Striving4Zen

If you've got a headache, the easiest thing to do is reach for a bottle of ibuprofen or aspirin and pop a few pills. But over-the-counter cures aren't always the best option; you shouldn't take ibuprofen while drinking, for instance, or maybe you're worried about interactions with other drugs.

Thankfully, there are plenty of natural remedies for headaches. Some of these are tried and true, while others are unproven but have people who swear by them. If you've ever had an awful headache, you know that sometimes you'll try anything.

• Acupressure. If you feel a headache coming on, try applying pressure to the Union Valley, the area where your thumb meets your palm, using your opposite thumb and forefinger.
• Almonds. Eating a handful of almonds could help fend off an acute headache. These nuts contain salicin, which is a pain reliever similar to aspirin.
• White willow bark. Another salicin-rich supplement, white willow bark has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Valerian root. Often called "nature's Valium," this herbal remedy is used to treat headaches, insomnia, and muscular pain.
• Yoga. Certain poses — namely, forward bends and reclining positions — may help relieve tension headaches. Check out this eight-pose headache-targeting sequence next time you're hurting.

Labels: headaches, natural therapy

Contrary to what you might think, horsetail does not, in fact, come from a horse's ass. Horsetail, a plant that is fernlike in quality, has been used since ancient Greek and Roman times for medicinal purposes, such as healing cuts and treating tuberculosis.

As far as beauty is concerned, the extracts from the horsetail plant help stimulate the skin and the production of elastin and collagen and protect the skin from oxidation. Hence, you'll often find this ingredient in antiaging products. This restorative ingredient not only helps to tone the skin but is also used to help repair brittle fingernails.

Try Honeybee Gardens Odorless Nail Polish Remover ($7) or The Glacial Facial Masque ($34) by Alaska Glacial Mud Company.

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Labels: anti-aging, collagen, elastin, herbs, horsetail, natural products, natural therapy

Before you reach into your medicine cabinet to take care of a headache, stuffy nose, or upset stomach, you might want to consider treating your everyday ailments with natural remedies.

They take a little longer to work than their conventional counterparts, but may prove more effective, according to Body + Soul magazine Senior Editor Terri Trespicio.

She looked into Mother Nature's medicine cabinet on "The Early Show Saturday Edition," noting the surprising healing power of herbal remedies. They could be just what the doctor ordered.

PAIN RELIEF

Mild headaches: Tiger balm. Chinese ointment contains menthol and can ease pain when rubbed into neck or temples.

Arthritis pain: Turmeric, fish oil. All show promise in helping ease pain. Talk to your healthcare professional for dosage.

COLD CURES

Elderberry syrup: Research suggests it can fight the flu and may ease symptoms of cold.

Garlic: What you eat matters! Get plenty of raw or lightly cooked garlic, which contains antiviral compounds. Add thyme to soups and salad dressing.

COUGH

Eucalyptus oil in a pot of boiling water can help loosen phlegm. Just tent a towel over your head and breathe deeply.

Licorice root and marshmallow root can also help calm a cough - look for teas containing these herbs and sip throughout the day. For example, a tea called Organic Throat Coat combines several herbs.

CONSTIPATION

High fiber foods: Eat plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains and beans. Sprinkle some ground flaxseed on cereal or in smoothies. Also, drink plenty of room-temperature water.

Triphala: Herbal supplement from the Ayurvedic tradition that can get things moving. Take supplement as noted on bottle.

ALLERGY

Quercetin: This flavonoid compound, found in apples and onions, can also help fight allergy symptoms. It's preventive, though, so allow 6-8 weeks to build it up in your system. Typical dose: 400 mg twice a day between meals.

Stinging nettle: In tincture, teas or freeze-dried capsules. Consume half teaspoon of tincture three times a day, a month before allergy season. Drink 2-3 cups of nettle tea, or follow directions on capsule bottle.

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Labels: alternative treatments, arthritis, garlic, herbs, holistic healing, Holistic Health, natural therapy, nettles, quercetin, tiger balm

Researchers in Australia have found a traditional extract of Kava, a medicinal plant from the South Pacific, to be safe and effective in reducing anxiety. The results of a world-first clinical trial which found that a water-soluble extract of kava was effective in treating anxiety and improving mood. The kava was prescribed in the form of tablets.

