As a naturopathic clinic, herbal dispensary, and nutritional supplement provider, we are proudly community-focused and dedicated to supporting the Toronto community. We are committed to continuous improvement and forward-thinking in all aspects of our business and employees.

When we applied to My Main Street, we were eager to secure funding to drive more key initiatives that would help us scale our operations and enhance performance, while upholding our commitment to quality as we move into 2025.

With the support of this funding, we can now enhance the efficiency of our handmade herbal tincture production by investing in a new press machine, which will streamline our process and help us meet the growing demand from those seeking natural wellness. Additionally, we are using these resources to strengthen our herbal and nutritional supplement inventory and invest in marketing initiatives to boost sales both onsite and through our e-commerce platform.

We greatly appreciate the support of My Main Street, the Canadian Urban Institute and the Federal Economic Development Agency throughout this process and encourage fellow small business owners to explore similar initiatives that can truly foster growth and success within the community.

Over the past week I have found myself referring to this video over and over in my patient visits, so I thought  I would share it with you, as well as post it as a reminder for myself!  

How will you help yourself maintain or achieve better health this week?

- Dr. Alexandra Hurtado, ND

Fall is the perfect time to make this soup! Squash contains many antioxidants, is an anti-inflammatory, is high in beta carotene ( the precursor to Vitamin A),  B vitamins, vitamin C and fiber.

Panax ginseng is a wonderful immune tonic, ecellent to include at the onset of fall to help ward off colds and flus! 

Panax is also used to improve energy, focus, concentration, response to stress, and can be found seasonally in Asian Grocery stores. It is optional and must be avoided if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an auto-immune condition or  are giving it to children. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/1000.html

This is a great soup for kids as it is nutrient rich, with a smooth, creamy and delicious texture. (Omit the Ginseng for kids)

Ingredients
1 Acorn Squash (really any squash will do)
1 Onion, diced
2 Carrots, diced
2 cups Filtered water
1 Cup of Almond or Coconut Milk
1 Large clove of garlic ( or 2-3 small ones), minced
1 Thumb sized piece of Fresh Turmeric root, sliced  OR 1 Tbsp of Turmeric Powder
1.5  Thumb sized piece of Fresh Ginseng root., sliced
1 tsp Nutmeg
1 Tsp Cumin
1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
Salt & Black pepper to taste.

Directions
1. In a large pot, place squash and fill to about halfway with water and set to boil for 7-9 minutes, turning squash halfway until tender enough to stick a knife in.
2. Take squash out of water and cut a slice off the bottom.
3. Stand squash on a cutting board and cut the peel off. 
4. Cut Squash in half, scoop out seeds and set aside. see Recipie: Roasted Squash Seeds
5. In a large pot, heat coconut oil  over medium heat and add onion, carrots, garlic, turmeric, ginseng, nutmeg , cumin, salt ad pepper. Saute until onions are translucent. 
6. Cut Squash into 1 inch pieces and add into pot and stir. 
7. Add Milk and water and increase heat until it reaches a boil. Once it boils, lower to a simmer for 15 minutes. Add more liquid, salt and pepper as needed.
8. Blend all the ingredients together  until soup achieves a smooth, creamy consistency and serve hot.

Take advantage that pomegranates are in season to whip up this super easy, antioxidant rich, heart healthy salad! 

Did you know? Studies show pomegranate seeds improve blood flow, stop plaque formation, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and are a powerful antioxidant which counteract free radical damage!



Ingredients
1/2 cup Pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup Cilantro, chopped
1/2 Onion, sliced
1.5 Cups  Pea Shoots
3 Tbsp Feta, Crumbled OR Slivered Almonds ( 

Dressing
2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Tsp Aged Balsamic
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
Salt and pepper to taste.

Directions
Mix dressing ingredients together in a large bowl and add onions. Let sit 10 minutes. 
Seed the Pomegranate- see directions below.
Place all ingredients in the bowl.
Toss and serve!