8 Health Benefits of Peanut Butter

Peanut butter isn’t just for school lunches. This versatile spread is surprisingly good for your health. The high protein and healthy oils help with weight loss, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s disease.

No food is perfect, though. so there are some cautions with peanuts. Hopefully, you are not part of the 1 percent of the population that is highly allergic to peanuts.

November is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Month. More than 65 million pounds of peanut butter will be eaten by Americans during the month of November.

“Man cannot live by bread alone; he must have peanut butter.”  James A. Garfield

8 Health Benefits of Peanut Butter

1.  Suppresses Hunger For Weight Loss
Eating peanuts and peanut butter helps control hunger without leading to weight gain. 

2. Your Heart Loves Peanuts
Studies found peanuts lowered the risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease.

3. Lowers Colon Cancer
Eating peanuts and peanut butter may reduce colon cancer in women.

4. Helps Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Impairment
A study found that those getting the most niacin from foods were 70 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Peanuts are one of the foods highest in niacin.

5.  Prevent GallstonesIn two studies, individuals eating five or more servings of nuts per week had a 25 percent to 30 percent lower risk of getting gallstones compared to those who rarely or never ate nuts. Although peanuts are technically classified as a legume, they were considered nuts for these experiments, so peanuts are actually the most commonly consumed ‘nut’ in the world.

6. Full of Healthy Fat
All of the fat in peanut butter is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. A study found that insulin-resistant adults who ate a diet high in mono-saturated fat had less belly fat than people who ate more carbohydrates or saturated fat.

7. Lowers Type 2 Diabetes
Eating peanuts can reduce the risk of diabetes according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

8. High in Valuable Nutrition
Peanut butter has protein as well as potassium — which lowers the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. It also contains fiber for your bowel health, healthy fats, magnesium to fortify your bones and muscles, Vitamin E and antioxidants.

Caution: Peanuts and Aflatoxin
Peanuts are susceptible to molds and fungus — some of which are highly toxic. A fungus called Aspergillus flavus produces a carcinogen that is twenty times more toxic than DDT, called aflatoxin.

History of Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter Lovers Day started on November 4, 1990. It marks the anniversary of the first patent for peanut butter, applied for by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg on November 4, 1895.

Peanut Butter Trivia

• In the early 1900s, peanut butter was found in tea rooms as a fancy food for rich people.
• The USA has had two Presidents elected who were peanut farmers: Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter.
• In one acre of land, there is enough peanuts to make 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches.
• Before graduating high school, the average child will have consumed 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
• Women and children like creamy peanut butter and men prefer crunchy.

Best Peanut Butter to Buy:
Read the label. Natural, old-fashioned organic peanut butter with no hydrogenated fats and sugar is the best.  Choose peanut butter that contains only peanuts and salt. This kind is full of peanut flavor and doesn’t contain additives and is better for the environment too. Refrigerate it and turn it upside down in the fridge so the peanut oils and solids can re-mix.

7 Foods That Make You Gain Weight Like Crazy

No matter how many times a week you hit the gym, there are certain things in your pantry that can spell serious trouble for your weight-loss goals. You surely know to stay away from the processed junk food that may be lingering around your kitchen, but there are certain other foods you’re eating every day that could be contributing to constant weight gain. In fact, a few of the healthiest, most nutrient-dense foods are actually very high in fat. So if you’re snacking on these kind of foods all day long or eating them with every meal, you could start to see the numbers on the scale go up. Check out these foods that make you gain weight like there’s no tomorrow.

1. Red meat

If you’re the first person to reach for a hamburger at the barbecue, you might want to rethink that choice. In moderation, red meat has its benefits — you’ll get plenty of protein to fuel your gym workouts and you’ll feel more energized throughout the day — but it’s not always the best option. Calorie Secrets explains red meat can be a key factor in weight gain because it’s so high in saturated fats. Furthermore, research has shown eating meat, including red meat, can lead to an expanding waistline over time.

2. Sugary soda

Sugary sodas are so sinister because many people drink them without really thinking about it, and often more than one per day. Fitday says soda is even more dangerous than the occasional slice of cake or cookie because of the addictive addition of caffeine. Don’t think diet soda is OK either — you might not be getting the calories and sugar, but the artificial sweeteners are horrible for your body.

