A longtime staple of traditional herbal medicine, preparations made from the leaves or flowers have been used to soothe coughs and congestion, ease headaches, and promote sleep, according to the International Herb Association, whose “Herb of the Year” for 2022 is viola.

Medicinal Uses for Viola

These popular, edible members of the botanical genus Viola have come to the attention of medical researchers. Scientists are studying the antibacterial, anticancer, and other properties of viola. Here’s a sampling of the research to date.

• Antibacterial

  The growing concern over antibiotics’ waning efficacy against pathogens and the lack of new medications have led to “the exploration of alternative sources of antimicrobial therapeutics,” according to the authors of a study into species of viola including V. inconspicua. They looked at viola’s cyclotides, stable peptides that exhibit bioactivity.

  Specifically, the researchers found “potent bioactivities against strains of the gram-negative bacteria E. coli and the highly virulent and multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.”

• Pharmacological

  Another species, V. betonicifolia, is known in traditional medicine circles for its pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antidepressant.

• Nutritional

  Komal Rizwan and colleagues found “a good profile of micro- and macronutrients,” including vitamin C, in various parts of the plant. Calling for clinical studies, the authors said their review “suggests that V. betonicifolia is a promising source of pharmaceutical agents.”

• Anti-Cancer

  A laboratory study of an extract of V. odorata against breast cancer cell lines and stem cells showed “anti-migratory, anti-invasion and anti-colony formation activity.” The researchers noted breast cancer cell death and decrease in the size and volume of tumors.

  Except in cases of high concentration, the authors said, their data “suggest that Viola odorata extract mostly targets cancerous cells, not normal cells.” These studies suggest that viola is worthy of further examination as a potential addition to the human arsenal against disease.

As Spring arrives, the leaves on the trees and the bulbs we planted last year are not the only companions the season offers.

Allergies come along with these new beginnings, and while many people turn to antihistamines for relief, there are natural remedies that can help you embrace the outdoors fearlessly.

Natural Remedies for Springtime Allergies

• Fight Allergies with Astragalus

  Astragalus stimulates the immune system as it eases allergy symptoms. Studies show the greatest benefit of this traditional Chinese medicine is that it provides relief from that annoying runny nose.

• Bromelain to Help Reduce Sinus Inflammation

  Bromelain, an enzyme found in the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant, breaks down proteins in swollen tissues, like inflamed sinuses. Look for bromelain in supplement form.

• Boost Your Immune System Through Allergy Season with Garlic

  Garlic has years of research behind it supporting its use for health issues ranging from high blood pressure to digestion problems, and, yes, even springtime allergies and sinus congestion. Garlic cloves may give a boost to the immune system and fight coughs, earaches, and bronchitis, making it popular during allergy season.

• Keep Cough & Allergies at Bay with Ginkgo Biloba

  Ginkgo biloba has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for more than 5,000 years. This known anti-inflammatory helps treat symptoms of allergies and coughs.

• Quercetin as a Natural Antihistamine

  Quercetin is an antioxidant found in almost all herbs and plant foods. Quercetin eases allergy symptoms as it halts the growth of cells that secrete histamine, but it doesn’t cause drowsiness like antihistamines. It is especially abundant in apples and green tea. For maximum effectiveness, consider taking this ingredient in supplement form.

• Let Stinging Nettle Battle Back That Allergy Attack

  Don’t let the name scare you! Nettles, when cooked or dried and eaten as a vegetable, provide an antihistamine. Nettles may also be boiled and made into tea, added to soups or stews, or taken in supplement forms.

• Reduce Pollen Allergens with Yogurt

  If eaten daily during allergy season, yogurt can help reduce grass pollen allergies, according to research from UC Davis.

• Clear Allergies Away with a Neti Pot Day to Day

  Saline nasal irrigation using a neti pot clears irritants and mucus from the nasal passages. Use sterile, distilled, or previously boiled water. Wash the device after each use.

Spring is finally here! It’s time to throw open the windows for fresh air and get down to the business of deep-cleaning your home. But mopping up mildew and scouring away grime doesn’t have to mean exposing your household to toxic cleaning solutions.

Consider these home- and Earth-friendly options instead.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies

• Tried and True Green Cleaning Staples

  Today we have hundreds of cleaning products to choose from, but you can’t go wrong with the old standbys.

  Vinegar and baking soda can be used to clean almost anything—mixed with a little warm water these kitchen staples make great all-purpose cleaners.

  • Vinegar

    Vinegar is effective for removing bacteria and mildew. A 50-50 vinegar-and-water mix can be kept in a spray bottle in the fridge for easy access. Simply spray and wipe. (But don’t use on marble or granite.) This solution can be used to disinfect doorknobs, faucets, and other places that get a lot of hands-on use.

