Pumpkin And Spice Body Butter
October is one of my favorite months of the year. The weather is chilly but not quite cold, and the leaves on the trees turn into the most stunning colors. Nature is breathtaking. Along with seasonal change, I know my mind and my body can both use some kind of a boost. Fall is the…
Essential Oil Allies: Valerian
Valerian essential oil is obtained by steam distilling the roots and rhizomes of the perennial herb Valeriana officinalis. The resulting essential oil is an amber-brown that gets darker with age. It is often grown and distilled for its essence in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Russia and China. The plant is classified as one of…
Aromatic Tummy Gummies
Be creative with the recipe by adding in different hydrosols with different fruits. I made some gummies this summer with nettle hydrosol and a bit of honey (approx. 1/8 cup) to sweeten them up a bit. Yummy! Other hydrosols to consider: Rose (Rosa damascena), Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), or Spearmint (Menta spicata). Can also add…
Soothing Children’s Skin With Essential Oils
I’ll never forget the panic when my 2 month old son broke out in what looked like a rash that didn’t go away. It quickly progressed into a more serious condition known as atopic dermatitis or eczema. Eczema is a skin condition that affects 5-20% of children1. It is evidenced by red, dry, itchy skin, and…
Staying Balanced During Seasonal Transitions
September, like the sweet yet sudden changing of the leaves, is a month of serious transition and transformation. We move, or are rather thrust (let’s be honest), back into reality. No matter how much we’re aware of this happening (we know when Labor Day is of course – we’re probably already planning our next one),…
Peace And Clarity For The Fall Equinox
The autumnal equinox – from the Latin equi (equal) and nox (night), meaning that days and nights are equally long – is happening in 2018 on Saturday, September 22nd. In pagan traditions, the celebration is called Mabon: it represents the moment of harvest, and the end of summer, but also a time of gratitude and…