Plant Forage Health - M. Friend

06/07/2026

THINGS PEOPLE USED BEFORE SUPPLEMENTS

1. Bone Broth wasn’t sold in tubs and powders, people drank it for protein, minerals, and collagen-building amino acids.
2. Pasture-Raised Eggs weren’t marketed as superfoods, they were a daily source of protein, choline, and essential nutrients.
3. Cod Liver Oil was used long before vitamin D capsules existed because it provided vitamins A and D naturally.
4. Sauerkraut wasn’t considered a probiotic, it was simply a traditional way to preserve food and support digestion.
5. Garlic wasn’t packaged into pills, people used it daily in meals to support overall health and wellness.
6. Liver wasn’t popular, but it was one of the most nutrient-dense foods available for iron, vitamin A, and B vitamins.
7. Fermented Dairy like kefir and yogurt supplied beneficial bacteria long before probiotic supplements were invented.
8. Seaweed provided iodine and trace minerals naturally in many coastal cultures around the world.
9. Herbal Teas like chamomile, peppermint, and ginger were used to support sleep, digestion, and relaxation.
10. Sardines and small fish supplied omega 3 fats, calcium, and vitamin D long before fish oil capsules existed.
11. Sunlight was the original source of vitamin D before people relied on bottles and tablets.
12. Oysters were valued for their zinc, copper, selenium, and other trace minerals long before mineral supplements became common.

06/07/2026

NUTRITION HACKS THAT WORK

1. Cinnamon in your coffee - Helps support steadier blood sugar and may reduce energy crashes later.
2. Lemon on leafy greens - Helps your body absorb more iron from plant foods.
3. Black pepper with turmeric - Increases absorption of curcumin significantly.
4. Olive oil on vegetables - Helps your body absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K.
5. Protein before carbohydrates - Helps slow digestion and support more stable energy.
6. Apple cider vinegar before meals - May help reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes.
7. Chia seeds in smoothies - Add fiber that helps support fullness and digestive health.
8. Blueberries with Greek yogurt - Combine antioxidants, protein, and probiotics in one simple snack.
9. Sauerkraut with meals - Provides beneficial bacteria that support gut health.
10. Pumpkin seeds as a snack - Supply magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats that support energy production.
11. Kiwi before bed - Provides nutrients associated with healthy sleep quality.
12. Brazil nuts with breakfast - Supply selenium, an important mineral for thyroid health.
13. Parsley on your meals - Adds antioxidants and vitamin K with almost no effort.
14. A pinch of sea salt in water after sweating - Helps replenish lost electrolytes.
15. Walking for 10 minutes after eating - Helps muscles use glucose more efficiently.

04/10/2026

02/28/2026

Grow bags offer deep root space at a fraction of container cost.
These fabric pots air-prune roots and drain fast for healthier pairings.

- Tomatoes & Basil — deep bag gives tomato roots room while basil fills the surface
- Potatoes & Horseradish — both love the loose airy soil grow bags provide
- Peppers & Oregano — peppers anchor deep while oregano spreads across the top
- Carrots & Onions — fabric sides let long carrots grow straight beside shallow onions
- Zucchini & Nasturtiums — heavy feeder gets full bag depth with nasturtiums ringing the edge
- Eggplant & Thyme — eggplant claims the center depth, thyme protects the soil surface
- Beans & Lettuce — beans fix nitrogen in the bag that lettuce pulls from topsoil
- Cucumbers & Radishes — cucumber roots spread through fabric while radishes mark the surface
- Beets & Chives — deep beet roots grow perfectly straight in soft bag walls

Grow bags turn any sunny corner into instant vegetable garden space.

02/11/2026

As I start to make a topical infused oil, the kitchen was filled with the smell of three of my favorite herbs - Comfrey Hops and Chamomile.

COMFREY once known as knitbone, Symphytum officinale has a long history of wound healing, or aiding in the recovery of broken bones, torn muscles, sprains and aches. It’s perfect for applying topically 2 weeks post surgery as an oil or like I’m going to make a body butter. In the past, I made a balm as pictured but today I wanted to see how it will perform as a body butter.

Im also going to use CHAMOMILE and HOPS as they provide a mild sedative to calm nerves. They also help the body relax and reduce anxiety while making u sleepy which will give the body time to rest, recover and regenerate.

It’s so nice to get back to making stuff after having to travel so much. 💙. Any questions about the herbs I’m using, feel free to schedule a consult or visit:
www.plantforagehealth.com

02/05/2026

As u can tell, the page of UpNorth Massage has been renamed to Plant Forage Health - M. Friend. Plant & Forage Health offers an approach to wellness that combines food and herb consultation, holistic care and small batch herbal remedies to boost and support immunity, increase energy, enhance mood and support a healthy weight and lifestyle. If u are ready to use natural methods using herbs and food to promote a healthy lifestyle, let us be your guide. For more information about expanded services, please visit www.plantforagehealth.com

02/20/2024

UPNORTH MASSAGE has a position open for a highly motivated massage therapist. Flexible hours, great work environment and appointments provided. To schedule an interview, call Marina at 231-342-5070.

11/12/2023

Give the gift of comfort and joy by taking advantage of the annual massage gift certificate sale at UPNORTH MASSAGE!

The more you purchase, the more you save. Buy a package for one person to enjoy thru out the year or purchase a package to give to all your friends, family or employees. Packages are fully customizable.

Purchase:
3 massages, save 10%
6 massages, save 15%
12 massages, save 20%

Privileged to be providing medically based massage services for more than 10 years!
To finalize a purchase, call 231-342-5070