Holiday Tea Blend

Holiday Tea Blend

Recipe created by Lisa Purdy

Are you looking for a nice tea blend for the holidays? This blend is a favorite in my family and I have customers who request it every year. You can package this in a pretty jar with raffia ribbon and a cute label for the perfect gift. It is also wonderful to serve on those cold winter evenings, because it has no caffeine.

Mix together: ¼ cup cinnamon sticks (broken), ¼ cup fennel seeds, heaping ¼ cup crystallized ginger root (chopped), and 3 cups dried peppermint leaves. To make a cup of tea, use 1 heaping tsp. of the herbal blend to 1 cup of hot water. Steep 5 minutes, strain, and enjoy!

Cinnamon is antibacterial and anti-fungal. It helps to settle an upset stomach, comforting nausea and diarrhea. Also helpful for menstrual discomfort.

Fennel seeds improve digestion, expel gas, quiet hiccups, and prevents nausea. Useful for cancer patients after radiation or chemotherapy.  Fennel is a rich source of vitamin A, helping alleviate light sensitivity and improving night vision.

Ginger is most often used to stop abdominal, intestinal, and menstrual cramping. It is very effective to combat nausea from motion sickness or due to pregnancy. Ginger increases the circulation in the hands and feet...a cup of tea is a wonderful way to warm up!

Peppermint increases the oxygen supply to the blood, strengthening the whole body. It is a digestion stimulant, relieves gas and bloating, and aids bowel elimination. Peppermint is one of the oldest household remedies and forms the basis of many herbal tea blends.

Enjoy a cup of tea today! Better yet, find someone to share it with...Happy Holidays!

Holiday Shopping Guide

Happy Thanksgiving! Pass the Enzymes!

Thanksgiving dinner traditionally leads to a sluggish nap for everyone. Part of this is the relaxing effect of the tryptophan in the turkey, but much of it has to do with simply overeating. It takes a lot of energy for the body to digest such a diverse rich meal and so the body’s energy is mostly diverted to do that work. You can make your family more comfortable by passing the enzymes around the table too.

What are digestive enzymes? Think of them as little packets of energy that do all kinds of things in the body. Most raw foods have the enzymes needed to break that food down to a useable molecular structure. The problem is that we cook or process most of our food, thereby destroying all those enzymes.

The body then has to make the enzymes needed for digestion. This is the first job of the pancreas…and a big one! The pancreas may become exhausted and then not have the energy to do its second job, making insulin. This situation may lead to high levels of blood sugar. One of the best things you can do for your body is to give the pancreas a rest from working overtime. Supply the body with the digestive enzymes it needs to break down your food properly.

Another problem to consider with a lack of enzymes is what is commonly called, “leaky-gut”. If the food is not broken down properly in the stomach with the proper enzymes and acid, then it may end up in the intestines in bigger molecular structures than it should be. Think of a strainer that has large particles forced thru, eventually it makes a big hole. These “holes” in the gut allow food particles to get into the blood. The body recognizes them as invaders and sends out the troops to remove them. These antibodies clean up the blood, but lead to food sensitivities, allergies, and eventually autoimmune disease.

Your digestive system plays a huge role in your overall health! I hope this simple explanation gets you to thinking about how one thing leads to another. When we ignore simple warning signals, like heartburn, bloating, and gas…we may be allowing disease to develop. If you are chronically experiencing some of these problems, I would love to help you find solutions! Stop into the store to see what you can do to help your digestion.

A simple suggestion for a more pleasant Thanksgiving Day. Place a bottle of Digestive Enzymes on your dinner table…Please, pass the enzymes!

Fall Herb Pantry Reset

Fall Herb Pantry Reset

Lisa Purdy ND, MH, CNHP

The chill is in the air, are you ready for the winter season? Most of the garden is done, you have harvested your herbs, dried and stored them, now what? Today, I want to share with you the things that I make every year to be prepared. I wouldn’t want to be without them!

Super Tonic – Vinegar Tincture

1 cup each chopped: cayenne or habanero peppers, garlic, ginger, onion

1 jar prepared horseradish (you can grow your own and use fresh root, but it might drive you outside to process it in the blender…STRONG stuff!)

Apple cider vinegar

Place all ingredients into blender and cover with apple cider vinegar. Blend and place into glass jars, cover lid with plastic, cloth, or wax paper to protect from metal lid. Allow to set 2-4 weeks before straining off liquid into a tincture bottle. Or you may leave in the pulp, if desired. May be used immediately if needed. Will last 6 months in the refrigerator. Begin with ¼ tsp. daily to prevent illness or every two hours if really sick.

