Real Life Herbalism. Intentional Evolution. A Self Care Space for Midlife Women.
Kava kava, or just "kava," is one of the first herbs I've ever tried for medicinal use. A friend recommended it for stress and insomnia, so I bought a bottle of extract from a local health food store. It worked, but I used it sparingly because it was expensive. When it was gone (as was... Continue Reading →
I love ginger. The spicy, sweet rhizome is highly versatile in the kitchen, lending flavor and zing to almost any dish. It’s one of those common ingredients that manages to be both delicious and incredibly useful at the same time. That strange looking root offers an impressive array of benefits. Ginger has long history of... Continue Reading →
Despite being a nurse, I am one of those people who rarely sees my doctor. I go when I have to, like for work physicals, but I really have to be hurting to seek medical care for a cold or sinus infection. I'm lucky to be in good health, and it usually only takes a few... Continue Reading →
Adaptogens refer to a group of herbs, roots, and mushrooms which have been used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to promote wellness. The term adaptogen indicates their primary usage -- they help the body adapt to psychological, physical, and environmental stress through a nonspecific resistance. In general, adaptogens are known to... Continue Reading →
For my next several posts, I will be focusing on herbs to help manage stress and anxiety. The plant world is full of surprisingly effective remedies that do not come with the same risks and side-effects of typical anti-anxiety medications. I've found several that seem to work well, and I'm hoping others can benefit from... Continue Reading →
I've been experimenting with different recipes for homemade natural body products, and I've concocted a body butter recipe that I'm especially proud of. I gave away jars of it to friends and family, and within weeks, they were returning the jars and asking for more! It smells wonderful, has a lovely whipped texture similar to... Continue Reading →
I saw it on Groupon, and thought it'd make a great gift for my mother. A voucher for a "float tank experience." She loves hot tubs, baths, etc., and she's usually up for novelty experiences. The reputed relaxation effects of floating made my decision and the appeal of a mother/daughter "spa" day made me buy... Continue Reading →
I woke up today with a raging sinus headache and the beginnings of what will likely become a congested cough and general miserable condition over the next few days. I headed to the kitchen for some elderberry syrup that I made a few weeks ago...and realize sadly that it's almost gone. Waaahh! When I stopped... Continue Reading →
Here I sit on this lovely fall afternoon, sipping tea made from the petals of my very own calendula plants. Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, is a member of the Asteraceae/Compositae family which includes daisies and ragweed. Calendula is native to the Mediterranean region, but grows worldwide...and very easily might I add! The... Continue Reading →
So I signed up for a Pinterest account a few hours ago, and I'm finding it to be very interesting (ie. a willpower-destroying time-sucker lol). Pinterest asks you your areas of interest when you sign up, so I already had a board full of inspirational quotes, cute kitties, and an abundance of "healthy" recipes and tips when I... Continue Reading →
Pathways and Potions 