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Tag: Recipes
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2025 DIY Gift Guide + Free Herb-Inspired Gift Tag Template
Each year, when I make my holiday gift list, I aim to meet a set of criteria. Offerings that are thoughtful, personal, and useful are amongst the most important to me. I have generally found that homemade gifts are more appreciated than things I can find in mass quantities at any big box store. Small-batch DIY gifts also allow customization, making them personalized for your beloved recipient. It can also help to keep waste out of landfills. (more…)
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Crème Brûlée with Vanilla Flavor Extract!
This blog is part of a 6-part series on recipes featuring our recently new line of organic flavor extracts. Stay tuned for more flavor inspiration coming soon!
Beloved and recognized throughout the world, vanilla bean needs no formal introduction. With a unique ability to enhance rather than overshadow pretty much anything it’s paired with, it’s no wonder vanilla has been crowned with such a reputation in the flavoring hall of fame. With that being said, even the most famous flavors are subject to their fair share of controversy. (more…)
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Herbal Fire Cider Bouillon Powder Recipe
I know that for many folks a drop in temperature marks the start of pumpkin spice season, but for me it signals the beginning of soup season! Although if I am truly honest, it is always soup season in my heart (and in my kitchen). I can enjoy a steamy bowl of ramen, rich French onion soup, or spicy New Mexican green chile stew even in the height of summer. There is just something deeply satisfying to me about a meal that magically transmutes disparate ingredients into one delicious noteÑand in one pot no less (fewer dishes for the win!).
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Herbs for Enhancing Dreams + Lucid Dream Cordial
Imagine you are having a dream where you are soaring through the sky, swimming alongside ancient sea creatures, or revisiting distant memories all while actively participating and shifting the experience within the dream world. This experience is called lucid dreaming! Not only is it an exhilarating experience, but it can also foster creativity, provide emotional release, and help with problem-solving. (more…)
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Spooky Season Mocktail
Once darkness falls and vampires begin emerging from their satin-lined coffins and werewolves serenade with their haunting howls, many of us are gearing up for our own traditions to celebrate this season of spooky. For me, the month of October tends to unleash a beast with a taste for leaving the real horror to the mess of my craft cabinet and kitchen countertops. After wrapping up the finishing touches on my annually elaborate DIY costume, it was time to dust off the trusty cauldron to craft for my ghoulish guests to sip on during our Halloween festivities. Since no spirits should be contained to cheaply-made plastic goblets filled with sickly sweet, boozy syrup, I concocted a bewitching mocktail recipe that will trick and treat anyone who dares take a sip into having a spooktacular eveningÑalcohol-free!
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Electrolyte Drink Recipes With Herbs
As a former football mom, doula, and military wife, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with the importance of staying hydrated. Whether on the field or in the delivery room, I’ve witnessed firsthand how dehydration can lead to serious situations. We’ve all had those days of overdoing the ‘fun in the sun’, or even just forgetting to drink during a hectic day. It’s a mistake anyone can make. Understanding vital hydration helps you enjoy your adventures safely and healthily!
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Grain-Free Chai Spice Granola With Maca Powder
As someone that is incapable of getting out of bed on time, I’m forever in need of quick, easy, and healthy breakfast options. Without a doubt, granola is a reigning champion in that arena. For a speedy morning meal nothing beats a bowl of granola and yogurt with some fresh fruit! However, even though granola has gained a reputation for being healthy, it can be deceivingly sugary. Over the years, my desire for nutrient dense and low sugar options has led me away from store bought brands and into my kitchen, where I happily discovered that making your own granola is incredibly easy and fun! And to my fellow late risers: let me tell you, when I happen to have a big container of homemade granola on hand during a rushed morning, I swear that I could cry tears of gratitude that my past self was so proactive!
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Fermented Rice Water Hair Treatment with Herbs
Fermented rice water has a long history of use in Asia as a hair rinse. When we soak or cook rice, we capture the natural inositol from the grain in the water. Inositol is a form of sugar that our bodies naturally produce to provide structure to our cells, and is also found in some foods, including grains and legumes like rice. Inositol-rich rice water, especially when fermented, also carries proteins, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids believed to support a healthy scalp, hair strength, and shine. Want to take it up another notch? Infuse rice water with hair-loving herbs!
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Foaming Hand Soap Recipe: Herb Garden Blend
I have mixed feelings about going into the fall this year. While I welcome the return of the Pacific Northwest rains, flannels, hoodies, pumpkin spice, and autumn colors, I also find myself savoring these last days in the garden. So this year, instead of turning my focus to the season ahead, I decided to celebrate my garden’s ongoing bounty and extend the spirit of the season just a little longer. Drawing inspiration from the abundance of fresh herbs still sharing their aromatic and wellness supporting gifts, I created this foaming hand soap recipe to embody the energy of a flourishing herb garden. (more…)
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Olive Oil & Orange Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Picture this: the evening is winding down after a satisfying meal, and just as your nearly full stomach ponders the sweet-sounding idea of dessert, an ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookie decorated with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream is served before your eyes. Better yet, picture that cookie being about the size of a dinner plate and served straight from the skillet it was baked to golden perfection in. Couldn’t get any better, right? Well, what if I told you that cookie was also bursting with an unexpected, yet nostalgic flavor pairing that will turn your preconceived notions of cookie classics upside down? The elusive cookie behind this mouthwatering mental image is none other than my olive oil and orange chocolate chip cookie.
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Adaptogenic Herbs for Stress Support, Increased Energy, & Adrenal Wellness
Natural Energy and Adaptogenic Herbs
Are you feeling drained, unable to sleep well, or struggling to maintain consistent energy throughout the day? Modern life often pushes our adrenal glandsÑthe small but mighty glands responsible for our stress responseÑinto overdrive. This leads to fatigue, stress, and a cascade of health challenges. Fortunately, there’s a natural way to support and restore balance: adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens are nature’s solution to helping the body adapt to stress, regulate energy levels, and support better sleep. In this blog, we’ll dive into what adaptogens are, how they work, and the steps you can take to maintain natural energy and adrenal health. (more…)
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Adaptogenic Iced Horchata with Ashwagandha
Under the sweltering sun during the long, lazy days of summer, chances are you’ll find me on my patio, melting away with a good book in one hand and an ice-cold beverage in the other. Sipping a cold, creamy drink while lounging in the shade is something I cherish so much that my fridge always has a few options prepped and ready for whenever that cool-off craving strikes. When I’m not reaching for my go-to iced matcha latte or an herbal tea on the rocks, I’ve lately been whipping up batch after batch of a delightfully creamy, dreamy beverage that is as rich as it is refreshingÑhorchata!
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Bronzing Facial Serum with Sea Buckthorn Oil
This nourishing facial serum is a very special one in my recipe book. Made with four of my favorite skin care oils, this blend is deeply hydrating and yields a lovely bronzing hue that can be tailored to many skin tones. The star of this recipe is sea buckthorn oil, which in my opinion, is an underutilized oil that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. While most skin care oils are pressed from the seeds of a given plant, sea buckthorn oil is pressed from the seeds and berries which yields a vibrant golden hue and contains abundant antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Sea buckthorn oil also contains linoleic acid which has been shown to support the skin’s lipid barrier, helping to reduce overall moisture loss. For all of these reasons, it remains high on my list of favorite skin care ingredients. (more…)
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Garden Bounty Meal: Thai-Inspired Green Curry with Lemon Balm
Summer is full effect right now and that means our gardens are overflowing with the season’s generous bounty of herbs, flowers, and early vegetables. Mint and lemon balm cascade over into the garden paths and our oregano patch has grown far beyond its designated borders. It’s time to harvest these wonderful herbs and enjoy their flavors and aromas in myriad culinary creations.
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Pickled Curry Deviled Eggs
Here are a couple of universal truths about being friends with foodies. The first is that there will never be a gathering that you will leave not absolutely stuffed with a variety of delicious dishes. And the second, is that you will always be looking for unique recipe inspiration for your own creations. Because while I know my friends will love classic potluck faire, there is something deeply satisfying when I’m able to surprise them with something new and exciting. With barbecue and picnic season in full swing I went searching for a new take on a very familiar favorite, deviled eggs.
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Summer Dream Roll-On Perfume Oil Recipe
Humans are forever seeking ways to capture the essence of memories. Beyond simple recollection, we seek avenues to bring us back to the feelings that bloomed within us during special moments. Out of all the methods of creating those pathways of memory, harnessing the olfactory system is perhaps one of the most powerful. How many times have you caught a whiff of something and been instantly transported? Pass an off-brand breath mint my way and I am suddenly 8 years old, riding in the backseat of my grandparent’s car, reaching up for one of the mints that were always in the glove box. (more…)
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DIY Sheet Mask Recipe for Dry Skin
Sheet masks are one of my favorite at-home spa skin care recipes to make. For those of you who may not have heard of them before, sheet masks are a skin care treatment that uses a piece of fabric soaked in a solution that is intended to bring a host of benefits to the skin. They can be found in just about any store that sells skin care products, but they come at the price of additional preservatives for shelf stability and single-use packaging. They also range in price, with the inexpensive ones including less than natural ingredients and the expensive ones being well…expensive! This is why I opt to make my own.
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Strawberry Matcha Swiss Roll
During the blooming warmth of June, take a cruise along the rural farmland roads of Oregon, and you’re bound to stumble across a local farm with a hand-painted ÛÏU-Pick StrawberriesÛ sign proudly displayed out front. If you dream of strawberry season every year as I do, you will have your car parked with a bucket in hand before your eyes have time to adjust to the sunny, red-speckled field before you. After a few blinks, the once eagerly empty bucket will overflow with the ripest and most mouthwatering strawberries that grocery stores could only dream of. If you can resist devouring the entire ruby-red bounty on the way home, these precious berries deserve to shine in a dessert that highlights their vibrant yet delicate flavors, reminiscent of early summer.
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Homemade Mosquito Repellent
My family always has grand goals of getting out to the mountains once a month for a couple nights of tent camping from May through October. Camping in the shoulder months often means chilly temperatures and rain, which we’ve gotten good at dealing with. Mosquito season, however, can be a little more daunting. A few summers ago, we were camping at a Southern Oregon lake with friends who had school-age children. The mosquitos were SO vicious, particularly for the kiddos, and I spent the whole time kicking myself for not having made a batch of herbal mosquito repellent beforehand. Our friends had some over-the-counter natural spray, but it was passing-useless and none of us wanted to douse the children in a toxic DEET-based repellent. I vowed never to be caught by surprise again. Now this natural spray is a must-have for camping and any other activity that puts us close to water and mosquitos.
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Poems of Perseverance: A Juneteenth Reflection on Black Herbal LegacyåÊ
We Never Forgot: A Juneteenth Reflection on Black Herbal Legacy
For a long time, we were told we were disconnected.
Disconnected from our language.
Disconnected from our land.
Disconnected from our medicine.But the truth is, we were never really gone.
Not fully.
What was once tea leaves and bark from back home became wild herbs gathered along fence lines and backwoods. What was once a full apothecary became molasses poultices, cast iron tonics, hot toddies and camphor pouches swinging from children’s necks. Our ancestors turned scraps into treasure.
Maybe it was never just about existing.
Maybe it was about remembering who we were.
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Full Moon Roll-On Perfume
Each lunation (also known as a lunar cycle), we watch as Mother Moon waxes and wanes; our thoughts and actions wax and wane alongside her. If you’ve been following this series, you know that we welcomed the New Moon with intention setting for ourselves. Then, during the Waxing Quarter Moon, we put action to those dreams; we planted seeds and supported our mental sharpness with energizing aromatics. Now, as we enter the Full Moon, or what I like to call the “Lunar CrescendoÛ, we are prepared to reflect, let go, and make space for new dreams to flourish. While this is essential, it can come at a cost of heightened emotions and a feeling of heaviness. -
Unlocking the Secret to Healthy Hair: Understanding Hair Porosity & Why It Matters
There’s a reason your hair responds differently to products. Whether it’s oils, conditioners, or leave-ins, everything comes down to your hair’s unique hair porosity. Understanding hair porosity helps you choose the right products to address moisture, breakage, and more. In this blog, we’ll break down hair porosity, how to determine your type, and how to best work with all porosity types.
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Mint Chocolate Body Butter
With the dog days of summer stretching out before us, it’s time to think more seriously about hydration. Every organ, tissue, and cell in our bodies requires waterÑit is essential for us to keep a steady temperature, to lubricate our joints, to eliminate waste, etc. Because we lose water through sweating, digesting, and even breathing, it’s important to regularly rehydrate, particularly when it gets hot and we’re doing more physical activity outside. And while you’re responsibly drinking plenty of fluids to rehydrate your internal organs, tissues, and cells, don’t forget about the largest organ in your body: your skin. Now is the perfect time to whip up a super-hydrating, cooling body butter!
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Moon Phase Aromatherapy: Waxing Quarter Moon Perfume Spray
In the first part of this Moon Phase Aromatherapy Series, we explored the profound influence of lunar transitions on our lives. Regardless of personal beliefs, it is undeniable that the moon exerts significant and tangible effects on all living beings and ecosystems on Earth. The moon influences the distribution of energy within plants, and its gravitational pull causes the oceans to ebb and flow, resulting in changed currents and tides.
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After-Shower Body Toner Recipe
Many of us remember to use facial toners as part of our daily skin care routines, but what about the rest of our body? Wouldn’t the skin on our arms, legs, and torso appreciate the same care as our pampered faces? The answer is a resounding yes! (more…) -
Moon Phase Aromatherapy: New Moon Roll-On Perfume
Each lunation (also known as a lunar cycle), we watch as Mother Moon waxes and wanes, appearing almost as a celestial shapeshifter in the sky. While she remains whole all along, the energy feels different to us inhabiting Earth. Our emotions ebb and flow in response to her phases, and our actions often mirror this rhythmic dance. The natural world, too, is attuned to these lunar shifts; plants respond by directing their energy to various parts, while the oceans engage in a dynamic push and pull, altering currents and waves. Regardless of one’s spiritual belief system, it is undeniable that the moon exerts tangible effects on every living entity on our planet.
