Mason’s Orange Vanilla Wake-Up Tea with Vanilla Bean

From our weekly series: The Sunday Steep

This delicious tea recipe came to our Events Coordinator, Mason, in a dream! We wanted to call it Mason’s Dream Tea, but that name implies a soothing sleepy tea and this blend will definitely stimulate the senses.

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Kraut and Kimchi: Fermenting in the Herbal Kitchen

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Don’t let a big word like “fermentation” intimidate you … it’s easier than you might think!

If you can chop and stir, you can create delicious, healthy, and amazing fermented vegetables. Right in your own kitchen! You do not need fancy crocks and equipment (although a good crock is a delight) and you can use all sorts of vegetables, spices, and salts. There is no one right recipe!

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Berry Tasty Tea Recipe with Raspberry and Strawberry Leaf

From our weekly series: The Sunday Steep

Ah…the seasons are changing! I just made my first batch of sun tea this past week and after several months of my cold-weather favorites, it is so lovely to sip on a light, berry-infused glass of tea. If you’re lucky, you may even find a tiny mint leaf to drop into the brew…

Many people, when thinking about a “berry tea” would think about infusing dried berries (like dehydrated strawberries or dehydrated raspberries) in hot water. Although that is one way to go about it, there are herbal benefits when infusing the berry leaves … such as raspberry leaf or strawberry leaf. To read more about raspberry leaf, check out this raspberry tea leaf blend recipe

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Green & Groggy Tea with Catnip and Hops

From our weekly series: The Sunday Steep

Pull up a soft chair and put the kettle on.  Sundays lend themselves to rejuvenation and soulful contemplationÑactivities best done while sipping a cup of freshly brewed tea.   We’d like to invite you to join us on Sundays for recipes, serving suggestions, and simple celebrations of all things tea! While it is nice to have go-to tea blends for the stresses of an ordinary weekday, there is just something about the adventure of taking out the herb jars and concocting just the right combination for a delicious experience‰Û?

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Making Botanical Perfumes & Colognes

Did you know that many perfumes and colognes are manufactured using synthetic chemicals, even petroleum? Many of these ingredients have never been studied for cosmetic use, a scary thought. But the good news is that we can easily create our own perfumes and colognes from natural ingredients.

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Organic Herbal Smoking Blend

Organic Herbal Smoking Blend from Mountain Rose Herbs

What is herbal smoking?

People have dried and smoked plants throughout history for a wide variety of reasons. Social bonding, recreation, and spiritual ceremonies have all shaped the history and ritual of smoking herbs. 

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Events Calendar for 2014!

events-calendar

Each year, Mountain Rose Herbs sponsors and participates in amazing events all across the country! From herb festivals and organic farming conferences, to natural products tradeshows and wilderness conservation fundraisers, we love to be part of these communities.

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The Menopausal Journey: Emotions, Energy, & Anger!

In my old understanding of myself, I am a perky, pleasant and mellow sort who took a long time to anger or irritate.  My current reality, however, is one of a bit more emotional buoyancy.  I have surprised myself with a newly-shortened temper, a wide range of energy levels (from bursts of incredible creativity to unexplained exhaustion), and perplexing tears in the midst of a sunny, cheery day.  I joked with one of my friends that it is a bit like being a teenager, only now I have the experience, vocabulary, and bank account to really shake things up!

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Easy Homemade Mustard

Brandied Mustard in Glass Jar

 

Do you know how simple it is to make mustard from scratch?

I have been in the dark about this for way too long. Really, it’s almost embarrassing! Ever since I discovered how truly easy it is to prepare this spicy condiment, I’ve been creating all sorts of delicious combinations. (more…)

Summer Sale Update!

Summer is in full swing and all of our summer favorites are still on sale! Our current site is under maintenance and may not reflect these amazing prices at the moment, but we will honor them when we process your order.

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Guide to Basic Herbal Actions

Herbs spilling out of vintage scoops with written herbal actions on chalk board.

Herbalism is an art and science with nuances as diverse as the unique relationships we form with the plants around us. Whether we learn from our family, a teacher in our community, a collection of books, or we simply work with the herbs that flourish near us, understanding the language of herbalism can be a benefit in nearly every situation.

