Blog RSS



Herbal Education: Licorice Root

Halloween is coming, and with all the types of candy that are consumed during its observance, few are as polarizing and controversial as classic black licorice. Most people have a very strong opinion about licorice, they either love it or hate it! Nowadays, that familiar licorice flavor is usually replicated by the similarly flavored anise seed or artificial flavorings, but you can still get genuine licorice candy — you just have to be a label reader! Let's learn more about the healing properties of Licorice herb, what you learn may change your opinion about this traditional treat! Licorice root has long been used as a flavoring and sweetener in candies and beverages, and its historical herbal use dates back centuries. The root of the licorice plant, Glycyrrhiza...

Continue reading



Pumpkin Spice Herbs

Fall is just around the corner, but September first marks the beginning of pumpkin spice season for most Americans. There are the usual suspects of lattes, candles, and lotions - but these days, the list continues to expand, including things like M&Ms, chips, even pumpkin spice flavored sausage! Starbucks' signature latte was first introduced in 2003. It very quickly became their most popular seasonal beverage, and exploded into the modern craze that exists today, but pumpkin spice has been around for a lot longer than the last fifteen years.I'm sure it's not shocking to learn that while pumpkin spice may taste like a delicious homemade pumpkin pie, most products on the market have no pumpkin in them. Instead, they contain the spices that are traditionally associated...

Continue reading



Product Spotlight: Cuts & Bruises

As a mother, I feel like I could write a love poem to this essential oil blend.  Cuts and Bruises, How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.I love thee for taking the itch out of bug bites.I love thee for accelerating the healing of wounds.I love thee for alleviating symptoms of ear infections.I love thee for reducing swelling and bruising like magic.I love thee for taking the pain out of minor scrapes and abrasions.Thank you, Cuts and Bruises, for being my go-to essential oil blend. With a house full of active children, I use Cuts & Bruises essential oil blend at least once a week. There is a bottle in the medicine cabinet, one in the car, one...

Continue reading



Healthy electrolyte drinks

Summer is in full swing, and our calendars are filling up with hikes, sports, vacations, and barbecues. As our activity schedule heats up, it is important to focus on staying hydrated, and electrolytes are an essential part of proper hydration. Electrolytes are minerals that the body uses to maintain a delicately balanced state of hydration. When your body excretes fluid (by sweating, urinating, etc) it can upset this balance, and cause a state of dehydration. Even if you are drinking plenty of water, if your electrolyte levels are low then you could be making the problem worse by causing your kidneys to excrete that fluid along with more of your vital electrolytes. We all know about that electrolyte-boosting drink that originated in Florida... but most commercial electrolyte drinks...

Continue reading



The art of herbal tea

I know what you're thinking.  A blog post on making tea? Can't I just toss a tea bag into a mug of hot water? Tea is a foundational form of herbal medicine, and knowing how to do this essential skill correctly can greatly improve the nutrient bioavailability and efficacy of your herbs. But don't worry- we're here to teach you how to master this style of remedy, so let's get started! These are the essentials to a perfect cup of herbal tea: Hot Water Type of herb used Amount of herb used Covering your teacup Timing is everything Decoctions are different Infusing a decoction Straining your tea Sweeten to taste Hot WaterThe quality of your tea will be affected by the quality of water...

Continue reading