Ila Bonczek
Ila has a Bachelor's degree from from Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Science. She lives in the Garden State, where she has been growing produce and perennials for 25 years.
Join Ila in the exploration of exciting topics like sustainable living, holistic health, and the cultivation of not just plants, but mind and body as well.
Unraveling the Mystery of Chinese Medicinal Herbs: Angelica Root (當歸 Dang Gui)
The Earth holds many mysteries, and medicinal roots are not the least of them. Among the traditional Chinese herbs, angelica root (當歸 dang gui) is considered a foundational botanical. It has long served as a...
7 Strange English Sayings and Their Intriguing Origins
From “buttering up” to “beating around the bush” the English language has a surprising number of strange sayings. Even if we have a good grasp of their meaning and use them every day in our...
How The Candy Cane Became an Internationally Recognized Symbol of Christmas
Few sweets say “Christmas” quite like the candy cane, but it wasn’t always this way. In fact the Christmas holiday as we know it today only evolved about 200 years ago, when key elements —...
8 Great Teas for Naturally Healthy Skin and Hair
According to recent statistics, Americans spend an average ranging from $897 to $3,756 per year on beauty products and services, with many spending more than they could afford. If you are spending more than you...
Exploring the Rich Cultural Significance of China’s Twenty-Four Solar Terms
The twenty-four solar terms are a cultural legacy unique to the East. Although this system plays a significant role in China past and present, it has only recently become more broadly known, and the general...
Every Day Is Precious – Learn to Make the Most of Your Time
You may have noticed that time seems to go faster and faster with each passing year; and it’s not just your imagination. Both physiological and psychological factors influence our perception of time to make it...
5 Chinese Foods Traditionally Eaten in Winter, and Why
The darkest day of the year (winter solstice) is celebrated in multiple cultures as a new beginning — bringing hope and renewal to the earth and to individuals. It is marked by the Dōng Zhì...
For Powerful Traditional Remedies, Know and Grow Medicinal Herbs (Q) Queen Anne’s Lace
Nodding umbels of tiny white flowers seem to float atop a tangle of feathery foliage; a delicate, spicy-sweet scent fills the air, while a rugged rendition of a familiar-flavored root penetrates deep into the soil....
Beijing’s Coercion Backfires, Boosting Japan’s Takaichi
By Yang Tianzi, Vision Times The People's Republic of China’s latest attempt to pressure Japan has produced an unexpected political effect: the more Beijing escalates, the more it benefits Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's domestic and...
Why Meditation Matters – 6 Reasons You Should Start Meditating Today
Meditation may be the most underrated tool for promoting health and well-being. With no need for special equipment or expensive training, this ancient practice, widely adopted among spiritual circles, is readily accessible to everyone. Almost...
Innovative Waste-reduction: Avocado Pits and Peels Upcycled Into Profitable Products
The delicious and nutritious avocado is adored around the world. In 2023, global production exceeded 10 million metric tons; and with health-consciousness on the rise, avocado consumption shows no signs of slowing down. Unfortunately, conventional...
You Can Kintsugi – But What Exactly Does This Traditional Japanese Craft Entail?
How do you feel when a cherished piece of china slips out of your hands? If your sense of loss is intense, it is not as irrational as you might imagine. Many cultures, especially in...