Mucus Relief Glycerin Tincture – My Grandchildren’s Favorite!

½ cup each: boneset, fennel, fenugreek, horseradish, mullein

2 cups glycerin & 3 cups distilled water, mixed together

Mix herbs together and place into jars, with lid protected by plastic. Cover with glycerine/water mixture. Allow to set 2-4 weeks, shaking daily. Or place jar in crock pot overnight on warm/low. If needed immediately, place mixture in top of a double boiler and simmer for 20 min. Strain and place into tincture bottle. May use a dropper daily or every 2 hours as needed to help with congestion and mucus. Lasts 2-3 years.

Echinacea Alcohol Tincture

Fill a jar halfway with dried echinacea root, more if fresh root. Cover with 80 proof vodka. Protect the metal lid with plastic. Shake daily. Allow to set 2-4 weeks. Strain and place in tincture bottles. Will last 10 or more years.

Elderberry Syrup

½ cup dried elderberries (1 cup fresh), 1 Tbsp fresh ginger – grated,

1 cinnamon stick, 5 cloves, and 2 cups water

Simmer about 20 minutes (reduce by half. Strain squashing berries. Add 1 cup honey to liquid. Bottle, store in refrigerator for up to 6 months. Take 1 tsp or more when flu symptoms start up to 3 Tbsp a day. Safe for children, but not infants because of honey.

Take time to go thru your herb pantry or herbal medicine chest. Check the dates and throw the old away. If your dried herb has no smell, taste, or color…then it is too old to use! Herbs are best used within a year, but many will last three years if kept in a cool, dark place and if they are well-sealed from oxygen. I like to use canning jars and you can extend the life of your herbs with a vacuum sealer.

Make a list of herbs, vitamins, and supplements that you need to replace in your pantry. I like to have immune supplements ready before I actually need them. I also like to keep some ready for the visit of grandchildren with a cough or runny nose. If you are looking to buy a few good things to have at the ready, stop by the shop and I will share some things that have worked for me.

Here are some of the ones on my list:

Colloidal Silver InX - Goldenseal

Wellness Formula Vitamin D

Bacteril Oregano Oil

SinuCare Congestease

Lung & Bronchial Manuka Honey

Oscillococcinum Vitamin C

Ladies Mantle

Ladies Mantle – The Herb of Transformation

Ladies Mantle, Alchemilla spp., is a wonderful herb for women. Known as an herb for transformation and regeneration. The dew gathered from the leaves of Ladies Mantle is considered holy, helpful to heal the spirit. It may be sipped directly from the leaves, or dip your finger in and place the dew on your eyelids, or another area of the body in need of spiritual insight.

Physically, Ladies Mantle restores tone to the tissues. Its velvety leaves are astringent and soothing. Useful for diarrhea, hemorrhoids, sore throats, wounds and rashes. Use it for “hard to heal” wounds. It also is known to stop bleeding, and is said to be even stronger than Shepherd’s Purse. It is anti-inflammatory and pain relieving.

Ways for Women to Use Ladies Mantle

• Ladies Mantle and Yarrow as tea or tincture – to bring on the menses, reducing irritability, and PMS type symptoms. Also, use it to slow heavy menstrual bleeding.

• Ladies Mantle Fertility Tonic – make as a tea with equal parts Ladies Mantle, Red Clover, Grape Leaf, Red Raspberry. *Note: stop taking these herbs once you are pregnant.

• Ladies Mantle to give emotional support after a miscarriage. Cleansing you, both physically and emotionally.

• Ladies Mantle is excellent for menopause, bringing balance to the hormones and confidence to this new “Elder” time of life. A nice combination for this as a tea is Ladies Mantle, Rose Petals, and Oatstraw, infused in a quart jar overnight.

• Ladies Mantle – keeps breast tissue firm, toned, and healthy. Use as a daily massage, combined with dandelion flowers, rose petals, and violet leaves. This may reduce the lumpiness of fibrous breasts and keep them healthy by moving the lymph in that area. Do this massage with the intention of giving yourself some love; not with the purpose of looking for disease.

Breast Massage Oil

In a pint jar place ¼ cup each: Ladies Mantle leaves and flowers, wild Violet leaves, Rose petals, and Dandelion flowers. Cover with olive oil and let sit for 2-6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and use the oil daily for breast massage. Take time for a little self-care and self-love.

