Natural Awakenings Phoenix ~ July 2021 Welcome to our July 2021 Issue Herbs and Crystals for Better Sleep Both herbal medicine and crystal healing offer tools that can help us to improve our sleep. When combined, the effects are even more powerful. Here are some herbs that have been used for centuries to support relaxation and promote restful sleep: Read More » Play [publisher's letter] Despite my playful nature, I still managed to rock my work and polish off a couple of university degrees. I’m not trying to brag, but instead making the point that we can be playful and still get a lot accomplished Read More » The Magic of Magnesium Are You Getting Enough? Magnesium is an essential nutrient, but nearly half of the U.S. population does not get enough magnesium for good health. Read More » The Miracle of Plants Here are a few ideas of how you can incorporate herbs in your food for overall good health or for a good night’s sleep. Read More » All-Vegan Menu Debuts at Lebanon Hospital Hayek Hospital, in suburban Beirut, Lebanon, launched a 100 percent plant-based menu in March as a “moral responsibility”. Read More » BBQ Brussels Sprouts Sandwiches with Brussels Sprout Slaw This tasty vegetarian recipe for barbecued Brussels sprouts is the perfect meat-free meal to grill up. Read More » Composting Made Easy: Turn Food Waste into ‘Black Gold’ Uneaten food rotting in landfills accounts for almost a quarter of U.S. methane emissions, but it can be turned into dark compost that enriches garden soil with these steps to get started. Read More » Dealers Align Behind Electric Cars The success of electric vehicle models, along with a plan to stop selling new internal combustion cars by 2035 in California, have propelled the transition from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. Read More » Doggy Delights: Healthy, Homemade Cookie Treats Cooking treats for canine family members is a smart move, as they are eco-friendly, cost less and are healthier than company-made ones, say veterinarians. Read More » Drink Electrolytes Instead of Water for Muscle Cramps Gulping down too much water has been linked to painful, involuntary muscle cramps experienced by athletes, but an oral hydration solution with electrolytes can help. Read More » Food as Medicine: The Healing Power of Nutrition Well-being is increasingly linked by researchers to a healthy diet, motivating many people and the medical community to take seriously plant-based diets and the role of gut microoganisms. Read More » Good Dog Treat This homemade dog treat recipe using pumpkin, peanut butter and coconut will have canines on their best behavior for more. Read More » Grilled Cumin Carrots with Pecans, Ricotta and Herbs Carrots seasoned in cumin and herbs with pecans and ricotta make for a delicious meat-free, vegetarian grilling recipe. Read More » Growing Food Security: The Benefits of Urban Gardening Urban and localized gardening can bring fresh, organic, healthy, sustainable and affordable food to nearly every household, creating a resilient food system. Read More » Huge Indoor Vertical Farm to Serve Food Desert The agriculture startup Plenty Unlimited Inc. is building an indoor vertical farm in Compton to provide jobs and fresh produce to the historical “food desert” and surrounding areas. Read More » Kate’s PB Oat Cookies Ditch store-bought dog treats with this healthy, simple 3 ingredient recipe for homemade peanut butter and oat cookies. Read More » Las Vegas Seeks to Ban Nonfunctional Grass Las Vegas-area water officials hope to impose a policy banning grass on “nonfunctional turf” that no one walks on in such places as highway medians, housing developments and office parks. Read More » Nature Documentaries Mislead Public Opinion The unswerving presentation of nature as an untouched wilderness in nature documentaries misleads viewers into thinking that an abundance of these areas currently remains. Read More » Peter Singer on Ethical Eating Peter Singer, author and influential philosopher in the animal rights movement, discusses the ethics surrounding our food choices, climate change, eating meat and more. Read More » Pet Happy: How Animals Help Kids Thrive With studies showing the profound effects that pets can have on children's health, character development and well-being, here are reasons why parents should consider getting a family pet. Read More » Refrain from Spanking to Avoid Harming Young Brains A Harvard study finds that spanking alters children’s brain development. Read More » Resolve Arguments the Same Day for a Happier, Healthier Life Sidestepping an argument or resolving it on the same day pays off quickly by halving the reactivity level that day and often erasing any darkened emotional response the following day. Read More » Sizzling on the Grill: Healthy, Sustainable Summer Fare Delicious, green alternatives to traditional, carbon-emitting grilling methods including chemical-free charcoal, healthy plant-based grilled foods and eco-friendly dinnerware. Read More » Sleepy Scents Sleep-inducing essential oils advised by aromatherapists to help promote a healthy, restful night of slumber. Read More » Soulful Strides: Running as a Spiritual Practice Pressing our feet upon the Earth can be much more than a form of health-promoting exercise, as running can be introspective, and over time, a spiritual practice. Read More » Sounds for Snoozing Soothing soundscapes including meditations, music, short stories and novels to help the restless fall asleep quickly at night. Read More » Sweet Slumber: Natural Tips for Deep Sleep Being sleep-deprived raises our risk of obesity, depression, heart disease, dementia and a weakened immune system. Here are simple, non-pharmaceutical solutions for better sleep. Read More » The Chubby Vegetarian’s Memphis BBQ Dry Rub Add flavor and spice to your favorite vegetarian grilling recipes with this mixture for Memphis BBQ Dry Rub. Read More » The Power of Playfulness Research shows that playtime is good for the soul and provides benefits like reduced depression, stronger emotional resilience and higher productivity. Here are fun ideas for adult play. Read More » The Practical Side of Family Pets What parents should consider before bringing a family pet into the home, including the commitment, which dog and cat breeds are most child-friendly and safety concerns. Read More » Try Saffron Extract to Raise Mood A study shows that saffron extract can help lower depression and improve social relationships. Read More » Use Sunlight and Sleep to Lower COVID-19 Risk Two readily available natural strategies—sunlight exposure and sufficient sleep—appear to lower the risks of suffering and dying from COVID-19, report two new studies. Read More » Volcanic Ground Cover Slows Climate Change Researchers are using recycled rock dust to enrich farm and rangeland soils to accelerate the processes by which soils capture atmospheric carbon. Read More » Work Out for Fun, Not Necessity Physical activity during leisure time benefits our heart and longevity, but high workout levels on the job may actually hamper our health, report researchers. Read More » In-Print Mens Health Womens Health Healthy Phoenix healthy pets childrens health kids health pet health