​Around the holidays there are a few flavors and treats that are everyone’s favorites: gingerbread, chocolate, and mint. Each of these flavors has a strong tie to nature. 

Ginger isn’t just for house and ale, it has many benefit for you! Ginger is seen in ginger snaps, gingerbread cookies, in soda and in teas but where does it come from? Originating in Southeast Asia this rhizome, or underground stem, is in the same family as turmeric and cardamom. Ginger is used is so many cool culinary ways from candied ginger on desserts to on the side of sushi but it does more than just taste good. There are many health benefits to ginger including reducing inflammation, improving bone health, and detoxing through sweating. 

​Would you believe that chocolate comes from trees? The tree is called Theobroma cacao, or just cacao and is natively found in Central and South America but is grown in tropical areas all over the world. There are a lot of steps to get from the tree to the treat but it all starts with a simple seed pod. Inside the pod is a sweet pulp (that’s also eaten) and the cacao seeds. The cacao seeds are very bitter but are the part that becomes what we know as chocolate. The pod are harvested twice a year and then fermented for those flavors to develop. After this process the seeds are dried and sent to a chocolate factory. 

​Want to be in mint condition, then pick up a peppermint stick! This flavor is commonly found in gum, candy canes, coffee and chocolate, but is there more to it then a good sharp taste? Cultures dating back to the Egyptians and the Romans used the herb to soothe stomachs. Peppermint oil, harvested from the leaves or the flowers, can be used in cooking to add a minty kick but it also can reduce headache pain! 

We all want to get outside during the summer to enjoy the great weather and beautiful nature. However, how many of us are inhibited by our fear of summer insects, particularly those disease-carrying ones like ticks and mosquitoes. You can’t hide inside all summer though and you shouldn't have to hide. There are ways to protect yourself while enjoying the great outdoors!

First off, find a repellent that not only works in general but works for you.  For those of us who prefer the all natural route, experts recommend rose geranium oil as the top essential oil for repelling ticks. Unlike other oils, this one can be applied directly to your skin in those areas where ticks love to hide.  If you are looking for something stronger, that is where the chemicals come into play.  Recent consumer reports show which products tend to be the most successful. Make sure to do your own research and follow the recommendations written by the manufacturers upon use. 

Let’s face it though, no amount of bug spray is going to keep those ticks off 100%, so we must employ other strategies to protect ourselves.  If you are going for a walk in the woods, it would be a great idea to wear light colored clothes. That way if you do pick up hitchhikers, they will be way easier to spot and then remove.  Speaking of clothes, another great way to keep the pests off your skin is by wearing long sleeves, long pants and close-toed shoes. Yes, the weather is hot during the summer and most of us would rather be in shorts and T-shirts, but covering up on your woodland walks is just another way to stay safe. Also stay on the trails and especially towards the middle of the trails. It’s those edges you have to be cautious of when exploring the great outdoors.

No matter how many preventative measures we take, those little buggers tend to find their way onto our clothes and skin regardless.  So periodically on hikes or picnics or even after some time playing in the backyard, do those tick checks! When you come in for the day, throw your clothes in the dryer and jump in the shower right away.  Check the places they love to hide most like armpits, back of the knees and behind your ears.  If you have pets, don't forget to check them too once they have come into the house after an outdoor jaunt.

The bottom line is do your research and take these easy steps to help keep you and your family safer for the summer!  For more tips on how to avoid tick bites this summer, check out this informative article from LIVESCIENCE!

There are many reasons why getting outside and breathing in some fresh air is good for you.  Science has shown us that there are real effects on our bodies that improve our overall physical and mental wellness.

For example, we all know that trees are important because they produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis.  What you might not be aware of is the critical role trees play in removing pollutants from the air, thereby ridding the air of those harmful particles that cause burning in eyes, noses and throats and makes breathing difficult for those with asthma.  Breathing highly polluted air can also result in cancer, birth defects, and lung, brain, and nerve damage.  That’s why it is so important to get out there and take a walk in your favorite nature spots.  Breathe in that fresh, clean air produced by your friendly neighborhood trees!

Also, who wants to be cooped up all day?  Doesn’t matter whether you are at work or in your home, you will be surrounded by germs that you share with the people you spend your day with.  So after work, come take a walk here at Sheep Pasture and cleanse yourself of those germs by upping your exercise and boosting your immune system.

You know that phrase “stop and smell the roses”? Some flowers such as roses and lavender are known to increase relaxation by lowering stress and anxiety levels.  Furthermore, one Japanese study showed that when adults took walks through pine forests, their hostility and depression levels decreased significantly while liveliness increased.  So again, if you’re feeling stressed or anxious, go hang out with some pine trees and take in the greenery.  Soak in that scent of fresh pine and you’ll feel better afterwards!

​Now I know we are all busy and taking time out for yourself can be difficult but try it.  Try committing yourself to a nature walk once, maybe twice a week.  What could it hurt?

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