Basil Appreciation

Basil - Harvest & Preserve

🌿 Summer’s basil harvest is wrapping up, but the flavor doesn’t have to end! At Healthy Life Solutions, we’re sharing simple ways to preserve and enjoy your herbs.

Don't miss the opportunity to dive deeper into herbs and natural wellness with our upcoming Be Your Own Doctor class.

I like growing Columnar basil (sometimes called Greek Columnar Basil). It grows upright like a little hedge—perfect for small spaces and container gardens. Plus, it keeps producing leaves longer into the season than many other basil varieties!

18-Day Basil Oil

Basil grows well here in central Ohio. What to do with all that basil? It doesn’t freeze or dehydrate well. It often turns black and loses that fresh, vibrant taste we love.

That’s why basil oil is such a great solution! It locks in the flavor and gives you a taste of summer every time you drizzle it on pasta, bread, or salads. 🍶✨

Come and Shake the Jar!!

I'm serious about shaking the basil oil every day! Come visit the store and give our basil oil jar a shake yourself—it’s the best kind of hands-on learning.

Benefits of Basil

Basil isn’t just delicious—it’s also uplifting! The scent alone has been linked to reducing stress and boosting mood. A little herb with a lot of heart. 💚

Basil also brings wellness benefits for the body: supporting immunity with antioxidants, helping digestion, and even soothing occasional coughs. 🍃 A true kitchen healer!

Basil Vinegar in 14 Days

Have you ever tried basil vinegar? It’s bright, tangy, and such a fun way to hang on to summer flavor. A splash takes salads, marinades, and even roasted veggies to the next level.

And here’s the best part—while you’re enjoying that zesty taste, you’re also getting some of basil’s natural wellness benefits. Think a little digestive support and even a gentle immune boost.

Click to watch our quick video and see just how easy it is to make!

Insulin Resistance 101

Insulin Resistance 101   Lisa Purdy ND, MH, CNHP

Insulin is known as a master hormone and is very important to your body’s function. The main job of insulin is to open your cells to receive glucose from the bloodstream. Glucose is the energy your body uses for fuel. Insulin is like a key to open the door and let the energy into the cell. If the glucose is unable to enter the cell effectively, it remains in the blood. This is what we call high blood sugar. The body panics, because it needs that energy in the cell. So, the body makes more insulin to take that sugar from the blood and put it into the cell. However, insulin lingers in the bloodstream for up to 12 hours. This means that sometimes by the time the sugar is actually getting into the resistant cell, the body has made way too much insulin.

Why is extra insulin a problem?

- Insulin causes weight gain. It turns on the storage of fat in the liver. Think of insulin as a “master hormone” and you can’t fix other hormones until insulin is corrected.

- Insulin drives increased triglyceride production. Especially with fructose present in the liver…think high fructose corn syrup, used excessively in our modern food.

- Insulin triggers a condition of narrowing arteries. It increases LDL, bad. or small dense cholesterol which loves to clog up the pipes.

- Insulin raises blood pressure. It stimulates the retention of sodium by the body. Maybe that ankle swelling is really a result of too many carbs/sugars stimulating insulin.

- Insulin makes inflammation worse. It amplifies or stimulates inflammatory hormones, driving an inflammatory cascade into disease…think of all the “-itis” ending diseases.

- Insulin increases free radical formation, which leads to cancer. Antioxidants can help by cleaning up the cells, and stopping the chain of damage.

Along with the above signs of insulin resistance, here are a few more. Skin tags. Yep, a definite sign of insulin resistance. Also, thickening and darkening of the skin around the creases of the neck. Another sign may be a feeling of numbness, burning, or tingling in the lower legs and feet.

Insulin resistance occurs 10-20 years prior to the onset of serious disease. They now call this Pre-diabetes or Metabolic Syndrome. You may want to ignore the signs, but better to take advantage of the opportunity for prevention. It may not be too late to reverse the damage. There are dietary changes and supplements that can support your healing journey. Pharmaceutical drugs are not your only option. Contact me for an appointment to create a Personalized Wellness Plan. Action now, may prevent disease later.

Be Decisive with Flower Remedies

I remember 12 years ago, when I was first setting up the store. I had so many decisions to make: “Which companies to carry? What items from each?” I spent hours pouring over catalogs and websites. Looking at lists of ingredients, trying to choose the best for my customers. It was exciting and fun, but then my brain became overloaded with information. I felt like I was going in circles, “if I decided this, then what about that, and maybe I should choose this way?” Around and around, I was stuck and couldn’t make a decision.