  • Baking Soda

    Baking soda is an effective, natural carpet deodorizer. Just dust the carpet with baking soda, let it sit for 20 minutes, then vacuum.

    To keep bathroom drains running freely, pour a half cup of baking soda into the drain, and run a little hot water to wash it down. Leave for two hours to overnight, and then flush with hot water. This won’t clear blocked drains, but pouring a bit of vinegar over the baking soda might do the trick.

• Natural Fragrances

  Air fresheners tend to release unwelcome chemicals. Buy fresh flowers or hang dried lavender or eucalyptus instead. Boiling cinnamon, cloves, or other herbs will also release pleasant scents.

• Essential Oils

  Adding a few drops of essential oils to your natural cleaning solutions provides a pleasing aroma and antimicrobial effects. According to Aura Cacia, a producer of essential oils, these oils are best for household cleaning

  • Lemon Oil

    In addition to its clean, uplifting scent, lemon’s acidic properties provide antibacterial and antiseptic cleaning actions. It can help remove stains.

  • Peppermint Oil

    This purifies air and acts as a mild pest repellent. Mix peppermint with lemon for a refreshing smell. It also blends well with lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Ants avoid chili powder and dried peppermint. Spread either of these near their entry point instead of a toxic insecticide.

  • Eucalyptus and Tea Tree Oil

    These distinctive-smelling oils work as air and surface sanitizers. Tea tree oil works well on mold and mildew, as well as musty smells.

  • Pine Oil

    Pine essential oil acts as a disinfectant and a deodorizer.

  • Lavender Oil

    It has a pleasing scent, is antibacterial, and deters insects such as moths.

Doing Laundry

• Use Cold Water

  Washing your clothes in cold water saves energy. For best results, choose a detergent made specifically for cold water.

• Don't Use Bleach

  When laundering whites, consider hydrogen peroxide instead of bleach. A cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide is inexpensive, color safe, and less harmful to the environment.

Other Cleaning Tips

Here are more helpful hints for keeping your home and the Earth in top shape.

• Leave shoes at the front door to avoid tracking in chemicals and other pollutants.
• Use washable cleaning cloths as an alternative to paper towels.
• Choose biodegradable trash bags.
• Open your windows to refresh your space. Allowing fresh air to flow throughout your home reduces pollutants, according to the EPA.
• Grow your own clean air. Ordinary, inexpensive houseplants such as English ivy can filter toxins in your home.
• Combine lemon juice and olive oil for polishing furniture.

The "Safer Choice" Label

When you’re standing in the cleaning products aisle at the supermarket, the sheer number of choices available can be overwhelming. The Safer Choice label, developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) makes finding safe cleaning products easier.

Each product being considered for a Safer Choice label undergoes a thorough review of every ingredient—no matter how much or how little is contained in the final product—and products must meet stringent criteria for the safety of humans and the environment including:

• carcinogenicity
• reproductive toxicity
• developmental toxicity
• toxicity for aquatic life
• persistence in the environment

Thousands of products now carry the Safer Choice label.

Celebrate Earth Day with Nontoxic Spring Cleaning and More

April is Earth Day month, a time when we find ourselves reflecting on our choices and how they affect the world at large. Some choices boast big environmental benefits, like installing solar panels or buying a hybrid vehicle. But small changes can have powerful results too.

Here are some easy and inexpensive ways to make the most of your Earth Day momentum.

Green Your Clean

• Today’s detergents and washing machines are optimized for use with cold water. Washing clothes in cold water keeps up to 15 gallons of water from being heated per load. Using the fastest spin cycle saves energy in the washer and the dryer—the fast-spun clothes dry faster.
• Swap out throwaway mops for reusable ones, and use only as much cleaning product as you need to do the job. Avoid toxic ingredients in home cleaning products or make your own. A great all-purpose scrub can be made by mixing equal parts natural dish soap and baking soda with a bit of water. To boost your mood while you clean, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mix.

Handle E-Waste with Care

• Millions of tons of consumer electronics are dumped into our landfills every year or shipped to countries that lack proper regulations regarding worker safety. Instead of tossing broken or obsolete electronics in the trash, take the time to find a certified E-Steward that will dispose of them responsibly.
• If you have electronics, like tablets or computers, that are still functional but are no longer needed, consider donating them to a school.

Be Prudent with Paper

• Paper bills and notices can pile up, and most of them end up being thrown away or recycled. Many companies now offer e-billing options to cut back on needless printing. If you need a copy of a bill for your records, simply download it to your hard drive, or email it to yourself.
• If you must print, make sure to choose your printer’s double-sided feature (if available)—you’ll use half as much paper. To keep printed materials in order, choose paper clips, which are reusable, over staples.

