Natural Awakenings Richmond - November/December 2021

Oct 29, 2021 02:35PM ● By Regina Rudolph

You can read the digital copy here. Learn more about walking for well-being, ways to heal after losing a pet, holiday foods that can boost your mood, four local business owners offering services that are good for your body, mind and soul, ways to live more simply and more!

Natural Awakenings Richmond - November/December 2021

Learn more about walking for well-being, ways to heal after losing a pet, holiday foods that can boost your mood, four local business owners offering services that are good for your body, mind and soul, ways to live more simply and more. Read More »

Shot of teenager sitting down with hands in meditation pose

10 Mindfulness Tips for Teens

These 10 tips can help teens to practice more mindful living in their daily lives. Read More »

Invasive species plant for sale

Banned Invasive Weeds for Sale

A study finds that about 1,300 invasive plants are sold at garden centers, nurseries and other retailers. Read More »

Green tea being poured into glass on counter

Boost Cognition with Green Tea Compound

A single dose of 100 milligrams of the compound L-theanine—the amount found in four cups of green tea—improved reaction times and working memory of men and women. Read More »

Kids sitting on edge of pool kicking splashes with beach in the background

Boost Kids’ Learning Abilities with Exercise

The right kind of exercise, particularly swimming, can help kids learn vocabulary better, suggests research. Read More »

Fresh Herb and Apple Sage Stuffing

Buzz’s Fresh Herb and Apple Sage Stuffing

Fresh herbs and apples add delicious flavors to this healthy holiday stuffing recipe. Read More »

Cross laminated timber

Cross-Laminated Timber Emerges in Sustainable Building

A Swedish method of building using cross-laminated timber (CLT) is emerging as a climate-friendly alternative to traditional, concrete-based construction. Read More »

David Crow on the Healing Power of Medicinal Plants

David Crow, author of In Search of the Medicine Buddha and a foremost expert in botanical medicine and other natural health applications, shares the benefits of herbs and essential oils. Read More »

Colorful butterfly flying towards light, resembling passing over in death

Dying Well: Four Steps to a Good Death

Proactive, concrete steps that ease dying—getting clear on our values and desires, having important conversations, attending to final decisions and opening to our spiritual process. Read More »

Oranges sliced in half with strawberries

Eat High-Flavonoid Foods to Reduce Cognitive Decline

Eating foods high in flavonoids—the antioxidant-rich plant compounds found in strawberries, oranges, peppers and apples—can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by 20 percent or more. Read More »

Pot of Thanksgiving holiday squash soup on table surrounded by healthy ingredients

Eat Well to Feel Well: Thanksgiving Fare That Boosts Mental Health

Serve up healthier, nutrient-rich options this Thanksgiving to alleviate anxiety and depression, stabilize mood and promote mental health and wellness. Read More »

Bedroom decorated with eco-friendly decor

Eco-Decor for the Home: How to Buy Sustainable Furnishings

What to look for when shopping non-toxic, eco-friendly home decor items that are built to last and won’t pollute the environment. Read More »

Beetle bug on green leaf

Entomophagy Industry Sees Growth

The United Nations predicts that the rapidly growing industry of eating insects (entomophagy) could be worth $6.3 billion by 2030, so bug-based products may soon appear in local stores. Read More »

No pesticide label

EPA Bans Chlorpyrifos Pesticide on Food

Chlorpyrifos, a pesticide linked to neurological damage in children, including reduced IQ, loss of working memory and attention deficit disorders, can no longer be used on food. Read More »

Goat Cheese Appetizer with Honey, Fig and Pistachios

Goat Cheese Appetizer with Honey, Fig and Pistachios

Layer honey, fig spread and chopped pistachios on a fresh goat cheese log for a healthy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Read More »

Greek style green beans with potatoes, tomatoes, onions

Greek-Style Green Beans (Fasolakia Lathera)

Swap the traditional green bean casserole out for this healthy, vegan Greek-style recipe using potatoes, tomatoes and onions. Read More »

Colorful illustration of a head with a thought cloud coming out of top, illustrating a healthy mind

Healthy Brain Strategies: How to Prevent Cognitive Decline

The old paradigm of inevitable aging and cognitive decline is being shifted by functional medicine experts into a new paradigm based on the brain’s neuroplasticity. Read More »