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Colorful No-Bake Cashew Cheesecake with Herbs
Cheesecake is something that most people would agree is pretty darn delicious. The rich, creamy, and endlessly versatile nature of cheesecake easily makes it a top-tier dessert for me. Plain, chocolate, raspberry, caramel, blueberryÑyou name it, there is almost certainly a cheesecake out there that boasts every flavor and topping in the book. Believe it or not, even wasabi cheesecake is a thing! Admittedly, my tastebuds have yet to be brave enough to give it a try, but I was fascinated by the confounding creation, nonetheless. (more…)
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Lavender-Yarrow Oxymel + Special Occasion Mocktail
Herbal oxymels are a staple ingredient in my kitchen. I often teach mocktail-making classes, where I share the many ways you can create tasty vinegar-based ingredients to make complex zero-proof drinks.. When I introduce students to oxymels, I pass around samples made of apple cider vinegar and honey. Students are amazed at how delicious they are ÛÒ I hear lots of ÛÏmmm!Û and ÛÏwow!Û as they sip. But then I bring out my secret treasure, the grand reveal: a white wine vinegar and sugar oxymel. Students are shocked at how exquisite the flavor is. They ask for more. The bottle quickly disappearsÛ? (more…)
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Homemade Vegan Mayonnaise with Grapeseed Oil
Growing up in a small-town baseball family, I spent many sweltering hot summer days melting away on dusty bleachers and impatiently waiting in line at the local ballpark concession stand. It was at this very ballpark where I came to discover one thing, which admittedly has very little to do with baseball: the controversy over condiments. Not a single foil-wrapped hotdog appeared to present the same selection of toppings, including my own, which I piled high with each and every condiment in sight. Ketchup, mustard, relish, mayonnaiseÑyou name it; everyone has their unique feelings about them. At the center of condiment controversy seems to be the richly thick and tangy sauce we all know and (some) love: mayo.
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Vegan Matcha Sugar Cookies
As someone who has spent the majority of my life proclaiming a distaste for baking, I have found myself hovering over my stand-mixer and setting the oven to 350å¼ Fahrenheit a lot lately. My newfound bug for baking began with an attempt to perfect my favorite pizza dough recipe and has since turned into a full-fledged baking extravaganza. Although my overworked oven may not relate, my loved ones and coworkers with mouths full of homemade sweets don’t seem to mind my new hobby one bit! Now that I’ve come to grasp the basics of bakingÑwith a few floury disasters sprinkled betweenÑI’ve started experimenting by introducing unexpected flavors and textures into classic cookies, cakes, and confectioneries. My latest experimental success combined the blank canvas of the cookie world, sugar cookies, with the grassy-hued, umami-rich green tea we all know and love: matcha!
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How to Oil Pull for Oral Health + 2 Recipes
If you’ve ever swished coconut or sesame oil around in your mouth first thing in the morning, you’ve already dipped your toes into the Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling. I’ve been using this technique for years, and it’s one of those daily rituals I keep coming back toÑfor fresh breath, healthy gums, lymph drainage, and that clean-mouth feeling that just feels good!
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Persephone’s Return: Spring Revitalizing Mocktail
Spring is here, at last, and the world is all a-shimmer with dew and last night’s frost. After a long winter of dark and cold, the earth has begun to stir again. There’s a palpable change, and we can all sense it, in the air, in the earth, in our bodies. Spring is a season of new beginnings, inspiration, a time to create and explore. As nature begins to flourish around us, now is the perfect time to rejuvenate ourselves in the same fashion as the beckoning meadows.In spring, I like to gather nettles and violets. Nettles for their wealth of vitamins and minerals, and the energy boost they provide after sleepy winter months. Violets for their flavonoids, mucilage, and diuretic properties. They also taste mild and delicious in infusion form, making them ideal additions to mocktails.
Around this time of year, my mom would start crafting her incredible herbaceous mocktails; drinks that are both refreshing and healthful. I have many fond memories of us staving off the heat with her creations. My mom is an absolute wizard when it comes to mixing ingredients to just the right proportion, guided purely by intuition. She (and now I, thanks to her influence) never really measured things. It was always ÛÏa splash of this,Û ÛÏa sprinkle of that.Û As a result, each drink was a little unique, but somehow always perfectly balanced.
With herbaceous mocktails, the trick is balancing the bitter with the sweet, adding just enough sugar to lift the flavors without overpowering them. It’s also important to find the right ratio of ingredients; some herbs have stronger flavor profiles than others, so finding the right balance can feel rather alchemical at times.
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Unscented Base Product Line Guide & Essential Oil Blends
In a world wafting with artificial fragrance as far as the nose can smell, those of us with scent sensitivities often find it challenging to navigate the vast, perfumy sea of skin and body care products. As someone who gets a headache solely at the thought of walking through a store’s fragrance department, this challenge is nothing new to me. After spending an inordinate amount of time walking down aisle after aisle, uncapping and sniffing products, only to settle on one I found relatively tolerable, I’ve since opened myself up to a new worldÑcustom fragrance!
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Agua de Jamaica Hard Iced Tea Recipe
Living in California as I do, tacos aren’t just for TuesdaysÛÒthey are a way of life. There are taco trucks on nearly every corner, each ready to provide you with their own particular take on carne asada, al pastor, and spicy pollo soft tacos. And requisite with every order, at least for me, is a tall icy glass of Agua de Jamaica.
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2 recettes de soins corporels DIY pour les amateurs de cornichons
{% module_block module “widget_c7f30d7c-35d2-4a45-9386-582a516e1520” %}{% module_attribute “child_css” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “css” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “definition_id” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “display_mode” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”pagelang”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “extra_classes” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”widget-type-language_switcher widget-type-language_switcher widget-type-language_switcher widget-type-language_switcher”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “field_types” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}{“add_chevron_down”:”boolean”,”custom_icon”:”image”,”default_text”:”group”,”display_mode”:”choice”,”icon”:”icon”,”icon_options”:”choice”,”styles”:”group”}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “icon_options” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”none”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “label” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “module_id” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}1366607{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “path” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”@hubspot/language_switcher”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “schema_version” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “smart_objects” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “smart_type” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”NOT_SMART”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “styles” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}{“group_button”:{“group_background”:{“color”:{“color”:”#EEEEEE”,”css”:”#EEEEEE”,”hex”:”#EEEEEE”,”opacity”:100,”rgb”:”rgb(238, 238, 238)”,”rgba”:”rgba(238, 238, 238, 1)”}},”group_text”:{“font”:{“size”:20,”styles”:{“font-family”:”Lato, sans-serif”,”font-style”:”normal”,”font-weight”:”normal”,”text-decoration”:”none”},”fallback”:”sans-serif”,”size_unit”:”px”,”css”:”font-size: 20px;font-family: Lato, sans-serif;”,”color”:null,”variant”:”regular”,”font”:”Lato”,”style”:”font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none”,”font_set”:”GOOGLE”}}}}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “tag” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”module”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “type” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”module”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “wrap_field_tag” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”div”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}
Ces recettes sur le th̬me des cornichons taient au dpart une blague de poisson d’avril, mais elles se sont rapidement transformes en ralit lorsque j’ai ralis combien de personnes aiment TOUT ce qui est cornichon, mÌ»me les soins corporels ! Que vous soyez un connaisseur de cornichons ou que vous cherchiez un cadeau amusant (ou un gag) pour les amateurs de cornichons de votre entourage, ces recettes simples sont rapides et faciles ÌÊ raliser et tr̬s amusantes ÌÊ partager.
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2 recetas caseras para los amantes de los pepinillos
{% module_block module “widget_587a66f9-8d0e-4ce3-8bd6-3a13d187aafa” %}{% module_attribute “child_css” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “css” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “definition_id” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “display_mode” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”pagelang”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “extra_classes” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”widget-type-language_switcher widget-type-language_switcher”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “field_types” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}{“add_chevron_down”:”boolean”,”custom_icon”:”image”,”default_text”:”group”,”display_mode”:”choice”,”icon”:”icon”,”icon_options”:”choice”,”styles”:”group”}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “icon_options” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”none”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “label” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “module_id” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}1366607{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “path” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”@hubspot/language_switcher”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “schema_version” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “smart_objects” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “smart_type” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”NOT_SMART”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “styles” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}{“group_button”:{“group_alignment”:{“alignment”:{“css”:””,”horizontal_align”:”CENTER”}},”group_background”:{“color”:{“color”:”#FAFAFA”,”css”:”#FAFAFA”,”hex”:”#FAFAFA”,”opacity”:100,”rgb”:”rgb(250, 250, 250)”,”rgba”:”rgba(250, 250, 250, 1)”}},”group_icon”:{“size”:50,”spacing”:50},”group_spacing”:{“spacing”:{“css”:”margin-top: 0px;n”,”margin”:{“bottom”:{“units”:null,”value”:null},”top”:{“units”:”px”,”value”:0}}}},”group_text”:{“font”:{“size”:20,”styles”:{“font-family”:”Lato, sans-serif”,”font-style”:”normal”,”font-weight”:”normal”,”text-decoration”:”none”},”fallback”:”sans-serif”,”size_unit”:”px”,”css”:”font-size: 25px;font-family: Lato, sans-serif;”,”color”:null,”variant”:”regular”,”font”:”Lato”,”style”:”font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none”,”font_set”:”GOOGLE”}}}}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “tag” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”module”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “type” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”module”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute “wrap_field_tag” is_json=”true” %}{% raw %}”div”{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}
Estas recetas con pepinillos empezaron como una broma del DÌ?a de los Inocentes, pero rÌÁpidamente se hicieron realidad cuando me di cuenta de que a mucha gente le encantan TODOS los pepinillos, åÁincluso los de cuidado corporal! Tanto si eres un experto en pepinillos como si estÌÁs buscando un regalo divertido (o de broma) para los amantes de los pepinillos de tu vida, estas sencillas recetas son rÌÁpidas y fÌÁciles de hacer y muy divertidas de compartir.
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Receta para derretir cera o hacer velas con el Paseo de Oto̱o
Cada a̱o por estas fechas, creo una nueva receta de cera fundida y velas para celebrar la estaciÌ?n. Me encantan los olores del oto̱o, pero a menudo anhelo algo distinto a los “sabores” estereotipados de canela o especias de calabaza que se encuentran en casi todas partes. El a̱o pasado, prepar una Mezcla Brisa de Oto̱o, que pretendÌ?a traer el aire fresco del oto̱o a mi casa. Este a̱o, he apostado por un nuevo concepto que me adentra en los bosques para reproducir la esencia de una excursiÌ?n oto̱al. -
4 Custom-Scented Green Cleaning Recipes
Spring cleaning provides the perfect moment to refresh your home and embrace the new season’s charm. This year, consider enhancing your routine with natural cleaning methods that are not only environmentally friendly but also gentler on your health, especially if you deal with sensitivities.
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Comfrey Monograph: Benefits, Uses, & Controversy
Comfrey (Symphytum spp.) is a divisive plant in herbalism. There is some very serious contention about how to use it safely and effectively in the herbal community. Some say that it should never be consumed internally, while others drink tea made from the leaves. Some also say that you shouldn’t use plants that were even harvested from the same beds as comfrey for internal use. All of that is to say, there is some drama surrounding this plant! But first, let’s talk botanyÛ?
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Vegan Peeps¨ Marshmallows with Herbal Powders
There is something I need to come clean about: I have never tried a Peep¨ before. I know, I knowÑwhat in the world am I doing writing a blog about the very confectionery in question? Well, let me explain! My mouth has yet to cross paths with one of those sickly-sweet, fluffy marshmallow chicks because my sweet tooth did not emerge until long after my baby teeth came and went. Although I’m not entirely sure why I did not have a particular fondness for sweets and treats growing up, I can say for certain that my adult self has developed quite an impressive sweet tooth since then! With the Easter bunny hopping right around the corner, there seems to be no better time to spring into my newfound passion for Peeps¨.
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How to Make Foaming Hand Soap: Spring Sunshine Scent
I don’t know about you, but I am ready for all things spring! Here in Oregon, we are just coming out of several months of rain and overcast skies, and as the spring buds and blooms begin to emerge, I dive headfirst into the season. (Even though many of us Oregonians know this as ÛÏFalse SpringÛ because we get a few wintery surprises before real spring arrives.) Yet, I still move forward with my spring cleaning and crafting season.
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2 DIY Body Care Recipes for Pickle Lovers
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These pickle-themed recipes started out as an April Fool’s joke, but quickly turned into a reality when I realized how many people love ALL things pickles. Even body care! Whether you are a pickle connoisseur, or are looking for a fun (or gag) gift for the pickle lovers in your life, these simple recipes are quick and easy to craft and are a whole lot of fun to share.
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DIY Facial Cream Cleanser with Blue Tansy
If you are a person who finds traditional face soap to be too drying, you just may fall in love with cream cleansers! Most conventional face cleaners strip the skin of natural oils (called sebum), which can result in unbalanced skin. This can cause a host of problems, including breakouts, redness, itchiness, and ironically oily skin! What I love about cream cleansers is that they help to remove dirt and excess oil, but in a gentle and restorative way.
