Natural Awakenings Chicago ~ March 2021

10th Anniversary of One Earth Film Festival

The all-virtual March festival will feature more than 25 outstanding short and feature-length films that shine a light on the most important issues of our time. Audiences can learn about solutions and actions to address climate, environmental justice, conservation, waste and more from the comfort of home, including filmmaker and expert Q&As. Read More »

A Cup of Tea a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

For years, various studies have shown the numerous health benefits of drinking tea instead of coffee. That’s one reason why, according to Statistica, tea is now the second most widely consumed beverage worldwide, following only water. Read More »

A new REGENERATIVE LABEL Enters the Organic Food Arena

The new Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) is coming soon to a grocery store near you. Advocates say it takes organic agriculture’s emphasis on soil health; promotes carbon sequestration in soil, which could reduce the risks of global climate change; and adds other Good Food Movement principles such as animal welfare and fairness to farm workers. Good Food Movement advocate and writer Bob Benenson explores what this new certification means to producers and consumers. Read More »

Community Bike Share Set to Roll in Grayslake

The pilot program will begin this spring with each group sponsoring a specific number of bikes and stations at the CLC Grayslake Campus, Grayslake Metra station, downtown Grayslake and Grayslake’s Central Park. Read More »

Dancing in the Sky ~ Birds Take to the Air in March to Woo Their Mates

One of the most exciting things for raptor lovers to see in early spring is the courtship flight display of the red-tailed hawk and watching and listening to American woodcocks court in short, wet grasses next to woodlands and shrublands. Writer Sheryl DeVore explores how these spring bird behaviors help us to connect to nature in the Chicago area. Read More »

EEA Wild & Scenic Film Festival Carries On

Films include the story of the first African American male to complete the Triple Crown of Hiking, how church forests in Ethiopia protect the lush biodiversity of old-growth forests and a community effort to keep an oil refinery closed after an explosion. Read More »

From the Slumber of Winter To the Awakening of Spring

Mother Earth is awakening from the depths of her winter hibernation with nutrients stirring as she massages and softens the shells of seeds beginning their journey toward the surface. This eternal process can provide a roadmap to follow so that we may also awake, flourish and blossom like our surroundings. Polly Liontis of Zen Shiatsu Chicago explains how Chinese medicine philosophy provides some lessons. Read More »

Get Stronger with Dance

The CBG Institute for Dance and Health, in Highland Park, has added a Fitness Dance class at 9:30 a.m., on Thursdays, to their ballet, modern and tap classes. The one-hour program emphasizes low-impact, high-intensity, cardio dance and fitness routines accompanied by music. Read More »

Green Witch Goddess Garden Workshop with GF Mom Certified

GF Mom Certified Tiffany Hinton will conduct a Green Witch Goddess Garden Workshop live and in person from 2 to 5 p.m., April 10, where participants can learn how to create their own suburban homestead. Read More »

Herbal Conference Celebrates 10 years

The 10th Annual Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference (MWHC), themed Healing the People, the Planet and the Plants, will be held virtually on May 7, 8 and 9, with instructors from around the world offering insights and ways to bring traditional healing practices into modern life. Read More »

Home-Based Food Entrepreneur Virtual Conference

The inaugural Home-Based Food Entrepreneur National Virtual Conference will assist those starting a food business from their home kitchen, making and selling cookies, breads, jams, candies and other food products under their state’s cottage food law. Read More »

How to Have Healthy and Beautiful Skin Now and Into the Spring

Constant temperature changes, frost, wind and UV rays may affect all skin types, making it rough and oversensitive. Here are some tips for how to enjoy healthy and beautiful skin from Naperville esthetician Paulina Iannotta. Read More »

Infinity Foundation Presentation on The Path to Wealth

May McCarthy, bestselling author of The Path to Wealth: Seven Spiritual Steps for Financial Abundance, will speak on The Path to Wealth: Spiritual Steps for Financial Abundance and Freedom, at 9 a.m., March 13, via Zoom. Read More »

Letter from Publisher

March is upon is! After the jarring reality of February’s snow and cold, it’s time for a literal breath of spring when a new season officially begins on March 20 at the equinox. Read More »

Mindful Co-Parenting Tips

For separated or divorced parents that want their children to be well-adjusted, there are several important ways to successfully co-parent. Leah D. Setzen of Grunyk Family Law in Naperville offers several tips for healthy co-parenting and healthy kids. Read More »

New Lotus Vibrations Sprays

Specific to areas of the home that relate to the feng shui bagua, the sprays energetically assist vibrations to enhance aspects of life such as career, relationships and wealth. Read More »

New Vegan TV Show Launches

At a time when more people than ever are embracing veganism, the show will offer aspirational and practical guidance for those seeking to live a more abundant and well-balanced lifestyle. Read More »

Pre-Order Locally Grown Plants Now for Seasonal Planting

Gardeners that join OFC as a member will be able to pre-order a curated selection of locally grown, greenhouse-started vegetable and flower seedlings that will be ready for seasonal planting. Read More »

Recipe from a dairy-free kitchen ~ Dairy-Free Roasted Tomato Soup

Dairy-Free Roasted Tomato Soup makes a warm, satisfying and healthy lunch on a spring day in the Chicago area! Read More »

