Dr. Christopher's School of Natural Healing

11/09/2025

Simple Root Beer Tea (Caffeine -Free, Kid Friendly)

Brew up some sarsaparilla and enjoy the health benefits with a delicious tea that even kids will enjoy!

Ingredients:
* 1 tablespoon sarsaparilla root
* 1 tablespoon licorice root (adds natural sweetness)
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon chips (or a small cinnamon stick)
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (added after steeping for flavor)
* 2–3 cups water

Instructions:
* Add the sarsaparilla, licorice, and cinnamon to a small saucepan with the water.
* Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
* Strain into a mug or pitcher.
* Stir in the vanilla extract once slightly cooled.
* Sweeten with raw honey or maple syrup, if desired.

To Enjoy:
Serve warm as a cozy tea, or
Chill and pour over ice for a refreshing iced root beer-style drink.

Optional:
Add a thin slice of fresh ginger or a few cloves to the simmering pot.

11/06/2025

Our philosophy is simple: cleanse and nourish to achieve true healing. Blood-purifying herbs are a key part of this process. One such herb—sarsaparilla—has stood the test of time.

Sarsaparilla has long been known for its powerful cleansing properties. For centuries, it has been used to help the body clear out toxins, particularly through the blood, skin, and lymphatic system.

Historically, sarsaparilla has been used for:
* Skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis
* Support during chronic or inflammatory conditions
* Traditional treatment for syphilis and other infections
* Hormonal balancing in both men and women

Its active compounds—especially saponins and plant sterols—are thought to support:
* liver function,
* detoxification
* endocrine health

Sarsaparilla plays a supporting role in several of Dr. Christopher’s time-tested herbal formulas, including:
* Joint Formula – for inflammation and mobility
* Hormonal Changease – for endocrine and reproductive balance
* MindTrac – for mood, mental clarity, and nervous system support

Sarsaparilla reminds us that gentle, consistent herbal support can help cleanse and strengthen the body from the inside out. By working with nature—and supporting the body’s own healing processes—we move closer to lasting wellness.

11/03/2025

Autumn = Pine Nut Season!

Create connection this season by putting a bowl of pine nuts on the counter - it takes some time to remove the shell from each tiny seed so people tend to gather and talk while cracking shells. Pine nuts (technically seeds!) are tiny, nutrient-dense powerhouses. They’re high in calories, but you don’t need many to feel their benefits. When ripe, they have a soft texture and a mildly sweet, buttery flavor. If you open one and find it dry or bitter, just toss it and try another.

Dr. Christopher called nuts and seeds "little power packs" of health. Pine nuts are rich in:
Omega 3's (brain health, joint function, mood regulation)
Phytosterols (heart health)
Lutein (eye health)
Magnesium, phosphorus, Vitamin K (bone health)
Zinc & magnesium (immune system)
Vitamin B-complex (helps the body convert food to energy)

Pick up some pine nuts and watch how they invite conversation, slowness and presence as they nourish the body and the heart.

10/30/2025

Need a healthy, hearty soup this Halloween weekend? We've got you covered!
This blended Tortilla Soup recipe from our student advisor, Jo Francks, will keep you and you going all weekend.

Blended Tortilla Soup - from Jo Francks
2 cups warm water
2 Roma tomatoes
½ large carrot
1 inch slice of red pepper
2 Tbs raw cashews
1 ½ Tbs nutritional yeast
1 tbs chopped onion
2 sprigs fresh cilantro
1 tsp no-salt herb seasoning
¾ tsp sea salt
¾ tsp garlic powder

Add all ingredients to a high powered blender. Blend 2-3 minutes to warm the soup. Add black beans and tortilla chips and pulse for texture.

10/27/2025

Did you know that thyme is used as both medicine and for flavoring food? It is well known as an aid to upper respiratory tract infections, colds, flu, bronchitis, and strep throat. It is also used to improve digestion.

Dr. Christopher valued thyme in the treatment of whooping cough and gave instructions to make an infusion of thyme and use a tablespoon of thyme infusion and a tablespoon of honey, mixed together and given when the cough is troublesome.

Learn more about how to stay healthy using the herbs in your spice cabinet by registering for our Family Herbalist Course!

https://www.schoolofnaturalhealing.com

10/24/2025

Check out this excellent article from one of our graduates, Laura Tsao MH, explaining why it's important to beware of artificial fragrance.

Enjoy this snippet:
You may be asking yourself, what’s the big deal? Why would I go to all the trouble of using expensive essential oils instead of a cheap fragrance that smells the same? The answer is that there is so much more to the idea of scent than simply a pleasant or unpleasant aroma. Every time you smell something, tiny, aromatic molecules of that substance enter your body and stimulate the olfactory glands located in your nasal passages. These olfactory glands are clumps of neurons that directly connect to the limbic system of the brain. Not only does this system transmit stimulants, but it also allows tiny particles of substances to be absorbed directly into the brain, passing the blood brain barrier. Now the limbic system includes the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the amygdala, which process sensory information, regulate emotions, and controls of all basic functions such as digestion and movement. This explains why breathing in synthetic fragrances can have such a damaging effect on our overall emotional and physical health, whether we realize it or not. Whatever we breathe in has a direct effect on our brain, which controls everything we do.

Read the full article here:
https://schoolofnaturalhealing.optin.com/newsletter/herbal-legacy/MjgwNDM0MjA=/artificial-fragrance-vs-essential-oils-whats-the-big-deal.htm

10/20/2025

Looking for a fast and healthy dinner option? Try some Pad Thai Zoodles! This recipe was submitted by one of our students, Laura H.

You really need to try it today - it will become and instant favorite!

