Limited Offer....

Peppermint Cream

Every year I make this at Christmas time. I have people that get angry at me the rest of the year because they can't get their hands on any. I have people that literally savor the last few swipes of the cream , and hunt me down until they can get some more. Until I can keep up with the demand, it is only offered on certain occasions and not on my website full time. It is luxurious and will soothe and soften even the ugliest cracked heal. Better than anything it is all natural and tingles with peppermint goodness, especially on freshly washed feet and legs. I have a limited stock and when it is gone it is gone. You can buy it here- Click here: Peppermint Cream (6 oz) - $12.08 : Herbalogie, The study of herbs. -first come, first serve. It makes a lovely gift, and if you pair it with an essential oil roller or wellness oil, I will throw it all in an organza bag for free!

Healthy Family Relationships- Group Call

Healthy Family Relationships

Everyone has dysfunction in their families, and at this time of year it seems, we can become more aware of it!
Do you wish you could enjoy family members in a more positive way?
Do you wish you could change negative patterns with people in your family?
Do you wish being together with family could be more enjoyable?

This is a group call for specifically helping you with family relationships in your immediate or extended family. This time of year can be so joyous, but and it can also be difficult if you have family issues.

Do you realize by just you shifting your energy on a call such as this, it can change the patterns in your whole family?

A group call can be very powerful, and the energy is amazing.

We will work on releasing old negative patterns and false assumptions and beliefs between family members, and planting new healthy, supportive thoughts and feelings that support peaceful family relationships.

Join us for this session!

When: Thursday, December 18th, 7pm PST

I love the Christmas Season and I love the charitable giving and receiving that surrounds us. As my gift to you for desiring to change things in your family for the more positive and peaceful feelings you know can exist, I offer this group call at a highly discounted rate of $14. (That is half price!) My desire is for this season to be more happy and healthy than any other and for you and your family to benefit from this amazing work!

Testimonial:
"Using this work to help heal family relationships has been amazing. The gentle and subtle shifts in my own and my loved ones energy still confounds me. Feelings and beliefs that we have had for years have been literally erased and replaced with positive and loving new ones. We are able to truly enjoy each other like we never have. Thank you! ~RMJ



What is a group session?
A group session is where many people are on a call at once. The benefits are that it costs less than a private session, and the energy of a group can be very powerful. The phone lines are muted until the end where I will address specific questions sent to me via email and leave a few minutes for discussion.

How does it work?
I begin the session by doing a general clearing of energy and then we just let it guide us from there. Energy knows no bounds, and the collective group effort is very powerful! It is a great way to feel energized about the specific topic we are discussing and clearing. Personally, after group sessions I have participated in, I feel full of energy, purpose and positive feelings! I feel clear on my direction, and the collective energy of a group makes it even more so. You don't need to completely understand energy work for this to be effective. After the call you will have more clarity on how it works and you will feel the difference!

What do I need to do?

~Pay for the call below-your payment is your registration
~You will be sent a confirmation email
~Call in at the appointed time
~If you would like, please send a specific, but brief question via e-mail
(JHughes@Herbalogie.com) on the topic that will be discussed.

***Please register at least 30 minutes before the call so you can be sure and get your information in a timely manner.

Order your session now!

Group Energy Sessions- Now Available!

A special group session for the holidays. Check back for more sessions as they are added.
This is a great way to experience Energy Healing!

Click here: Essential Energy
(group session information in the upper right corner)

Group Sessions Now Available!

December 11, 2008- 7pm PST:

Joy and Gratitude

50 min. -1 hr. Investment: $28

During the Christmas season, there is much to be joyful and have gratitude about. However, from financial stresses, family relationships and the bustle of the season, we can lose track of these important and vital things. Please join this group session for a boost of feeling gratitude and experiencing joy in all areas of life.

What is a group session?

A group session is where many people are on a call at once. The benefits are that it costs less than a private session, and the energy of a group can be very powerful. The phone lines are muted until the end where I will address specific questions sent to me via email and leave a few minutes for discussion.

How does it work?
I begin the session by doing a general clearing of energy and then we just let it guide us from there. Energy knows no bounds, and the collective group effort is very powerful! It is a great way to feel energized about the specific topic we are discussing and clearing. Personally, after group sessions I have participated in, I feel full of energy, purpose and positive feelings! I feel clear on my direction, and the collective energy of a group makes it even more so. You don't need to completely understand energy work for this to be effective. After the call you will have more clarity on how it works and you will feel the difference!

