Ila Bonczek

Baoding balls may have been invented in China’s city of the same name, located in Hebei Province, but the Chinese characters reveal another layer of meaning. Bao (保) carries the meaning “to protect, defend, or...

Geraniums are among the long list of baffling botanical nomenclature. While the beautiful showy flowers that are purchased each summer to dress up the garden (and may or may not be brought in over the...

While people have been enjoying sweets for thousands of years, the concept of dessert has gradually evolved from simple and refreshing, to the complex explosion of decadence we are tempted with today.   In many areas,...

In response to a rare 4.8 magnitude earthquake, followed by multiple, smaller aftershocks, many East Coast natives are grappling with earthquake awareness for the first time. Epicentered near Gladstone, New Jersey, slight tremors were felt...

Do you suffer chronic symptoms that can’t be pinned down to any specific cause? Gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, hives, congestion, and itchy eyes can all be caused by histamine intolerance. Like gluten intolerance a couple decades...

Who doesn’t love the water? Beautiful, mysterious, powerful and vital — it soothes and nourishes both body and soul. It also hides an incredible, vibrant world beneath the sea, that most of us never see...

For thousands of years, humans have been burning botanicals for sacred ceremonies and other spiritual purposes. Collectively known as incense, this time-worn tradition continues not only within religious settings, it has also gained popularity among...

Sprightly and tenacious, feverfew is a member of the world’s largest and most diverse plant family — Asteraceae. Native to Asia and Europe, feverfew was first introduced to the United States in the 19th century....

In this 12-part series on seasonal eating, we have meandered our way through the months, looking at many interesting aspects on the topic, including:  Chinese Soli Lunar Calendar (April)  The Yin Yang Principles (May)  Why...

While every day is arguably unique, leap day is four times more so, simply for its scarcity!  As with many things, February 29 is favored by some and feared by others. Since its inauguration nearly...

At last, the ancient secret to long and luxurious locks has made its way to TikTok. Rice water, historically used to bathe and nourish black and beautiful Asian hair, is rapidly gaining popularity as a...

Valentine’s Day can be a challenge for anyone, whether you have a sweetheart or not. Fabricated pressure to express “true love,” combined with the emphasis on having a “special someone” can make Valentine’s Day stressful,...