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Partners for Change!

At Mountain Rose Herbs, we plant seeds. We like to see them grow, so we water and nurture them. We talk to them and give them lots of love. This is the same philosophy we use to support our non-profit partners. Check out two new organizations that Mountain Rose Herbs will encourage to bud, bloom, and flourish!

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Spicy Quick Pickled Red Onions

Spicy Quick Pickled Red Onions

I fell in love with this traditional Mexican condiment from the YucatÌÁn several years ago while noshing on tacos at my favorite little taquerÌ?a. Complimentary bowls kept appearing as I greedily stuffed the pickled rings between folded tortillas. A harmonious combination of salty-sour-herby-sweetness gave the perfect pop of brightness to each bite and I was immediately smitten.

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DIY: Natural Repellent Recipes

DIY: Herbal Repellent Recipes

Summer is here and with it the irresistible urge to bask in outdoor glory. We want to feel the warm earth on our feet and sunshine on our shoulders. We go on camping trips, forest hikes, long bike rides, and enjoy berry picking, barbecues, picnics, and live music. (more…)

Why Choose Australian Sandalwood Essential Oil?

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 Sandalwood essential oil is truly exotic. This pale yellow oil has soft, woody notes that are extremely tenacious and somewhat balsamic. It has a long history in religious ceremonies and rituals, and is prized worldwide for an intoxicating aroma found in the heartwood of the tree.

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Talking Nettles with jim mcdonald ~ Video ~

Well, well…a bit of time has passed since the Rootstalk Festival happened back in 2011, but we are SO excited to finally bring you a new video series from the event featuring some of our favorite herb walks and storytelling moments. These videos are fun and informative, and really make our hearts smile to experience this wonderful gathering all over again. Such sweet memories!

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How is Essential Oil Made?

Rose Essential Oil in Vintage Packaging

 

Did you know that it takes 60 whole roses to produce just one drop of essential oil?

The pure potency of each drop makes these precious ingredients powerful tools for aromatherapy. Check out this fascinating infographic we created to outline the production of essential oils and hydrosols, from fresh living plants to distilled aromatic concentrates.

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Springtime Formulas

Spring is the classic time for deep-cleaning your home, but it is also a perfect time to cleanse and nurture the body.  These herbals gently cleanse, nourish, and are perfect for providing energy and warmth after the cold, winter months and before the busy summer months begin.

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Herbal Egg Dye

Ladies coloring eggs with herbal ingredients

Let’s Color Some Eggs!

Nature is waking up with the colors of spring, and our spice cabinets possess more artful opportunities than we realized! This year, some of our staff took a break at the picnic tables on our campus to explore what sort of colors we might be able to create using readily available dried herbs and spices. It was an experimental adventure. Some colors were subtle, others were a surprise, and there were a few that just didn’t quite turn out. (more…)

Why Cold Expression for Citrus Essential Oils?

Why Cold Extraction for Citrus Essential Oils?

Citrus essential oils, such as Lemon, Lime, Orange, and Mandarin, are the perfect oils for this time of year. Winter is coming to an end, and the bright uplifting aroma of citrus can help remind you that spring is just around the corner. With this season change also comes spring cleaning! Citrus oils are a classic ingredient in homemade cleaning products.

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Rooted in Giving!

Each year, we work with amazing environmental non-profits around the country to support crucial projects like restoring riparian ecosystems, protecting wolf populations, and replanting native trees, shrubs, and herbs. It is my great pleasure to announce three new non-profit organizations that Mountain Rose Herbs will support in 2013!

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Homemade Dandelion Hot Cocoa with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream

Dandelion Hot Cocoa Recipe!

This healthy herbal spin on classic hot chocolate is dark and rich and decadent. Especially with roasted dandelion root, a pinch of hot cayenne powder, a cinnamon swizzle stick, and a dollop of homemade vanilla bean whipped cream swirled on top. Ooooh! I feel all cozy just thinking about it. You can adjust the spicy heat to your liking by adding more or less cayenne. A little goes a long way in this recipe. Enjoy this wonderful treat and keep warm out there!

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