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Herbal Self Care
There's no denying that we're living in uncertain, turbulent times. The world has changed for all of us in ways that has ramped up the Stress-O-Meter considerably – and it may be some time yet before we feel stable. This is especially true if family finances have been adversely impacted along the way, or if you’ve suffered the loss of a job altogether. You may find yourself worn thin from struggling with new software and applications as you work and create remotely, while filling the role of teacher, coach, chef and (oh, my!) the family hair stylist all at the same time. For those who live alone, it can be challenging to find new ways to feel connected.
Stress affects each of us differently, but long-term stress can easily manifest physically and mentally in even the most balanced of people. Digestion, sleep, mental clarity, mood and even the immune system can suffer over time. Fortunately, there are many ways to practice self-care while you continue to care for the world and the people around you. Mindfulness techniques such as yoga, meditation, journaling, gardening, breathing exercises and adhering to a healthy diet (and heck, eat a piece of chocolate cake now and then) can improve your emotional outlook and physical well-being significantly. Here we offer a few simple herbal formulations to help you nurture yourself.
—May 2020
last good nerve
~ tea
This tea blend is ideal for anyone who could use a boost in the all-stressed-out department.
Chamomile
is a go-to herb in times of stress, while
raspberry leaf
is chock full of much-needed nutrients such as iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C and B vitamins.
Rose petals
lend gentle floral notes and
cinnamon
adds just a hint of sweet spiciness.
ingredients
1 tablespoon
chamomile flower
2 tablespoons
rose petals
1 tablespoon
raspberry leaf
1 teaspoon
lemon balm leaf
1/2 teaspoon
cinnamon chips
directions
Combine all ingredients in a clean glass jar with a lid. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light. To make tea, use 1 tablespoon of the herb mixture per each cup of boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes before serving.
rest easy
~ tincture
This takes a bit of time to make, but the combination of these two tinctured herbs into one taken 30 minutes before retiring to encourage the sandman to visit your dreams is well worth the effort.
ingredients
1 ounce
hops
tincture
1 ounce
passionflower
tincture
directions
Combine the tinctures into a 2-ounce amber glass bottle with a dropper. Label and store in a cool, dark cabinet. To use, add one full dropper to water, juice or tea. Note:
instructions on how to make tinctures
can be found in our archived newsletter from 2018, May.
time for me
~ elixir
This will be your adult after-hours indulgence to enjoy sipping slowly at the end of a long day. Pick your favorite brandy for this recipe to bring out the spicy, pungent flavors of the ingredients. But, if you prefer, you can also use gin, vodka, whiskey or even wine.
ingredients
6 slices
ginger root
6 slices
licorice root
3 pieces
Fo-ti
3 whole
star anise
2 teaspoons
lemongrass
1 teaspoon
cinnamon chips
-
brandy or other alcohol
directions
Place all ingredients in a large glass jar and cover with brandy (or other alcohol, if using). Replace the lid and store the jar in a cool, dark place for 6 weeks, turning the jar once each day. Strain and discard the herbs, reserving the liquid. Rebottle, label and store in a cool, dark place. To use, sip a small glass while relaxing in the evening. Pairs nicely with dark chocolate!
summer days are here again
~ aroma spray
Life is all about the little things – watching a honeybee foraging flowers, waving to passing cars from the front porch, spending an afternoon under a shady tree with a favorite book. This lively scent will help you to remember to live in the present moment.
ingredients
2 ounces
distilled water
5 drops
tangerine essential oil
3 drops
lavender essential oil
2 drops
lime essential oil
2 drops
peppermint essential oil
directions
Combine all ingredients in a 2-ounce glass bottle with a mister top. Shake gently before each use.
out of the woods
~ aroma spray
This aromatic blend is mildly spicy but rugged in herbaceousness (yes, that’s a word). Wear it as a body spray or to add fragrance to your environment to help you feel grounded.
ingredients
2 ounces
distilled water
4 drops
fir needle essential oil
3 drops
sweet orange essential oil
2 drops
cinnamon leaf essential oil
1 drop
rosemary essential oil
directions
Combine all ingredients in a 2-ounce glass bottle with a mister top. Shake gently before each use.
life's a beach
~ aroma spray
This combination of essential oils yields a bright, refreshing aroma reminiscent of ocean spray and sunshine. Tip: Keep refrigerated and use to spritz your face and body on warm summer days.
ingredients
2 ounces
distilled water
4 drops
bergamot essential oil
3 drops
clary sage essential oil
2 drops
ginger essential oil
2 drops
lemongrass essential oil
directions
Combine all ingredients in a 2-ounce glass bottle with a mister top. Shake gently before each use.
chamomile flower,
whole
The delicate flowers of this member of the daisy family lend an aroma and flavor reminiscent of apples.
BUY CHAMOMILE IN BULK >
hops,
whole
Not just for beer!
Hops flowers
impart a calming floral and uplifting citrus-like flavor and aroma.
BUY HOPS IN BULK >
lavender flower,
whole
Thanks to the presence of organic compounds called aldehydes and ketones,
lavender
is the go-to herb to promote relaxation. As an added bonus, it pairs beautifully with nearly anything.
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lemon balm,
whole
According to the 17th century botanist, Nicholas Culpeper,
lemon balm
, also known as
sweet Melissa
,
"causeth the mind and heart to become merry."
BUY LEMON BALM IN BULK >
passionflower,
cut & sifted
This tropical beauty owes its soothing qualities to unique flavonoids that encourage gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release, such as isovitexin.
BUY PASSIONFLOWER IN BULK >
lemongrass,
cut & sifted
This tropical Asian native supplies a robust, lemon-like flavor but without tartness. The dried herb is a pleasant addition to soups and sauces, as well as herbal tea blends.
BUY LEMONGRASS IN BULK >
2020 — March 2nd
2011 — Oct
Aromatherapy: Formula Basics for Essential Oils
2018 — May 14th
Tinkering with Tinctures
2014 — March 11th
The Skinny on Scrubs: Exfoliates and Oils
2013 — Spring
Herbal Spa – DIY Recipes
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