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How Climate Change Affects Mental Health
Strength, Community, and Hope in a Changing Climate
As the world around us shifts, many of us are feeling a deeper awareness of our connection to nature. While change can bring uncertainty, it also sparks innovation, resilience, and a renewed commitment to caring for the planet and each other. The challenges we face today are real, but so is our ability to adapt, support one another, and create a thriving future. (more…)
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Thai Boba Tea + Boba Pearl RecipeåÊ
When Mountain Rose Herbs launched its organic Thai Tea, I knew I had to craft something new and special with it. When I visited Thailand many moons ago, I enjoyed a lot of Thai iced tea, and it was very different from the kind served here in the US. It didn’t have the same added spices (or food coloring)and I have to admit, I missed the added spices, but not the coloring. When I saw the ingredients in the new Mountain Rose Herbs tea, I knew I was going to have to craft something really special with it.
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Rosemary Balsamic Oxymel Recipe + Mocktail and Cocktail Ideas
One of the things I love most about the world of herbal mocktails is the fact that there are limitless flavor combinations to try. In my kitchen, oxymels are a key ingredient for mocktails: they impart a complexity of flavor that can be hard to achieve without alcohol. I enjoy experimenting with different vinegars and even citrus juices. Eventually, my kitchen explorations led to balsamic vinegar.
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Practicing Sober Herbalism: How to Make Vinegar-Based Bitters
Bitters are having a viral moment, but rather than chewing on a celery stalk with a wry face while others douse themselves on the alcohol-based bitters bandwagon, I’m excited to introduce you to a zesty, alcohol-free contender. As a sober herbalist, I’ve come up with a powerful, sophisticated bitters blend that stands up to the hype, and possesses the celebrated digestive support and versatile uses like traditional bitters recipes.
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Exfoliating Herbal Scrub for Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs. I get them, you get them, your neighbor gets themÑeven cats and dogs get them! Chances are, most furry mammals walking around this planet have dealt with a pesky ingrown hair or two in their time. For me, shaving seemed to be the biggest culprit when it came to waking up to an uninvited array of ingrown hairs. No matter what direction I shaved, how many blades my razor boasted, or what fancy variety of shaving cream I slathered on, within a couple of days, my skin always found a way to proclaim its defiance towards my razor in the form of itchy, red bumps. However, all of this changed when I discovered I was missing a critical step in any well-seasoned shaver’s routineÑexfoliation!
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3 Warming Herbal Tea Blends for Winter
The winter season is a time of rest and reflection for many of us. It’s also the perfect time of year to get cozy with a good book and a hot cup of herbal tea. For me, winter is the season of tea. Whether I’m in need of a nourishing brew to help keep my body healthy or am just looking for something to cut through the chill of winter’s air, a flavorful cup of tea is just what I need. Here are some of my favorite winter tea blends.
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Finding the Calm + Passionflower Herbal Bath Recipe
In this overwhelming and often stress-inducing world, there is little that is more healing than moments of precious tranquility. Stress has a profound impact on the body and mind, with studies showing it can lead to macroscopic changes in brain structure over time (Mariotti, A. 2015). This, in turn, can lead to other issues, such as a weakened immune system, difficulty in absorbing nutrients into the body properly, and a general decrease in quality of life. Amidst the whirlwind of life, there are centers of calm to be foundÑplaces where we can pause, reorient, and connect with Eirene, the Greek goddess and personification of peace.
Passionflower (passiflora icarnata) is one such herb that can aid us in finding these centers of calm. A commonly known nervine, used for promoting restful sleep, softening tension, and even easing occasional aches and pains. Native to Central and South America and now flourishing in many other areas of the world, its hypnotic blossoms invite us to slow down, find our footing, and welcome tranquility into our tired minds.
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Building Connection Through Herbalism + Herbal Ceremony Tea Recipe
As we move through our daily lives, we seek meaningful connections, and it is this very search that often leads us back to nature. In this endeavor, plants are our allies. Not only do plants physically nurture the animal body through food, shelter, and physiological supportÑplants also remind us of what it means to be a part of this wild and wonderful world.
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Warming Bath Bomb Recipe with Ginger & Oatmeal
The tropical plant known as Ginger (Zingiber offcinale,) has been grown and used since ancient times. Today, the spice has never been more popular and is used in culinary dishes, for health and wellness, and even for skin care. Ginger is a popular ingredient in bath products, especially in bath salts and bath bombs for its ability to boost energy, warm the body, and support stress. Ginger is a powerful ingredient that also increases circulation and allows the body to cleanse itself. Taking a ginger bath is the perfect way to relax your hard-working body at the end of a busy day. These fizzing bath bombs also contain oatmeal which is naturally soothing to your skin and can be used as a soap alternative for cleansing. (more…)
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Queen of Hearts Mocktail with Hawthorn Berries
When crafting mocktail recipes, I have several goals in mind. The first is to make a booze-free drink that tastes amazing and has the bite of a cocktail. I don’t want my mocktails to just taste like juice or iced teas! Secondly, I do not like using alcohol-free spirits. I find it unnecessary when you can achieve similar flavors through the use of herbs. Lastly, I like to use botanical ingredients that also support health in various ways. With all of these things in mind, I crafted this stunning ruby red mocktail to support heart health.
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Working with Herbs in the Rhythms of Nature
Even from a young age, I turned to nature for healingÑmost often in the arms of the large beech tree outside my home. I would seek solace in the strong limbs until I felt safe and restored. As I jumped down to the ground, I gathered dandelion blossoms and plantain seed heads, twisting them into flower crowns. Long before I knew about the physical properties of the herbs, I instinctively felt called to the plants. I felt safe in nature and I knew I could always turn to her. (more…)
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How to Write a Monograph & Build a Materia Medica
What is an Herbarium?An herbarium is a collection of herbal monographs that catalog your study of plants. Each plant has its own section and is called a monograph. In the past, herbariums included pressed and dried plant specimens to show as many of the plant parts as possible and in different stages of growth. This ÛÏprovedÛ the plants’ identities. In our digital age, materia medica specimens primarily utilize images and drawings of the plants. (more…)
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Citrus & Sage Fizzy Mocktail
Certain flavor combinations hold a special place in my heart (and my tastebuds). Many of these flavors include household names such as chocolate and peanut butter, caramel and sea salt, or apples and cinnamon. While all of these dynamic duos are undeniably delicious, my tastebuds have lately become infatuated with a lesser-known flavor combinationÑcitrus and sage. Something truly magical happens when bright, mouth-puckering citrus comes into contact with peppery, earthy sage, and it’s no secret why this is!
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Homemade Throat Syrup with Elecampane and Chai Spices
Well, it’s official folks. We’ve approached the time of year when the gloomy clouds outside aren’t the only ones feeling under the weather. ÛÏSniffle seasonÛ has been rearing its particularly unpleasant head around the Pacific Northwest this year, and it’s beginning to feel a bit like a game of ÛÏlast man standingÛ within my family (which I did not win). Being bogged down with a case of the sniffles during the chilly winter months can make the damp weather and shorter days feel all the more dreary. So, having a well-equipped herbal toolbelt can lend an invaluable helping hand towards making it through the germy winter season unscathed. One of my most relied on tools in my seasonally supportive toolbelt this time of year is herbal-infused syrups.
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What Are Herbal Tonics + 5 Tonics in Chinese Medicine
Herbal medicine is found around the world and is still used by many societies as a primary form of healthcare. Both Western Herbal Medicine and Chinese Medicine (CM) utilize herbs to maintain vitality, but their philosophies and classifications differ significantly. In Western herbal medicine, tonics are herbs used to tone and strengthen the body. In CM, however, tonic, or more accurately, “supplementingÛ herbs serve a broader function, working to balance the body’s vital energies, including qi, blood, yin, and yang. This article will clarify the distinctions between Western tonics and CM supplementing herbs, providing a deeper understanding of their unique roles. It will also explore five key Chinese supplementing herbs.
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Orange Cream Slushy Mocktail Recipe
I’m not going to lie, my excitement anytime I encounter a slushy or blended beverage on a menu is almost childlike. I suppose I could try to play it cool (no pun intended), but hey, it’s the little things, right? Here at Mountain Rose Herbs, we are always brainstorming ways to incorporate herbs into beloved recipes and with more people looking to reduce or replace alcohol, I decided to make a slushy mocktail! I got to thinking about which herbal flavor profiles would lend themselves best in a delicious frozen bevvy. It didn’t take long before I landed on our orange cream rooibos tea blend. Using this blog for homemade creamsicles as inspiration, I set out to craft an herbal orange cream mocktail slushy.
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Winter Spice Dish Soap Bar Recipe
I’ve always been curious about dish soap bars. As a person who tries to reduce single-use plastics in my home, dish soap was one of the areas that needed some work. In full transparency, I had the same doubts I had when I made my homemade liquid laundry soap with soap nuts. Luckily in both cases, I was wrong and can once and for all ditch another source of plastic in my home! -
Supporting Sobriety in Herbalism
Many years ago perched on a damp wooded hillside while mushroom foraging, I was struck with a simple yet profound lesson: Nature’s diversity is its might. Quietly kneeling on a soft bright green moss to closely observe the tiny fruiting body of a local fungi species, I felt hope.
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How to Build a Home Mocktail Bar + Recipes
As the new year approaches, many of us begin to think more about our health and goals. An increasingly popular practice is starting the year with “Dry January,” meaning that alcohol is not used for the month of January. Fortunately, if you find yourself wanting to enjoy tasty beverages, you can still experience the social and stress-supporting aspects of drinking with herbal mocktails.
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Immune Supporting Soup Broth with Reishi and Astragalus
There’s a special kind of comfort that comes from a steaming bowl of soup, especially when it’s crafted with ingredients designed to support your immune system. Soup can be much more than just a cozy meal; it can be a nourishing elixir packed with essential nutrients. By incorporating herbs and fresh produce, you can create a flavorful dish that not only warms you up but also fortifies your body’s defenses. Let’s delve into the art of making an immune-supporting soup, blending taste and wellness into one delightful pot.
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Mint Chocolate Chip Lip Balm Recipe
It’s that time of the year when I take to my crafting studio and come up with my annual lip balm creation. This time around, I pulled some inspiration from our new seasonal release tea, Mint Patty, and decided to craft a ÛÏMint Chocolate ChipÛ blend for gift-giving. After all, I have never once gone wrong when combining chocolate and mint! (more…) -
Flavors of the Rainbow: DIY Herbal Finishing Salts
Some of my fondest memories are centered around shared meals. My fianc and I host dinners at our home quite frequently, and we find that it’s the little extra efforts we put in that make people feel special and pampered during their visits. One fun thing I started to include on the table are colorful finishing salts. I love to bring the powers and vibrancy of herbs to the dinner table. Not only do finishing salts add fun flavors, but they are also a good conversation piece. Their uncommon beauty piques curiosity and allows me to share my love of herbs when my guests ask, ÛÏWhat’s in the shakers?Û
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Moonbeam and Sunshine Bath Bomb Recipes
Each holiday season, I create new recipes to give as homemade gifts. My goal is to come up with crafts that are scalable, promote self-care and wellness, and are unique and useful. This year, I decided to create a bath bomb set themed after two of my favorite forces in the sky; the moon and sun. These recipes call upon the calming and reflective aspects of the moon and the uplifting and energy-giving qualities of the sun. Both recipes are created with skin-loving herbs and essential oils to help one settle into a restful slumber or bring more life and energy to the body.
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Menstrual Self-Care: Tea Blends For the Full Moon Cycle
The connection between the moon’s phases and the menstrual cycle is rooted in various cultures across history. This connection is grounded in the observation of natural rhythms and cycles, which were often personified and mythologized to explain and connect human experience with the divine and natural world. The word menstruation derives from the Latin and Greek word for moon, mene. (more…)
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Herbal Compound Butter Recipes (2 Ways)
Compound butter is believed to be of French origin, though there is no doubt in my mind that herbs have been incorporated into butter and fats long before they were first attributed to fine French cuisine. While butter gets a bad rap for its high fat content, fat is essential for our bodies and like all things in life, it’s about moderation! With compound butter, not only are you adding herbs and spices for flavor, but you are also incorporating the beneficial constituents of those plants into your culinary preparations. Am I insinuating that this is a health-food recipe?Not at all. But I do believe that a balanced diet that includes herbs and spices at every turn is important.
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How to Make Vanilla Extract
Vanilla is both unassuming, yet utterly magical. As a child, I remember believing that vanilla was a plain or even boring flavor. Now as an adult, I realize that nothing could be further from the truth. With its delicate and creamy flavor, vanilla is not only enchanting on its own, but it also has the power to draw out and enhance any other flavor that it is paired with. I find myself adding vanilla extract to matcha, hot cocoa, coffee, moon milk, oatmeal, chia pudding, and, of course, almost all my baking projects. With such a variety of uses, it is no wonder that I like to make sure that vanilla extract is well-stocked in my cupboard, which is why I have taken to crafting my own in larger batches. Vanilla extract is surprisingly easy to make at homeÑall you need is whole vanilla beans, alcohol, and a jar. It also makes an awesome DIY gift!
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Gourmet Vegan Caramel Apple Bites Recipe
Healthy snacks are a staple in any herbal tinkerer’s toolkit. One of my all-time favorites snacks has always been caramel apples! While they get the most hype around Halloween, I’ve created an oh-so-perfect vegan version that is too good to only enjoy for one season per year. This date-based alternative offers the sweetness and consistency of caramel with earthy undertones of mesquite and maca powders. And if there is a way that I like to get my herbs in, it’s blended perfectly in a sweet-treat like this!