I grabbed my box of flower remedies and looked up the one for making decisions. I took the dropperful directly into the mouth…I wanted quick results! I got it. I felt a warmth from head to toe, then my MIND cleared. Instantly, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Check, check, check, my list was done. I will never forget the power of that flower remedy. If you struggle with making decisions, try it, you won’t be disappointed.

Let’s continue to learn about flower remedies. If you missed article 1, find it on my website:   www.healthylife-solutions.com   You may also find us on face book and Instagram. Stop by the store to purchase a flower remedy. You will be amazed at how they can change your life.

Scleranthus helps one to set priorities…giving accurate decision-making abilities to know which path to follow, which job to take, which college to attend, which person to marry. It helps balance those who are in a constant state of vacillation, mood swings, happy/sad, laugh/cry, sanity/insanity, unstable and volatile personalities. Improves learning difficulties especially where the mind jumps from one thing to another. Helps with hypoglycemic tendencies, motions sickness, increases balance, helps vertigo. It is for things presenting as one-sided problems: headaches, pain, paralysis, strokes. Often this type will decorate with black and white showing their yin/yang personality.

I make choices and I take chances. I choose one direction toward new possibilities. I trust each decision will help me to grow.

Clematis is for those who are living more in the future than in the present. Also, for those who fall asleep all the time. It stimulates creative writing. It creates a “just do it” attitude for diet, to stop smoking, to complete school or work projects. It is helpful for those who don’t give a care. Physically for numbness or to restore consciousness. Clematis types are sensitive to the pain of others. They are the creative person behind the scenes.

I seek to be fully awake in the present moment. I bring practical focus to my dreams.

Water violet is for those who like to be alone. Quiet, but not shy. Independent, capable, self-reliant, and humble. If one “must” attend a party, the water violet will assist them to at least appear they are having a good time. Stimulates grateful feelings. Eliminates prejudice when feeling superior. It will help when one must be subordinate, such as in the military. It helps to soothe grief and release it: after divorce, death, disappointment, when life’s purpose is thwarted. Also, helpful when working with those who have been abused.

I recognize my Self in the heart mirror of others. I seek connection. My gift is my presence in the world.

Spring Strength Tea

There is a connection between how well you nourish your body and how emotionally strong and healthy you feel. When you treat yourself to nourishing herbal teas that taste amazing and strengthen your body, you naturally feel more confident. Have a daily cup of tea and create a powerful ritual that encourages vitality and health.

Spring Strength

This tea helps build muscles and bones, tones the female reproductive system, improves mood, and strengthens digestion.

1 cup nettle leaf                                  1 cup mint

1 cup raspberry leaf                            ½ cup rose petals

½ cup fennel seeds                             ½ cup ginger

Hot infusion: Pour 1.5 cups hot water over 1 Tbsp tea.                      Steep 8-15 minutes.

Cold infusion: Combine 2 cups cold water and 1-2 Tbsp tea in a lidded jar. Shake. Place in refrigerator or a cool place for at least 2 hours.   Strain and enjoy.

What Can I Do for a Leaky Gut?

Today’s story is about a lovely young lady who came in and was lingering at the digestion support shelf of products. She turned to me and said, “My chiropractor says that I have a leaky gut. She suggested that I do a program that costs $1400”. I confess that my jaw dropped. Ouch, that is a lot of money! I could see that she was overwhelmed by the price. Alternatively, I showed her that I have excellent products that will help for about $60 a month. The healing process will be slow, so you must be patient. Expect about six months of support, although you may begin to see reduced symptoms immediately.

Symptoms of leaky gut include: diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, cramping, food sensitivities, nausea, fatigue, joint pain, skin problems, autoimmune disorders, mood swings, anxiety, allergies, headaches, brain fog, weight gain or loss, and chronic infections.

Leaky gut is a problem of the intestines becoming permeable or with holes. This allows food or bacteria to get into the bloodstream where it doesn’t belong. These particles irritate the body causing inflammation and activate the immune system causing allergic reactions and autoimmune disease. It is important to have a digestive system that functions properly and is able to absorb the nutrients needed for the body.

