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Scutellaria grows worldwide, from North America to China, as well as in Western Europe and the Balkans. Scutellaria baicalensis originates from Eastern Siberia but extends to other parts of Russia and is also found in China, Mongolia, Japan, and Korea. In Europe, the plant is cultivated. Scutellaria laterifolia originates from North America, specifically in the eastern regions.

The birth of your child is one of the most impactful and special events in a person's life. Your world is turned upside down, and there is a lot to take in. Although it sometimes seems like you need an enormous amount for your new family member, in practice, it is manageable. With a generous amount of love, some warm clothing, nappies, and food of course, you can go a long way. However, it is recommended to have Vitamin D and Vitamin K for your baby at home. We answer the most frequently asked questions about these recommended supplements for your baby.

The body is an expert at collaboration. Nothing in our body stands alone. All cells and processes have a kind of 'chemistry' with each other; they are connected through communication and interplay. Our immune system can only function well and provide adequate resistance and protection if all involved parties are well-coordinated. But which elements in our body work together to ensure optimal resistance? And what role do nutrition and supplementation play in this?

For thousands of years, attention has been paid to oral care. Particularly the Egyptians and the Chinese were early adopters, but the Romans and Greeks also paid attention to oral hygiene. Oral care began with the use of (wet) twigs and pieces of bone that were used as a type of toothpick. Additionally, salt was used to clean the teeth, as well as herbs and leaves due to their medicinal properties. Later, tooth powder was introduced, made from ground eggshells, bones, charcoal, earth, porcelain, and/or herbs. The first toothpastes consisted of soap and glycerine and were only brought to market in the mid-19th century. Good oral hygiene today involves more than just brushing your teeth twice a day. It is also important to floss daily and scrape your tongue.

The Dutch Nutrition Centre recommends "250 grams of vegetables per day," but from an orthomolecular nutritional science perspective, an optimal amount is significantly higher, namely at least 400 to 500 grams of vegetables daily. Vegetables are crucial due to their fibre content (of which you need about 30 to 40 grams daily) and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. 250 grams of vegetables only contain 11 grams of fibre, and unfortunately, the micronutrients in vegetables and fruit have decreased in recent decades. We will delve deeper into why the nutritional value has declined.

In winter, your skin faces additional challenges. A little loving and attentive care is precisely what we need to feel comfortable in our own skin. There is plenty you can do, both internally and externally, to keep your dry skin hydrated and winter-proof. Let's start with a few basics…

Have you ever taken a big bite out of a lemon? Sour, isn't it? The word 'acidification' might ring a bell. However, 'acidification' can mean something entirely different from a sour taste in your mouth. We are talking about the acidification of the body. Unfortunately, this has far more unpleasant consequences than just a sour face. The good news: you can do something about it, namely deacidify! After this article, you'll know all the 'ins and outs' of acidification and can start deacidifying your body.

What is Ashwagandha? Ashwagandha is a plant primarily known as a herb that has been used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, which originates from India. However, this herb also grows in various other parts of the world, such as Africa and the Mediterranean region. Ashwagandha comes from Sanskrit, derived from "ashva" meaning horse and "gandha" meaning smell, referring to the root that supposedly has a horse-like scent. Ashwagandha is also known as "Indian Ginseng" or Winter Cherry. As the name suggests, red berry-like fruits grow on its long sturdy branches, which can reach up to 1.5 metres in height.

More and more people are choosing a plant-based lifestyle. Currently, it is estimated that 1% of the Dutch population (approximately 174,000 people) are vegan, and this number is likely to continue rising. A plant-based lifestyle is gaining considerable popularity and has become an integral part of our society. Consuming only plant-based foods is a healthy foundation, provided that attention is paid to obtaining sufficient amounts of certain essential nutrients. We are happy to help you get started!

Taking extra Vitamin C is often associated with preventing colds during the harsh winter months. However, we can also benefit from this vitamin during the summer. Vitamin C is truly an all-rounder when it comes to supporting our body. It functions as a co-enzyme for approximately 300 functions in our body and is perhaps the most discussed and recommended vitamin. In the 18th century, it was already demonstrated that eating oranges and lemons could prevent and cure scurvy. Two hundred years later, it was discovered that this was specifically due to Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. This name is derived from 'A' meaning 'not' and 'Scorbutus', a variation of scurvy.

We asked cycling enthusiast Astrid about her favourite cycling route in the Netherlands. It took some thought for this cycling aficionado, who naturally found it difficult to choose just one route. Eventually, she decided! The route through historic Dordrecht, towards the stunning Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and through the unique picturesque nature reserves known as the Boezems Kinderdijk and the Donkse Laagten.

It's the height of summer! We're seeking the sun by going sailing, heading to the beach, or simply relaxing in the park or our back garden. However, what we often overlook is getting enough nutrients. While in the winter months (months with an 'r'), we take extra supplements for support, we sometimes forget to do so in the summer. Yet, this is just as important in the summer! This is often when you are most active. You might take more beautiful walks, enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, go on holiday, relish long summer evenings, and perhaps give the garden shed a fresh coat of paint. So, ensure you take extra care of yourself in the summer as well! Below, we've listed some essential vitamins and minerals that are also important in the summer. Are you reading along?

Red Yeast Rice is a type of rice fermented by yeast (not to be confused with the red rice served in a Thai restaurant). It is the yeast that gives the rice its red colour; by fermenting ordinary rice with the Monascus purpureus yeast, the rice grains turn dark red. Red yeast rice is also known as Xuezhikang or Red Koji.

Regardless of your age, everyone benefits from gentle natural products that do not irritate your skin. At each stage of life, your skin requires different care. We have outlined the various stages below along with our favourite skincare products!

In certain life stages and under special circumstances, your body requires extra attention to vitamins and minerals. Below, we have outlined which nutrients are particularly important at each stage. Of course, the most important thing is to eat healthily, which means plenty of vegetables, fruit, and fatty acids!

Much has been said and written about it, but we cannot emphasise it enough: drink plenty of water! It is incredibly important for the proper functioning of both body and mind. Your body is largely composed of water; in babies, it's even 75%! As you age, this percentage decreases to 65% in men and approximately 50% in women. Now that we are in the midst of summer and temperatures are soaring, it is extra important to monitor your fluid intake. Here, we explain why it is crucial to keep your body hydrated.

For a long time, fats had a bad reputation and were anxiously avoided in many diets. Fortunately, we now know better and understand how important healthy fats are for your body. Particularly, Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are praised for their significant contribution to our health. DHA is beneficial for brain and eye function, and both DHA and EPA are favourable for the heart and blood pressure. Less known, however, is the polyunsaturated Omega 6 fatty acid Gamma-linolenic acid, abbreviated as GLA. Therefore, we will tell you more about this important fatty acid.

Achoo, achoo; you just can't stop sneezing! And what about those red eyes and itchy nose? There's a good chance you're suffering from hay fever. Especially at this time of year, spring, when pollen is abundant in the air. What exactly is hay fever and more importantly: what helps to alleviate the symptoms?