Menthol balm is a staple in the winter medicine cabinet, perfect for soothing coughs, congestion, sinus headaches, and achy joints & muscles during the cold months. This homemade version combines pine and eucalyptus with menthol crystals and nourishing butters to create an all-natural salve that’s a great alternative to conventional vapor rubs. This menthol balm also makes a thoughtful and practical stocking stuffer or gift, helping prepare friends and family…
Evergreens have been an important part of winter celebrations since ancient times. From wreaths, garlands, and the classic Christmas tree, decorating with pine, fir, and spruce has long been a quintessential part of festive traditions. Evergreens are also a lovely ingredient in the holiday kitchen. Pine, spruce, and fir are all edible and can be a delicious addition to beverages, baked goods, condiments, and more! I work with pine the…
Wrapping holiday gifts has become a well-established seasonal ritual. However, the costs associated with this tradition can hit especially hard during a time of the year when there are already so many other expenses. The cost of wrapping paper, gift bags, ribbons and bows really adds up! According to a 2019 study, on average, Americans spend $5 billion on gift wrap each year. Fortunately, there are alternatives to store-bought wrapping…
As fall fades into winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the rainy season is beginning in the Ecuadorian Andes. Indoor heating isn’t common here because the temperatures are generally fairly mild, but this time of year especially, evenings in the mountains can grow quite chilly. On nights like these, you’ll want a warm sweater and a nice thick blanket. And wrapping your hands around a hot mug of canelazo is the…
With 20 beginner-friendly herbal projects, including a variety of edible and self care gifts, plus two fun gifts for kids, Homemade Herbal Gifts is your go-to guide for holiday gift giving this season. Whether you’re creating stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, or just want to give something personalized to friends & family this year, these homemade herbal gifts are meaningful, budget-friendly, and simple to make. Why Give Homemade Gifts This Holiday Season? There’s something…
For me, the emphasis on excessive consumerism leeches a lot of the magic from the holiday season. And I must admit that for many years this over commodification of Christmas nearly completely turned me off to celebrating this time of year. But, a few years ago, I realized I wanted to do something special to infuse my daughter’s childhood with wonder and magic during the holiday season. So, I decided to create…
When life gets busy, taking time for self care often falls to the bottom of the list. But tending to your body doesn’t have to be complicated, or expensive. Crafting your own body and hair care products is a way to slow down and enjoy the process. It lends a creative outlet and an opportunity to connect with the plants you’re working with. Using simple, non-toxic ingredients makes these creations…
Autumn is a season when children naturally start spending more time indoors as the weather grows colder and makes playing outside less enjoyable. Whipping up a batch of pumpkin spice playdough is a perfect ways to keep them entertained, and off screens! Whether you’re celebrating the harvest, or looking for a festive Samhain or Halloween activity, pumpkin spice playdough is a perfect way to celebrate autumn and keep little ones busy…
As an herbalist, gardener, and naturalist, there are many plants that are special to me. But, few are as near and dear to my heart as nettle (Urtica dioica). I first began working with nettle in my early days as an herbalist, after reading about its many beneficial properties in Rosemary Gladstar’s books. That spring, I foraged nettle along the walking trails behind my apartment building. I then baked nettle…
Oils infused with herbs have long been used to support the skin, muscles & joints, and nervous system. Across cultures and time, herbal oils have been a meaningful way to connect with the healing energy of plants. In the Ayurvedic tradition, the practice of abhyanga, a daily self-massage with warm, herbal oil, is believed to balance and rejuvenate both mind and body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal oils are used to support…