How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms at Home in a 5-Gallon Bucket
Not everyone is thrilled with the idea of eating fungus. However, mushrooms’ nutritional value is second to none, and researchers are learning more each day about their many benefits.
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New Study Says Microgreens Provide a Sustainable Food Security Solution
Microgreens are young edible plants harvested just after the first true leaves develop, typically within 7-21 days of germination. They are packed with nutrients and offer intense flavors compared to their mature counterparts.
A Lost Biblical Seed Sprouts After 1,000 Years
A remarkable discovery has brought an ancient biblical mystery back to life. A 1,000-year-old seed, believed to be the source of a legendary balm resin mentioned in the Bible, has shown signs of growth.
The seed, known as the ‘Sheba’ seed, was unearthed in the late 1980s from a cave in Wadi el-Makkuk, near ancient Jericho. Weighing just 0.565g and measuring 1.8cm in length, it was found by archaeologists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Identified as part of the Commiphora species – related to Frankincense and Myrrh – this plant was long thought to be extinct.
Carbon dating places its origin between 993 AD and 1202 AD. In 2010, Dr. Sarah Sallon of the Middle East Medicinal Plant Project planted the seed, which has now begun to sprout. She believes it may be the source of the mysterious ‘Tsori,’ a revered perfumed resin described in the Old Testament.
The resin, mentioned in Genesis 37:25 as ‘balm,’ was historically valued for embalming, incense, and medicinal purposes. As research continues, the revival of this ancient plant may unlock new insights into biblical history and the medicinal knowledge of ancient civilizations.
Herbal Tea Ingredient Transforms into a Medical Innovation
A common ingredient in herbal tea has been transformed into a powerful biomedical hydrogel, thanks to groundbreaking research from the University of Chicago. The malva nut, traditionally used in Chinese medicine as a sore throat remedy, has now been repurposed for advanced medical applications from wound care to ECG monitoring.
Plants Can Talk! The Fascinating Science of Silent Communication
A team of Japanese researchers has captured real-time footage of plants communicating distress signals to their neighbors, shedding new light on the intricate world of plant interactions. Led by molecular biologist Masatsugu Toyota of Saitama University, the study, published in Nature Communications, observed how plants respond to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by others experiencing mechanical damage or insect attacks.
Unlock Your Brain’s Potential: Create a Personalized Dopamine Menu
Boosting dopamine levels naturally can enhance motivation, focus, and overall well-being. Dopamine, a crucial neurotransmitter, regulates pleasure, motivation, and cognitive function. When levels are low, we may feel sluggish, unmotivated, or even depressed. Developing a personalized “dopamenu” can be a practical strategy to keep dopamine levels balanced and improve daily functioning.
Here’s how you can create one and why it’s beneficial.
Why Boost Dopamine?
Dopamine plays a key role in mental and physical health, affecting mood, motivation, and decision-making. Low dopamine levels can contribute to conditions such as ADHD, depression, and seasonal affective disorder. By actively engaging in activities that stimulate dopamine production, we can enhance our ability to stay focused, motivated, and emotionally balanced.
How to Create a Dopamenu
- Plan Ahead – Make your dopamenu before you need it. Just like meal planning, having a list of dopamine-boosting activities ensures you have go-to options when feeling unmotivated.
- Choose Meaningful Activities – Select activities that genuinely resonate with you, such as exercise, social interaction, creative hobbies, or mindfulness.
- Use a Menu Format – Structure your menu with quick options (like a short walk), deeper engagement (such as a hobby), and occasional indulgences (like watching a favorite movie).
- Experiment with Timing – Test different activities at various times of the day to find what works best for you.
- Track Patterns – Recognize which activities provide the best boost and adjust your dopamenu accordingly.
By intentionally incorporating dopamine-boosting habits, you can maintain energy, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.
Are Your Essential Oils Safe from Phthalates?
A recent investigation by Mamavation, in partnership with EHN, uncovered concerning levels of phthalates in essential oils. The study tested 22 lavender and peppermint essential oils from 11 popular brands and found that all contained detectable levels of these harmful chemicals.
Phthalates, commonly used as solvents and stabilizers, have been linked to hormone disruption, fertility issues, obesity, developmental delays, and even cancer. This highlights the need for consumers to be vigilant when selecting essential oils.
Finding safe essential oils is crucial for protecting your health from harmful chemicals like phthalates. To avoid phthalates in essential oils, consider the following tips:
- Choose Certified Organic Oils – Organic certification ensures oils are free from synthetic chemicals and contaminants.
- Check for Third-Party Testing – Look for brands that provide independent lab reports verifying purity and the absence of phthalates.
- Opt for Reputable Brands – Brands like Mountain Rose Herbs, Now Essential Oils, and Plant Therapy have been found to contain lower levels of contaminants.
- Avoid Synthetic Fragrances – Pure essential oils should contain only plant-derived ingredients with no artificial additives.
- Select Dark Glass Bottles – High-quality essential oils are typically packaged in dark glass to protect against light degradation and chemical leaching.
NEVER Cook with These Dangerous Oils
There’s a lot of rumor, speculation, and misinformation surrounding the topic of cooking oils. We rely on them every single day to lubricate our frying pan, bolster our marinades, baste our roasts and dress our salads. And yet, the majority of us know next to nothing about them. Typically, if you happen to strike up a conversation about cooking oils with someone, it’ll conclude with them swearing by one particular oil, which they use in almost all their dishes. Ask them why they swear by this oil, however, and they’ll likely feed you a series of rumors and second-hand information which justifies why that particular oil is better than the rest.
How to Get Your Chickens to Lay More Eggs (#3 may surprise you)
So, you have decided to get a few backyard hens. I congratulate you on this The chicken movement is on fire, even in urban areas, as more and more people realize the benefits of having fresh farm eggs at their fingertips. Well, as long as your girls are laying, that is. Contrary to what you might think, there are a few key things to consider to ensure your chickens produce healthy and nutritious eggs consistently. Let’s take a look at how you can be sure you are always in eggs!
5 Herbal Remedies You Can Make at Home
Herbs are beautiful, edible plants that emit enticing aromas. Plus, they are highly beneficial for adding delectable flavor to outstanding cuisine and are highly prized for their therapeutic value. For thousands and thousands of years, herbs have been central in wellness elixirs, tinctures, salves, oils, teas, and more.
Plant This Next to Beans for Better Flavor
Did you know that cultivating the right combination of plants close to each other can make your garden blossom from mediocre to outstanding? Companion planting is an ancient gardening practice that has been making a comeback for one simple reason… it works. Planting a diverse mixture of plants, including annuals, perennials, flowers, and veggies, makes for a much healthier garden and, often, a tastier harvest. On the flip side, planting the wrong combination of plants can result in an unhealthy garden and a mediocre or even poor harvest.