Read full article here....

Labels: anxiety, good mood, herbs, Kava, medicinal plant, natural therapy, study

• Butterbur. The herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus), which comes from a European shrub, shows potential for relieving seasonal allergy symptoms. In one Swiss study, butterbur was just as effective as the antihistamine Allegra for reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
• Quercetin. This flavonoid, which is found naturally in onions, apples, and black tea, has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown in research to block histamines.
• Stinging nettle. The roots and leaves of the stinging nettle plant (Urtica dioica) have been used to treat everything from joint pain to prostate problems. Although some people use freeze-dried stinging nettle leaves to treat allergy symptoms, there isn’t much research to show that it works.
• Nasal irrigation. Nasal irrigation with a combination of warm water, about a quarter-teaspoon of salt, and a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda may help clear out mucus and open sinus passages. You can administer the solution through a squeeze bottle or a neti pot -- a device that looks like a small teapot.

Just because a treatment says “natural” doesn’t mean that it is safe. Some herbal remedies can cause side effects or can react with medications you’re taking. Talk to your doctor before you start taking any herb or supplement.

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Labels: allergies, butterbur, herbs, holistic healing, nasal irrigation, natural therapy, neti pot, nettles

Derived from yeast grown on rice, this supplement is a dietary staple in several Asian countries. Its use for gastric problems and stomach health was first documented in China in 800 A.D.

{ Benefits }

Substances in red yeast rice called monacolins may help lower cholesterol. Similar monacolin derivatives are used to make statin drugs.

{ News }

In a large study of patients who had recently suffered heart attacks, researchers found that red yeast rice extract reduced the risk of repeat attack by 45 percent and cardiovascular mortality by one-third. Likewise, research last July suggested that a combination of lifestyle changes and supplementing with fish oil and red yeast rice may reduce LDL cholesterol by 42%. The research, however, did not indicate which component was responsible for lowering patients' cholesterol.

{ How to take it }

Adults may take 1,200 mg of concentrated red yeast rice powder in capsules twice a day with food. Don't take red yeast rice if you are taking immunosuppressants or lovastatin, or if you have liver disease.

{ Side effects }

Red yeast rice occasionally causes dizziness, gas, and heartburn. It may also increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

*Talk with your health care provider before starting any supplement regimen.

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Labels: cholesterol, natural health, natural therapy, red yeast rice, supplements

The good news is that it’s possible to significantly increase your body’s resistance to bruising with dietary supplements and to alleviate the symptoms with topical herbal preparations and homeopathic remedies.

What Is a Bruise?

Simply stated, bruising is a normal response to localized damage to the tiny blood vessels known as capillaries, resulting in leakage of a small amount of blood into the tissue. Color changes occur as the body absorbs the blood, providing the array of bluish, greenish, brownish colors associated with bruises.

Helpful Supplements

One way to remedy the situation is to make sure that the capillaries are strong and flexible. A flexible capillary is more likely to bend rather than to break when an impact occurs. Vitamin C is required for flexible capillaries and to prevent bruising. C is necessary for the formation of the protein collagen, which provides structural integrity to capillaries and other tissues, helping to prevent bruising. If you don’t consume adequate vitamin C, then this is reflected in the integrity of blood vessels. Gums tend to bleed easily around the teeth (especially when brushing), and blotchy bruises are common. Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to reduce bruising in people with low vitamin C levels.

Flavonoids are healing substances found in plants. Like vitamin C, flavonoids help strengthen capillaries and may also relieve bruising. In one small German trial, people with a chronic bruising disorder were given 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 100 mg of the flavonoid rutoside on a daily basis. Noticeable bruising was no longer apparent after four weeks and did not recur for three months after the supplementation. Shari Lieberman, PhD, CNS, FACN, recommends 1,000 mg or more of a bioflavonoid complex containing the flavonoids rutin and hesperidin for bruising and other circulatory disorders.

It’s wise to take flavonoids and vitamin C as a combination product (a time-released product containing 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 500 mg or more of bioflavonoids).

