Hey everyone! I’m Shani Lisenbee, your go-to Herbalist here at the Holistic American Health Academy—yep, HAHA for short, because healing doesn’t have to be boring. 🌿 If we haven’t met yet, consider this my virtual handshake. I just wanted to hop on and give you a heads-up about what we’ve got brewing in August! While we’ll continue diving into our usual lineup of amazing holistic topics, this month we’re also turning our attention to National Immunization Awareness Month—but not in the way you might expect… We’re not here to blindly celebrate. Instead, we’ll be taking an honest, unfiltered look at the good, the bad, and the "wait… what?!" when it comes to immunity and prevention. Because at HAHA, we stand for: ✨ Freedom of thought ✨ Freedom of speech ✨ And learning through open, respectful dialogue. All month long, I’ll be sharing powerful herbs to support and strengthen your immune system, and you’ll also hear from other incredible practitioners bringing their wisdom to the table. 💡Important note: The Holistic American Health Academy is our flagship membership group, separate from the Holistic Product Tester group. If you're currently part of the tester group, you’re invited to join me inside HAHA—and you get a special deep discount on membership as a thank you for being part of our community. 🎉 👉 Claim your discounted HAHA membership here: https://healthacademy.holistic4lifeclubs.com/ Come hang out with us—learn something, question everything, and don’t forget to say hi! 💬💚

Hey friends! 🌿 I’m Shani Lisenbee, Certified Herbalist, educator, and proud contributor inside the Holistic American Health Academy (HAHA)! It’s such a joy to be here with you in this Product Testing Community — a group full of curious minds and open hearts. I’ve spent over a decade working with herbs, holistic healing, and energy medicine, and what excites me most is helping people reconnect with the wisdom of plants and the innate intelligence of their own bodies. Here’s the thing: If you’re loving this space and feel ready to go deeper with herbal medicine and true holistic wellness, I highly encourage you to join us inside HAHA. This is where we do the real work — and have a blast doing it! Inside the Academy, you’ll: 🌱 Learn how to build your own herbal apothecary 🌿 Understand which herbs to use and when 💡 Discover root cause healing (not just symptom chasing) 📚 Join live trainings and connect with other like-minded seekers 🌀 Be part of a vibrant, trusted community Whether you’re brand new to herbs or already exploring, this is the perfect next step to grow your knowledge, confidence, and natural healing skills. 👉 Join HAHA now using this special link for a discounted rate: https://healthacademy.holistic4lifeclubs.com/ Have herbal questions? Tag me anytime — I’m always happy to share plant wisdom 🌿 Rooted in wellness, @Shani Lisenbee Certified Herbalist & Educator/Contributor, Holistic American Health Academy (HAHA)

Happy Saturday, Holistic Family! Herb Spotlight-Poke Poke (pronounced poh-kay) is a traditional dish from Hawaii, rich in both history and flavor. Initially, it referred to a style of preparing fish, typically tuna, seasoned with various ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and seaweed. Over time, poke has evolved into a more diverse dish, often served with rice and topped with a variety of vegetables, fruits, and sauces. But what makes poke truly special is not just its flavor—it’s the potential health benefits it carries, rooted in its origins and natural ingredients. Origins of Poke The origins of poke date back to ancient Hawaiian times. The word “poke” means “to slice” or “to cut crosswise into pieces” in Hawaiian, referring to the traditional method of preparing fresh fish, often tuna, which was then seasoned with sea salt, seaweed, and crushed kukui nuts (a native Hawaiian plant). Poke was a staple for Hawaiians, who often relied on local, unprocessed ingredients for their meals. While poke has roots in traditional Hawaiian cuisine, it has become a beloved dish worldwide, with modern variations reflecting a fusion of international flavors and styles. Medicinal Benefits of Poke Poke, with its focus on fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients, is not only a tasty dish but also a healthful one. Here are some of the key medicinal benefits it can offer: 1. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The fish used in poke, especially tuna, is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels. 2. High in Protein: Poke is packed with lean protein, especially when made with fish like tuna or salmon. Protein is crucial for building and repairing tissues, and it also supports muscle growth and immune function. Regular consumption of protein-rich foods can help maintain a healthy metabolism and support overall health. 3. Antioxidants and Vitamins: Many of the vegetables and toppings used in poke, such as avocado, seaweed, and various herbs, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. For example, seaweed is a great source of iodine, which is important for thyroid health, while avocados provide healthy fats and vitamin E, which support skin health and immune function. 4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Ingredients such as ginger and turmeric, often added to poke bowls or sauces, have well-known anti-inflammatory properties. They can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with various chronic conditions, including arthritis and heart disease. 5. Gut Health: Seaweed, a common ingredient in poke, is a natural source of prebiotics, which are compounds that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for digestion, immune function, and even mental health. 6. Low in Processed Sugars: Traditional poke recipes tend to use whole, unprocessed ingredients, which makes it a healthier option compared to many other fast foods. The low sugar content can help stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes.