Vaginal steaming, also commonly called yoni steaming, is a self-care practice that has its roots in many different cultures worldwide. It involves squatting or sitting on a steam chair over a bowl of hot water and herbs. Steaming is said to have a number of benefits for pelvic health. It can be helpful for easing PMS and menopause symptoms. Women also report its usefulness for various conditions, including pelvic organ…
From time to time, I enjoy paging through an herbal body care book from the 1970’s called Jeanne Rose’s Herbal Body Book. It’s full of old fashioned recipes for natural products that aren’t commonly found in modern day beauty regimens, including something she calls a “cosmetic vinegar.” According to Rose, cosmetic vinegars can be used as a facial rinse, aftershave, or deodorant. “It is softening and will relieve itchy skin and restore…
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…
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…
These pretty popsicles are a simple way to enjoy the color, flavor, and health boosting effects of flor de jamaica.
There are more than 300 species of Hibiscus that grow throughout the world, ranging from tropical to temperate regions. These Malvaceae family plants almost all have showy flowers and are appreciated for their ornamental value, as well as a number of culinary and medicinal uses. Flor de Jamaica (Hibiscus sabdariffa), also commonly known as roselle, is a type of hibiscus that produces large, deep red calyces. They are rich in…
Vanillegipfeli, more commonly known as vanillekipferl, is a crescent shaped cookie made with ground almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts and dusted with vanilla sugar. It’s popular in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, & Slovakia and is traditionally made at Christmas-time.
Both can be used to enhance the flavor of baked goods, beverages, ice cream, and more. A bottle of vanilla extract or a jar of vanilla sugar would make a lovely gift, as well.
These days I have a super simple hair care regimen that I’m really happy with. First, I give my hair a light wash (not using much soap) with my friend, Ali’s, gorgeous goat milk soap or one of my own botanical infused soaps. Then I pour a bit of herbal hair vinegar over my scalp and rinse with cool water. This simple method leaves my hair feeling great.
These days I have a super simple hair care regimen that I’m really happy with. First, I give my hair a light wash (not using much soap) with my friend, Ali’s, gorgeous goat milk soap or one of my own botanical infused soaps. Then I pour a bit of herbal hair vinegar over my scalp and rinse with cool water. This simple method leaves my hair feeling great.