Tried-and-True Homeopathy

A homeopathic preparation of the botanical Arnica montana is an excellent homeopathic remedy for traumatic injuries including bruising, sprains and strains, and bruise-like soreness after muscular exertion in sports activities. In addition, arnica can be used after a workout to relieve muscle aches. According to remedies editorial advisor and homeopathic expert Dana Ullman, MPH, Arnica “has been dubbed the ‘homeopath’s aspirin’ for its effectiveness in preventing and treating sore muscles after workouts.” The recommended dose is 6th, 12th, or 30th potency taken every hour or less as needed.

Topical Applications

In addition to the internal use of vitamin C, flavonoids, and homeopathic Arnica, you can also apply certain herbal preparations topically, or externally.

Arnica can also be used topically to treat bruising as an herbal preparation. To use it topically (herbal arnica should never be used internally), look for arnica ointment, which should contain about 15 percent arnica oil.

Found in many homes in a distilled form, witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is an herb with a well-deserved reputation for the treatment of bruising, in addition to inflamed swellings. In its distilled form, witch hazel can be applied directly to the affected area.

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Labels: arnica, bruises, flavonoids, natural health, natural therapy, Vitamin C, witch hazel

Magnesium and calcium

Magnesium and calcium are both sleep boosters, and when taken together, they become even more effective. Plus, by taking magnesium, you cancel out any potential heart problems that might arise from taking calcium alone. Take 200 milligrams of magnesium—lower the dose if it causes diarrhea—and 600 milligrams of calcium each night.

Wild lettuce

If you've suffered anxiety, headaches, or muscle or joint pain, you might already be familiar with wild lettuce. It's also effective at calming restlessness and reducing anxiety—and may even quell restless legs syndrome. When using a wild-lettuce supplement, take 30 to 120 milligrams before bed.

Hops

Beer fans will no doubt be familiar with the calming effect of hops, the female flowers used in beer making. For sleep purposes, though, this extract has been widely used as a mild sedative for anxiety and insomnia. Take 30 to 120 milligrams before climbing under the covers.

Aromatherapy

Lavender is the trick here, as studies have proven that it aids in sleep. It's also a cheap, nontoxic way to slip into a peaceful slumber. Find a spray with real lavender and spritz it on your pillow before bedtime. Or buy a lavender-filled pillow.

Melatonin

Melatonin is the hormone that controls sleep, so it's no wonder that it naturally induces sleep. Although some experts recommend taking higher doses, studies show that lower doses are more effective. Plus, there's concern that too-high doses could cause toxicity as well as raise the risk of depression or infertility. Take 0.3 to 0.5 milligrams before bed.

Yoga or meditation

Choose gentle yoga or stretching, not vigorous power or ashtanga yoga, which could energize you instead. Try easy yoga stretches in bed followed by simple meditation. Close your eyes and, for 5 to 10 minutes, pay attention to nothing but your breathing.

L-theanine

This amino acid comes from green tea and not only helps maintain a calm alertness during the day but also a deeper sleep at night. However, green tea doesn't contain enough L-theanine to significantly boost your REM cycles. Besides, you might then wake up to go to the bathroom. Instead, buy a brand called Suntheanine, which is pure L-theanine. (Other brands have inactive forms of theanine that block the effectiveness.) Take 50 to 200 milligrams at bedtime.

Valerian

Valerian is one of the most common sleep remedies for insomnia. Numerous studies have found that valerian improves deep sleep, speed of falling asleep, and overall quality of sleep. However, it's most effective when used over a longer period of time. One caveat? About 10% of the people who use it actually feel energized, which may keep them awake. If that happens to you, take valerian during the day. Otherwise, take 200 to 800 milligrams before bed.

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Labels: benefits of yoga, calcium, hops, l-theanine, magnesium, melatonin, natural products, natural therapy, sleep, valerian

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce light cold-pressed vegetable carrier oil (such as apricot kernel).
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 7 drops tea tree or New Zealand tea tree (Manuka) essential oil
• 2 drops bergamot essential oil*
• 1 drops geranium essential oil

or without bergamot:

• 1 ounce light cold-pressed vegetable carrier oil (such as apricot kernel).
• 12 drops lavender essential oil
• 7 drops tea tree or New Zealand tea tree (Manuka) essential oil
• 1 drops geranium essential oil

Special Precaution: *Avoid exposure to the sun for at least 12 hours after applying this oil since bergamot is a phototoxic oil. There is a special version of bergamot that you can get called "bergaptene free" that eliminates the phototoxic properties of the oil.

