From our founder @Doug Reed: ------------------------------------------------- I know I'm a little late to the party... But did you know 3 days ago was World Chocolate Day? For many of us, chocolate is more than just a tasty treat. It’s a mood lifter, an energy booster, a reward after a tough day, and a favorite holiday gift. People also choose dark chocolate in particular for its potential health benefits. Thanks to studies that suggest its rich supply of antioxidants may improve heart health and other conditions, and for its relatively low levels of sugar. But what you should be aware of is that in a recent consumer reports study, Cadmium and Lead were tested in 28 different chocolate bars. Chocolates high in lead include: - Organic Pure Dark 70% Cocoa by Beyond Good - Organic Extra Dark Chocolate 80% Cacao By Equal Exchange - Excellence Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa by Lindt - Organic Dark Chocolate Classic Blackout 85% Cacao by Alter Ego - Promises Deeper Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao by Dove Chocolates high in cadmium include: - Chocolonely Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa by Tony's - Extra Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa by Lily's - Dark Chocolate 72% Cacao by Trader Joes - Organic Simple Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao by HU - Bold + Silky Dark Chocolate 72% Cocoa by Endangered Species Now you might be wondering..... Which chocolate bars were found to be the least toxic? Here's the list of safe finds: - Organic Dark Chocolate 80% Cocoa by Mast - Organic Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao by Taza Chocolate - Chocolate with 86% cacao by Ghirardelli - Dark chocolate with 72% cacao Ghirardelli Twilight Delight - 85% cacao dark chocolate from Valrhona Abinao I would still say to be careful of added sugars and any other added fillers in your chocolate bars. But for the most part, you should be safe with something like Taza or Mast. And if you're anything like me, and you've eaten your fair share of chocolate in the past,

Happy Sunday, Holistic Family! Are you or someone you love struggling with the aftermath of trauma? No matter the source, trauma recovery can be a challenge, but with the right supports, healing and growth are not only possible, they become much easier. Sharain Clark, one of the original Holistic American founders, has created her own group that addresses trauma recovery from both personal and collective experiences/perspectives, and we're looking to help her community grow! Sharain recently announced that she will be stepping down from her role as an Administrator for the The Holistic American family of communities to focus on this important work. And although she'll remain a collaborating contributor to our platforms, we're looking to give her a BIG BOOST in memberships to thank her for all she's done for The Holistic American and its subsidiaries, and send her off to success with style! Let's show her how it's done! Introducing Reclamation Nation 🎉 This EXCLUSIVE community is dedicated to transforming trauma into triumph. Here, members bridge pain to purpose, fostering connection and support on their healing journeys. 💖 Why Join Reclamation Nation? 🤝 Healing requires courage, and no one should navigate it alone. Here’s what members can expect: - 🌈 Compassionate Community: Connect with others who truly understand your journey. - 💡 Expert Guidance: Access valuable personal development and conflict resolution resources. - 🧠 Emotional Intelligence Tools: Boost your resilience and self-awareness with our clinically proven methods and strategies. - 🌿 Pathway to Peace Course: Unlock effective trauma recovery strategies tailored just for you through a self-paced and directed course with reflection tools built in. - 🎉 Shared Experiences: Enjoy our Book Club/Pathway To Peace discussions, Onsite Arcade links to games, shared music in the classroom for inspiration, fun, and healing—all in one place! - 📻 Boombox/Jukebox- A collection of music for everyone's taste that cultivates empowerment, connection, and fun! - 💝 Self-Care Marketplace: Access holistic products and accessories that enhance your healing journey holistically. - Exclusive one-off-payment courses such as, Trauma Informed Brain Entrainment & Navigating Romantic Relationships After Trauma.

