The Magic of Hydrosols
Distillation is an act of magic. While we can explain the process – heat, evaporation, transpiration and condensation – in doing so we bring forth the essence of a plant. Molecules, previously held in and between the cells of its parts, reveal themselves to us in an alchemical conglomerate we know today as hydrosols. The…
Aromatic Rituals: Finding Yourself and Your Sacred Space
With the winter solstice steadily approaching in the northern hemisphere, we find ourselves spending more time indoors. COVID and the unprecedented phenomenon of working and/or schooling from home has created the “perfect storm” for increased time indoors. Isolation may become a pain point with not being able to spend time with loved ones, and this…
Skincare: Holistic versus Mainstream
I often come across discussions about skin care which bring up a lot of frustrated commentary and not much else. They usually lead to very little progress in understanding or broadening of horizons between the opposing parties and I find that in the end, a discussion like that is a plain waste of time. Attempting…
Aromatic Steams in Viral Times
The regularly scheduled cold and flu season is here. While we have been living through a worldwide pandemic, for what seems like an eternity, the year’s typical bugs aren’t likely to let us off the hook. And COVID-19 sure isn’t either. The stakes are higher this year. Masking up, taking standard safety precautions, and limiting…
Coco-Craze – A Comparison of Coconut Oils: Part II
Medium Chain Triglycerides: A Magic Bullet? Coconut products have skyrocketed to superfood fame practically overnight. Or, to be more specific: coconut oil consumption in the USA jumped by 34% between 2004 and 2014. These changes in consumer behavior were accompanied by an impressive array of marketing campaigns claiming that coconut oil is easy to digest,…
Coco-Craze – A Comparison of Coconut Oils: Part I
Coconut oil boasts a checkered past. Demonized along with tallow and lard since the 1950’s for high saturated fat content, it’s recently overcome the stigma, and, oddly enough, rocketed to superfood fame. With its unique chemical characteristics, coconut oil has made a comeback as cooking oil, cosmetic ingredient, antimicrobial agent, biofuel, and, according to some,…