Witch hazel extract infused with spring plants makes for a lovely skin tonic. Crafted with herbs that are wonderfully nourishing and soothing to the skin, it can be used as a daily facial toner or utilized to ease a number of skin woes. Dab on to spot treat acne or pour into a spray bottle and spritz on insect bites & stings, sun burns, rashes, and other inflamed, itchy skin…
This tasty dressing is incredibly nutrient dense. Dandelion provides a number of vitamins and minerals, which are readily extracted into the vinegar. It also promotes healthy digestion. Olive oil adds a boost of antioxidants and rich flavor.
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ for short, causes pain in the jaw, face, & ears and can make chewing and opening your mouth painful, or even difficult. A study published in the British Journal of General Practice states, “Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are responsible for 30% of hospital admissions for [adverse drug reactions], mainly due to bleeding, heart attack, stroke, and renal damage” (Davis & Robson, 2016). I could dive…
Comfrey (Symphytum spp.) has a long history of use in animal husbandry, as well as folk medicine, and is cherished for its high nutrient content and ability to aid the repair of skin and bones. Indeed, comfrey is a source of an impressive array of nutrients, including thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, manganese, calcium, and phosphorus. It also contains allantoin, a chemical compound…
For all its sweet presence and floral aroma, lilac is actually gently astringent and slightly bitter. The scent is fleeting, but its medicinal properties make it valued in facial care to aid in toning and tightening skin.
Handcrafted condiments are a serious level up from store-bought renditions that are far less tasty, and are full of highly-processed ingredients like preservatives, food dyes, artificial flavors, and high fructose corn syrup. When I first started making my own mustards many years ago, I was delighted by how simple and truly delicious it was to whip this flavorful condiment at home. I haven’t bought mustard since! Dill (Anethum graveolens) adds…
The Aztecs and Mayans revered cacao as sacred long before 18th century Swedish botanist, Carl Linnaeus, named the cacao tree Theobroma cacao, which means “food of the gods” in Latin. In modern times, cacao is well-known as a flavoring in sugary desserts and chocolate candies. However, this herb actually has numerous health benefits when not heavily adulterated by processed sugars and other additives. Cacao (Theobroma cacao) is rich in minerals and anti-inflammatory flavonoids.…
This hot sauce is reminiscent of mole poblano, a savory Mexican sauce made with cacao, chiles, and other spices. Authentic versions of this tasty sauce include 20+ ingredients and can take hours to put together. This rendition is much simpler. Lacto-fermenting the peppers adds depth of flavor without a lot of effort and after the initial wait for the peppers to ferment, the whole thing comes together in just a…
These pretty popsicles are a simple way to enjoy the color, flavor, and health boosting effects of flor de jamaica.
This facial scrub is one of my personal favorites. It leaves skin feeling smooth and vibrant.