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Minerals of the Earth Fire Cider Recipe
Each fall, I add a fresh batch of fire cider to my wellness cabinet. For years, I have (loosely) followed the classic recipe with excellent results, but I wanted moreÑmore vitamins, more minerals, more health benefits! Fire cider is generally an herbal preparation that is used to support the immune system, but since so much of our immune system is affected by diet, I decided to explore the idea of adding more vitamins and minerals to the recipe. (more…)
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Sustainable Swaps: How to Make DIY Shampoo Bars with Herbs
As a person who aims to lead a sustainable lifestyle, I often find myself reflecting on the areas of my life where I can make sustainable swaps for common single-use items. While assessing my self-care routines, I noticed that my shower was the place that I had the most single-use plastic bottles. I also realized that I had the infamous ÛÏgraveyardÛ of haircare products that I had tried but which, for one reason or another, hadn’t worked for me. Long story short, it was way more plastic than I was comfortable with having in my otherwise green household. (more…)
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Autumn Stroll Wax Melt or Candle Recipe
Each year around this time, I create a new wax melt and candle recipe to celebrate the season. I love the smells of fall, but I often yearn for something other than the stereotypical cinnamon or pumpkin spice ÛÏflavorsÛ you find most anywhere. Last year, I made an Autumn Breeze Blend, that was meant to bring fresh autumn air into my home. This year, I went all out on a new concept that brought me deeper into the woods to replicate the essence of an autumn hike. -
Red Velvet Latte with Beet Root Powder
The human memory can be a funny thing. Although I often struggle to remember the birthdays of my loved ones, I vividly remember the moment I found out that my most beloved childhood cake, red velvet, wasn’t anything more than chocolate cake with red food coloring. I still have a hard time coming to terms with the fact that red velvet cake isn’t quite the one-of-a-kind red carpet of the cake world I had once believed it to be.
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Bee’s Knees Mocktail with Lemon Balm
The older I get, the less often I seem to want alcohol. Over the last couple of years, I have been better at listening to my body, and have leaned into the low-alcohol lifestyle. The biggest conundrum for me was not wanting to miss out on hosting or attending social events that were drink-focused. It was for this reason that I decided to get good at crafting tasty and unique zero-proof cocktails. Giving myself and others the option to skip the booze is a great way to still enjoy the act of sipping and chatting with friends and family without the negative effects of alcohol. Plus, it opens up a new way to bring herbs into everyday life. (Who doesn’t want that?) (more…)
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Blended Chocolate & Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
In this modern day and age, it can feel increasingly tricky to find a topic that all humans see eye to eye on. However, the timeless combination of peanut butter and chocolate seems to be something that nearly everyone can agree is an irresistible match made in dessert heaven. Something about smooth, nutty peanut butter intertwined with rich, decadent chocolate is a treat worth savoring for even the pickiest of tastebuds.
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Elderberry Ginger Simple Syrup and Mocktail Recipe
Fruity fizzy drinks are a staple in my household. As much as we love water, there is something extra satisfying about a fizzy beverageÑ the sound and sensation of carbonation bring a kind of magic and celebration to the very mundane act of imbibing. My partner and I have even taken to adding agave nectar to flavored sparkling water to satisfy both our craving for effervescence and our sweet tooth. This simple method of creating a bare-bones mocktail inspired me to try my hand at crafting an herbal variation to bring a bit more glamour and some seasonal wellness to our fizzy drink routine.
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Baked Herbal Falafel
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, enticingly aromatic, and bursting with earthy flavorsÛÒfalafel is truly a rhythmic waltz for the tastebuds. In Egypt and Sudan, falafel is referred to as taæÀmiya, which loosely translates to ÛÏsmall tasty thing,Û and it’s safe to say that anyone who has tried falafel will concur that these fritters are indeed miniature yet mighty delicious bites of bliss. The unique flavor profile of falafel is attributed to a blend of chickpeas, herbs, lemon, garlic, onion, or shallot and a mouth-watering array of spices such as cumin, coriander, and cayenne.
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Warming Fall Drink: Golden Milk Latte with Rose
The first chilly winds of fall have reached western Oregon, signaling the hottest days of summer are coming to an end. With the change in season upon us, I am looking for ways to cozy up, nest in, and find warmth. One of my favorite fall practices is the process of making hot herbal drinks on the stove. I enjoy the time of stirring my colorful herbs and thinking about all of the wonderful ways they support my wellness as they dance around the pot. Luckily, Mountain Rose Herbs recently released their newest tea blend just in time for fall. With a warm, rooty aroma and a smooth but gently spicy flavor, the new Golden Milk Tea is the perfect addition to my want of all things warm and cozy. (more…)
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Overnight Oats With Pumpkin Spice
I wish I had a dollar for every time I have heard that ÛÏBreakfast is the most important meal of the dayÛ. The saying is perhaps a bit clich, but I understand why it is so often repeated. Breakfast is quite literally the breaking of the fast that our bodies naturally assume while we sleep at night. Upon waking we are rested but also somewhat depleted. Breakfast helps to replenish our glucose and delivers nutrients that are vital for maintaining healthy energy levels and alertness throughout the day. Understanding the importance is the easy part, finding time for a meal in the midst of a ÛÏmad dashÛ morning is a bit harder. I have found that making my morning meal the night before is the best way to ensure I’ll have that oh-so-precious breakfast time. Naturally, the buzz surrounding overnight oats caught my attention instantly! (more…)
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How to Make a Blueberry Lavender Shrub + Mocktail Recipe
If you love including apple cider vinegar in your food and beverages, there are a few fun herbal preparations that you can accessibly make at home. Vinegars are a great way to work with herbs and can be very customizable depending on your own palate and what’s in season. One of my favorite methods of working with herbal vinegars is by making herbal shrubs. (more…)
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Tea Blending & Ceremony
Sometimes I formulate my morning tea blend the night before, placing my tea-set on my desk so I’m ready to sip and write first thing. Other days, I blend in the predawn darkness as water boils, fingers caressing rough pu’erh ¾ª¨ö?, soft chrysanthemum, fragrant tulsi.
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Strengthening Our Web of Wellness at Northwest Herbal Fair
Every year, Mountain Rose Herbs sponsors dozens of herbal and community events that help to educate and empower the herbal community. As the Sustainability Specialist for Mountain Rose Herbs, it was a true honor to participate in the 15th Northwest Herbal Fair, held in the lush, vibrant surroundings of Quilcene, Washington. This event, the largest gathering of the herbal community in the Pacific Northwest, was a beautiful convergence of indigenous wisdom, plant medicine, and the connections that bind us to each other and to the natural world. (more…)
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Blackberry Lavender Mocktail
Blackberry season is upon us once again here in the Pacific Northwest, which is a season I have impatiently waited for every year since I was a young girl. Some of my fondest summertime memories as a child were spent under the scorching sun while cautiously reaching my tiny hands into overgrown thorny bushes to reach the ripest and juiciest berries that my limited reach could grasp. Although my childhood berry-picking excursions typically ended with purple-stained clothes, deep red drips down my hands and arms from smushed berries, and a sunburn, the feeling of walking home with buckets upon buckets of fresh blackberries always made each trip well worth the discomforts. (more…)
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Strawberry Elderflower Shrub Recipe
Recently as I was scanning the grab n’ go refrigerated beverage aisle at my local supermarket, I was astounded to see how many new companies are providing bubbly concoctions with traditional tangy apple cider vinegar. Not only does the apple cider vinegar offer a refreshing flavor, but it can also support a healthy digestive system. Quality organic, raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains healthy bacteria and enzymes that support the gut microbiome and make for an exceptional menstruum to infuse herbs into. (more…)
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Shampoo Powder Recipe with Shikakai
One of the many perks of working at Mountain Rose Herbs is that I am always being introduced to new ingredients. As a person who loves making sustainable and cost-effective DIY recipes, I was intrigued when I began learning about organic soap pod powder. At first glance, I thought this was a powdered form of deseeded soap nuts, from which I make my semi-famous liquid laundry soap. But upon a closer look, I realized it was an entirely different plant!
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DIY Moisturizing Skin Serum
Skincare is all about balance. This is the basis of each natural skin care class that I teach. We should never be in battle with our skin, but rather, aim to help it maintain the balance it seeks. The cosmetics industry tells us the opposite. It tells us to use this cream for “anti-aging” or that treatment to “fight acne”. They also push us into using harsh, drying soaps for our skin, especially oily skin. But did you know that oily skin is most commonly the skin’s natural defense to being too dry skin? In other words, the cleansers used to get rid of oil are actually perpetuating the problem.
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Floral Lip Balm Recipe
When it comes to lip balm, I’m a girl who likes to have options. Different aromas and hydration levels enhance my self-care in different ways. When I am going camping or will be spending a lot of time in the sun, I reach for a summer lip gloss recipe that gives me light coverage, but won’t melt in the sun. When I’m still feeling the summer vibes but want some more hydration than the gloss can offer, I craft ones that are more hydrating and that have longer staying power. (more…)
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Potato Gnocchi with Herbal Powders
Ask anyone who knows me, and they will confirm my long-standing reputation for being experimental in the kitchen. Since I was old enough to hold a spatula and use my mom’s stand mixer, there aren’t many recipes I haven’t tried from the stacks of cookbooks scattered throughout my childhood home. One of the earliest culinary experiments I can recall was attempting to make gnocchi from scratch, and let’s just say, the result was not the most palatable or even edible. The idea struck my developing brain when I forgot about a boiling pot of pasta on the stove, leaving me with mushy, unappetizing noodles. Scratching my head as I tried to think of an innovative way to salvage my overcooked pasta, I remembered a new food I had recently discovered on a grocery store trip with my family: gnocchi. At the time, my assumption of gnocchi was that they were oddly shaped pasta balls, so I decided to blend up the mushy pasta and shape the mixture into gnocchi balls. Fool-proof and ingenious, right? Wrong. My ÛÏgnocchiÛ turned out to be anything but gnocchi, and I nearly broke our cheap blender in the process. Unsurprisingly, my family and I wound up digging through the depths of our freezer for dinner that night.
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Seaweed Bouillon Recipe
During a video shoot in Portland, Maine, I had the opportunity to explore the world of wild-harvested organic seaweed. The pristine coastline and sustainable harvesting practices showcased by local foragers deeply impressed me. Witnessing the care and respect given to these marine plants inspired me to incorporate more seaweed into my cooking. The versatility and rich umami flavor of seaweed made it an exciting ingredient to experiment with in various recipes. (more…)
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Homemade Muscle Rub with Cayenne and St. John’s Wort
If I’m doing summer correctlyÑwhich is to say, getting out into the mountains and down to the river, hiking, swimming, and sucking up some of that vitamin D-boosting sunlightÑI inevitably end up with bumps, bruises, and achy muscles from pushing the limits on how much fun I can pack into one season. I learned a long time ago to keep a tin of classic herbal muscle rub at the ready. This easy-to-make old-school salve brings together the muscle-supporting properties of St. John’s wort and the time-tested, warming qualities of capsaicin to ease the occasional aches and discomforts that come from living life to the fullest. (more…)
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Zesty Herbal Salad Dressing with Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has become a beloved ingredient in many kitchens and is often celebrated for its distinct tangy flavor, versatility, and wellness properties. Originating from fermented apple juice, this golden liquid has a rich history in culinary and household applications. Its sharp taste complements a variety of dishes, and in my household, is a staple for homemade salad dressings.
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Deodorizing & Cleansing Armpit Mask Recipe
As the warmer weather hits, many of us rely more heavily on deodorant. It’s one of the personal care products that even those who live an overall healthy lifestyle still can’t give up. Truthfully, I have been one of those people. Commercially purchased deodorants simply work more reliably and for a longer period of timeÑbut at what cost?
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Dandelion Monograph: History, Benefits, &Recipe
Herb enthusiasts and plant lovers know that referring to certain plants as ÛÏweedsÛ often feels like an arbitrary degradation of an important and valuable botanical. After all, who gets to decide what is a weed and what isn’t? And why must they be so maligned? Because they are resilient? Bountiful? Uncontrollable? (If so, I would say that we could all stand to take some inspiration from them at times). Our deep misunderstanding of weeds is especially unfortunate because many of them offer us an array of nutritional and medicinal benefits that are, quite literally, rife for the picking. No plant illustrates this dynamic better than the dandelion. -
Non-Alcoholic Herbal Gin Fizz Recipe
During the initial brainstorming phase for this blog, I’ll admit that I felt a tad silly for attempting to emulate a mocktail of a gin fizz. After all, the first word in this classic cocktail’s name is the primary ingredient that I could not utilize in an alcohol-free version. As a big fan of gin’s complex, piney flavor, I knew it would take some trial and error to recreate such a uniquely flavorful alcohol alternative. Along with the absence of the usual star ingredient in a gin fizz, I also wanted to make this mocktail vegan. With over a decade of being vegan under my belt, that was the easy part! (more…)
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Glycerites: How to Use Vegetable Glycerine to Extract Herbal Constituents
Organic vegetable glycerineÑknown as glycerol and sometimes spelled glycerinÑis an effective alternative to alcohol-based tinctures for extracting and preserving many beneficial herbal constituents. Of course, infusions, decoctions, and oxymels are ideal for many herbal wellness goals that don’t involve alcohol, but glyceritesÑthe medicinal preparations made by mixing vegetable glycerine with herbsÑcan open new opportunities for teetotalers, parents, and those who do not wish to have alcohol. Bonus: it tastes good! Glycerol is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid with a viscous consistency and a pleasing sweetness that makes it a good base for botanical flavors. (more…)
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Chocolate & Ashwagandha Protein Bites
One of my favorite daily indulgences is a piece of rich, organic dark chocolate paired with crunchy almonds. It’s a combination that satisfies my sweet tooth, boosts my spirits, and keeps me on a healthy snack track. So, I began a quest to find the perfect way to incorporate chocolate with healthy organic herbal goodness, resulting in these irresistible no-bake ashwagandha chocolate bites. Imagine sinking your teeth into a treat with cookie dough’s soft, chewy texture, the warm, aromatic kick of chai-inspired spices, and that beloved, intense dark chocolate flavor! (more…)
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3 Superfood Smoothie Recipes Powered by Plants
As I move and shake my way out of cool-weather hibernation (and try to shed some extra winter insulation), smoothies become the perfect breakfast and/or lunch for me. These nutritious drinks keep me feeling light, but still nourished and focused, and I love discovering new ingredients to add to my favorite blended recipes.