3. White bread

Another staple food that most have lying around the house for the emergency peanut butter sandwich or two is white bread. If you incorporate white bread into your diet as a treat every now and again, then you’re not likely to see weight gain as a result. But if you are eating two or more servings of this processed food daily, don’t be surprised if you start packing on the pounds. WebMD explains eating two or more portions of white bread a day is directly associated with rapid weight gain. It’s not that surprising when you consider these loaves are made with refined flour that offers very little nutritional value. Do your body a favor and choose whole-grain bread instead.

4. Avocado

Men’s Fitness says an avocado has 10 grams of fiber and twice as much potassium as a banana, and this humble fruit is great for lowering your bad cholesterol levels and warding away cancer. That’s all great news, so how in the world are you gaining weight? It comes down to portion size. You should be careful with how many servings of avocado you’re eating if you’re watching your weight because one fruit contains a whopping 300 calories. While monounsaturated fat is considered healthy, it can still contribute to weight gain if you’re eating too much.

5. Alcohol

Red wine is not without its benefits, but when it comes to your weight, you’ll want to watch your alcohol intake. Daily Mail explains alcohol can be a major source of weight gain when people consume too much. Drinking “moderately” means women should only be consuming one standard drink per day, which is equivalent to a single glass of wine, a bottle of beer, or a shot of liquor. For men, two drinks per day is the standard.

Alcohol could also wreak havoc on your metabolism over time. Because your body can’t store alcohol, it gets metabolized right away. This means that those other fats and sugars that you’ve eaten are pushed to the wayside as your body processes the booze. Over time, this can have a major effect on your metabolism, which can result in weight gain.

6. Nuts

Touted as one of the best healthy snacks out there, you might have a jar of peanuts or a baggie of almonds with you at all times for when hunger strikes. Health explains nuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, but they’re also high in calories — a quarter-cup of almonds is 132 calories. Most of us could easily eat three or four servings without thinking twice, which can add 300 to 400 more calories into our diet each day. Measure out your serving before chowing down to avoid unwanted weight gain.

7. Dried fruit


It’s generally a good idea to pack a grab-and-go fruit or veggie so you can make healthy eating choices when you’re on the run, but you’ll need to be careful with dried fruit. SFGate explains it’s easy to go overboard with dried fruit because a serving is much less than you think, and the sugar content can be serious. A single serving would be the equivalent of eight apricots, three dates, or two tablespoons of cranberries, and this already can add up to about 100 calories. Don’t cut dried fruit out of your diet completely, but be mindful of your serving size.

The Many Health Benefits of Coconut Milk

What Is Coconut Milk?

Coconut milk comes from the white flesh of mature brown coconuts, which are the fruit of the coconut tree.

The milk has a thick consistency and a rich, creamy texture.

Thai and other Southeast Asian cuisines commonly include this milk. It's also popular in Hawaii, India and certain South American and Caribbean countries.

Coconut milk should not be confused with coconut water, which is found naturally in immature green coconuts.

Unlike coconut water, the milk does not occur naturally in liquid form. The solid flesh is mixed with water to make coconut milk, which is about 50 percent water.

By contrast, coconut water is about 94 percent water. It contains much less fat and fewer nutrients than coconut milk.

Bottom Line: Coconut milk comes from the flesh of mature brown coconuts. It is used in many traditional cuisines around the world.

How Is Coconut Milk Made?

Coconut milk is classified as either thick or thin, based on consistency and how much it's processed.

• Thick: Solid coconut flesh is finely grated and either boiled or simmered in water. The mixture is then strained through cheesecloth to produce thick coconut milk.

• Thin: After making thick coconut milk, the grated coconut remaining in the cheesecloth is simmered in water. The straining process is then repeated to produce thin milk.

In traditional cuisines, thick coconut milk is used in desserts and thick sauces. Thin milk is used in soups and thin sauces.

Most canned coconut milk contains a combination of thin and thick milk. It's also very easy to make your own coconut milk at home, adjusting the thickness to your liking.

Bottom Line: Coconut milk is made by grating flesh from a brown coconut, soaking it in water and then straining it to produce a milk-like consistency.