Kid with eyes closed sitting outside on brick step holding leaf and resting head on pet dog, mourning loss

Honoring the Loss of a Pet: Simple Ways to Grieve and Heal

Whether we lose a cat, dog, horse, bird or lizard, grieving an animal companion can be emotional. Here are ways to honor and celebrate the life of a beloved pet while mourning the loss. Read More »

Healthy, cancer-free person in athletic wear looking out over railing

Live Healthfully to Mitigate Genetic Cancer Risk

Exercise, proper diet, low body mass index and abstinence from smoking and drinking correlate with decreased cancer incidence, even in those with a high genetic risk. Read More »

Runner jogging down stairs in park wearing athletic clothing

Lose Weight with Small Calorie Reduction

A reduction of just 200 calories a day combined with aerobic exercise four times a week produced greater weight loss and better heart health in obese, sedentary adults than exercise alone. Read More »

Illustration of a group of teens seated on floor mats practicing mindfulness through meditation

Mindfulness for Stressed Teens: School Programs Teach Healthy Coping Skills

One of the most beneficial ways to help teenagers cope with the stress of these tumultuous adolescent years is through mindfulness education, helping them become calm and centered. Read More »

Renovating the Recycling Stream

Better recycling solutions are being introduced the remove the burden from the consumer and recyclers while making the process easier. Read More »

Illustration of people dancing spiritually

Sacred Dance: Moving into Divine Energy

Spirit-infused forms of dancing like African, Middle Eastern, ecstatic and yoga-inspired kundalini help us to stay in shape while also fortifying the body’s intrinsic life force. Read More »

Seluisauganasda Cherokee Cornmeal Cookies

Seluisauganasda Cherokee Cornmeal Cookies

A creative, nutritious way to celebrate indigenous tradition during the holidays with a cornmeal cookie recipe that includes ingredients to boost mental health. Read More »

Person cleaning up beach with gloved hands full of microplastics

Simple Ways to Reduce Microplastic Exposure

The microparticles that result from plastics breakdown are contaminating global waters, air, soil and snow, but with certain steps we can avoid adding to the toxic refuse. Read More »

Person sleeping in bed hugging stuffed animal teddy bear

The Healing Power of a Hug

Hugs have proven power to soothe and nurture us, and it’s not necessary to have another human to enjoy their physical and mental health benefits. Read More »

Aerial shot of Lake Urmia

Water Shortage in the Middle East

The water table in the Middle East is becoming depleted due to persistent drought, high temperatures, poor water management and overuse, and climate change. Read More »

Baby bottle of infant formula next to sugar cubes and small white rocking horse

Avoid Infant Formulas with Added Sugar

A study finds that infants given formulas with added sugar had significant weight gain compared to infants that were breastfed or given formulas without added sugar. Read More »

Buy Nothing: Neighborly Groups Share More and Waste Less

With the aim of reducing waste through local sharing, Buy Nothing provides a Facebook-based platform to freely give, ask, borrow and lend items. Read More »

Dog at table with cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) oil

Cannabis and Canines: How Cannabidiol Benefits Dogs

What current research tells us regarding cannabidiol (CBD) use in dogs to treat conditions such as arthritis, itchiness, cancer, anxiety, aggressive tendencies, seizures and more. Read More »

Consider Barberry to Reduce Diabetes Markers

Researchers have discovered that barberry extract can help lower fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels, Type 2 diabetes markers. Read More »

Cup of green tea to help protect against the flu

Drink Green Tea to Ward Off Flu

Green tea contains compounds called catechins that have significant antiviral activity against influenza, report researchers. Read More »

Person eating bowl of strawberries to improve blood vessel health

Eat Strawberries to Improve Blood Vessel Health

A new study demonstrates that strawberries increase flow in blood vessels and reduce systolic blood pressure. Read More »

Person stretching before working out to help with sleep

Exercise More to Counter Risks of Poor Sleep

Both physical inactivity and poor sleep are independently linked to a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and death, but more exercise lowers the consequence of poor sleep. Read More »

Hand picking fresh pear off of tree

Fall Fruits for Savory Dishes: Fresh Approaches to Autumn Flavors

Fall fruits such as apples, figs, pomegranates and pears boast many healthful properties. Flex the unique flavors and health powers of these autumn delights with savory mains and sides. Read More »