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Natural Tattoo Balm Recipe
When I first started getting tattooed, one of my main concerns was how to best care for a new piece. Since a fresh tattoo leaves the skin vulnerable and irritated, it is important to make sure that it receives lots of TLC! First and foremost, I learned you must keep your new tattoo clean. Secondly, ensuring your skin remains moisturized can help keep the skin soft and malleable as it repairs. For topical care, I knew I wanted something that was all-natural and that offered a soothing element to help contend with those scabby, itchy moments that arise after getting a tattoo. To this end, I decided that a balm was the way to go and have not looked back. There are numerous products on the market to help with tattoo aftercare that have been greatly helpful to me. However, with a tattoo appointment fast approaching and being the DIY fan that I am, I decided to take a crack at crafting my own tattoo balm!
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Bitter Orange for Qi Stagnation + Recipe
Welcome! Today, hopefully, you will learn something new about the fruit of the bitter orange tree, which originates in Asia but has been part of ÛÏWesternÛ herbal medicine for around 1,000 years. Perhaps better known, at least in some circles, for the production of essential oil from its flowers, the fruit of this tree is considered a very important herb in Chinese medicine. Western herbal medicine, however, has never seen it as a significant herb. As the acclaimed Eclectic physician Harvey Wilks Felter stated in 1922, ÛÏ[It is] stimulant, carminative and tonic, but [it is] used chiefly as a flavoring agent.Û
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How to Make Natural Botanical Dyes for Cotton
Stumbling upon a pristinely white piece of fabric is an uncommon, likely even nonexistent occurrence around my household. White tea towels, clothes, bed sheets, and just about every milky-toned fabric in between has, somewhere down the line, fallen victim to my highly mess-prone and creativity-hungry hands. Whether it be my unintentionally stained ÛÏcoffee tie dyeÛ kitchen towels or my most beloved DIY indigo-dyed pants, altering the original hue of fabrics is one of my favorite ways to express myself creatively. (more…)
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The Importance of Iron + DIY Iron Tonic
Iron is at the core of how our bodies function. It’s what helps deliver oxygen, keeps our metabolism ticking, and powers our energy levels. But the unfortunate truth is that many of us are running low on this important nutrient, leaving us feeling drained and sluggish.
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25+ DIY Gifts for Mother’s Day
Each year when Mother’s Day rolls around, I seek gifts that will make Mom feel loved and appreciated. I also aim to get her gifts that she will actually use. You would think I’d have it down to a science by now, but as May rolls around each year, finding the right gift seems to get even harder. Maybe it’s because the older I get, the more I appreciate my Mom and want her to know that, or maybe it’s that I’ve gifted her so many things over the years that I want it to be different. What I do know is that she most enjoys my homemade gestures of love. She knows I took my time to make her something, tailored it to her preferences, and created things she can use instead of things that will collect dust or create clutter.
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Horehound, Goldenrod, & Elderflower Herbal Drops for Seasonal Support
We love spring in Eugene! However, this is the time our stunning oaks, cedars, pines, and other trees release their pollen. Then we move into gorgeous early summer weatherÛ? except that is when the ryegrass and Timothy grasses that are so prevalent in our area join the trees in their pollen-fest. For people who have sensitivities to pollen, spring and summer in our beautiful city can be challenging. The silver lining for herbalism DIYers is this is an opportunity to try your hand at making herbal lozenges that can offer some seasonal relief. (more…)
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Four Thieves Vinegar + Four Thieves Vinaigrette Recipe
Back when we developed our DIY Four Thieves¨ Essential Oil Blend recipe for diffusing and external use, we received a lot of questions about taking the blend internally. We never recommend ingesting essential oils because they are too highly concentrated. However, the herbs that are the foundation of the not-edible essential oil blend are also a perfect foundation for a very edible (and delicious) herbal vinegar. Four Thieves vinegar is wonderful for culinary, body-care, and wellness recipes and is also an effective vinegar-based spray cleaner that just so happens to have a delightful aroma. Plus, there is something particularly satisfying about putting your personal spin on a classic formulation that has been part of the herbal lexicon for 500 years. This infused vinegar is a longtime Mountain Rose Herbs favorite! (more…)
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Chia Seed Pudding Recipe With Energy-Supporting Herbs
I don’t think I can emphasize enough how hard it is for me to get out of bed in the morningsÑlike it is actually a serious problem at times. Part of my brain knows that I am making my morning routine a bit more and more frantic with each horizontal moment that ticks by, but it is so hard to care. What could the outside world possibly offer me that is better than the total warmth and comfort of my snuggly nest? Especially when there is a good book at hand and the world’s laziest dog snoring away next to me. Because of my proclivity for lengthy wakeups, I learned a long time ago that ÛÏI’ll just do it in the morningÛ is one of the rudest things I can do to my future self, so I have gotten into the habit of doing my morning meal prep the night before. Chia seed pudding is the definitive MVP for this practice. It is super quick to make and one of the few foods that is better after sitting overnight in the fridge. For this particular recipe variation, I wanted to try including herbs that pack a little extra oomph to help me show up for the day (however reluctantly) bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. (more…)
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Earth Goddess Lotion + How to Convert a Recipe by Measuring in Parts
I love the shoulder seasonsÑspring and fall, planting and harvestÑbecause they connect me deeply to the earth. This year, I wanted to celebrate that connection with an aroma change-up to my usual body lotion recipe. I tend to be a keep-it-simple sort of woman when using essential oils in skin- and haircare recipes. For my purposes, I usually reach for lavender and call it good. So, to create the earthy, fertile aroma I wanted this season, I turned to an essential oil blend formulated by someone with more expertise in blending aromas: Mountain Rose Herbs’ marketing lead, Jessicka. I combined my tried-and-true lotion recipe with her Earth Goddess perfume essential oil blend. The result is luscious and season-perfect!
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Lemon Essential Oil: 5 Ways to Clean Your Home Naturally
We love lemon essential oil for its wellness benefits, its bright and sugary citrus aroma, and its uplifting and energizing constituents. It’s a wonderful oil in skin and hair care formulas and for diffusing in homes and offices. We also love that this cost-effective oil makes an excellent cleaning agent and leaves our homes smelling deliciously like freshly cut lemons. It’s the 76% (=)-Lionene in lemon oil that makes it so good at polishing furniture and cutting grease and sticky residues. We’re revisiting five of our favorite lemon oil-based cleaning recipes that are easy to make, safe to use, and leave our homes smelling citrus good.
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5 Foot Care Recipes for Sandal-Ready Feet
I am a four-season sandal wearer. I love allowing my feet to breathe and the feeling of being unconfined. During rain, shine, and sometimes light snow, my feet are ready to be bare at a moment’s notice. If an impromptu forest bathing opportunity or grounding session calls my name, I don’t have to worry about laces, ties, or the other constricting elements of standard shoes. My feet are free!
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Iced Matcha Latte with Lavender Cold Foam
I am a sucker for a colorful drink, and I will sheepishly admit that this bevvy was inspired by a popular coffee chain sign featuring their newest summer drink, the ÛÏIced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha.Û The colors and the anticipated flavors of lavender, matcha, and creamy oat milk made it irresistible. So I pulled out the gift card I had gotten months back and splurged! The verdictÑit was good, but I could make it better with top-shelf organic ingredients!
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Make Your Own Gin with Dried Herbs + Elderflower Gin Cocktail Recipe
We live in a time when being a foodie is a celebration. As the more middle-class cousins to gourmets and gastronomes, we foodies have the same discriminating palates and passion for flavor, experimentation, and a mix of food cultures to help us build our skills and develop our cooking hobbies. We‘re also very good at cooking on a budget. In the world of mixologistsÑa particular breed of foodieÑmaking gin is the perfect representation of this. It‘s crazy-easy, doesn‘t take long, and you end up with excellent alcohol without breaking the bank. (more…)
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Natural DIY Hair Spray with Rosemary and Mint
I recently spent a night at a hotel with an outdoor saltwater soaking pool. I didn‘t see much of the hotel itself because I could not convince my body that there was even one good reason to leave the buoyant 102å¡F saltwater paradise. I braided my hair ahead of time with theÑin hindsight ridiculousÑidea that maybe I could keep it dry, but by the time I finally conceded I needed to go to bed, it was thoroughly wet. So I toweled it dry-ish, ran a brush through it, and fell into bed for a deep, restful sleep. I woke up in the morning to voluminous hair that had fabulous waves. As I stood in front of the mirror blinking in confusion, it dawned on me that I had inadvertently given my hair a sea salt treatmentÛ? which reminded me that I could do this at home for significantly less money with DIY sea salt hair spray! (more…)
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Salted Earl Grey Caramel Sauce
If there are three things that I love, they are sweets, botanicals, and Star Trek. Did I ever think I would be party to a recipe that would marry those things together? Not really, and to be fair, the Star Trek involvement in this recipe is pretty nonexistent. (However, if any Next Generation fans are reading this, I think you will appreciate the reference.) In all seriousness, we already know that sweets and botanicals go hand in hand, and we are always trying to find creative ways to combine the two. We recently stumbled upon this classic Mountain Rose Herbs caramel sauce recipe and could not resist bringing it back. Earl Grey fans to the front of the class, please! This recipe is for you.
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Brightening Berry and Honey Face Mask & Exfoliant
This year, I set out to create a natural skin care treatment for my dull and dry winter skin. So I took to my crafting space to work on a mask and scrub that was brightening and cleansing. After several iterations, I created one that I’m quite excited about, and I think you all are going to enjoy it, too.
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Herbal Irish Coffee
I love a good Irish coffee. The conundrum, however, is that I generally limit my daily caffeine consumption to a morning espresso and I don’t want whiskey for breakfast, so it’s hard to figure out when to have said Irish coffee. St. Patricks Day is almost here and I’ll be getting together in the afternoon with my coffee-loving friends and family, which will include traditional, festive Irish coffee. Happily, my talented mixologist of a husband recently got inspired by a tin of Mountain Rose Herbs herbal coffee. I wasn’t sure what he was up to tinkering away in the kitchen, and then he came out with this creamy glass of pure ambrosia. Although I am not generally an all-caps kind of woman, this herbal Irish coffee recipe is, OMG SO GOOD. Bonus: I can drink a glass in the evening and still get a good night’s sleep. (more…)
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DIY Dry Shampoo Recipes for Dark & Light Hair
There has been a lot of buzz lately around DIY and natural hair care. In the previous weeks, we’ve shared no-poo recipes, DIY hair rinses, and fermented rice water treatments. A perfect pairing to all those homemade hair care products is having a dry shampoo to get you in between “washes.”
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Hasselback Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, & More + Herbal Seasoning Recipes
It’s the time of year when I’m working my way through the last of our stored root vegetables and winter squash looking for ways to extend their lifespan and nutrition. With this in mind, I spent an afternoon last weekend hasselbacking. In its simplest form, hasselbacking is a special cutting method for raw vegetables (also some fruits and even bread) before roasting. The most common version is Hasselback potatoes: the Potato ÌÊ la Hasselbacken or, in Swedish, hasselbackspotatis. The glory of this cutting/cooking method is that it allows you to get flavorful fats and your favorite herbs and spices down inside the food so all that deliciousness gets roasted in. Plus, hasselbacking makes your food so pretty! (more…)
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DIY Detangler & Anti-Frizz Spray Recipe with Marshmallow Root
Whether your unique mane coils into bouncy ringlets, twists into wild waves, or cascades down as straight as a pin, you’ve undoubtably experienced bad hair days. On too many occasions to count in my life, I’ve stumbled out of bed in the morning and glanced into the mirror to find a sight only explainable by a bird crafting a nest out of my frazzled locks overnight. After reaching for every fancy spritz and spray buried in my cabinets, I’d more often than not be left with relatively tamed frizz, greasy roots, and a wafting heavy perfume fragrance that was less than desirable. Inevitably, I would succumb to the classic slicked-back ponytail or throwing my mop of hair under a big hat on days such as these.
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How to Go “No Poo” with Easy Herbal Hair Rinses
Have you heard of “no ‘poo” and scratched your head in wonder about what this means? While the term is definitely not my favorite, the philosophy behind it is worth exploring. It refers to moving away from using expensive commercial shampoos and conditioners, which often contain harsh synthetic fragrances, sodium laureth sulfate, propylene glycol, and other creepy ingredients from mystery labs around the world. Because we trust that such products will make our hair gorgeous, we drench ourselves in weird chemicals without knowing how they affect our overall health. Plus, think of the millions of plastic bottles from all the hair care products we use that end up in recycling bins or landfills.
But we HAVE to use shampoo, right?ÑWrong! (more…)
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Nourishing Herbal Broths
I am a firm believer in broths for their gut-supporting, extremely tasty, and nourishing qualities. You can pack so much nutrition in each little sip. Adding a myriad of herbs to our broth base is the perfect vehicle for incorporating wellness into our modern lives. (more…)
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Natural Ways to Support Menstruation + Tea Blend
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When your moontime calls, listen to your body. She’s calling for nourishment and rest. Calling you back to yourself and your wise woman within. Back to the cycle of the moon within youÑyour womb, your hormonal cycle, your psyche. Give yourself permission to find a little quiet time to yourself. Soak in some extra self-care. Sip herbal infusions.
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10 Zero-Waste Swaps for a Sustainable New Year
Welcome to a new year! What are you calling in and saying yes to? What are you letting go of and saying no to? The beginning of the year is always a great time to take stock of what’s working for you (and not working) individually and collectively. As I look back on 2023, I think about the choices I made throughout the year and the impact that resulted from my actions. I understand that every decisionÑno matter how smallÑtruly matters, and our actions create a ripple effect in our interconnected world.