What do I need to do?

~Pay for the call below-your payment is your registration
~You will be sent a confirmation email
~Call in at the appointed time~
If you would like, please send a specific, but brief question via e-mail (JHughes@Herbalogie.com) on the topic that will be discussed.
***Please register at least 30 minutes before the call so you can be sure and get your information in a timely manner.

Announcing...

the grand opening of our online store....

HERBALOGIE.COM

Yes. It is open. Yes, it does feel like I have just given birth. And yes, we are excited!

Feel free to stop by and take advantage of our Grand Opening offers!

As a thank you we are offering a few grand opening specials!

~Free Shipping on orders over $75.
~Free Lavender Essential Oil Roller for orders over $55.
~25% off all Essential Wellness Oils

Make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

If you would like to receive the newsletter please respond to this post, and we will add you to our database.

The Pox

Well, well, well, the chicken pox have arrived just in time for Thanksgiving. I am actually relieved. I believe it is a natural childhood illness that children with strong immune systems can handle quite well. I personally was 14 when I had them, and my Dr. said, and I quote, " I have never seen it cover someones face so badly." Of course my parents happened to be out of town and my older brother and sister tormented me, but that is another story for another day, perhaps!

So, my oldest (12.5) has the pox. His poor face! It looks like a very bad adolescent case of inflamed acne. He is doing well though. He is great about taking his herbs, drinking his herbal tea and wanting natural fruit popsicles to ease the itch of the ones in his mouth. So, I thought I would post what we are doing for the pox. I am planning on 3 other ones getting it, so I am preparing in bulk!

Baths:

I fill a muslin bag (a knee high, or sock would also do), with Oatmeal, Baking Soda, Himalayan Sea Salt, Althea root (Marshmallow), Comfrey, Echinacea, Calendula & Chickweed. The herbs are for their soothing and antibacterial properties. The oatmeal is to help the itch and the baking soda and sea salt to help them dry out. He steeps in his tea bath and gently squeezes the bag to let out all the good stuff, and then washes his body gently with the bag. We empty out the contents after each bath and rinse out the bag and use new herbs for the next bath.

After the bath we apply tea tree and lavender essential oil directly to the most inflamed and itchy ones, and Comfrey and Plantain Salve to the others. The salve is a drawing salve so it draws out any infection and helps heal the pox faster and with less itching. We want them to dry out, but we want to ward off infection as well.

He sips burdock, echinacea, calendula, spearmint, red raspberry and nettle tea hourly. (see recipe below)

We also give him Echinacea tincture and Infection Fighter tincture as well to help his body internally, and boost his immune system.

He still has a low grade fever from time to time, and it make his head ache, so I rub the headache roller (lavender and peppermint essential oils) on his forehead, temples and back of neck. I also rub Immunity Blend on his spine and feet. He is also going to the chiropractor for regular adjustments, as this helps his immunity and strengthens his body systems as well.

His appetite isn't huge and he loves to have his favorites, which are Miso Soup (seaweed, which is high in antioxidants and minerals) and Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. We also have him drinking young coconut juice to help keep his electrolyte's and mineral levels up. http://http://www.living-foods.com/articles/youngcoconuts.html

This morning we watched a show together, and we are doing a modified school schedule, and of course he loves to read. Sadly he is missing violin and church activities and feels a little cabin feverish. I think I will bust out some games for this afternoon. Any other ideas for fun pox activities?

Rash Relief Formula

Modified from the original recipe by Aviva Jill Romm's book "Naturally Healthy Babies and Children" (one of my MUST HAVE, all time favorite books on health)

(these measurements are for dried herbs. If you have fresh, double the amounts)

1/2 oz. echinacea root

1/4 oz. burdock root

1/4 oz. calendula blossoms

1/4 oz. nettle

1/4 oz. red raspberry leaves

1 tsp. dried spearmint leaves

1 qt. boiling water

To prepare: Combine all herbs. Put one ounce of the mixture in a glass mason jar and pour in the boiling water. Cover and steep for 2 hours.

To use: Take by mouth throughout the day. We like to sweeten it with agave or honey.

* You can also make this blend into a tincture to have on hand for general rash or skin problem relief and for general immunity.

And the winner is.....

... Before I tell you, I wanted to say thanks so much to all who responded! This was much harder than I thought as everyone who posted is worthy and deserving of this work. But, through pondering much about this, I feel this giveaway will go to...

