top of page
PREHEALING
Search
The Pressure of Responsibility
Usually, we think of responsibility as a set of duties we are supposed to fulfill. It feels like a cognitive choice, a conscious decision to do what is right. We talk about being a responsible parent, a responsible student, a responsible citizen. And most importantly, we internalize the social narratives about being responsible. But what is it really to be responsible? If we break this word into two, we can see what it truly signifies. Response. Able. The ability to respond.
Tanacetum parthenium (Asteraceae) Feverfew, Featherfew
Tanacetum parthenium, commonly known as feverfew, is one of the most scientifically validated herbal remedies for the prevention of migraine headaches. This perennial herb from the Asteraceae family has been used since ancient Greek times for fever and inflammation, with its modern renaissance emerging from a documented case of self-medication by a Welsh woman who found relief from her severe migraines. The plant's therapeutic reputation is anchored by parthenolide, a sesquit
Eupatorium perfoliatum (Asteraceae) Boneset, Thoroughwort
Eupatorium perfoliatum, commonly known as boneset, is a perennial herb native to North America with a profound history in indigenous and early American folk medicine. It is most notably used as a diaphoretic to break fevers, particularly those associated with influenza and the common cold. Modern research has validated its traditional uses, revealing potent anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral properties. The plant has recently garnered significant scientific at
Enchylaena tomentosa (Amaranthaceae) Ruby Saltbush, Barrier Saltbush
Enchylaena tomentosa, commonly known as Ruby Saltbush, is a hardy, drought-tolerant sub-shrub native to Australia, valued as a traditional bush food and functional forage plant. Its small, succulent berries, which ripen from green to yellow to bright red, are eaten raw for their salty-sweet flavor. Beyond its nutritional value, the plant has demonstrated significant potential as a functional crop, with modern research validating its antioxidant properties and beneficial fatty
Rhagodia candolleana (Amaranthaceae) Seaberry Saltbush, Coastal Saltbush
Rhagodia candolleana, commonly known as Seaberry Saltbush, is a hardy, sprawling shrub native to the coastal regions of southern Australia. It is valued as a traditional bush food, with both its bright red berries and semi-succulent leaves being edible. The plant is renowned for its exceptional salt tolerance, drought hardiness, and utility in coastal erosion control and wildlife habitat restoration. While primarily celebrated as a nutritious bush tucker plant and an ornament
Apium prostratum (Apiaceae) Sea Celery, Tutae Koau
Apium prostratum, commonly known as sea celery, is a halophytic herb native to the coastal regions of Australia, New Zealand, and South America. Long valued as a vital source of vitamin C for explorers and colonists, it is now gaining recognition as a potent functional food. Modern scientific research reveals that this humble coastal plant is exceptionally rich in phenolic compounds, particularly the flavone glycoside apiin, and exhibits remarkable antioxidant capacity alongs
Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS)
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that delivers mild electrical currents to the skin overlying branches of the vagus nerve, primarily the auricular branch in the outer ear or the cervical branch in the neck. This approach represents a significant advancement from invasive vagus nerve stimulation (iVNS), which requires surgical implantation of a pulse generator and electrodes. tVNS aims to replicate the therapeutic effect
Atriplex cinerea (Amaranthaceae) Grey Saltbush, Coast Saltbush
Quick Overview: Atriplex cinerea is a hardy, salt-tolerant shrub, deeply valued in the traditional cultures of Australia as a vital food source and functional plant. It is most notably used as a nutritious edible green, a natural salt substitute, and an important ecological tool for soil stabilisation and habitat restoration. Modern perspectives recognise it as a quintessential bushfood with significant potential for sustainable agriculture, while its traditional medicinal ap
Sarcocornia quinqueflora (Amaranthaceae) Beaded Glasswort, Beaded Samphire
Quick Overview: Sarcocornia quinqueflora, commonly known as beaded glasswort or beaded samphire, is a remarkable succulent halophyte native to the coastal regions of Australia and New Zealand. Traditionally valued as a nutritious bush food, it is emerging as a scientifically validated functional food with significant health-promoting properties. Modern research reveals its potent antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory effects through hyaluronidase inhibition, and promising a
bottom of page