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“Sea Moss” Benefits + Irish Moss Gel Recipe
There are over 12,000 species of seaweed drifting in synchrony with our ocean currents, but one type of these uniquely diverse sea botanicals has taken wellness communities by storm in recent years. Recipes and advertisements highlighting the nutritional benefits of ÛÏsea moss gelÛ have been buzzing around just about every corner of the wellness world, and for good reason! I first encountered sea moss on a Pinterest blog detailing a vegan ÛÏbone brothÛ recipe, which instantly hooked my attention. As a vegan with over a decade of my life spent experimenting with plant-based foods, replicating a vegan version of such an animal-oriented fare was not something I had considered to be a possibility before. This recipe sparked my interest in uncovering the endless array of creative uses and nutritional benefits the ocean provides for us in the form of aquatic grassy tangles: seaweed!
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Bee Balm Monograph + Herbal Steam Recipe
There is always happy anticipation around Mountain Rose Herbs when we get the opportunity to bring in a new herbal ally. And when that botanical is grown by one of our passionate, conscientious farm partners right here in Oregon, our excitement is tinged with some home-state pride. So, we are pleased to announce that we are now carrying organic bee balm (Monarda fistulosa) grown at Oregon’s own Oshala Farm! (more…)
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Homemade Hot Cocoa Lip Balm Recipe
If you’ve been perusing the Mountain Rose Herbs blog for awhile, you’ll know that you can expect a new lip balm recipe from me this time of year. It’s my annual tradition as we approach the holidays to create a fun new lip balm recipe to add to my DIY gift list, and I of course share it with my Mountain Rose Herbs ÛÏfam.Û It’s one of my favorite traditions and my friends and family are always excited to see what blend I come up with to celebrate the year. This holiday season, my household is all about hot cocoa, so I was inspired to craft a hot chocolate recipe with ÛÏmarshmallows.Û (more…)
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Holiday Scents: 3 Essential Oil Blends for the Winter Season
The winter holidays are such a feast for the senses: not just our tastebuds, but also our eyes, ears, and olfactory system. This time of year, our public spaces are full of bright lights, festive music, and perfumed everything. Unfortunately, those expensive store-bought candles, diffuser oils, and room sprays are often made with synthetic ingredients that aren’t a healthy choice, no matter how much they promise to imbue us with the spirit of evergreen forests, candy canes, and homemade pumpkin pie. Diffusing natural essential oilsÑat home, at work, or in your carÑis a wonderful alternative to scent your space with seasonal aromas. We love these three time-tested, holiday-inspired, DIY essential oil blends! (more…)
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Mulled Acai Berry Tea for the Holidays
Ready for a superfood twist on traditional spiced drinks this winter? Try a cup of mulled acai berry tea! Cinnamon, citrus, allspice, ginger, clove, and anise: Can you almost feel the warmth of these herbs and spices? They heat us from within throughout the season of cold and dark. Spiced wine is a family favorite at our winter celebrations, and mulled cider is another seasonal treat. (more…)
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What is Inulin and How it Supports Digestion + Herbal Recipes
What do dandelion, burdock, chicory, and garlic have in common? They all contain inulin. Inulin is a naturally occurring polysaccharide made up of chains of fructose molecules that are not digested in the small intestine and belong to a class of dietary fibers known as fructans. (more…)
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Warming Lotion Bars for Autumn & Winter
We all love a temperate and cozy home, but turning the heater on or lighting up the wood stove can be drying to our skin. Enter lotion bars! These delightful little skin-supporters add moisture and act as an emollient to protect the skin from the seasonal drying that happens this time of year. (more…) -
Pinwheel Cookies with Herbal Powders (4 Ways)
Pinwheel cookies (also called spiral cookies) have been a holiday tradition for decades. Often made with vanilla and chocolate or red and green food color, they show up on cookie plates throughout the season. I like traditions like thisÛ? and I also like to see how far I can push those traditional recipes to accommodate more flavors and spices.
This classic ÛÏiceboxÛ cookie recipe (modern world translation: refrigerator cookie) is essentially the same one my great grandmotherÑand thousands of other peopleÑused to make in the 1930s and it’s remained a standard ever since. It’s a dough you can easily change into a variety of different cookies with small additions like spices, nuts, dried fruit, crushed candies, etc. And it’s also an accommodating dough for rolling and cutting. These two qualities make it an ideal choice for delicious pinwheel cookies infused with herbal powders! (more…)
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Herbal Simmer Pots + Stovetop Potpourri Recipes
This time of year, scent is an important part of my home. Seasonal aromas make autumn feel more alive and more celebrated. It makes coming home all the more enjoyable and brings added seasonal awareness to the two teens in my household. To achieve this, many of us DIY folks craft up our favorite diffuser blends, wax melts, and DIY candle recipes. While I like to make all of those things, I have recently added simmer pots to my repertoire. I have really enjoyed this new avenue of bringing fresh and fragrant smells to my home, so I thought I would share some of my family’s favorite combinations.
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Homemade Caramel Apple Slices with Herbal Chocolate Glaze
Caramel apples have always been one of those mixed-feelings food experiences for me. I love good caramel and I love apples, and when the two things come together in a perfect synergy, it is one of my favorite flavor combinations. Unfortunately, a typical caramel apple falls short. First, the caramel is often too sweet rather than buttery-delicious. Second, I want caramel and apple in every bite, and once I work my way around the caramel-y outside, I’m left with a lot of apple and no more caramel. Finally, I don’t like that I end up with caramel all over my face and in my hair every time I eat a caramel apple on a stick. Recently, however, I found the solution: caramel apple slices! So, of course, down the caramel apple rabbit hole I went and I’m so glad I did! (more…)
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Elderberry Gummies Made with Agar
There are a number of effective and delicious ways to bring the nutrition and immune benefits of elderberries into our diets.* Tincture, tonic, syrup, tea, and culinary recipes abound. And, of course, there are gummies! I’m a big believer in putting fun into our lives when and where we can, and an elderberry gummy is a morsel of fun that also provides support for our immune systems. Most gummies, however, contain gelatin, which is a hard no for vegans and followers of some religious faiths. We set out to create an elderberry gummy that anyone can enjoy. How do you get a gelatin-type gummy without the gelatin? It all comes down to agar-agar powder. (more…)
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Taco Bowl with Roasted Butternut Squash and Black Beans
I love taco bowls. These deconstructed tacos are packed with nutrition, big on flavor, and easy to customize for a variety of palates, even on a weeknight when you don’t have much time. I generally look to my garden for what to include, so they change by the seasons in our home. This autumn-inspired taco bowl is an annual favorite, combining winter squash or sweet potatoes with black beans for a hearty protein- and fiber-rich bowl that pleases everyone in the family. (more…)
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Elderberry Shrub + Mocktail Recipe for Immune Support
Herbal beverages are among the easiest ways to enjoy the power of plants. The combinations of herbs are virtually limitless, and you have the flexibility of adding a pinch of this or a dash of that depending on your flavor and wellness goals. I love that they aren’t a big-time commitment like other herbal preparations and when you pair them with a menstruum like apple cider vinegar, you get the added benefit of gut support. (more…)
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DIY Foaming Hand Soap: Fall ScentåÊåÊåÊåÊ
I‘m a sucker for seasonal scents. As soon as fall arrives, I begin making homemade wax melts, diffuser blends, roll-on perfumes, and natural skincare recipes to match the seasonal shift. I was recently inspired by my dear colleague Heidi’s autumn spice lotion recipe and I thought a foaming hand soap would make a great compliment. (more…)
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Chia Seed Pudding Recipe With Pumpkin Spice
I will admit that I was a latecomer to the pumpkin pie spice trend. I still have not had a pumpkin spice latte, for instance. I have been starting to come around though. My turning point came after I tried one of our very own blog recipes, pumpkin pie spice roasted mixed nuts. Ever since that day, I have felt the undeniable pull towards this seasonal favorite. As the days grow shorter and cooler, the warming spices seem to offer the perfect comfort and sense of wellbeing. Naturally, I wanted to celebrate the arrival of pumpkin spice season this year with a recipe variation! (more…)
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Herbal Bath Vinegar with Juniper & Rosemary
If I told you there’s a pantry staple that can soothe sore muscles and calm irritated skin, would you guess it’s vinegar? It’s true! From minor aches to dry or itchy skin, I turn to herbal vinegar baths. On its own, a cup or two of vinegar in the tub will leave skin soft and rejuvenated with a healthful glow. But herb-infused vinegars take this concept a step further, using plant constituents to boost the already impressive benefits of a vinegar bath. (more…)
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Blue Moon Milk for Clarity & Reflection
On August 30, 2023, we will experience a super blue moon. Astronomers say it will be the closest, biggest, brightest full moon of the year. To me, this super full moon holds the potential to illuminate stagnant thoughts and emotions, both of which are good self-work for me right now. I am planning to spend the evening seeking clarity from these ÛÏperipheralÛ thoughts so I can move into them or on from them healthily and productively. (more…)
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Guasha Massage Tutorial
ÛÏGuashaÛ (ö¨Ñ¤) translates as ÛÏscraping petechiae.Û Gua (ö¨) is scraping, the act of pulling a guasha tool across the skin. Sha (Ѥ) is petechiae: pinkness or redness on the skin that can arise from scraping, a result of increased blood circulation to the area. Guasha is one of the many tools in our East Asian medicine toolkit, which also includes acupuncture, herbs, massage, moxibustion, energy work, lifestyle medicine, and more. (more…)
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3 Refreshing Functional Fizzy Drinks With Herbal Extracts and Syrups
When the thermometer starts pushing up into the 90s, my good attitude takes a corresponding nosedive. As a Western Oregon pluviophile, I prefer my summer heat in small doses, preferably bookended by big cooling rain storms. So here we are in the annual dog days of summer when the days and nights are too hot, there do not appear to be any rainstorms on the horizon, and my whole self is on a 24/7 quest to pretty much always have something cold, hydrating, and nourishing in my hand to refresh my body and soul. Not only does this wonder-beverage need to be a delicious vehicle to support deep hydration and body and mind wellness, but it also has to be easy to whip up at a moment’s notice. Fortunately, I am married to a talented mixologist. When the weather gets hot, he makes sure to have all the ingredients on hand for easy beat-the-heat carbonated drinks that include herbal extracts and syrups for an added wellness boost. (more…)
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Homemade Creamsicles¨ With Orange Cream Rooibos (Vegan)
As a child, I remember delighting in the hot days of August. My brother and I could spend an entire day in the yard leaping through the sprinkler, having rowdy water fights, and just causing general (damp) mayhem. However, the real highlight of any summer day was the moment that the sing-song tones of the ice cream truck floated to us. In my memory, the ice cream truck has an almost mythical quality to it. It would appear with a burst of song at the perfect moment, with an endless bounty of colorful, frozen treats. I recently learned that national creamsicle day is August 14 and I was immediately flooded with countless (sticky) memories from my youth. Pairing my new awareness of the upcoming occasion with the fact that our fearless leader, Shawn Donnille, is an avid Creamsicle¨ fan, I decided to try my hand at an herbal adaptation of this beloved summer treat that would win over even the most diehard admirers.
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Herbalist Tips to Beat the Summer Heat
With the heat and sun come sunburn, heat rash, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke. There are things we can do to prevent these from happening and natural remedies for when they do.
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Homemade Deodorant: How to Make Natural, Herbal, Roll-On Deodorant
Summer being what it isÑwith all the extra sunshine and outdoor funÑour deodorant choices start to matter in a bigger way. Consumers have become increasingly aware of the potential issues that can come with using deodorants with ingredients like propylene glycol, aluminum, and triclosan, and have been turning more and more to natural deodorants. Unfortunately, while over-the-counter natural deodorants are a safer and more earth-friendly option than those loaded with parabens and chemicals, they are still packaged in mostly non-recyclable plastics that millions of Americans throw away every year. Happily, it’s an easy task to make your own natural, herbal, roll-on deodorant.
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How to Make Slime with Psyllium Husk
SlimeÑthat strange substance that defies Newton‘s laws of viscosityÑhas been a staple in store toy aisles for almost 50 years and the DIY versions have been around almost as long. The typical school-science-project slime recipe involves mixing either borax or contact lens solution with PVA glue and water. The science behind it is a chemical reaction between the polyvinyl acetate in the glue and the borate ions in the contact solution or borax, an action called cross-linking that results in a logic-defying substance that is a whole lot of fun to play with. However, fascinating DIY science aside, too much exposure to boronÑwhich is the base of borax, boric acid, and also, ironically, that contact lens solutionÑcan cause respiratory, skin, and eye irritation, and when ingested can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Note the caution on the front of a box of borax detergent: Caution: Eye irritant, may be harmful if swallowed. Needless to say, that DIY slime hack is not ideal for small children, particularly those who tend to taste-test things. Fortunately for the child in all of us, you can make slime from psyllium husk! (more…)
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Organic Spinach Powder Benefits + Pizza Crust Recipe
Spinach has been providing humans with bountiful nutrition for more than 2,000 years. By the time this cool-season annual reached western Europe in the 11th – 15th centuries, it was already an established crop and widely cultivated in the Middle East and Asia. It has long been considered the ÛÏCaptain of Leafy Greens,Û which is an apt title for this vitamin- and mineral-packed veggie. However, because our bodies cannot metabolize spinach quickly, it can produce gas, bloating, and stomach cramps. This is not to say we shouldn’t eat raw spinach; we absolutely should because it’s loaded with all kinds of other essential nutrients like vitamin C, niacin, potassium, etc. that are more available to our bodies when eaten raw. But to capture all of the benefits of spinach, it behooves us to eat it in other ways as well. Dried spinach is a delicious, high-nutrition option!