Gloved hands placing food waste into paper bag

Food Waste Complicates Effort to Slow Climate Change

A report suggests that food waste should be viewed not only in relation to world hunger, but also in the context of climate change, as food production consumes vast amounts of resources. Read More »

Cookware frying pan made out of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals"

Forever Chemicals Banned in Maine

In lieu of federal regulation, the state of Maine has enacted a wide-ranging ban on the use of all perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), nicknamed “forever chemicals”, by 2030. Read More »

Sunlight shining on solar panels with sky and clouds in the background

Global Industry Turns to Solar Energy

Production costs for solar energy dropped by 90 percent between 2009 and 2020, with experts estimating a rise in solar power plants around the world. Read More »

Woman holding up one strap of white bra

Healthy Breast Basics: Lifestyle Choices to Lower Disease Risks

One in eight American women develops breast cancer in the course of her lifetime, but that risk can be reduced by holistic strategies such as dietary changes, cleanses and breast self-exams. Read More »

Simple, minimal living room with couch, throw pillows, end tables with plants and storage and bicycle

Less Stuff, More Joy: Ways to Live Simpler and Lighter on Mother Earth

How to turn to simpler, sustainable, conscious ways of living molded by our personal values through minimalist lifestyles. Read More »

Glass jars of various dry foods sitting on counter

Living Lighter Checklist: Some Ways to Up Our Game in Simpler Living

Ideas for adopting minimalist simplicity—living with less clutter; ecological simplicity—prioritizing sustainability; and conscious simplicity—driven by personal and spiritual values. Read More »

Michaeleen Doucleff petting dog with daughter embracing her from behind

Michaeleen Doucleff on Ancient Teachings for Modern Parenting

National Public Radio (NPR) science correspondent Michaeleen Doucleff searched the world to learn how to be a better parent and shares her findings in a new book, Hunt, Gather, Parent. Read More »

Ocean coastline with waves along sandy beach and clouds in sky

Oceans are Key to Controlling Climate

A recent report states that countries must recognize the important role that oceans have in limiting climate change and enact policies to protect marine ecosystems. Read More »

Bowl of salad with greens, sliced pears, lentils, nuts, seeds and soft cheese.

Pear and Lentil Salad

The recipe combines a mix of fresh greens with nuts, seeds, lentils and sliced pears to make a delicious fall salad. Read More »

Bowl of salad with chickpeas, barley, greens and sliced pears.

Pear Barley Salad

Barley and fresh pears combine with chick peas and walnuts in this hearty, healthy salad recipe. Read More »

Indigenous elder wearing headdress

Return Native Lands to Protect Nature

Land is being transferred to or co-managed by Indigenous tribes, repatriating culturally and ecologically important resources with the former occupants and local communities. Read More »

Person eating apples and salad over plate of Southern fried chicken

Skip Southern Food to Avoid a Heart Attack

The fried foods, added fats, eggs, organ meats, processed meats and sugar-sweetened drinks of a Southern-style diet can have dire consequences for people’s hearts. Read More »

Parent with child kneeling on the beach shoreline holding sign reading "Save the Planet"

Talking to Kids About Climate Change: What They Need to Know from Those They Trust

Children are hearing about the effects of climate change through the media or living through them in their own neighborhoods. Here are ways to calmly talk to kids about the climate crisis. Read More »

Person sitting on yoga mat on living room floor in meditative pose with laptop in front of him

The Quiet Power of Intuition

Having strong intuition can enable us to not only endure, but prosper. Adopting these simple habits and activities can help us to foster our intuitive inner voices. Read More »

Clear recycled plastic bottles

Using Enzymes to Recycle Plastic

A more sustainable approach for recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic used in single-use beverage bottles, clothing and food packaging, has been found. Read More »

Person wearing backpack walking outside along path at sunset with dog at side

Walk About: Simple Steps to Well-Being

Walking briskly daily has many proven health benefits. Here are tips for getting started including proper shoes, ways to incorporate a dog, and how to stay motivated and committed. Read More »

Water droplet above puddle

Water Scarcity Solutions

Nine practical solutions for combatting water scarcity. Read More »

Art of Earth with layers for water and land

Water Scarcity Woes: A Global Problem That’s Getting Worse

Water scarcity is a legitimate concern. Here are 10 of the most alarming water scarcity facts that the world is currently facing. Read More »