Directions: Pour the selected carrier oil into a very clean bottle (amber glass is best) and then add the essential oils and tightly close the bottle. Roll the bottle to gently mix the oils for a minute or two. Apply a small amount to the face, neck or back, but be certain to avoid the eyes, lips, nostrils and inside the ears. Gentle roll the bottle before each use to ensure the essential oils are properly mixed.

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Labels: acne, essential oils, holistic healing, natural products, natural therapy

Genetics, diet, and stress can cause high blood pressure (hypertension), but a recent study shows there's a way to lower it naturally.

Drink three cups of hibiscus tea a day. Look for this tea at your health food store, either solely hibiscus, or ones that are blended with this herb. The ability to lower blood pressure has to do with the actual plant and also the relaxing effects of sipping tea.

Although your blood pressure may not decrease dramatically, even a small drop can benefit the body and lower your risk of the health problems associated with hypertension. Most people — 50 percent — are unaware that they even have high blood pressure, so if you haven't had yours checked in a while, see a doctor, or use one of those machines at your pharmacy. If it's on the high side, while you're out, pick up some hibiscus tea.

Thanks for the Tip FitSugar!

Labels: herbal teas, hibiscus tea, natural therapy, relaxation

Essential oils effectively penetrate skin thanks to their small molecular size and lipid solubility. Here’s what they can help heal.

1. Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens): varicose veins, sore throat, excessive menstruation.
2. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): bruises, inflammation, pain, sprains, tension.
3. Eucalyptus (E. globulus): congestion, inflammation, colds, flu, chickenpox, shingles, herpes.
4. Lavender (L. angustifolia): acne, bee stings, bruises, headaches, insect bites, rash, sprains, sunburn.
5. Lemon (Citrus limonum): digestive tonic, sore throat, detoxification, lymphatic congestion.
6. Marjoram (Oreganum majorana): insomnia, menstrual cramps, sore muscles.
7. Rose (Rosa damascena): liver and digestive tonic, vascular tonic, menstrual aid, grief.
8. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): headaches, fatigue, hangover, constipation, muscle aches, circulation.
9. Spearmint (Mentha spicata): indigestion, nausea, headaches, fatigue, fever, sinu-sitis, poison ivy.
10. Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): athlete’s foot, burns, warts, acne, cold sores, flu, insect bites.

Formulating with Essential Oils

Many of the following massage formulas combine 20 drops total essential oils with 2 ounces of carrier oil. All these combinations are given in drops, and these formulas are suggested for external application only. Follow the guidelines for inhalation or specific instruction as noted, either blending these oils or using as single essences.

• Anxiety or stress: 7 geranium, 5 lavender, 4 lemon, 1 rose
  
• Burns: 20 drops lavender in 1 ounce aloe vera juice or gel
  
• Constipation: 7 marjoram, 13 rosemary (massage abdomen)
  
• Cough: 5 cypress, 5 eucalyptus (as an inhalation)
  
• Fatigue: 15 rosemary, 5 lemon
  
• Hangover: 5 carrot seed, 5 rosemary, 3 peppermint, 2 rose, 5 helichrysum (massage over liver)
  
• Injury: 5 lavender, 5 German chamomile, 3 geranium, 2 tea tree, 5 helichrysum (in calendula-infused oil; best for impact injuries such as bruising)
  
• Insomnia: 15 Lavender, 5 lemon, 5 marjoram (add 8 drops of the blend to a full bath or use as massage oil along spine)
  
• Menstrual cramps: 5 clary sage, 5 marjoram, 5 geranium, 2 rose, 5 lavender (massage abdomen, hips and lower back)
• Sinus congestion: 3 tea tree, 2 rosemary, 3 eucalyptus (as an inhalation or chest rub)
  
• Sore throat: 12 clary sage and 13 sandalwood (massage); gargle with one drop each cypress and lemon in water
  
• Stress: 5 chamomile, 10 lavender, 5 marjoram
  
• Stings or insect bites: 10 tea tree, 10 lavender
  
• Ringworm: 5 geranium, 5 tea tree, and 1 peppermint in oil, applied directly
  
• Muscle Strain: 5 rosemary, 3 eucalyptus, 5 marjoram, 7 lavender

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Labels: essential oils, holistic healing, Holistic Health, natural therapy

While it’s not obvious (or pretty), scarring is actually our body’s healing mechanism for injured skin. Post-trauma, we produce more cells to stimulate re-growth of the affected area…which leads to new, excess tissue (read: scars).