Therapeutic Massage – Delivered

Dulce Mobile Massage offers a variety of professional mobile massage services in the comfort of one’s home or office. Read More »

Try Refreshing Herbal Tea Beverages for a Daily Health Boost

Herbal teas offer many health benefits. For instance, hibiscus may lower blood pressure, peppermint may relieve a headache and basil may open the sinuses, allowing easier breathing. Enjoy these delicious and healthy gluten-free herbal recipes from GF Mom Certified's Tiffany Hinton. Read More »

Using Light to Fight Infection, Pain and Inflammation

PhotoBioModulation (PBM) comprises the delivery of photonic energy (light) to cells in the body that has been shown to improve energy, manage stress, improve mobility and sharpen mental acuity. Read More »

Canine Obesity: When Doggies Need Diets

How to determine the ideal weight for dogs and healthy ways to achieve weight loss through proper nutrition, including fresh organic raw food, diet and exercise. Read More »

Caribbean Offshore Drilling Threatens Florida Beaches

The Bahamas Petroleum Company has begun exploratory oil drilling 150 miles from South Florida despite warnings of the potential for severe or catastrophic impact if a spill occurs. Read More »

Down to Earth: The Promise of Regenerative Organic Farming

Regenerative organic farming holds great promise to rebuild soil, draw carbon from the atmosphere and ultimately grow healthier food. Read More »

Economical Carbon-Neutral Jet Fuel

Researchers have developed a carbon-neutral way to produce jet fuel using carbon dioxide as a main ingredient. Read More »

Getting Pregnant: Lifestyle Strategies to Boost Fertility

Natural approaches such as healthier diets, supplements, detoxed living, herbs, acupuncture and other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tips for boosting fertility to achieve pregnancy. Read More »

Green Smoothie Bowl

This healthy green smoothie bowl recipe combines tender, mild shoots along with buckwheat sprouts for a little extra satiety. Read More »

Guys and Infertility

Studies show that for 40 percent of infertile couples, the problem lies in male sperm that is too sparse, slow, damaged or misshapen. Here are natural strategies to improve sperm quality. Read More »

Hazardous Pollutants Found in Mount Everest Snow

Manmade perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been detected in snow at the top of Mount Everest, posing a risk for trekkers, climbers and residents that drink the water. Read More »

Healing from Grief: Four Ways to Find Peace

How to discover the light side of grief and identify and embrace the invitations that lay within its deep layers to find inner peace and healing. Read More »

Hemp-Derived Cannabidiol: A Primer on the Latest Research

The latest research on the proven health benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), the effects on anxiety and depression, how to get started, ways to administer and more. Read More »

Honey Bees Have a Dirty Secret

Although honey bees symbolize sustainability and are vital to farmers, they also have a distressing effect on the environment—destabilizing natural ecosystems by competing with native bees. Read More »

Improve Children’s Brain Health with Better Nutrition

A new study finds that six months of nutritional supplements can improve working memory and blood flow in children’s brains. Read More »

Indoor Edible Gardening: Grow Veggies, Sprouts and Microgreens Year-Round

With a little light and creativity, anyone can grow edible plants indoors on a windowsill or kitchen countertop, making fresh herbs, sprouts and greens available year-round. Read More »

Jeff Tkach on Regenerative Healthcare

Rodale Institute Chief Impact Officer Jeff Tkach discusses a prevention-based approach to human and environmental health by unlocking the transformational power of regenerative healthcare. Read More »

Noodle Soup with Coconut, Sprouts and Shoots

This warming, healthy soup with just the right amount of chili spice is simple to make and full of delicious, curry flavors. Read More »

On a Roll: Foam Rollers Ease Pain and Workout Recovery

Foam rolling targets trigger points or painful knots in muscles and is a valuable tool for reducing chronic pain and enhancing workout recovery. Read More »

Plug and Pedal: The Benefits of Using Electric Bikes

An Earth-friendly alternative for work commutes or pleasurable neighborhood spins is the e-bike, powered by pedaling and an electric motor. Read More »

Saving Coral Reefs Worldwide

The International Coral Reef Initiative has urged governments to take action to save the planet’s remaining coral reefs and their attendant fish populations. Read More »

Sprouted Hummus

This sprouted version of hummus is a tasty twist on the classic Middle Eastern recipe. Read More »

The Benefits of Renewable Geothermal Energy

Despite its enormous potential, geothermal energy supplied just 0.4 percent of U.S. electricity in 2019. Read More »

The Healing Potential of Psychedelic Medicines: Promising Studies on Stress Disorder, Depression and Addiction

Studies show that psychedelics such as psilocybin and MDMA can help heal trauma, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, addiction and other mental and behavioral conditions. Read More »

Try Ginger to Lower Diabetes Markers

Ginger root can help to decrease levels of fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in Type 2 diabetes patients. Read More »

Try Mindfulness to Improve Cardiovascular Health

Mindfulness training can lower blood pressure and positively influence behavior that promotes cardiovascular health, report researchers. Read More »

Use Colored LED Lights to Relax

Taking note of businesses that use lighting to create a mood, researchers demonstrated that patient unease in imaging centers can be modified with the use of colored LED lights. Read More »

Use Green Tea Extract and Curcumin to Ward Off Oral Cancer

Two natural chemopreventive agents—green tea extract and curcumin—have been shown to significantly reduce oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) biomarkers. Read More »