Happy Saturday. Holistic Family! Herbal Spotlight-Chickweed Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a versatile and often overlooked plant that has been valued for its medicinal properties for centuries. This common, low-growing herb is found in temperate regions worldwide and is known for its delicate, star-like white flowers and succulent green leaves. While many may dismiss it as a mere weed, chickweed has a rich history in traditional medicine and offers a variety of health benefits. Medicinal Benefits of Chickweed 1. Anti-inflammatory and Healing Properties Chickweed is packed with compounds that help reduce inflammation, making it useful for treating skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rashes. It has been traditionally applied topically as a poultice to soothe irritated skin, reduce swelling, and promote faster healing of wounds. 2. Digestive Health Chickweed is a gentle digestive tonic. It can help soothe the digestive tract, alleviate constipation, and reduce bloating due to its mild laxative effects. It also helps support overall gut health by promoting healthy digestion and elimination. 3. Respiratory Support This herb has expectorant properties, making it beneficial for clearing mucus from the lungs. Chickweed is often used in herbal teas to alleviate coughs, bronchitis, and mild asthma. Its soothing effects can help ease inflammation in the respiratory system and promote easier breathing. 4. Rich in Nutrients Chickweed is a highly nutritious plant, packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and calcium. It’s also a good source of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and support overall health. 5. Weight Loss and Detoxification Chickweed is often included in herbal detox blends because it helps support the liver and kidneys, aiding in the removal of toxins from the body. It’s also believed to have mild appetite-suppressing properties, which can support weight loss efforts when combined with a healthy diet. 6. Anti-anxiety and Stress Relief Some herbalists use chickweed as a mild sedative for its calming and stress-relieving properties. It can be especially beneficial for individuals dealing with anxiety or sleep disturbances, as it helps promote relaxation and mental clarity.

Happy Thursday, Holistic Family! At RuVed, they believe that true wellness starts with nature—and for over three decades, the Sodhi brothers have been on a mission to bring the best of Ayurvedic wisdom to your doorstep. With their exclusive line of herbal supplements, they offer products that transform your daily health routine with the time-tested power of nature. Why Choose RuVed Herbal Supplements? 🌿 RuVed supplements are crafted with one goal in mind: to maximize your health and wellness by harnessing the healing properties of nature’s most potent herbs. Here's why they stand out: - Proven Quality: Every herb in their supplements is grown in the fertile soils of the Himalayas, carefully harvested, and processed using sustainable methods. This ensures that each product is packed with the essential nutrients your body needs. - Exclusive Sourcing: The herbs are handpicked from the most pristine environments, offering you an elite level of quality that you won’t find anywhere else. RuVed goes directly to the source in India, where Ayurvedic herbs have been cultivated for centuries. - Transformative Results: By integrating ancient herbal knowledge with modern science, RuVed’s formulas work synergistically to support overall well-being, helping you feel your best—mentally, physically, and emotionally. - Instant Access: When you shop RuVed, you gain exclusive access to a wide range of herbal remedies designed to boost your health and vitality in record time. - Guaranteed Effectiveness: RuVed’s commitment to quality ensures that each product is guaranteed to provide the benefits you’re looking for. If you’re not satisfied, they’ll make it right. Discover What Makes RuVed Different 🌟 - Sustainably Grown: RuVed partners with local farmers in the foothills of the Himalayas, educating them on sustainable farming techniques to protect the environment and ensure the herbs’ potency for generations to come. - Herbal Wisdom at Your Fingertips: RuVed isn’t just about selling supplements—they empower you with the knowledge of Ayurvedic medicine, helping you confidently incorporate herbal healing into your daily routine. - Revolutionary Herbal Solutions: Unlike traditional supplements, RuVed’s formulas combine the wisdom of Ayurveda with cutting-edge scientific research. This revolutionary approach ensures you get the best of both worlds—natural healing backed by modern knowledge.

Courtesy of Holistic American Health Academy member, Gail Steed Cilantro is the all-around amazing detox herb. Cilantro flushes mercury and other heavy metals from the body that are nearly impossible to avoid. There's a compound in cilantro that metals bind to that gets released through urine. •Toxic metal cleansing • Help prevents cardiovasculardamage • Anti-diabetic activity • Strong antioxidant activity • Possesses anti-anxiety effects • Help-improves sleep quality • Has a blood-sugar lowering effect • Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activity • Natural internal deodorant Cilantro is best taken with a binder like Fulvic minerals to help carry the metals out of your body.