.

Many are aware that during this religious holiday commemorating the Hebrews’ exodus from Egypt, Jews eat matzo instead of bread. What else distinguishes foods that are kosher for Passover?

Observers refrain from eating chometz during the weeklong holiday—that includes barley, wheat, rye, oats, and spelt. (Leavening is also avoided.)

Some surprising foods and beverages may contain chometz ingredients, even in trace amounts related to processing. Among them: Soda, dried fruits, marshmallows, milk, and raw veggies.

“Kosher for Passover” indicates both ingredients and manufacturing practices aligned with the dietary specifications of this holiday.

Throughout the year, any food labeled “kosher” was produced under the supervision of official certifying agencies. The most common symbols include a circled letter U (certified by the Orthodox Union) or a K – both pictured below for reference. The letter P sometimes indicates that a food is kosher for Passover.

In celebration or Earth Day, take care of yourself, your family, and your planet with these eco-friendly tips.

Ideas for How to Celebrate Earth Day

• Avoid Plastics

  Water bottles, straws, and plastic cutlery may contain toxins. They are also harmful to the environment when they are not properly re-used or recycled. Click here for avoidance tips and plastic-substitution options.

• Plant a Garden

  Save money, and eat healthy by growing your own food. For the best growth, consider companion planting.This strategy involves placing two or more plants next to each other that will benefit each other. Learn more here.

• Eco-Construction

  If you’re building a new kitchen or remodeling an old one, embrace green living techniques to make the room more sustainable and energy efficient. Check out these tips.

• Natural Spring Cleaning

  Consider cleaning with safe and all-natural supplies or products to avoid harsh chemicals. If you are trying to save, make your own organic cooking spray.

• Do It Yourself!

  There are many home products that can be made from simple kitchen ingredients. If you are looking to go all-natural, try making your own deodorant  or facial masks.

• Green Groceries

  Buy organic, non-GMO, or fair trade for products that are healthy and made sustainably. Create budgeting strategies, or learn more about product labeling before your next trip to the store.

• Go Outside!

  Spring has finally sprung, and it’s time to explore the outdoors. Have a picnic, or play sports with friends or family. Make sure to stay hydrated, and avoid insect bites or ticks.

The process of naturally breaking down organic matter into soil has been around since our planet first started sprouting plants. Humans have used composting since the days of hunting and gathering. One could imagine families and villages throwing all of their organic waste into a pile to rot and soon realizing that it made terrific soil to plant with. Thousands of years later, we still find a large amount of the population who take advantage of this natural process to help their gardens produce more, their house plants grow stronger, or simply to cut down on the waste they send to the landfill. The best part is that it is easier to do than you might think and doesn’t necessarily require a huge pile to work.

How Composting Works

Composting occurs when aerobic or anaerobic bacteria have the time grow on organic material and gradually break it down into soil. The key to having a successful composting system is keeping it aerated and having a good mix of materials. If air is unable to circulate within the pile or the mix is too heavy with one type of material, anaerobic bacteria will take over and cause your pile to compost slowly and smell like rotting garbage...Not the best thing if you have a small yard. To keep your compost pile full of aerobic bacteria, decomposing at a good rate, and not smelling like the local landfill, you need only remember a few things.

The Two Types of Compost Materials

First, it is important to know the two basic material groups and how to integrate them. A good compost pile is essentially made up of “browns” and “greens.”

Brown Materials for Your Compost Pile

Browns, as you might guess, are dead and dry materials. Fallen leaves, dead plants, dried hay, and woodchips are all common examples of browns that you might include into your pile. These materials contain sugar molecules that provide food energy for the bacteria. Because they are often dry and rigid, they also allow air to better circulate within the pile. It is important to properly moisten browns when mixing them, as bacteria grow better in damp conditions.

Even Your Compost Pile Needs Greens

Greens are grass clippings, vegetable scraps, fruit, egg shells, weeds from the garden, coffee grounds, tea bags etc. They have inherent moisture in them as well as higher levels of nitrogen than browns, which acts as a protein source for the billions of microbes decomposing your pile. It is important to remember that because greens have more moisture than browns, you need to mix them in well or make thin layers of them. If you, for example, have a large concentrated pile of grass clippings, they will mat down and block the air circulation. Therefore, either mix the grass clippings into the pile or, if you have a large yard, create a separate pile for the cut grass.

The Remaining Elements Required for a Healthy Compost Pile

Now that you have the food for the pile, you need to make sure it gets air and water…but not too much water. Ideally you want your pile to be as moist as a wrung out sponge. To ensure air circulation you should mix the pile well and occasionally break it up or turn it over with a spade or pitchfork. While hotter piles will decompose faster, you do not need yours to be hot to work. As long as it has the materials, water, and air, a compost pile will work fine in 50 degrees Fahrenheit or above. If you live in a hot and dry climate, you may need to water the pile so that it doesn’t dry out. If you live in a rainy climate you may want to cover your pile with a tarp during rainstorms. And if you live in a colder climate, you can expect the pile to go dormant during the winter if it freezes. But don’t worry, as soon as it gets warm outside the process will start back up again.

As you can see, the process of composting is fairly simple and will provide you will soil that can be more effective than most store bought chemical fertilizers. You will know that your soil is ready when it has a dark brown look to it and you can no longer recognize the material you had originally put on the pile. However, depending on your application, you will want to use the soil at different phases of the decomposition process. If you are using it for your garden you can use the pile when the materials are mostly all unrecognizable as they will continue to compost in your garden. But, if you are using it for houseplants you will want to wait until it is fully decomposed or the bacterial microbes may damage the plants roots.

Proper Composting Technique Review

• Browns and Greens are the two main groups of materials you can compost. Browns are dead and dry materials like autumn leaves, hay, dead plants and woodchips. Greens are fresh and moist materials like grass clippings, garden weeds, and kitchen food scraps.
• To have a good compost pile you need to mix the materials well so that air will circulate. The pile should be as moist as a wrung out sponge.
• Avoid placing large amounts of grass clippings in concentrated piles. They will prevent air circulation.
• Break up the pile and turn it over occasionally. When older compost begins resembling soil, separate it from the new compost to finish its process.
• Garden soil can be used sooner than house plant soil.
• Depending on your climate you may want to water the pile or place a tarp on it when it rains.
• Composting adds crucial nutrients to your existing soil as well as improves the way water interacts with your garden or house plants. The microbes inoculate the existing soil and aid in transferring nutrients to your plants.
• You can make a compost pile in the corner of your yard, build a bin to contain it or buy one from sites like www.cleanairgardening.com

Further information can be found at:

• www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/composting
• www.howtocompost.org