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Arnica Hand Balm Recipe for Hard-Working Hands
This time of year, I’m reminded of my love for herbal salves, and in particular, this Gardener’s Salve. The blend has been in the Mountain Rose recipe book for many years and is one that I turn to each spring and summer. Between planting, weeding, and pruning, my hard-working hands reach for this DIY hand balm time and time again. Being with the plants does wonders for my emotional wellbeing so taking the proper steps to ensure I can do it in optimal comfort and for many years to come is very important to me.
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Spicy Paloma Cocktail & Mocktail with Herbs
Cocktails and mocktails provide the perfect opportunity to put our favorite botanicals to creative use. Whether mixed with fresh garden herbs, homemade tinctures, or kitchen spices, mixed drinks are a fun and tasty way to enjoy the benefits of herbs and spicesÑand to apply our love of herbalism. (more…) -
Elemental Perfume Blend with Essential Oils: Earth Goddess Perfume Recipe
As a newly engaged person, I am starting to look at things a bit differently. For instance, creating recipes is a major part of my life, and I find myself experiencing that process through a slightly different lens. Now as well as recipes that I craft for my own use, I am starting to consider party favors and elements to include in my wedding. I’ve been thinking that a variety of homemade perfumes made with organic ingredients would be a fun zero-waste party favor and they are incredibly easy to scale up and to make in bulk. So, I went to the drawing board with some themes and ideas.
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Minty Lemongrass Oxymel (Without Vinegar) & Summer Mocktail Recipe
When my husband and I got married, we wanted to offer a full mocktail bar for our wedding guests. I love using oxymels for mocktails: the traditional syrup made from an acid and a sweetener (usually vinegar and honey) lends a complex flavor that up-levels any drink. They are also a yummy way to serve herbs to friends and family. (more…) -
Elderflower Cordial Made with Fresh or Dried Elderflowers
It’s almost elderflower season! When I excitedly announced this among friends recently, they all gave me a grin-and-eye-roll combination that, if I’m being honest, I receive on a regular basis from this bunch. It’s all done in good funÑit’s no secret that I choose to live my life much slower than the modern-world pace, as closely aligned with the turning of the seasons as possible. My favorite people may tease me about my Luddite ways and seasonal delight over things like elderflowers, but they aren’t fooling anybody. They’re always the first ones to belly up for our refreshing cordials and festive cocktails and, because I let most of my homegrown elderflowers turn into berries, they are also the ones who slyly check in throughout the year to see if I’ve got any cordial made with the dried elderflowers that sustain us when the fresh flowers are long gone. Here’s to elderflower cordial and sharing with friends! (more…)
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Spring Pesto Recipes for Health & Vitality
Research compiled by Oregon State University has shown that roughly half of the adult population in the United States doesn’t get enough of the vitamins and minerals that leafy greens supply: 52% don’t get the recommended intake of magnesium, 44% don’t get enough calcium, and 43% don’t get enough vitamin C. Although many of us know that we need two to three cups of leafy greens a day to supply our exquisitely complex bodies with the vitamins and minerals needed to carry out cellular processes and repairs, many of us have trouble eating adequate amounts of those greens. (more…)
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Herb-Inspired Salad Dressings from Around the World: 4 Recipes for Summer Salads
There are a lot of reasons to love summer, but a big one here in the Willamette Valley of Oregon is the wealth of fresh garden and farm produce. We’re heading into salad season, always a good opportunity to explore new flavors and ways to enjoy the freshest greens, ripest tomatoes, crispest cucumbers, sweetest corn, and more. We’ve got four standout salad dressing recipes from around the world for you to enjoy this season, along with ideas about how to best use them: horiatiki from Greece, wafu from Japan, esquites from Mexico, and tahini-lemon from the Middle East. Enjoy! (more…)
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How to Make Tulsi Sipping Vinegar + Spritzer and Shrub Mocktail Recipes
A friend called the other day and before I had a chance to finish with ÛÏHelloÛ she asked, ÛÏWhat was that vinegar drink you made last summer? The zingy one with basil and berries?Û It was a shrub: a ÛÏzingyÛ drinking vinegar infused with fruit. Apparently, my friend had a craving because berry season is upon us. It was a good reminderÑthis is a perfect time to start infusing vinegars with herbs and fruit for both refreshing summer drinks and herbal formulations for later in the year. I love the allure of a jar full of drinking vinegar and the potential it represents for delicious, healthful sipping. Infuse berries and we’re also well on our way to a perfect shrub cocktail/mocktail season. (more…)
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Spring Rain Essential Oil Blend + Wax Melt Recipe
I love to live fully within the seasons. I take in all the nuances of the seasonal elements, ebbing and flowing with the twists and turns of the weather and the expansion and contraction of daylight. This mindfulness practice allows me to connect with the ÛÏnowÛ and fully appreciate all that the Earth shares with us through her wondrous cycles.
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DIY World Spice Blends
All too often it’s easy to use the same spices over and over again. If they work, then why not? I sprinkle Italian seasoning on just about everything. Turmeric powder and smoked salt are two other popular staples in my houshold. But this season I was determined to bring some new flavors into my kitchen. I’m thrilled to say that these blends did just the trick!
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3 Magic Moon Milk Recipes for Restful Sleep
If drinking warm milk before bed sounds like the kind of advice you might hear from your grandmaÑwell, it turns out grandma knows best again! Drinking heated creamy beverages before bed has been practiced for centuries and has helped people all over the world drift off into a restful sleep. It is also commonly recommended by Ayurvedic practitioners to calm fiery doshas and to help balance the body before bed. Nowadays, these magical cups of comfort are often referred to as moon milks and incorporate herbs and spices to help assist the body in relaxation. (more…)
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DIY Shower Steamer Recipes (Calming & Uplifting Variations)
Treat yourself or someone you love to a spa-scented shower experience with easy-to-create ÛÏShower SteamerÛ tablets. Shower steamers use all-natural salts (typically baking soda) and essential oils. These little aromatherapy pucks can turn your shower into a spa-like experience. It is a simple product made up of just a few household ingredients and your favorite essential oils. The tablets dissolve slowly as you shower to create a lasting aromatherapy experience and the warm steam helps diffuse the scent. You can select scents that will energize, relax, or help with seasonal congestion.
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Herb-Infused Simple Syrup Recipe Using Dried Herbs
Simple syrups are a fun and surprisingly useful ingredient to keep on hand in your refrigerator, especially when they are infused with your favorite herbs. A lot of people think of mocktails or cocktails when they think of simple syrups, and that’s definitely a good use for them. But they are equally wonderful added to carbonated water, as sweetener in tea, brushed on cakes or cupcakes, drizzled on yogurt or pancakes, and more. They are called ÛÏsimpleÛ syrup for a reasonÑif you can boil water, you can make simple syrup. And infusing simple syrups with herbs takes them from being a good ingredient to an amazing one! (more…)
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Mushroom Bouillon Powder and Paste + Homemade Seasoning Salt Recipe
My youngest son loves ramen: both the hand-pulled noodle restaurant version and the instant kind. His passion for instant ramen is left over from his first foray, years ago, into the adult world of supporting himself on minimum wage. Thankfully, as he‘s matured, he‘s become more concerned about eating real food without the MSG, tBHQ, and astronomically high sodium content that is typical in grocery store ramen. But quick easy ramen is still the food he reaches for when he’s in a hurry and needs a fast mealÛ? which explains my quest to develop an easy, healthy, homemade bouillon powder/paste that he can add to his noodle bowls in place of those unhealthy flavor packets that come in store-bought instant ramen noodles. (more…)
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Natural Shampoo Recipe With Herbs
Many people want to get away from conventional hair and skin care products for two important reasons; they are full of unpronounceable synthetic ingredients that make it nearly impossible to know what we’re rubbing all over our bodies, and those over-the-counter products are packaged in materials that often can’t be reused or recycled. A lot of us first came to herbalism looking for natural, DIY alternatives. But in regard to skin and hair care formulations, it’s often not so simple.
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Ashwagandha: Uses and Benefits + Tasty Recipes
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) a plant highly praised in the Ayurvedic tradition, is in the Solanaceae, or nightshade, family. It’s been said that the herb may give both energy and calmness to those plagued with physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. The species name somnifera means sleep-inducing, whereas ashwagandha comes from the Sanskrit words ÛÏashvaÛ and ÛÏgandha,Û meaning ÛÏhorse smellÛ since some think the roots of this calming plant smell like a horse. To each their own in the smell department; however, being a trophorestorative herb, it can bring ÛÏhorselikeÛ strength and vitality when used consistently over time. Ashwagandha has also been known to have a positive effect on cortisol levels due to real and perceived stress triggers and their subsequent physical and emotional symptoms. With stress being a way of life for many, the release of stress may also result in increased vigor and energy. (more…) -
How to Make Herb-Flavored Alcohol + 3 DIY Herbal Spirit Blends
In the cycle of the year, I find the weeks between Imbolc (February) and Beltane (end of April) to be a precious, restful time in which I finally have space to be creative. We’re past the months of food preserving and winter holidays and not yet at the point when I will jump back into the annual joy/work of my yard, garden, and orchard. This is the only time of the year when I don’t have a dozen other priorities vying for my attention. It is an ideal moment to take a look at my apothecary and think about the herbs that I should use up before they start to get old. As well as making tinctures, glycerine extracts, and infused honey, I find this to be a perfect opportunity to make herb-infused spirits to add to my liquor cabinet for handcrafted cocktails throughout the year. I recently combed back through Mountain Rose Herbs blogs for inspiration, andÑas usualÑcame up with infusion gold. I’m excited to share three reader-tested, herb-infused distilled spirits recipes with you! (more…)
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Sultry Essential Oil Perfume Recipe With Tonka Beans
Alcohol-based perfumes never sounded attractive to me. I always thought using them would make me smell like I just came from the bar, which is generally not the vibe I am going for. This aversion persisted until I discovered tonka beans (Dipteryx odorata) and learned that alcohol extraction is the best way to bring out their dreamy aroma! Tonka beans are an excellent alternative to vanilla beans in aromatherapy creations and are roughly five times less expensive than vanilla, so you can save your true vanilla for cooking and use tonka beans to get those highly coveted notes for perfumery.
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Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap with Soap Nuts
I have to admit, it was really difficult for me to believe that soap nuts could actually work. My skepticism caused me to walk by them at my local natural grocery store for years. I liked the idea of an all-natural laundry solution, but I figured soap nuts would not be effective enough to take on the heavily soiled laundry from homesteading and an overall active lifestyle.
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Hot Oil Treatment for Hair
When it comes to hair care, a routine of deep conditioning can make a huge difference in the health and appearance of your hair and scalp. Choosing the right oils is one of the key parts of this process, so I have broken down some of my favorite oils for hair care and shared a luscious hot oil treatment that I formulated for weekly use. -
Nourishing Herbal Infusion RecipeÑA Tea With Purpose
Over the years, I’ve fallen in love with many herbs. Some come and go, others stick with me day after day once they’ve become part of my life. This nourishing infusion blend weaves together four of my long-term herbal allies. As a go-to for drinking daily, it is beloved by many in my extended community.
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Healthy Breakfast Recipes + 5 Superfood Powder Blends
Many of us experience busy mornings, juggling personal preparations with the needs of our children and other responsibilities. But it’s important to make time for breakfast, to give your body something substantial to solidly start your day. By making blends ahead of time, you can quickly and easily nourish yourself with either a hearty oatmeal blend or a lighter chia blend, topped with nuts. You
can also mix and match my ÛÏpower powderÛ herbal blends according to your seasonal needs and individual constitution. Have fun, create something delicious in bulk, and store it in a big jar to easily and quickly satisfy your daily breakfast needs! (more…)
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New Year Reflections & Journal Prompts of an Herbalist
Photos courtesy of Kiva Rose HardinOur botanical sanctuary and primitive homestead in the mountains of New Mexico runs on solar power, and during these shortest days of the year, solar can be in short supply. While this can make keeping up with online work more challenging, it also means we’re more likely to take advantage of the quiet and dark to reflect and reset. As I write this, our usually calf-deep river is raging through the narrow mountain canyon, too deep and fast to cross even in a kayak, much less on foot. The clouds are thick overhead and freezing rain pelts the gray skeletons of the cottonwoods. (more…)
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Cookies and Cream Lip Balm Recipe
Each year around the holidays, I create a new lip balm recipe to share on both the Mountain Rose Herbs blog and with my friends and family. They make a great stocking stuffer and the people in my life enjoy seeing what I’ve come up with for the season. I love that lip balms can be made in bulk for sharing, and I love this fun and useful expression of my craft.
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Frosted Gingerbread Essential Oil Blend + Wax Melt Recipe
Gingerbread is a nostalgic aroma for me. It takes me back to my childhood in New Jersey, where I grew up appreciating our family holiday celebrations and traditions. One of the many fun memories of my childhood was decorating gingerbread houses and people. I even carried that seasonal practice into college, where my best friend and I crafted some pretty over-the-top gingerbread houses. Now, being three thousand miles away from my family and my closest friends can be difficult, especially around the holidays. But bringing in nostalgic elements of these precious childhood memories helps me to feel closer to them. One of the most transformative ways I have found to do this is through aromatherapy. -
Best Winter Essential Oils & Winter Diffuser Blend
By the time winter rolls around, I usually find myself seeking cozy comfort, uplifting cheer, and robust wellness support. While fuzzy blankets, social gatherings, and immune-boosting herbal teas are tried and true, I also look to aromatherapy as an essential wintertime ally.
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Homemade Rosehip Jelly Using Dried Rosehips + Vintage Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
I love rosehips. I love the way they look on rose shrubs and how they remain bright points of color as the gray of winter approaches. I love how they feed wildlife when it’s cold. I love the nutritional and healthful gifts they offer. And I particularly love how those tart little hips are perfect for jellies, jams, and syrups. I don’t always have time in the fall to harvest and clean fresh hips, so I am always grateful for dried rosehips when winter finally arrives and I can slow down and do some cold weather nesting. Now I have the time to pull luscious dried rosehips from my apothecary closet to make rosehip jelly for my family. However, said family firmly believes that rosehip jelly season also means cookie season, because homemade jellies and jams are the best for thumbprint and/or frosted sugar cookies.
