Life Changes
Healing Through Storytelling: Lessons from The Odyssey
The journey of Odysseus in Homer's 'The Odyssey' offers profound insights into healing...
- Details
- Written by: Valerie Segrest (Muckleshoot)
Indigenous wildflowers offer a wealth of healing properties and wisdom, cultivated over centuries. These plants not only enhance our gardens but also provide medicinal benefits that have been cherished by Indigenous cultures. Discover seven remarkable wildflowers that can enrich health and foster a deeper connection with nature.
- Details
- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com
You are lying in bed at midnight, staring at the ceiling, watching the minutes tick by like a slow-motion disaster. Someone mentioned melatonin once at a dinner party, or maybe you saw it near the checkout at the pharmacy, and now you are wondering if that little bottle holds the answer. Before you twist off the cap and hope for the best, there is some genuinely useful stuff to understand about what melatonin actually is and how to use it without making your sleep situation worse.
- Details
- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com
You switched to a plant-based diet because you wanted to feel better, live more sustainably, and do right by the planet. But somewhere along the way, a quiet deficiency may have crept in, one that affects your nerves, your energy, and even your ability to think clearly. Vitamin B12 is the nutrient almost nobody talks about until something goes wrong, and scientists are now growing the solution in a garden.
- Details
- Written by: Ian Hamilton and Elizabeth Hughes
Recent research reveals the complex relationship between cannabis use and memory. While THC may impair short-term memory, CBD could offer protective benefits for neurodegenerative diseases. The impact of cannabis on memory varies greatly depending on the type and dosage, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of its effects.
- Details
- Written by: Alex Jordan, InnerSelf.com
For decades, the conversation about depression treatment has circled the same well-worn options: antidepressants that take weeks to work, therapy that requires months of commitment, and outcomes that remain frustratingly inconsistent for millions of people. Now a molecule derived from mushrooms that indigenous cultures have used ceremonially for thousands of years is sitting at the center of one of the most significant psychiatric research shifts in a generation. The question is no longer whether psilocybin does something remarkable in the brain. The question is whether we can use it safely, systematically, and without losing what makes it work.
- Details
- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com
You check your cholesterol, monitor your blood pressure, and maybe even track your steps. But there's one simple measurement that might predict your brain health decades from now — and most of us have never thought to ask about it.
- Details
- Written by: Dr. Elson Haas
Men over 50 face increased risks of prostate-related diseases influenced by modern lifestyle choices. Factors such as stress, poor diet, and sedentary habits contribute significantly to conditions like benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer. However, maintaining an active lifestyle and incorporating certain herbs can promote prostate health and overall vitality.
- Details
- Written by: Thea Summer Deer
Herbal medicine offers a profound journey of healing that requires commitment and time. By fostering a deep relationship with herbs, individuals can access their physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits. This article explores how to engage with herbs holistically, emphasizing the importance of consistency and the wisdom of ancient traditions.
- Details
- Written by: InnerSelf Staff
This comprehensive guide explores essential minerals, their health benefits, symptoms of deficiencies, and natural food sources. From calcium and magnesium to zinc and selenium, understanding these nutrients helps in maintaining overall health and preventing various ailments. Learn how to incorporate them into your diet effectively.
- Details
- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com
Open your spice drawer and think of it as a tiny wellness kit. The everyday herbs and spices you already cook with—turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, oregano, rosemary, cumin, and more—carry plant compounds that can gently support mood, metabolism, immunity, and digestion. Used in normal kitchen amounts, they add color and comfort to your meals while helping you nudge ultra-processed ingredients aside. Here’s a warm, practical guide to which ones to invite in daily, how to use them safely, and what to avoid so your body gets the benefits without the buzzkill.
- Details
- Written by: Alex Jordan, InnerSelf.com
Can a sweet plant used in your morning coffee hold the key to treating one of the deadliest cancers in the world? Scientists in Japan say yes—if that plant is fermented and dosed with a little microbial alchemy. In a breakthrough study, fermented stevia leaf extract showed it could selectively kill pancreatic cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. What does this mean for the future of medicine—and for the billions of dollars poured into pharmaceutical R&D?
- Details
- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com
It’s amazing how a simple whiff of rosemary can stir something inside you. Maybe it’s a memory, a sudden calm, or just the comfort of something natural. For thousands of years, this humble herb has been more than a kitchen staple. It’s been a medicine, a ritual, a healer. And today, it still has so much to offer—if you’re willing to slow down and listen to what this ancient plant has to say.
- Details
- Written by: Stephanie Rose Bird
Discover the spiritual and healing powers of pine trees, from traditional remedies to connecting with ancestors. Explore how evergreen wisdom fosters healing and community.
- Details
- Written by: Mary Scourboutakos, Eastern Virginia Medical School
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for reducing the risk of preterm birth, but most prenatal supplements fall short. Learn how to ensure adequate intake for pregnancy health.
- Details
- Written by: Matthew Wood
Shamanism has long used plants for both healing and inducing shifts in consciousness. This article delves into the deep connection between plants and spiritual transformation, exploring how shamanic practices utilize plant medicine to guide individuals through profound changes in awareness and well-being. By understanding the role of neurotransmitters and the spiritual significance of plant-based remedies, we can better appreciate the ancient wisdom that underlies shamanic healing traditions.
- Details
- Written by: Kevin F. Boehnke, University of Michigan
How cannabis and psilocybin might help some of the 50 million Americans who are experiencing chronic pain
- Details
- Written by: Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com
In our pursuit of better health and well-being, we must equip ourselves with the knowledge that can potentially enhance our lives and those of our loved ones.
- Details
- Written by: Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com
You've probably heard of catnip in relationship to cats. Some cats really love it. On the other hand, bugs hate catnip. I'm talking of mosquitoes, black flies...
- Details
- Written by: Bryant Lusk
Green tea is consistently featured in the list of the healthiest beverages in the world, and for good reason.
- Details
- Written by: Heather Dawn Godfrey, PGCE, BSc
Great care must be taken when using essential oils around the very young. These same guidelines should also be followed with the elderly and with those who are frail or whose immune systems are severely compromised.
- Details
- Written by: Taraneh Pettinato-
The brains of people with cognitive decline fare better with higher levels of vitamin D, research finds.
