Exploring Emulsifier & Preservative-Free Emulsions
If you read Shata Dhauta Ghrita (100x Washed Ghee), then you already know all about the luxurious whipped emulsion known as 100 times washed ghee. The deeply hydrating cream is said to penetrate all seven layers of the skin and is reputed to help with everything from hyperpigmentation and fine lines to inflammatory conditions like rosacea and sunburns. In […]
Oil Cleansing + a Simple Creamy Vanilla Bean After-Shower Skin Serum
I don’t know why it took me so long to think of trying this, but OMG y’all, I think I’m in love. My “skin twin” sebum mimicking oil trio makes a killer shower oil with a lovely “creamy” texture. The tallow thickens and gives a bit of body to the lighter jojoba and squalane oils and the result is a lovely creamy oil blend that resembles a cross between a lotion and an oil and is thick enough to dispense nicely from a pump bottle.
Tincturing Beyond the Folk Method
Herbalists who practice the folk method rely on their senses and experience instead of precise measurements and formulas. It’s simple, intuitive and flexible and, because it doesn’t require a lot of measuring and math, it’s appealing to those of us who prefer a more natural and less technical approach to herbalism. The folk method produces a perfectly good tincture for personal home use, but there are times when the folk method just isn’t sufficient.
Why Go to the Trouble of Making Your Own Skincare?
With so many “natural” skincare products available on the market today, you may wonder why anyone would go to the trouble of making their own.
Stocking Your Herbal Apothecary
For the majority of our history, we’ve relied on the inherent wisdom of plants for both medicine and nourishment. Even as modern pharmaceuticals become widespread, nature continues to provide a plethora of safe, effective remedies to those who know where to look.
Dabbling with Dragon’s Blood
Dragon’s blood is a plant resin that’s been used for various purposes — including skincare — for centuries. From Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as far back as the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) to Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder to modern day, dragon’s blood has been employed for its medicinal properties.
Irish Moss as a Gelling Agent (Plus an Easy Hydrogel Face Mask Recipe!)
The ocean has a (beauty) secret. Irish moss has a long history of traditional use in Ireland and other coastal communities. It’s been harvested for various purposes over the years, including a food source, a remedy for respiratory ailments and a thickening agent in culinary and medicinal preparations. It also happens to be a terrific choice for water-based skincare formulations where a gel-like texture is desired. Thanks to its high mucilage content, Irish moss is a top-notch natural gelling agent capable of adding texture and viscosity to skincare formulations — without the need for added gums!
More Than Just a Pretty Face: Tincturing with Self-heal
Prunella vulgaris, commonly known as self-heal, is charming little purple flower that never fails to make me smile. But it’s so much more than just a pretty face. Self-heal possesses potent medicinal qualities, offering both topical and internal benefits, from wound healing to immune support.
A Look at Herb-Infused Honeys
When it comes to crafting herbal preparations, the choice of a suitable menstruum — aka a solvent used to extract the therapeutic properties of herbs — is of utmost importance. Honey can be considered a moderate-to-strong menstruum, unique in its ability to extract water-soluble constituents as well as small amounts of oil-soluble compounds.
Anatomy of Fire Cider
Are you ready to spice up your wellness routine? Created in the early 80s by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, fire cider is a traditional herbal tonic that combines a base of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and local honey infused with a variety of stimulating herbs and spices. The fiery concoction is designed to boost digestion, improve circulation and support overall immune function. Over the years, fire cider has taken on a life of its own, gaining popularity among herbalists and natural health enthusiasts alike. It’s one herbal preparation I try to always keep on hand!