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Sweater Weather Roll-On Perfume Recipe
Homemade perfumes are wonderful for a myriad of reasons. From the ability to try new things without an enormous price tag to the pleasure of crafting something both beautiful and useful, perfume making is a pastime that I’ve grown to truly love. I custom tailor fragrances to match my mood or emotional needs or to harness the energetics of certain plants. But I also have a fondness for crafting blends that match the seasons.
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Bitter, Aromatic, and Demulcent Herbs for Digestion + 3 Recipes
This is the time of year when we start thinking about how to best support our bodies as our diets shift to heartier winter eating and those inevitable holiday meals that are just around the corner. Digestive function is a key factor in our overall health and wellness, and can be thrown off by a number of things that are part and parcel of this time of year: not just hearty cold weather meals, but also changes in our routine, less sun and exercise, the stressors (both positive and negative) of family gatherings, holiday travel, etc. This seasonal dietary and energy flux impacts our bodies in a wide variety of ways, and can particularly play havoc on our digestive system. Fortunately, when we pay attention to our own unique rhythm, we can get ahead of these factors and be prepared when our normal balance is off-kilter. There are three herbal actions that are particularly helpful: bitters, aromatics, and demulcents. (more…)
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Holiday Appetizers: Seed Crackers with Cashew “Sour CreamÛ Dip
Festive holiday gatherings can be tricky when you have family members and friends with dietary restrictions. In my circle of favorite people, one person is a vegetarian and is also lactose intolerant, several of us don’t eat gluten, another person is allergic to almonds and hazelnuts, a couple people are trying to lose weight, and another is in serious training for a national martial arts championship and is on a weight gain and muscle building plan. It’s hard to come up with foods that please us all! We’ve found that an appetizers and cocktails/mocktails party is sometimes the way to go! It’s easier to create small bites that people can choose from rather than a single sit-down meal that requires different options for everyone. Great appetizers are where these remarkably healthy and delicious seed crackers come in. They check everyone’s boxes and also make a fantastic vehicle for a healthful, festive herbal dip that you can customize to your palate. (more…)
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A Midwinter Cordial to Support Your Digestive System
In the United States, Û÷cordial’ and Û÷liqueur’ are two words for the same thing; they are sweetened distilled spirits. Although many people know them as cocktail ingredients, cordials can also be potent digestifs. This digestive-aid version of cordials is generally more bitter and less sweet than its cocktail-focused brethren and is loaded with herbs, spices, and other natural flavorings that support the digestive tract. A cordial-digestif can be as simple and delicious as a 3-seed herbal cordial for digestion, or you can make them more complex with layers of herbal flavors and aromas to delight the nose and the palate. Either way, they are ridiculously easy to make. This festive midwinter version with its blend of aromatics and bitters is the perfect finish to a holiday meal, when you have a moment to sit down and enjoy the company of your favorite people. (more…)
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Homemade Playdough: No-Cook Playdough Colored with Herbal Powders
Recently, I was barred from calling my grandbaby any endearment that includes the word ÛÏbaby.Û Apparently, we are in ÛÏbig kidÛ territory now. The term ÛÏbig kidÛ doesn’t really lend itself to sweet endearments, but that aside, the no-longer-baby has had one consistent love since the moment those little hands and big brain were coordinated enough to squish clayÑthis kid loves playdough. However, Nana (me) is not fond of the typical store-bought versions, which can include chemical preservatives, binders, lubricants, surfactants, hardeners, anti-fungal additives, and artificial fragrances and colors. My favorite little dough-lover spends hours each week rolling, shaping, stamping, and building. I don’t want her hands in chemicals, preservatives, and additives day in and day out. In her world, a day without playdough is a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, which means I had to figure out how to make an excellent, naturally colored playdough that is easy to whip up when the need arises.
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Elderberry Mulled Cider Recipe for Immune Support
Herbalism is a health practice that can be traced around the globe for millennia. For most of our existence as a species, humans have lived closely with nature relying on the Earth for shelter, food, and medicine. While time-tested methods for making and consuming herbal preparations have carried through the ages, some herbal preparations have evolved to fit the needs of the modern populationÑlike the ease of taking capsules. However, one ancient preparation involving the soaking of herbs in wine or cider has managed to stand the test of time, although it is perhaps a little under the radar.
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DIY Toilet Deodorizer ÛÒ Forest Blend
As we prepare to have guests over through the holiday months, it’s important that our friends and family feel comfortable when nature calls. After all, the key to life is not letting anyone know that you, in fact, have bowel movements. All kidding aside, it’s a sensitive subject for many, so giving your guest options that don’t involve heavy synthetic fragrances or noisy and environmentally harmful aerosol cans is both considerate and helpful. (more…) -
What Are Polysaccharides & How to Extract Them
In our continuing study of phytochemistry, let’s advance further with Polysaccharides. Studies show the many benefits of polysaccharides. They are immune modulating which means they help the immune system to regulate itself, whether stimulating or suppressing its actions. Polysaccharides stimulate the parasympathetic action to produce mucous, our body’s natural demulcent, to soothe dry, irritated tissues and assist in elimination. Contained in the primary cell walls of plants, polysaccharides act as a prebiotic, as most fiber does, to support beneficial bacteria and decrease non-beneficial bacteria. Serving as a soluble fiber, polysaccharides slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream as they enter the gut and bind bile acids. Bile acids then leave the body through the digestive system. Polysaccharides also prevent the absorption of cholesterol from food in the gastrointestinal tract and relieve constipation.
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Ayurvedic Kitchari Recipe for Seasonal Support
We are ÛÏmicrocosms of the macrocosmÛ according to Ayurvedic philosophyÑan eloquent way of describing our interconnectedness with the natural world. While technology and other changes in our society have created a separation between us and nature’s rhythms, the body’s incredible intelligence easily ÛÏremembersÛ its synchronicity with the macrocosm when we give it a chance. One way of creating this opportunity is by honoring the changes of the season, which Ayurveda describes as a moment in time when the system (micro- and macrocosm) is more vulnerable to illness because of the shifts in dominant energies and elements. Most of us naturally do this in some form or anotherÑchanging our wardrobe, adjusting to a new schedule for work or school, etc.Ñbut we can take our seasonal self-care one step further by giving our digestive system some space and ease with a seasonal reset.
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Autumn Breeze Wax Melt Recipe
When you think of autumn, what comes to mind? Is it the colorful masterpiece of the treescape, or the sound of crunching leaves? Possibly the taste of a pumpkin spice latte or warm mulled cider? For me, it’s the aromas whirling through the air that herald the coming of fall.
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3 Apple Cider-Inspired Mocktails for Fall
There are so many things I love about autumn. Like a dear friend I haven’t seen in far too long, I’m refreshed, comforted, and inspired by the season. I look forward to the addition of warming spices in my foods, vibrant bursts of colors, mushroom-scented walks in the forest, and fresh apple cider. Usually, I immediately drink the newly pressed, sweet cider. All notions of sharing go out the window; the cider barely makes it home from the store. But this year, in the giving spirit of the fall season, I resolve to save some apple cider to savor and share with family and friends.
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How to Make Thieves¨ Cleaner
Over my years of DIY tinkering I’ve created over a hundred body care, culinary, and green cleaning recipes. Some I love seasonally, others come and go for one reason or another, and some shining stars remain a constant in my everyday life. One member of this VIP list is a ÛÏFour Thieves¨Û multi-surface spray. It’s easy to make, and its versality means that it earns its keep in my natural cleaning supply closet. It also smells fresh and invigorating and cuts grease with the likes of commercially available soaps and sprays. (more…)
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How to Upcycle Herbs After Making Infusions, Oils, Tinctures, and More
If you’re like me, you aim to not waste any of your herbal ingredientsÑyou understand that hard-working pollinators and farmers put a lot of love and care into getting the finest organic botanicals into your cupboard. This is why I began exploring ways to reuse my herbs after making herbal preparations. Through years of making tea, infused oils, tinctures, vinegars, and honeys, I’ve tinkered up some fun ways to upcycle the remaining plant material, often called the ÛÏmarc,Û into other fine uses and crafts.
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Bilberry and Hawthorn Berry Syrup
I am a fan of Lynn Rosseto Kasper’s public radio cooking show The Splendid Table. I was particularly intrigued with a 2020 episode in which she talked about a recipe for butternut squash roasted with a cider reduction syrup that she made by simply reducing sweet apple cider from four parts down to one part. I thoughtÑas I am wont to doÑÛÏWhat if I put herbs in that delicious syrup?Û
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How to Soothe a Bee Sting at Home & in the Wild
We’re getting to the time of year when some species of bees, wasps, and hornets get more aggressive, so we’re more likely to get stung. In late summer and fall, these stinging insects start to prepare for winter at the same time that their natural food sources are depleted. They’re hungry and their instinct to protect their hive and, particularly, their queen becomes more intense. I sometimes get ÛÏhangryÛ too, so at some level I get it, but being on the receiving end of a yellow jacket’s misplaced fury is a big drag. FortunatelyÑso long as you are not allergic to bees and waspsÑthere are a number of very effective natural and herbal remedies if you’ve been stung.
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How to Make Instant Herbal Tea Cubes
I’m always looking for new and convenient ways to add herbs to my diet. As you may have learned from my blog on how to make herbal salt blends, I believe it is the small daily habits that truly add up to the biggest changes in our overall health and wellness. This is one of the reasons I started making herbal ice cubes. This simple preparation is easy, fast, and offers some wonderful benefits for our hard-working bodies and minds. Simply adding a few herbal ice cubes to my water allows me to harness the power of herbs without tacking on any extra time or effort. These ÛÏinstant iced tea cubesÛ turn a plain glass of water into flavorful tea in seconds and offer the opportunity to incrementally add extra vitamins, minerals, and functional herbs to your daily routine.
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10 Zero-Waste Wedding and Party Favors
When you are planning an event, especially one as large as a wedding, there are many things to consider: budget, theme, comfort and, hopefully, sustainability. When it comes to party favors, I’m a big fan of gifting homemade things that are clean, green, and most importantly, useful! (more…)
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Garlic Aioli Recipe with Curry Powder
In my years as a foodie and cook, there are a couple of dishes that it took me forever to master. For instance, I have broken more aioli than I can shake a whisk at. Perhaps you have heard me say before that I dislike projects with finicky details. Needless to say, this trait doesn’t bode well for creating a perfect aioli. I even failed when using a blender. However, a few years ago I had one of those why-didn’t-I-think-of-this-sooner lightbulb moments: I could ask for help! It turns out all kinds of people in my family and friend group are glad to help if the payoff is ÛÏhomemade mayo.Û If you, like me, lack the hand-eye coordination and patience to quickly, constantly whisk a vessel of eggs and lemon juice while simultaneously trying to pour oil very, very slowly, I invite you to grab a buddy to do either the whisking or the pouring. Add some good conversation and the time flies by; the process becomes wonderful instead of aggravating. Then split the resulting creamy wonder that is aioli. This is what true friendships are made of! (more…)
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2 DIY Natural Deodorant Spray Recipes
Distilled from the twigs and bark of the witch hazel tree, high quality, organic witch hazel extract is a lovely, time-tested ingredient in DIY and natural deodorant sprays. Witch hazel lowers the skin’s pH, so odor-causing bacteria cannot thrive. It is gentle enough to be used alone, or can be combined with herbs and essential oils. It also does double-duty as a toner, which is why you see it show up so often in the finest facial toner recipes. These Mountain Rose Herbs deodorant spray recipes bring together the superpowers of witch hazel with balanced blends of aromatic essential oilsÑit’s no wonder they have been favorite go-to recipes for more than a decade! And, once you have the hang of these easy homemade sprays, you can customize the recipe to create a perfectly blended scent for yourself or your loved ones.
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Camping Food for Foodies: No Refrigeration Required
I Googled my symptoms. Turned out I just needed to go camping.
Sometimes the only cure for what ails me is getting away from civilization for a few days, someplace where there is no wifi, I can see a whole sky full of stars, and I can’t hear anything but a river and birds. Whether I’m hiking, backpacking, or car camping, cooler-space is either nonexistent or at a premium, so I appreciate delicious, no-refrigeration-required camping food options. The following three recipes are regulars on my family’s camping season menus. Not only are they delicious, they also happen to be gluten-free and vegan-optional. Enjoy!
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20+ DIY Herbal Recipes You Can Make for Under $10
Affordability is a real issue when it comes to health and wellness. Many of us are living on tight budgets, and that’s not getting any better with the current skyrocketing inflation. One of the things that I love about herbalism is that it empowers me to make better choices for my health and wellbeing without blowing my budget. It’s true that some herbal formulations require ingredients that are beyond what I can purchase, but there are many effective options that fall comfortably in the affordable zone, so I’ve never felt like I missed out because I couldn’t buy those pricier options. The following 20+ recipes are perfect examples. From wellness recipes to topical applications and culinary treats, these excellent, affordable formulations have served the Mountain Rose Herbs community well for many years. Enjoy! (more…)
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Spicy Margarita Recipe
This spicy margarita recipe with DIY jalape̱o simple syrup, homemade citrus margarita mix, and a delicious chili-lime rimming mixture for your glass is going to check all your tastebuds’ boxes. Make the simple syrup and margarita mix ahead of time, refrigerate them until ready to use, and then you can easily shake up a delicious, spicy margarita whenever the occasion calls for it. Organic chili-lime salt and dried jalape̱o flakes are the key to these easy, delicious homemade margaritas! (more…)
