Not just another pretty face -- Boost immunity, soothe anxiety and calm distressed skin with cornflower herb

As a powerful medicinal plant, cornflower offers a wealth of benefit. Muscle and joint pain, eye complaints, anxiety, skin irritations and digestive upset all respond well to this edible flower. Cornflower also helps to increase immunity -- a welcome tonic during the cold and flu season. Easy to grow, these brilliant blooms are as versatile as they are beautiful.

Sometimes known as 'bachelor's button', cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) grows wild throughout Europe and certain parts of North America. Bearing rich blue flowers, the plant can reach up to three feet high. Native to Greece and Turkey, cornflower has a long history of healing use.

Discover the 7 habits of highly healthy people

Ever marvel over friends, family members or colleagues who never seem to get sick? They breeze through flu epidemics, office stomach bugs and colds totally unscathed. It truly makes one wonder: Is there a secret to outstanding health in the middle of the coughing, sneezing and miserably ill masses? Absolutely. But you may be surprised as to the reasons.

In the general scheme of life, there really isn't a magic bullet to great health, although there are certain habits that resilient individuals tend to adopt. Some may be familiar, others a bit more unexpected.

Quality rest

Robust people normally do not burn the midnight oil. Good sleep each night is the foundation for keeping the immune system in top form. Going to bed before 10 PM and eliminating exposure to light, especially computer screens, encourages melatonin production -- fostering sound sleep.

Superfood Kitchen Giveaway + Cacao Nibs

Superfood Kitchen is one of my all-time favorite cookbooks. Not only does it cover a wide range of ultra-healthy foods and how to use them in everyday life, but it's also beautifully photographed. The book is just plain gorgeous. And absolutely inspiring for seasoned superfooders and newbies alike. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Here's what Publishers Weekly has to say:

"Morris became interested in superfoods—“a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being”—while working with the superfood company Navitas Naturals. Despite ingredients that many people may be unfamiliar with, this book is surprisingly accessible. Morris explains exactly what superfood is, its many supposed benefits, how to incorporate superfoods into your diet, and how to shop. Included are sections titled “The Need for Nutrient Density” and “The New Superfood Pantry,” touting items like açai berry, an Amazonian berry containing concentrated antioxidants, healthy mono and polyunsaturated fats, as well as many vitamins and minerals; chai seed, similar to flaxseed, that the Aztecs, Incas and Mayans used for strength and stamina; and maca, a radish-like root that fights different stresses. Morris offers plant-based, nutrient-dense recipes of all kinds; breakfast bars—a lemon-coconut chocolate as well as one made with gogi berries (which have 18 amino acids); soups such as pumpkin, and kale, and black-eyed pea; and entrees like zucchini fettuccine with mega marinara, and pomegranate-glazed portobello steaks over lemony spinach. An ingredient resource guide takes the guesswork out of finding everything you need for these “simple recipes that can fuel an energetic lifestyle."'

Wheat madness- Is this popular grain provoking mental illness?

A mainstay in most Western diets, wheat is normally not associated with mental illness. Yet research has shown an intolerance to compounds within the grain can cause major neurological issues, including psychotic breakdowns. Far from a benign food, wheat has been linked with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and even diseases like multiple sclerosis along with Alzheimer's. In the spirit of physical and mental health, many are realizing wheat is not a food to be consumed lightly.

Dangerous triggers lurking

One of the main health-harming culprits is found with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), a category of lectins. Regardless if the wheat is soaked, sprouted or cooked, these compounds remain intact. Tiny and hard to digest, lectins can accumulate within the body and wreak havoc on physical and mental well-being. WGA is neurotoxic, crossing the blood brain barrier and attaching to the myelin sheath, consequentially inhibiting nerve growth - a serious consideration for those suffering from degenerative neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's. Lectins also destroy the villi in the intestinal tract, creating an inflamed, leaky gut. Since there is a strong connection between the gut and brain via the vagus nerve, intestinal ill-health strongly affects the mind, mood and behavior. The gut is also considered a 'second brain', pumping out its own source of feel good neurotransmitters like serotonin. If normal functioning of the intestinal tract is hindered, production of serotonin dips along with stable mental states.

Thrive Short Order | Caramelized Italian Plums with Mascarpone and Almond {Gluten-Free}

We have some beautiful Italian plums in season at the moment - firm, dark and mysterious. With a slightly tart-sweet flavor, they are absolutely perfect for caramelizing and pair wonderfully with the richness of mascarpone. And cardamom makes an appearance here as well. Used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 5,000 years, modern science is now verifying the healthy usefulness of the spice. More than just a flavorful favorite, cardamom also has many surprising benefits. It's a potent antidepressant, aphrodisiac and relaxant. But these are just a few of the reasons to use the spice. Find out more here.

Eliminate acne once and for all with these simple tips

Not only bothersome, acne can also indicate toxicity. Encourage radiant skin and cleanse the body by making easy adjustments to the diet and utilizing natural remedies. Exotic or expensive ingredients are unnecessary -- a solution may be no further than the kitchen pantry.

We are what we eat

It should come as no surprise that diet is intricately linked with the health of the skin; whether acne, premature wrinkles or general clarity. A spectrum of colorful fruits and vegetables are key, especially leafy greens which help to detoxify the liver. A whole food diet is a must. Essential fatty acids found in flax, borage, hemp and fish oils support luminous, healthy skin as well. Nix dairy forever along with red meat, both of which encourage inflammation -- one of the many causes of skin eruptions. The same for refined sugar. If you need something sweet, xylitol or stevia are good substitutes. Choose organic, always. This will reduce the toxic load and bump up nutritional content. Vitamins A and E, magnesium, calcium and zinc are vital for glowing skin -- make sure you are getting enough.