Today’s technology has made scar removal more effective, but there are also helpful tools right in your kitchen. Try these natural remedies on old and new scars alike:

Cucumber: Putting cucumber juice on a scar can reduce its puffiness and eventually depth.

Honey: Naturally antiseptic, it will keep the area clean while softening and nourishing the skin (thanks to its abundant vitamin content).

Aloe: When applied, it can reduce the appearance of darkness and eventually fade the scar.

Olive oil: Just rub the oil into the scar consistently for a long period of time and you will eventually see an improvement in its appearance.

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Labels: aloe vera, healing with food, honey, natural therapy, olive oil, scars

	WHAT IT DOES	HOW TO USE IT
Cypress	Among its other benefits, this vasoconstrictor can diminish the appearance of varicose veins over time if used every day.	Add 2 drops to a hot footbath to control perspiration and odor; place 6 drops in a full bath for arthritis, asthma, and cramps; or blend 2 drops into 1 ounce of massage lotion and apply to skin.
Eucalyptus	Ideal for treating most respiratory problems and relieving muscle tension, eucalyptus loosens flu-related congestion.	To make a natural vapor rub, add 1 ounce melted beeswax to 1½ cups sweet almond or vegetable oil; pour into small containers. Mix in 30 drops of essential oil per ounce of base, shake, and let it harden. Apply to chest and back.
Geranium	Less expensive than rose oil, geranium relieves PMS symptoms, stress, and anxiety. It also helps clear up eczema, treats burns, and repels insects.	Mix 5 drops into a hot bath or blend a few drops with massage lotion and apply to skin.
Jasmine	Use this antidepressant oil to ease muscle pain, relieve tension and nervousness, and soothe coughs.	Add 1-2 drops to a hot bath.
Mandarin	A mild sedative, mandarin has a peaceful effect and is safe for children.	Add 7-10 drops to a bath; add 3 drops to a humidifier.

Labels: essential oils, Holistic Health, natural therapy

For each condition listed below, read about the natural ingredients that may help alleviate it.

Oily skin and visible pores

Look for: Astringent ingredients to penetrate skin quickly and accelerate the healing of skin blemishes.
Active ingredients: Witch hazel, jojoba oil, rosemary
Results: Skin looks refreshed without adding extra oils
Recommended ingredients: Rose petals, witch hazel, citrus fruits, rosemary

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Labels: DIY, living holistically, natural products, natural therapy, skin care

Not getting enough shut-eye can impact a lot more than your mood: Sleep deprivation heightens the risk of hypertension, depression, and heart attack.

These gentle remedies can help you rest easy:

Bach Rescue Sleep. Wandering mind keeping you wide awake? This mind-calming, mild-tasting tincture combines botanical extracts—rock rose, impatiens, clematis, star of Bethlehem, cherry plum, and white chestnut—to pacify anxiety and still repetitive thoughts.

Dreamerz. Infused with 0.3 mg of sleep-regulating melatonin and 150 mg of lactium—a protein derived from milk casein—which promotes relaxation, this nighttime beverage is also rich in calcium. Flavors include Chocolate S'Nores, Vanilla Van Winkle, and Crème de la REM (dark chocolate mint).

Hyland's Calms Forté. A homeopathic blend of passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), avena sativa, hops (Humulus lupulus), and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) that alleviates irritability and tension to lull you into deep sleep.

White Dove Herbals Sound-A-Sleep. One packet of this single-serving herbal elixir relaxes muscles, lowers blood pressure, quiets the nervous system, and induces drowziness. Contains a variety of herbs, including chamomile for proper digestion and valerian (Valeriana officinalis) to ease restlessness.

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Labels: herbs, Holistic Health, natural products, natural therapy, sleep

Pounding temples and lethargy can bite a hole in your day. Acupuncturist Aimee Raupp cures what ails you -- minus the pill popping and double espressos. Stimulate the body's natural healing abilities by pressing gently on these acupressure points with a fingertip or knuckle for 15 - 20 seconds.