I would start with taking digestive enzymes. These work in the stomach to break down the food properly.Digest Harmony is a combination of enzymes that support the breakdown of fats, gluten, sugars, complex carbohydrates and proteins to promote healthy digestion. Take two capsules before meals. Enzymes might be something you need to take long term. Unfortunately, most of the food we eat is cooked and so over-processed that it doesn’t have the natural enzymes needed for digestion anymore.

Next, I would take Leaky Gut Repair, a formula designed to support restoration of the gut lining. This formula contains amino acids, soothing herbs, and supplements that are well-known for supporting the mucosal lining of the intestines. It is really nice to have these ingredients all in one formula. Take two capsules on an empty stomach before bed, or take 4-6 capsules for advanced support.

These two are a great start to repair the function of your digestion! Remember to take them for at least six months to have lasting results.

Are You Ready for Pollen?

Are You Ready for Pollen?

Spring is here and with it the wind and pollen in the air. Many suffer with the irritation of stuffy sinuses, runny nose, or itchy eyes. Get ahead of the problem by using this wonderful herbal formula. Ready for Pollencontains:

Stinging Nettle – very nutritious and safe, 1 cup of tea may contain 500mg of calcium! It is also high in magnesium, potassium, silica, and alkalizing chlorophyll. Nettle leaves act as a diuretic, kidney cleanser, and helps eliminate uric acid, relieving gout. Nettles are well-known for their allergy relieving antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties.

Eyebright – has a long history of use as an eyewash. It is astringent, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, expectorant, antimicrobial and demulcent. It will tighten tissues and soothe them. It dries up mucus and relieves irritation.

Goldenrod – has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. It helps thin and drain mucus while toning the mucosal lining. Fabulous for seasonal allergies and sinus congestion, it works quickly to relieve thick mucus buildup. It also works as a diaphoretic to relieve fevers and as a diuretic kidney tonic.

Reishi mushroom – improves the immune system by challenging it. Mushrooms contain complex starches that your body perceives as a threat, so it sends out an immune response. The mushrooms are harmless, but give the immune system practice, improving its function and thus helping with allergies.

Astragalus – warming and nourishing. Astragalus strengthens the immune system and prevents infection. Considered an adaptogen, it also helps cardiovascular, liver, and kidney function.

Ginger – warming to the body, ginger is well-known for improving digestion and relieving nausea. It is a potent anti-inflammatory, particularly for tense muscles. Ginger has antimicrobial benefits and as a diaphoretic will help break a fever.

Do you have a Fatty Liver?

Do you have a Fatty Liver?

One out of three people have Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Many don’t even know that they have it. Before 1970 fatty liver came from overconsumption of alcohol, not anymore. Even children have it now. Fatty liver has 3 stages: NAFLD – you might not even have symptoms, Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis – low grade inflammation and you still might not have symptoms, thirdly Cirrhosis – which results in liver failure, requiring a transplant to survive. The first two stages are reversable, the third is not. Prevention is KEY – I repeat that one of three people have a fatty liver, including children.

What is fatty liver? Have you heard of foie gras? It is a delicious, expensive, delicacy of the fatty liver of a goose. This food goes back to Roman and Egyptian times. Basically, they force feed the goose with figs to achieve a fatty liver. We are doing this to our own bodies.

NAFLD has grown astronomically since 1970. What changed? High fructose corn syrup was introduced into our industrial food supply. We went from consuming very little fructose, in the natural form of fruit, to consuming 60 pounds per person per year! The liver will process a small amount of fructose, but then the liver will turn the excess fructose into alcohol. A byproduct of this action is uric acid, which causes gout. Both ethanol (from alcohol) and fructose are hepatotoxins. They both cause fatty liver and inflammation, and both are addictive. As a culture, we are addicted to fructose…similar to an alcoholic…always wanting more.

There are no pharmacological therapies to prevent or treat this condition. However, doctors are beginning to use imaging to diagnose NAFLD. Prevention is KEY. We must reduce the amount of fructose (and alcohol) that our liver needs to process. One culprit is soda pop – most are 58% fructose, some 65%. Start reading labels and avoid the fructose hidden in everything. Be aware that some drugs can cause inflammation in the liver as well.

The good news is that the liver will heal itself, given the right conditions, and catching it early enough. There are natural supplements to protect, detoxify, and support liver function. Some to mention are berberine, milk thistle, glutathione, and carnitine. I carry a professional supplement called Hepatiben, Fatty Liver Cleanse. This formula has had fantastic results with my clients (and myself as well!) Don’t wait for this silent disease to creep up on you, prevent it now.