Author: Carolyn Smith-Kizer

  • Chronic Conditions Support: Acupuncture for Inflammation

    Did you know that the practice of acupuncture dates back over 2,500 years? As someone who has spent decades exploring natural wellness approaches, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this ancient practice continues to support modern health goals. When it comes to maintaining balance in our bodies, particularly regarding inflammatory responses, acupuncture offers fascinating possibilities that align…

  • Navigating the Transition: Perimenopause and Anti-inflammatory Lifestyle Choices

    The average woman spends nearly a decade in perimenopause, yet this significant life transition often receives less attention than menopause itself. Recent research suggests this period typically begins in a woman’s early-to-mid 40s and can last 4-10 years (Santoro & Johnson, 2023). During this time, the body undergoes complex hormonal shifts that affect multiple systems,…

  • Supporting Balance: Natural PCOS Anti-Inflammatory Approaches for Wellness

    After 20+ years of dealing with my own inflammatory concerns, I’ve observed a fascinating pattern: the deep connection between systemic inflammation and hormonal balance transcends cultural boundaries. This observation aligns with recent research showing that chronic low-grade inflammation plays a central role in endocrine wellness (Zhang et al., 2024). As a vitalist clinical herbalist approaching…

  • Pregnancy and Inflammation: Nurturing a Healthy Environment for Baby

    During my 20+ years supporting women’s wellness, I’ve observed that understanding inflammation during pregnancy is crucial for maternal wellbeing. This observation aligns with current scientific understanding – pregnancy represents a unique state where inflammatory processes play a vital role in supporting fetal development while maintaining maternal health (Nadeau et al., 2023). Pregnancy naturally induces changes…

  • Herbalist’s Harvest Calendar: A Seasonal Guide to Gathering & Preparation

    The art of herbalism begins with proper harvesting and preparation techniques. Whether you’re a beginner herbalist or seasoned forager, understanding the seasonal rhythms of medicinal plants is crucial for creating effective preparations. This herbalist’s harvest calendar walks you through the essential steps of harvesting, processing, and storing example herbs throughout the year. From spring’s tender…

  • Herbal Preparation Troubleshooting How To’s

    Making herbal preparations can be both an art and a science, with occasional challenges along the way. Whether you’re dealing with cloudy tinctures, slow-drying herbs, or weak infusions, this comprehensive guide addresses common problems that herbalists encounter. From simple fixes for storage issues to detailed solutions for tincture-making troubles, you’ll find practical answers to herbal…

  • Herbal Preparation Troubleshooting: How-To’s

    Herbal preparation troubleshooting is part of the craft. Making herbal preparations can be both an art and a science, with occasional challenges along the way. Whether you’re dealing with cloudy tinctures, slow-drying herbs, or weak infusions, this comprehensive guide addresses common problems that herbalists encounter. From simple fixes for storage issues to detailed solutions for…

  • Maple-Spiced Pumpkin Bread: A Fall Favorite

    There’s something magical about the way pumpkin transforms our kitchens during autumn. As golden leaves drift past my window and the air turns crisp, I find myself reaching for my favorite pumpkin bread recipe. This isn’t just any pumpkin bread – it’s a warmly spiced, maple-kissed loaf that perfectly captures the essence of fall, because…

  • Nature’s Wisdom: Herbal Preparations for Inflammation

    After 20+ years of personal experience and scholarly research, I’ve discovered that nature provides powerful tools for supporting our body’s balance. As an anthropologist turned vitalist herbalist, my journey has led me to understand that traditional plant wisdom offers profound insights into maintaining wellness in our modern world. Recent research confirms what traditional herbalists have…