Jill Mennig!

Congrats Jill!

Thanks again for all of you who responded. I would like to gift you something as well. Please take off $25, if you schedule a wellness consultation within the next 3 weeks. To do this, go to http://essentialenergy.blogspot.com/, and click on make appointment. Then e-mail me, and I will send you a discounted invoice for your consultation. Thank you again!

Time for a...

Giveaway!

I have noticed on many blogs that they hold contests from time to time in the spirit of joy and fun. Because I like giving, and I don't know of anyone who doesn't like receiving, I am offering a giveaway!

What is the giveaway?
The giveaway is a private Wellness Consultation (via phone, this means anyone, anywhere is eligible!) with me. This is a $100 value and is not redeemable for leftover Halloween candy or the like.


What is a Wellness Consultation?
Please check it out here:http://essentialenergy.blogspot.com/


Why are you giving this valuable gift away?
I believe in people feeling better. I really do. There is too much stress, illness, worry, and sadness in the world. BUT, there is also abundant peace, health, joy and happiness as well. I have learned techniques that can facilitate these things, and I believe in them and want to share and spread the word, that there is help and there is hope and you can change the way you feel!

Is there a catch?
Nope. Now if you want to write a rockin' testimonial after your consult, feel free!


Can I pass this on to others?
Yes! I would love for you too!


How do I get in on this amazing giveaway?
I am so glad you asked! You simply post a comment to this post telling me why you would like it. You don't have to get overly personal, but write what you feel. If you feel like you would like to share more than just your comment, feel free to e-mail me the rest, but I do need some type of comment on this post for eligibility. I will pick a winner based upon the comments and my intuition. :)

Does this giveaway have an end date?
Yes! It will end at midnight this Saturday, Nov. 15th


Let the comments begin.....

Changes...

When you are through changing, you are through.

~Bruce Barton

For the followers of this blog, I want to thank you. I do not know who many of you are, but I am glad you visit anyway! I started this blog as a place for good information, ideas and bettering health and well being. Though I have mostly talked about herbs, oils, etc... I want to add other gems as well that I feel contribute positively to our lives. As many of you know, I do wellness consultations and energy work. That may be a foreign thing to you, but you do not have to understand it, to benefit from it. I have found that the only true way to be healthy is to have harmony in our lives, body, mind and spirit....through seeking mental, spiritual, financial, social, & emotional well being. These are the spokes of our wheel that keeps it rolling along smoothly. So, I hope that the changes will be welcomed! I of course would love to receive questions, thoughts and the like, as I do believe we all teach each other!

Oh how I love Alfalfa.... let me count the ways....

I was a big fan of The Little Rascals. I thought I was Darla. I sang like Darla, dressed like Darla, and believed I would always be Darla. Darla loved Alfalfa, and though the Alfalfa I love is a plant and not a person, we do still have that in common!

Alfalfa is an amazing plant. It is #1, numero uno on the herb list for the plant with most nutrients. It is known as the "Father of all Herbs." If you answer no to the question "Got Milk?" You will want to answer yes to "Got Alfalfa?"

It is high in natural Vit. D which helps build strong bones inside and out. It is also great for the arteries, cholesterol all organs, skin and senses. Right now I smell the sweet hay-e smell of alfalfa/peppermint tea wafting up from my tea maker. This tea is amazing and helps me personally with digestion, heartburn and the like. Alfalfa sprouts are a favorite also, though they are not as medicinal as the fresh or dried plant leaves. Alfalfa is phenomenal for helping stimulate milk production in nursing mother's as well. Combined with fenugreek, blessed thistle and marshmallow root, you've got yourself an amazing nursing stimulant. I love to start my day with a wonderful greens formula called "Amazing Greens." It is FULL of the best nutrients, and is truly my natural caffeine. It is also full of what else? Alfalfa. If I do not take this daily (I prefer it in juice, but it tastes good in water or a smoothie as well) you can find me passed out on the couch by mid morning. I feel it working in my body to balance my body functions and provide me with much needed energy. Whether you take it in a combination like Amazing Greens or by itself, alfalfa should be a part of everyone's day!

Amazing Greens can be found on Herbalogie.com, opening this next week! Please contact me for further information!

Referenced from Botanical.com

Why Utah has got it going on...

