Squash comes in many colors, shapes and sizes and includes summer squashes, pumpkin and winter squashes. These potent foods pack a powerful punch of antioxidant activity, support liver function and are high in a variety of nutrients. A one cup serving of winter squash contains 182% of our daily requirement for pro-Vitamin A or beta-carotene, [...]
Corn, squash and beans have been traditionally planted in concentric formations in a hill: Corn grew in the center of the hill, beans around the corn, and squash around the beans. The tall corn is strong and provides stalks for the beans to cling to. The leafy squash provides shade for the beans and surrounding [...]
According to Kibbe Conti, a registered dietitian, the disruption of Native food systems has contributed to the increase in degenerative, chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes among Native Americans, especially on reservations (J Transcul Nur 2006. 17(3):234-245). 
By developing nutrition models that reflect traditional food patterns but uses modern foods, Kibbe believes that Native [...]
Herbal teas are one of our oldest forms of both beverages and medicines. Since the dawn of time, humans have been using herbal teas as food and medicine to help support body processes, enhance immunity and build good health. In addition, they support the healthy functioning of organ systems. As beverages, non-caffeinated herbal teas offer [...]
Both infusing or decocting herbs releases their healing properties. To make an infusion, add about a teaspoon of herb to a cup of boiling water. Put a saucer over the top of the cup and let sit for five minutes. You now have a mild infusion. Infusions prevent the essential oil evaporation which occurs from [...]
Decoctions are strong medicine and form the foundation of care in Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine and in the Western Herbal Tradition. Traditionally, the herb(s), either dried or fresh, are placed in a pot of water and cooked for a lengthy amount of time, anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours. The resulting tea is [...]
When we drink an infused or decocted herb, we taste the herb. This is a crucial stage that is skipped when taking a capsule. It is also muted when we taste a tincture. The taste and sting of the alcohol tends to cover up the taste of the herb. Tasting the herb starts the process [...]
Roots need to be brewed the longest amount of time due to their density. They contain the highest amount of minerals. In order of required brewing time, after roots, bark needs the most followed by twigs, leaves and flowers. Leaves contain the most vitamins. Since vitamins are lost during the heating process, infusion, which requires [...]