The story behind Chios tears…
Chios mastic gum, often simply referred to as “mastiha” or “mastika”, is the resin that comes from the mastica tree, a small evergreen tree native to the Greek island of Chios. The production of Chios mastic gum to this day remains true to the original traditional cultivation practices, and is protected by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece. Dr. Carrie Decker discusses the many stages of mastiha production and its use in Greece, part of which she was able to experience in her travel to the island of Chios. The traditional medicinal uses and its current use as a dietary supplement will also be visited, as well as some interesting factoids about mastiha ice cream.
Nrf2, Antioxidant Superhero
Fighting oxidative stress and inflammation with natural substances If you cut up an apple and leave it on the counter, you may notice its white flesh turn to brown. A similar effect happens to our own cells when they’re exposed to unstable molecules known as free radicals. This “rusting,” or “browning” process is called…
Finding Heart Health in Fruit Extracts
Apples, pomegranates, and Bergamot citrus for cardiovascular health “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” my nephew sings before biting into the honey crisp he’s holding. “But…” he thinks as he chews and then clarifies to me, his doctor-auntie, “I don’t want you to go away.” Where did he learn the saying about…
The Power of Echinacea
A natural alternative for sneeze and sniffle prevention Perhaps you know it for its distinct flower – a pronounced brown central cone, surrounded by delicate purple petals – and its common botanical name, purple coneflower. Or maybe, you know it as a natural remedy to take for protection against the sniffles and sneezes of…