Nutrients in Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is a high-calorie food.

About 93 percent of its calories come from fat, including saturated fats known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

The milk is also a good source of several vitamins and minerals. One cup (240 grams) contains (1):

• Calories: 552.
• Fat: 57 grams.
• Protein: 5 grams.
• Carbs: 13 grams.
• Fiber: 5 grams.
• Vitamin C: 11 percent of the RDI.
• Folate: 10 percent of the RDI.
• Iron: 22 percent of the RDI.
• Magnesium: 22 percent of the RDI.
• Potassium: 18 percent of the RDI.
• Copper: 32 percent of the RDI.
• Manganese: 110 percent of the RDI.
• Selenium: 21 percent of the RDI.

In addition, some experts believe coconut milk contains unique proteins that may provide health benefits. However, more research is needed on this (2).

Bottom Line: Coconut milk is high in calories and saturated fats called medium-chain triglycerides. It also contains many other nutrients.

Effects on Weight and Metabolism

There's some evidence that the medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) fats in coconut milk may benefit weight loss, body composition and metabolism.

About half the fat in coconuts comes from a medium-chain fatty acid called lauric acid.

Coconuts also contain small amounts of other medium-chain fatty acids, including capric acid and caprylic acid.

Unlike longer-chain fats, MCTs go from the digestive tract directly to the liver, where they're used for energy or ketone production. They are therefore less likely to be stored as fat (3).

Research also suggests MCTs may help reduce appetite and decrease calorie intake, compared to other fats (4, 5, 6, 7).

In a small study, overweight men who consumed 20 grams of MCT oil at breakfast ate 272 fewer calories at lunch than those consuming corn oil (7).

What's more, the MCTs in coconuts can boost calorie expenditure and fat burning, at least temporarily (8, 9, 10).

A few controlled studies in obese individuals and people with heart disease showed that eating coconut oil reduced body weight and belly fat. Heart health markers also improved (11, 12, 13).

Although no studies have directly tested how coconut milk affects weight and metabolism, several studies show impressive effects from coconut oil and MCTs.

The same should apply to coconut milk, because it has the same fatty acids.

Bottom Line: The MCTs in coconut milk may reduce appetite, increase metabolism and help you lose belly fat.

Effects on Cholesterol and Heart Health

Because coconut milk is so high in saturated fat, people may wonder if it's a heart-healthy choice.

Very little research examines coconut milk specifically, but one study suggests it may benefit people with normal or high cholesterol levels.

This 8-week study of 60 men found that coconut milk porridge lowered LDL ("bad") cholesterol more than soy milk porridge. Coconut milk porridge also raised HDL ("good") cholesterol by 18 percent, compared to only 3 percent for the soy (14).

Most studies of coconut oil or flakes also found improvements in LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels (11, 12, 13, 15, 16).

Although in some studies LDL cholesterol levels increased in response to coconut fat, HDL also increased. Triglycerides decreased compared to other fats (17, 18).

Lauric acid, the main fatty acid in coconut fat, may raise LDL cholesterol by decreasing the activity of the receptors that clear LDL from the blood (19).

Results of two studies on similar populations suggest that the cholesterol response to lauric acid may vary by individual. It may also depend on the amount in the diet.

In one study of healthy women, replacing 14 percent of monounsaturated fats with lauric acid raised LDL cholesterol by about 16 percent. In another study, replacing 4 percent of monounsaturated fat with lauric acid had very little effect on cholesterol (19, 20).

Bottom Line: Overall, cholesterol and triglyceride levels improve with coconut intake. In cases where LDL cholesterol increases, HDL typically increases as well.

Other Potential Health Benefits

Coconut milk may also:

• Reduce inflammation: Animal studies found that coconut extract and coconut oil reduced inflammation and swelling in injured rats and mice (21, 22, 23).

• Decrease ulcer size: In one study, coconut milk reduced stomach ulcer size in rats by 54 percent—a result comparable to the effect of an anti-ulcer drug (24).

• Fight viruses and bacteria: The MCTs in coconuts, especially lauric acid, reduce the levels of viruses and bacteria that cause infections. This includes those that reside in your mouth (25, 26, 27).