Conserve Energy

• Swapping out older bulbs is a boon to the environment and your budget. An LED bulb uses just 10 watts of electricity to produce the same amount of light as its 60-watt incandescent counterpart. LED bulbs can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, saving you $100 or more over the lifetime of the bulb.
• Today’s digital TVs often have a feature called Automatic Brightness Control (ABC) that allows the screen’s brightness to adjust to the light levels of the room it’s in. Instead of allowing your TV to glow at 100 percent capacity, enable the ABC feature to ensure that your TV will use only the amount of power necessary to give you an enjoyable viewing experience.
• Turn off all unnecessary lights before you leave the house for the day. Being mindful to flip the switch will save energy and help your bulbs last longer.

Shop Smart

• Americans waste tons of food. Somewhere between 25 and 40 percent of the food we buy ends up in the landfill. To avoid over-buying, make a list and stick to it. Avoid making impulse buys, which might happen if you shop while hungry. Cook creatively: Freeze what you don’t need and find ways to repurpose leftovers into new dishes.
• Whenever possible, choose reusable bags over plastic ones destined for the dump. Many stores have reusable bags available for purchase. In some places, the initial investment will pay for itself: Stores in some states are now charging customers five to 10 cents apiece for throwaway plastic bags.
• Try to consolidate your shopping trips. Called “trip chaining,” combining as many errands as possible into one trip is both challenging and rewarding. It might take some extra time to organize, but planning ahead and grouping errands by location will save you money on gas and reduce your carbon emissions.

 Be the Change Our Planet Needs

• Walking and biking, instead of driving, is healthy for you and the planet. Getting yourself from point A to point B under your own power cuts down on emissions and gets your heart pumping. Some cities even have bike share programs to help you get where you need to go, sometimes for free (though some programs do charge a fee).
• Whenever possible, choose tap water over bottled. Americans drink an average of 34 gallons of bottled water a year, and that habit comes at a price: $13 billion, to be exact, which is the estimated amount of money spent annually on bottled water.
• Concerned about safety? The Environmental Protection Agency insists that tap water is safe. In fact, some bottled waters are nothing more than filtered tap water. If you need to take your water on-the-go, invest in a reusable water bottle.

Take the Lead in Eco Friendly Education and Community Organization

• Get friends and family on board with your efforts by organizing a recycling drive in your neighborhood or local school. The usual suspects—glass, plastic, newspapers, and books—can be collected and transported to your recycling center.
• Start a composting program in your community. Designate an area of your lawn or a shared common area to collect organic waste. The resulting compost can be used to enrich local gardens or sold to benefit charities.

With ragweed season upon us, it’s time to consider swapping hay fever misery (or never-ending allergy medications) for natural remedies.

Immediate Allergy Relief

The sooner you start, the better, but some herbs lend a hand even during an allergy attack.

• Petadolex

  This extract of butterbur (Petasites hybridus) removes the liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids from the roots.

  It’s one of the best-researched herbal supplements for seasonal allergies and tends to work well for asthma and migraines.

  In clinical studies, it performed as well as Zyrtec and Allegra, without drowsy side effects.

• Nettle

  Even though this plant contains histamine and other inflammatory compounds in its stinging hairs, when taken as a supplement, nettle (Urtica dioica) decreases inflammation and has an antihistamine response, acting via multiple allergy pathways.

  Try a milliliter or two of fresh plant tincture as needed and preventively.

  You can take it solo or combine it with other allergy support herbs.

• Mucus Drainers

  The following herbs have not been put up to scientific scrutiny, but they have a long history of use for allergies and excessive mucus.

  Like nettles, both work best when the tinctures are made from fresh plant material.

  • Goldenrod

    Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) helps thin and drain mucus. It also offers some antihistamine support and blends well with nettle.

  • Horehound

    The intensely bitter horehound (Marrubium vulgare) thins and drains mucus particularly well in situations like annoying postnasal drip.

• Mucus Driers

  Another set of plants are known as “anticatarrhal,” which means they help remove excess mucus, often with a more drying effect compared to the previously mentioned “water movers.”

  Most of these herbs work best (and fastest) as tinctures, but you will also find many of them in encapsulated allergy blends.

  Berberine-rich herbs fall into this category, and can also be added to a neti wash to fight sinusitis and sinus infections.

  • barberry (Berberis spp.)
  • Oregon grape root (Mahonia spp.)
  • goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
  • coptis (Coptis spp.)
  • eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)
  • purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
  • bayberry (Myrica cerifera) root bark

  Be aware that goldenseal, eyebright, and some stands of coptis and Oregon grape root are threatened in the wild. Seek organically cultivated sources.