For the dressing:
2 Tbsp. minced ginger
4 small cloves garlic
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup coconut aminos
1 Tbsp honey
1 cup raw cashews

Place all dressing ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. This can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days.


Veggies and Zoodles:
4 small zucchini, spiralized
1 cup grated carrot
2 cups shredded purple cabbage
3/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups bell pepper, thinly sliced

Toppings (use as many or as few as you like)
2 ripe avocados, sliced
chopped cashews or sesame seeds
fresh cilantro

Toss veggies and zoodles together in a bowl. Top with dressing, sliced avocado, chopped cashews (or sesame seeds) and fresh cilantro.

10/16/2025

Dr. Christopher taught that fresh, unsweetened apple juice could help with the following:
- Reduce stomach acidity
- Prevent fermentation in the digestive tract
- Support the kidneys to help prevent stone formation

He also found that ripe, juicy apples eaten before bed could:
- Relieve even the most stubborn cases of constipation
- Ease sleeplessness
- Decrease liver toxicity

Apples are gentle, nourishing, and incredibly effective.

Try some fresh pressed apple juice with a few shakes of cayenne, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamon. It's warming, delicious and so good for you!

To learn more about herbs and natural healing sign up for our courses at www.schoolofnaturalhealing.com

08/21/2025

Back to School with our 15% off coupon is the perfect time to learn all about natural healing and the best ways to take care of yourself and family.

BACKTOSCHOOL15 is valid through September 3 - start today!

08/13/2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Fawn Christopher, beloved wife of David Christopher, Director of the School of Natural Healing.

Fawn began her herbal journey when she married David, learning directly from Dr. John R. Christopher as his correspondence secretary. She first volunteered for this role after noticing the mail piling up during his frequent travels. From that point on, she spent her married life teaching about herbs and natural healing alongside David.

She mothered the students at each Master Herbalist Certification Seminar, dedicated years to grading assignments and exams, and was at the heart of the School’s operations.

Fawn’s life was a testament to love, service, and dedication. We invite you to honor her memory by following her example—offering a little extra kindness and service to your own community at this time.

Fawn Ingrid Nordrum Christopher of Spanish Fork, Utah, passed away on August 10, 2025, after a brave battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Nonnie Larsen and Jackie Soderquist. Fawn is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, David, as well as her children,....

08/06/2025

Our graduate Samantha Fish shared a great article titled "Build Immunity from the Inside Out" Here's a quick snippet:

Allergies, colds, flu, and most lung and skin conditions are the result of an over-burdened, congested lymph system. The lymphatic system is our body’s sewer system that works with our immune system to protect the body from outside invaders. Harmful substances, when out of balance, are destroyed by our functioning organs, bone marrow, and immune cells. There is roughly four times more lymph than blood in our bodies. To keep the blood clean, we must keep the lymph system moving and clear of contaminants. This turbo-boosts the immune system.

The first step in strengthening our immune system is to rebuild the bowel area to a healthy cleansing action. Second, we must eliminate liquid waste efficiently. Third, keep the bloodstream clean through detoxification and exercise. Blood analysis is a great tool, yet it does not indicate why the immune system responds a certain way. Further, cholesterol levels and cancer markers may drastically increase during detoxification. When the body restores its balance through cleansing, these indicators eventually drop to normal ranges.

Consuming a diet of raw foods with a focus on high water and Vitamin C content is one of the best defenses. Fresh fruits and vegetables alkalize and dissolve deposits, which strengthen the body. Citrus, pineapple, melons, berries, brassica-family vegetables like cabbage, bell peppers, tomato, cayenne pepper, parsley (leaf and root), garlic, and onions have kidney or immune specific benefits. For example, citrus is diuretic, flushes out mucus, and contains electrolytes.

Read the full article here: https://schoolofnaturalhealing.optin.com/newsletter/herbal-legacy/MjcxNjMyMjM=/build-immunity-from-inside-out.htm

08/04/2025

This recent experience from one of our students is an example of what Dr. Christopher intended when he set up the School of Natural Healing. His goal was to have an Herbalist in every home and a Master Herbalist in every community. Helping others is what he hoped for.

Maria slipped into a baptism at her church a little late and sat down in the back by an older couple whom she has been dear friends with for a long time and has grown to care about. She asked how he was doing, and he said he wasn’t doing too well. He had quit taking all his medication a week ago which he had been taking for his heart. He had a pacemaker and was on several meds for his heart. The doctors had told him that he doesn’t have much time left here on this earth and to gather his family members around him to tell them goodbye. He was told to get his affairs in order because the doctors had done all they could for him. As he was talking to her, Maria picked up his hand and noticed that his fingernails were black, and his skin was very pale. She was inspired to offer him some herbs to use and asked if he would be willing to try them. He said he would.

The next day she brought him a big Ziploc bag full of herbs for his heart. First was Complete Tissue and Bone ointment and Cayenne ointment with instructions to rub them both on his chest three times a day. Next, Hawthorn Berry Syrup, Hawthorn capsules and cayenne pepper capsules were to be taken three times a day. Then she had the Ear and Nerve extract for him to use throughout the day. Each herb was in a sandwich bag with instructions written on the bag with a Sharpie pen and all those bags were put into a gallon bag. She dropped it off as a do-it-yourself kit.

With her busy life, she hadn’t been able to look in on him but a few days later she got a call from a clerk in her church asking her what she had done to help this man. He wanted to know more about it because he was like a new man. After a few months his wife was in tears as she thanked Maria. She had her husband back and he had not been in this good of health for years. What a blessing herbs and prayers are.

Start your journey at www.schoolofnaturalhealing.com