Bottom Line: Coconut milk may reduce inflammation, decrease ulcer size and fight the viruses and bacteria that cause infections.

Adverse Effects

Unless you're allergic to coconuts, the milk is unlikely to have adverse effects. Compared to tree nut and peanut allergies, coconut allergies are relatively rare (28).

However, some digestive disorder experts recommend that people who have a FODMAPintolerance limit coconut milk to one half-cup portion at a time.

Many canned varieties also contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that can leach from can linings into food. BPA has been linked to reproductive problems and cancer in animal and human studies (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34).

Fortunately, some brands use BPA-free packaging, which is recommended if you choose to consume canned coconut milk.

Bottom Line: Coconut milk is likely safe for most people who are not allergic to coconuts. It is best to choose BPA-free cans.

How to Use Coconut Milk

Although coconut milk is nutritious, it's also high in calories. Keep this in mind when adding it to foods or using it in recipes.

Ideas for Adding Coconut Milk to Your Diet

• Include a couple of tablespoons in your coffee.

• Add half a cup to a smoothie or protein shake.

• Pour a small amount over berries or sliced papaya.

• Add a few tablespoons to oatmeal or other cooked cereal.

Coconut Milk Recipes

Here are a few healthy recipes featuring coconut milk:

• Easy Coconut Shrimp Curry.

• Clean Eating Chicken Masala.

• Braised Coconut Spinach and Chickpeas with Lemon.

• Tropical Green Smoothie.

• Coconut Milk Chocolate Mousse.

How to Select the Best Coconut Milk

Here are a few tips for selecting the best coconut milk:

• Read the label: When possible, choose a product that contains only coconut and water. Avoid questionable ingredients such as carrageenan.

• Choose BPA-free cans: Purchase coconut milk from companies that use BPA-free cans, such as Native Forest and Natural Value.

• Use cartons: Unsweetened coconut milk in cartons usually contains less fat and fewer calories than canned options. Look for brands without carageenan, such as So Delicious and Silk.

• Go light: For a lower-calorie option, select light canned coconut milk. It's thinner and contains about 125 calories per half cup (120 grams) (35).

• Make your own: For the freshest, healthiest coconut milk, make your own with this simple recipe using shredded coconut: Homemade Coconut Milk.

Bottom Line: Coconut milk can be used in a variety of recipes. Avoid types that contain questionable ingredients, or make your own at home.

Take Home Message

Coconut milk is a tasty, nutritious and versatile food that is widely available. It can also be made easily at home.

Including moderate amounts of coconut milk in your diet may pay off in better health.

Hilarious Comic Based On A Real Story Of Accidental Racism (8 pics)

Fairy Doors of Ann Arbor

Fairies have invaded the city of Ann Arbor, that’s what long-time resident Jonathan B. Wright, a graphic designer, wants you to believe. He will then point out to tiny doors scattered all around the city as evidence. There is a door hidden inside a coffee shop, one beside a grocer's steps, and another beneath a toy store window. There is at least a dozen. Of course, they were installed by Mr. Wright himself.

It all started in 1993 when Jonathan Wright was renovating their 100-year-old family home, and on a whim, decided to install a tiny door in the house to entertain his kids. The door opened into a tiny room with an equally tiny staircase and railing leading up to a second door. The children's delighted response prompted him to build more.

In 2005, he installed the first fairy door in public, on the exterior of a coffee shop. Since then, about a dozen more doors have shown up around Ann Arbor delighting local children and adults alike. Sometimes fairy hunters would leave fairy-sized gifts for the fairies —candies, socks, tiny felt hats, letters, pennies. The doors also attract tourists.

Now fairy doors are popping up elsewhere, such as in San Francisco and New York City. In Atlanta City, it has spawned a new project, Tiny Doors ATL. It’s director and principal artist Karen Anderson, who’s from Ann Arbor herself, says that the project is a direct inspiration of Ann Arbor’s fairy doors. Tiny Doors ATL, in turn, has inspired other artists to install fairy doors in their own places.

Jonathan B. Wright keeps track of all fairy doors on Ann Arbor on his website, and so does Tiny Doors ATL on theirs.