Headaches: Find the groove between your 4th and 5th toes. Press the tendon on the side of your little toe, moving toward the ankle. Do both feet simultaneously.

Low energy: On the front of the leg -- 4 finger widths below the kneecap -- press the tender depression between the shinbone and the leg muscle.

Allergies: Squeeze your thumb and forefinger together. Press the center of the ridge formed on your hand near the crease of your thumb.

Menstrual Cramps: On the inside of the lower leg, press on the back of the shin bone 4 finger widths above the tip of the anklebone.

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Labels: acupressure, DIY, living holistically, natural health, natural therapy

Dark Circles can be removed by applying peeled and grated potato overnight at least three times a week. Avoiding use of bleach or peels to make the dark circles around eyes light.

Apply vitamin K cream. Although studies haven't looked at the use of topical vitamin K for dark circles under the eyes, preliminary studies have found that vitamin K may help with bruising. A complete step-by-step nutrition guide to improve your diet thus reducing dark circles.

Massaging eyes with almond oil is of great help. Massage at bed time daily, and in two weeks you will see the difference. It is also a good remedy for dark circles.

Mash a cucumber, with the skin still on it, and apply the juice to your face. Leave it on for at least fifteen minutes, and then wash off. Also, make sure you drink enough water, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.

Apply a paste of lemon juice, tomato puree, orange lentil flour (masoor dal) and turmeric powder (if you are not allergic to it) on under eye dark circles. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash it off. Every morning, after washing your face, gently apply mixture of equal parts of tomato and lime juice; wash after half an hour.

Apply plain cool teabags over closed eyes. Don't use herbal teabags because most aren't as effective.

Yoga can also help you to get rid of dark circles. Do pranayama for at least 5 minutes everyday.

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Labels: DIY, natural health, natural therapy, undereye

Good Morning World! Nothing like a cold shower to get you going. This remedy as old as yoga and can be just as effective to boost your system. Some macrobiotics claim it helps create an alkaline reaction for over acidic conditions. If this seems about as appealing as wearing your bikini in a snowstorm, take your normal hot shower and at the end turn the water to a mildly cold temperature. This change will pleasantly wake you up.

Labels: cold, cold shower, energy, natural health, natural therapy

Here are some other, healthier options for preventing or treating ailments that are commonly mis-prescribed with antibiotics:

Ear infections -- Avoiding pasteurized milk is one of the best proactive solutions to prevent ear infections. If your child does develop an ear infection, a simple solution is to put a few drops of breast milk in the ear canal every few hours. This usually works to clear up the infection within 24 to 48 hours and is far safer, less expensive and a better solution than putting the child on antibiotics.

Simple wounds -- As a natural antimicrobial remedy for wounds, try raw honey instead, which is a natural antimicrobial that works wonders when applied topically.

Common cold and flu – The most helpful remedy for reducing cold transmission is to wash your hands frequently with plain soap and water. Remember that antibacterial soaps are completely unnecessary here as well and cause far more harm than good. Simple zinc lozenges can help speed up your recovery from a cold, if you do get one, by almost half. But perhaps one of the best tricks I ever found for treating colds and flu’s is simply putting a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ears.

Sinus infections – Drink hot liquids such as tea or chicken soup, and apply warm compresses to your face. Irrigating your sinuses using a nettie pot filled with a saline solution can also speed up your recovery.

If for some reason you do have to take an antibiotic, always make sure to supplement with probiotics: There is a common confusion that one should wait until finished with the antibiotic to start taking probiotics. Even though the antibiotic is killing the good bacteria, that is exactly when you need it the most. So I would triple the dose of probiotics, as it will tend to prevent the common diarrhea complication many have with the antibiotic.

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Labels: antibiotics, Holistic Health, living holistically, natural health, natural therapy, Probiotics

For more than 20 years, Croninger’s been meeting with the doctors and diagnosticians who staff this healing spot ($30 for a consultation, walk-ins welcome). “It’s common-sense advice,” she explains, picking up a carton of Flu Away! ($4.50) for the coming winter. Post-appointment, herbs are custom-blended to treat your specific condition. Lin Sister also offers acupuncture and cupping. 4 Bowery at Doyers St

(no phone; linsisterherb.com)

Labels: Chinese Herbal Healing, cool spot, Lin Sister, natural therapy, NYC