Prevention & Long-Term Support

Allergies occur when the immune system is irritated and malfunctioning, eliciting an immune response to otherwise harmless substances.

Over time, you may be able to decrease incendiary inflammation and retrain the immune system so that you’re less reactive to pollen and other allergens in the first place.

While you can begin making changes during allergy season, it’s often more helpful if you start a few weeks or months prior. And if you’re an intensely allergy-prone person, give yourself a year or more of TLC.

• The Hygiene Theory

  Several studies suggest that the immune systems of those in first-world countries begin to overreact to harmless substances like pollen because we live in an environment with too much sanitization.

  The immune system lacks the opportunity for normal, healthy pathogenic challenges and instead gets an itchy trigger finger.

  This may also tie into microbiome research that links the well-being of beneficial bacteria in our bodies (particularly in the large intestine) to overall well-being, including immune function.

  For example, one Swedish study found that children who grew up in households that washed dishes by hand (versus with a dishwasher), ate fermented food, and focused on food that came directly from farms were less likely to have allergic conditions, possibly due to microbial exposure. 

  While this research is still new, adding probiotic supplements and/or fermented foods like sauerkraut to your diet may gradually improve your microbiome, and immune function, and make you less reactive (although 1 percent of the population may find that fermented foods actually aggravate an underlying histamine intolerance).

• Medicinal Mushrooms

  Medicinal mushrooms including reishi, chaga, and shiitake, as well as astragalus root, appear to send your immune system back to boot camp by giving it a healthy challenge so that it gradually begins to behave more properly.

  You can take these in various supplement forms, but I also like simmering them into broths or tea that can be frozen or concentrated down into ice cubes for regular use in recipes. Simmering them for hours in water helps extract the beneficial polysaccharides.

• Diet and Allergies

  Think of reactivity like a bucket that’s apt to overflow if you put too much into it. Food allergies and sensitivities are particularly common in people with seasonal allergies.

  I often see seasonal allergies (and eczema and gut issues) disappear when we sleuth out and remove personal trigger foods such as dairy or gluten.

  It also makes sense to eat a clean diet loaded with fresh produce, reduce stress and exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants, sleep well, and heal the gut if it’s inflamed or “leaky.”

• Herbs for Prevention

  • Quercetin

    This bioflavonoid is particularly helpful if started a few weeks before your typical allergy season. Quercetin acts as an antihistamine.

    It blends well with the previously mentioned allergy herbs, as well as the following.

  • Bromelain

    The enzyme bromelain, when taken on an empty stomach, seems to help break down allergy-related inflammatory compounds.

  • Boswellia

    Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) is a potent anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory herb resin related to frankincense.

Before you head off on a summer road trip, put together a first-aid kit. Think basic and then pack your first-aid supplies in a handy, portable case that will fit easily into your car or suitcase. 

Dealing With Bugs

• Avoid Toxic Repellents

  Research highlights adverse effects of DEET, malathion, and permethrin (used alone or in combination), particularly among the young. 

  Look for safe, natural repellents using essential oils of cedarwood, citronella, eucalyptus, geranium, and pine.

• Repel Ticks Naturally

  To help prevent tick bites—and lower the risk of Lyme disease—wear protective clothing in tick-infested grassy or wooded areas.

  Oils of citronella, cloves, and lily of the valley “possessed repelling activities of the same magnitude as the repellent DEET” against ticks, say researchers, but without DEET’s side effects.

  Removing a Tick

  Carefully remove any ticks you find with tweezers and disinfect bites with tea tree oil or other antiseptic.

  Report any bull’s-eye rash to your healthcare provider immediately.

Travel-Related Ailments

Diarrhea, heat rash, motion sickness, poison ivy, sleeplessness, and sunburn are nuisances at any age—but can make kids (and anyone around them) downright miserable.

• Soothing Foods

  For carsickness, it’s best to drink a little ginger tea before you drive off—and to bring along a thermos of tea, organic fruit, nuts, and whole-grain crackers.

• Soothing Tea

  Chamomile tea is a time-honored natural solution for sleeplessness.

• Soothing Topicals

  After too much fun in the sun, aloe vera or calendula creams or gels can help soothe burns.

First-Aid Kit Essentials

Items to consider include:

• adhesive bandages (all sizes)
• adhesive tape
• aloe vera gel
• antiseptic wipes
• arnica cream or calendula lotion
• cleansing agent/natural soap
• cold pack
• cotton swabs
• flashlight and extra batteries
• nonpetroleum jelly
• packet of tissues
• rolled gauze bandages (3 rolls)
• safety pins (assorted sizes)
• saline eye drops
• scissors, preferably blunt
• sewing needle
• sterile gauze pads
• sunblock or sunscreen
• thermometer
• tweezers
• zinc lozenges