Natural Awakenings Chicago ~ June 2021

Dandelions Are North America’s Native Medicine

Dandelions are those pretty, little, yellow flowers commonly referred to as “weeds”, which are routinely removed and discarded from lawns across the country. The truth is, dandelions are not weeds at all, but completely edible flowers with powerful medicinal benefits. Greta info and recipes, too! Read More »

Business Design Lab June Session Now Enrolling

Author, coach and successful entrepreneur Karyn Pettigrew is the founder of the Business Design Lab for Women, which guides women to their extraordinary lives by designing and operating businesses from a position of mind/body/spirit alignment. Read More »

Community Spotlight: A Balanced Path to Success and Empowerment

As a child, west suburban Chicago entrepreneur Jacqueline Ruiz felt a strong desire to make a difference and told her mother at an early age that she wanted to change the world. “In my heart, I knew I was here on the Earth to serve." Ruiz, of Naperville, is an inspiration to women everywhere, and focuses on mentoring young Latina women through her programs. Read More »

Edgar Cayce Past-Life Lecture

The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center is hosting Joanne DiMaggio, MA, CHt, author of Edgar Cayce and the Unfulfilled Destiny of Thomas Jefferson Reborn, from 1 to 4 p.m., June 26, online via Zoom. Read More »

Free Lymphatic Class with Sharon Vogel

Sharon M. Vogel, CLT LMT, provides a complimentary monthly Lymphormation class at 2 p.m. on the second Saturday of most months at the Vogel Institute, inside the National Lymphatic Centers. Read More »

Free Virtual Conservation Programs This Summer for Kids at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service has a summer schedule of virtual conservation education programs made for children of all ages. Staff from Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie near Joliet will lead the free online classes. Read More »

GF Mom Certified Influencer Launches Lifestyle Workbook and Online Program

Hacking Your Health: 3-Week Detox breaks down the simple steps of a three-week detoxification process using whole foods, functional medicine principles and lifestyle storytelling. Read More »

Health Freedom Expo Live in Tinley Park this October

Forty-five health experts, innovative natural products and services from more than 75 exhibitors will be available, as well as news about healthcare advancements and legislation. Read More »

Humans Can Help Bluebirds Thrive

Bluebirds are nesting in many manmade boxes all over the country, including in the Chicago region. Hundreds of volunteers in Chicago and the suburbs are tending to nest boxes set up to give these songbirds a place to raise their young. Writer Sheryl DeVore explores how Chicago area residents can help bluebirds to thrive. Read More »

Letter from Publisher

After a rather chilly spring here on the left coast of Lake Michigan, we’re ready to open the windows and let in the new season! Step outside, look up at the sky, feel the breeze (or the gusty southwest winds bringing warmth) and open your mind to the start of summer, the happy beginning of longer days and new possibilities. Read More »

Natural Ways to Help Control Pests this Spring and Summer

As spring arrives, so do the ants, and for many homeowners they are a nuisance. But the ants were here first and are part of a balanced ecosystem. We don’t have to kill them, just keep them outside. Instead of purchasing a toxic insecticide spray or trap, there are safer, more humane alternatives, says Rick Moskovitz of A-Plus Natural Solutions Worldwide, Inc, of Skokie. Read More »

Natural Wellness and Self-Care Fair

Attendees will experience free mini-sessions with holistic practitioners to relax, revive and revitalize; and obtain tips and practices for improving body, mind and spirit with simple self-care techniques to feel calmer, happier and healthier. Also included are mini wellness workshops. Read More »

Pampering Holistic Healing Treatments in Naperville

At Glowing Wellness Holistic Spa, in downtown Naperville, clients can escape to their own private wellness haven, spend some much-needed downtime in a coddling, healing treatment and leave restored, re-energized and glowing. Read More »

Recipes: Zesty Greens and Grilling for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is a time to cook Dad’s favorite food, or as in some families, Dad wants to do the grilling. Enjoy the flavors of the South this Father’s Day with these healthy, gluten-free recipes from GF Mom Certified Tiffany Hinton. Read More »

Sarah Karnes Offers an Energy Refresh Challenge

Life changes coach Sarah Karnes mentors women that feel they’ve lost their spark and creativity. She is offering an online Refresh Your Energy challenge in July for those seeking more joy, vitality and fulfillment in themselves, their work and relationships. Read More »

Thermography Useful for Screening Dental Issues

Northwest Healing Center uses thermography as a tool to help pinpoint the source of difficult-to-diagnose dental pain and referred pain, and says it is an easy and clear process for locating root causes of dental inflammation and infection. Read More »

What to Expect During a Metabolic Detox

A metabolic detox plan helps the body address and remove toxins. The human body is exposed to both endogenous and environmental toxins every day. Common types of toxins include heavy metals, pesticides, plastics, industrial chemicals, and bacterial endotoxins. Read More »

Yoga: Also Great for Guys

The many benefits of Yoga for men include fitness, flexibility, better digestion of food and liquids, relaxation and more. Plus, it's fun. Read More »