7 of the Best Fruits for Diabetics

Fruits are the perfect snack.

They are loaded with nutrients and fiber, relatively low in calories and easy to bring to work.

However, they do contain naturally occurring sugars, sometimes in large amounts. This can be a concern for those who struggle to manage their blood sugars.

This article takes a science-based look at the most suitable fruits for those with diabetes.

1. Blueberries

 Blueberries are quite low in sugar, with 10 grams per 100 grams of fruit (1).

But that sugar is also accompanied by 2 grams of fiber. This is important because when sugar and fiber are eaten together, blood sugar levels don’t spike as quickly (2, 3).

It’s the reason 10 grams of sugar from fresh fruits will not have the same effect on blood sugar levels as 10 grams of sugar from a candy bar.

In addition, blueberries provide loads of other beneficial nutrients and antioxidants that protect our cells from damage.

Interestingly, a study on over 187,000 people tracked over two decades found those who ate the most blueberries had more than a 25 percent lower risk of getting diabetes than those who ate the fewest (4).

Blueberries are great for a snack, and you can even enjoy them in salads. Although they can be particularly expensive, know that frozen blueberries are still nutritious and often much more affordable.

2. Strawberries

 Strawberries contain even less sugar than blueberries, with only 5 grams per 100 grams of fruit (5).

This makes them a great choice for diabetics.

They also provide fiber, manganese, folate and a lot of vitamin C. In fact, 100 grams of strawberries (5-6 large strawberries) provides 98 percent of our daily vitamin C requirements. 

Strawberries are a great addition to breakfast foods like oats or yogurt, but they are also delicious on their own. 

3. Blackberries

 Of all the berries, blackberries stand out most.

Per 100 grams of fruit, they contain only 5 grams of sugar and an impressive 5 grams of fiber (6).

High fiber diets help with glucose (sugar) metabolism, and can improve insulin sensitivity too (7).

More fiber also improves other health issues related to type 2 diabetes, such as high LDL cholesterol and weight management (8, 9).

Blackberries are slightly more tart than the other berries, but are typically eaten in the same way.

4. Grapes

 Grapes contain 16 grams of sugar per 100 grams of fruit, which is more than other in this list (10).

However, research has found that those who ate the most grapes had 12 percent less chance of developing type 2 diabetes than those who ate the fewest (4).

Of course this is only observational research (does not prove cause and effect), but many scientists genuinely believe there is something special about grapes.

It may have something to do with the polyphenols in grapes, which have been shown to have positive effects on blood sugar levels (11, 12).

Grapes make an easy snack, but are not low in sugar. So they should definitely be eaten in place of, rather than in addition to, another less-healthy snack.

For example, replacing a flavored yogurt or bag of chips would be a healthy step up.

5. Apples

An apple contains about 10 grams of sugar per 100 grams, equal to one very small apple (13).

It also has about 2 grams of fiber, most of which is in the peel.

Like blueberries and grapes, apples are linked with a reduced risk of diabetes. But they’re also linked with a lower risk of stroke, which is a huge risk factor for those with type 2 diabetes (4).

One study that tracked almost 75,000 people for over 10 years found those who ate the most apples and pears had an 11 percent reduced risk of stroke (14).

The main takeaway is that apples are a healthful addition to your diet, with or without blood sugar issues. The fact they are affordable, convenient and delicious is just a bonus.

6. Watermelon

 Watermelons seem high in sugar, but actually only has 6 grams of sugar per 100 grams (15).

This because of its high water content, which also keeps it low in calories.

Watermelon is also a great source of lycopene. This phytochemical has been shown to improve sensitivity to insulin, lower blood sugar and lower risk of type 2 diabetes (16).

Just be mindful of the amount you eat at each serving because it’s easy to over-indulge.

Not only does the sugar content can add up, but watermelon is high in FODMAPs that can cause digestive stress (especially those with IBS).

7. Avocado

 Not a fruit in the culinary sense, but avocados are a great choice for people with diabetes.

They contain zero sugar and a whopping 7 grams of fiber per 100 grams (17).

Even better, they are high in healthy monounsaturated fats. Research has shown that diets low in poor quality carbohydrates and high in monounsaturated fats can improve insulin sensitivity (18).