Almond Cinnamon Granola

Take vegan food to-go with this plant-based recipe for Almond Cinnamon Granola. Read More »

Andria Somers on Being United for Better Parenting

Andria Somers, executive director of the Holistic Moms Network, is connecting and supporting families interested in positive, holistic parenting, health and green living. Read More »

Beat the Blues Naturally: Drug-Free Ways to Treat Depression

Herbs, dietary changes, exercise routines and other effective alternative therapies to naturally help treat those suffering from depression without the side effects of antidepressants. Read More »

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

Make this vegan recipe for chocolate chip pumpkin muffins for an easy plant-based food to take when traveling. Read More »

Consider Depression Treatment to Fight Ulcers

Research has found that peptic ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome, along with other gut disorders, are linked to depression. Read More »

Create a Dog-Friendly Yard: Plants, Paths and Play Areas to Wag a Tail

For homeowners with dogs, consider “dog-scaping” with these pet-friendly plants and flea-repelling herbs, thoughtful play areas and other tips for the backyard. Read More »

Cultivate Satisfaction to be Healthier and Happier

Older people with high levels of life satisfaction—a favorable attitude toward life—have healthier habits, less depression and pain, better sleep and a longer life, reports researchers. Read More »

Eat Five Veggies and Fruits Daily to Live Longer

New research has found that two and three daily servings of fruit and vegetables, respectively, were linked to the most longevity. Read More »

Improve Sleep with a Weighted Blanket

Research has found that sleeping with a weighted blanket can lead to better sleep and reduced fatigue, depression and anxiety, and increased levels of daytime activity. Read More »

Integrative Health for Men: Natural Approaches for Robust Vitality

Integrative, holistic strategies with a mind-body focus for common threats to men's health such as heart disease, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer and depression. Read More »

Japanese Noritos

This simple yet elegant recipe for Japanese Noritos is the perfect make-ahead vegan meal for on-the-go plant-based eating. Read More »

Lithium Mining for Electric Vehicles Creating Tension

The proposed Thacker Pass lithium mine in northern Nevada has passed a review by the Bureau of Land Management, but unhappy residents and conservation groups are filing lawsuits. Read More »

Nix Sweeteners to Avoid Spreading Antibiotic Resistance

Four widely used artificial sweeteners—saccharine, sucralose, aspartame and acesulfame potassium—promote the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in environmental and clinical settings. Read More »

Offshore Wind Power Gaining Momentum

With technological advances, falling costs, increased interest, the ability to relieve carbon dependency and the tremendous economic potential, offshore wind energy holds great promise. Read More »

Olio App Prevents Food Waste

The smartphone app Olio allows people with extra food to post a picture online. Anyone that wants the food can respond and pick it up as a gift. Read More »

Plants to Avoid in Pet Yards

Specific plants can be poisonous to pets. Be sure to keep the yard clear of the following poisonous plants to create a backyard that’s both fun and safe for pets. Read More »

Relaxed Kids: Simple Ways to Calm Anxious Children

Expose kids to relaxation practices through fun activities, yoga poses, mindfulness exercises, meditation and other techniques to naturally calm childhood anxiety. Read More »

Rethinking Fireworks: Greener Ways to Celebrate the Fourth

Most fireworks are made of non-biodegradable plastics and harmful chemicals, polluting the ground, air and water. Here are some eco-friendly alternatives. Read More »

Simple Acts Can Change the World

It’s easy to feel small and helpless in a world full of big problems, but there are simple, daily actions we can take to change it for the better. Read More »

Summer Season Projected to Last Longer

A new study predicts that if emissions of greenhouse gases go unchecked, summers in the Northern Hemisphere could last nearly six months by 2100. Read More »

Sunscreens Harm Hawaiian Reefs

A proposed bill banning sunscreens containing the chemicals avobenzone or octocrylene, harmful to humans, marine animals and coral, has progressed through the Hawaiian House and Senate. Read More »

The Fit Gardener: Backyard Workouts Good for Mind and Body

Gardening can foster fitness, burn calories and support heart health by offering an opportunity for moderate intensity exercise and providing a challenging workout with aerobic benefits. Read More »

Traveling for the Planet: Sustainable Ways to Explore the World

How to be green when choosing hotels, modes of transportation, places to shop and dine, and other travel activities to make your tourism sustainable and eco-friendly. Read More »

Vegan Road-Tripping: Travel Tips for Plant-Based Eaters

Ways to enjoy healthy, plant-based eating when traveling with on-the-go vegan food planning and preparation. Read More »

Wild Birds Trained to Pick Up Litter

A Dutch company, Crowded Cities, has a device called the CrowBar that trains birds to collect discarded cigarette butts in exchange for food. Read More »

World’s Largest Dam Removal Project Underway

An agreement between farmers, tribes and dam owners will result in the deconstruction of four aging, inefficient dams along the Klamath River in the Pacific Northwest to restore salmon runs. Read More »