Avocados are great in a salad or as a dip. They are even delicious on their own; just add a pinch of salt to taste.

The Best Fruits For Those With Diabetes Are In Whole Form

With relatively few calories and lots of important nutrients, whole fruits are one of the great options for people with diabetes.

Some varieties can be high in sugar though, so they are best eaten in place of – rather than in addition to – less healthy foods.

Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits are all healthy choices, but be sure to avoid fruits canned with added sugars or syrups.

Fruit juices are also not a good option because they are an unnaturally concentrated source of fruit sugar, without the beneficial fiber. For example one apple juice can be made of 4 or more apples (usually peel is removed), yet you would never be able to eat 4 apples in one sitting.

The 5 Best Herbs to Soothe Your Nerves

Forget frazzled nerves, anxiety, restlessness, nerve-related headaches and pain. Herbs really shine when it comes to soothing nerves.  Here are five of my picks for the best nerve-soothing herbs:

Feverfew for Migraines and Headaches

This delicate flowering plant contains potent medicine, particularly when it comes to soothing the nervous system. Perhaps that is why it has been in use for over two thousand years, when Greek physician Dioscorides recommended feverfew for inflammation. Since then we’ve learned a lot about feverfew’s many other healing properties and its effects on the nervous system.

Feverfew is an excellent headache and migraine remedy. If you’ve taken it when you’ve had a migraine and found that it didn’t work for you rest assured that it will work when used correctly. Feverfew doesn’t work in the same way as headache and migraine drugs—at the first sign of pain. Rather, the best way to take feverfew is daily over the course of a month to prevent headaches and migraines the following month. Research published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews concluded that feverfew can reduce the prevalence of migraines.

Feverfew for Neuropathy 

If you’re suffering from neuropathy pain, which is a general term to describe disorders of the nervous system that cause pain, weakness and numbness, you’ll be happy to learn that feverfew has been found effective for this set of conditions. In a study published in the journal Phytomedicine, researchers found that feverfew was as effective as the drug gapapentin (an anti-epileptic drug used in the treatment of neuropathic pain). Steep one teaspoon of the dried herb (leaves, flowers, and stems) in one cup of boiled water for 10 minutes. Drink three cups daily.

Nettles to Block Pain Signals

Nettles, or stinging nettles, as the plant is also called due to its fine hairs that impart a stinging sensation, have been found to interfere with pain signals transmitted through the nervous system, thereby reducing seemingly unrelated types of pain. In a study of nettleson osteoarthritis pain, researchers found that nettles reduced pain linked to the disease. Study participants also found that they needed fewer anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drugs while taking nettles. Of course, you should consult your physician prior to reducing prescriptions. Dried nettles can be made into tea or added to soups and stews.

Sage to Ease Stress and Balance Moods

While sage is increasingly known for its brain health and memory-boosting effects, this potent herb also plays a critical role in balancing moods. It appears to work by inhibiting an enzyme that breaks down the essential brain hormone known as acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is needed for mood regulation as well as many other brain and bodily functions. Drinking a few cups of sage tea on a daily basis may be just what you need to soothe your nerves and ease stress. Avoid using sage if you suffer from migraines.

St. John’s Wort to Alleviate Anxiety

While there are many excellent studies proving the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort against depression, few people realize that this lovely flowering herb can be used as a natural antianxiety medicine. Research published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that the herb was effective in the treatment of anxiety. Use one teaspoon of dried flowers from this plant steeped in one cup of boiled water and drink three times daily to take advantage of St. John’s Wort’s antianxiety effects. Alternatively, take a tincture and follow package directions.

Valerian for Restlessness, Hyperactivity and Anxiety

Valerian root has long been used for its antianxiety effects. Newer research shows that its potent antianxiety effects may be attributed at least in part to the compound valerenic acid. Other research shows that this powerful natural medicine taken in combination with lemon balm was helpful to reduce restlessness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness in elementary school children after seven weeks of treatment with the herbs. Valerian is best taken in tincture format. Follow package instructions. For children use an alcohol-free extract known as a glycerite.

Consult your physician prior to using these herbs if you are suffering from any serious health condition or taking any pharmaceutical drugs.