I have never lived in Utah, nor do I visit often. It is a pretty place with lots of cool things. This summer we took some sight seeing trips in Utah on our way to the annual Fam Re and went to visit my dear friend Amy. As I got out of the car in her lush green and blooming neighborhood (I have always been a desert rat), I was astounded, no amazed, no ecstatic to see the streets lined with the lush growth of Echinacea and Lavender! Two of my favorite herbs, and two of the prettiest mind you. Whoever master planned that community has got my vote for president! I was so in awe, and so overjoyed by being surround by herbal growth, I had to pick two of the beautiful pink echinacea flowers. As we left Amy's house, I took a picture of me holding them. It is the best picture I have ever taken. (Note to self: Study correlation between echinacea and transdermal effects in relationship to better photography skills.) Sadly, soon after, they began to wilt, and so we snacked on the petals, so they would not be wasted, and bid farewell to the land of echinacea and lavender.

Read more about Lavender:
http://http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/l/lavend13.html

Read more about Echinacea:
http://http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/e/echina01.html

Gee... you smell delicious.

There is a common question I get when out and about. It is always followed by a big whiff and sniff and then the question, accompanied by a perplexed gaze and tilt of the head..."Um, what, um are you wearing, you smell sooo good." I am always wearing an essential oil of some sort, and because people are not used to smelling real authentic scent and are inundated with "fragrance oils" that are synthetic, they can't quite place the uniqueness of my scent. I do have my favorites... Pikake oil (Hawaiian jasmine), pink grapefruit, and bergamot being my top three. Sometimes I mix them all. As I have mentioned before, essential oils have therapeutic uses. Their first and foremost is their effect on the brain. You smell it, you like it, you feel better. Just ask your brain! It knows good stuff when you smell it. That is why using essential oils as perfume makes sense to me. It isn't synthetic, doesn't harm you, and has a beneficial effect. Try it... and you too can smell delicious.

"Alternative medicines, deal with the body's energy—something that traditional Western medicine generally does not. We're beginning now to understand things that we know in our hearts are true but we could never measure. As we get better at understanding how little we know about the body, we begin to realize that the next big frontier … in medicine is energy medicine. It's not the mechanistic part of the joints moving. It's not the chemistry of our body. It's understanding for the first time how energy influences how we feel."

-Dr. Mehmet OZ as spoken on Oprah

I want to share a new aspect of my business with you. It is one I am very excited about and am enjoying immensely. I love to help others find their true purpose using health and energy modalities. It is amazing to be a part of something that enables people to become who they truly are called here to be....

http://essentialenergy.blogspot.com/

Any questions? Please feel free to e-mail me!

Once in a Lifetime Sale!

Call me crazy! As we prepare to launch our website, I am changing the packaging and labels on some of my products. The old packaging is great, I am just making it more uniform and buying from one supplier. So, my change is for your benefit! All my essential wellness oils (see below for description), rollers and sprays are being sold at close to wholesale prices. Supply is limited, so first orders, first served. If you have any questions, please e-mail me at DsrtRoseLV@aol.com.

Essential Wellness info is listed below with the list of available blends, sprays and rollers are listed on the bottom.

Payment and Shipping:
Paypal is the method of payment. You do not have to have a paypal account to pay via paypal. All orders over $50 receive free priority shipping. Otherwise shipping is $4.80 flat fee.

Ordering: Please send an e-mail with the subject line of DRO Order. Put the item and blend you would like and quantity. I will send you an invoice via paypal.

Essential Wellness Oils
What are they?
EWO’s are blends of essential oils chosen for a specific purpose. (i.e. emotional wellbeing, physical health, ailments, illnesses, antibacterial etc…) All oils are hand blended for accuracy and added to base oils (grape seed, coconut, sunflower oil, etc…),
for ease of use.

How do they work?
Suggested use instructions are given on each bottle. Each EWO comes ready to use with no dilution or guesswork on your part. Usually, you will rub the oils on the area of need and also on the bottom of the feet. This can enable the essential oils to work systemically as well as locally.

What are essential oils?
Essential oils are plant essences that are extracted from certain species of flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots, and trees. Today & and for thousands of years, essential oils have been used for medicinal purposes. Combined with herbs, they are truly a “wholistic” treatment. Each oil has many different components making it unique for specific uses.

Essential Wellness Oil & Use

Alcedonia Anti-Anxiety
Beautiful Dreamer Sleep, Insomnia
BreatheEasy Respiratory, colds, etc.
Bliss Calming,-great for kids
Caliga Depression, Sadness, Lethargy
Cellu-Lite Firms, tightens cellulite
Cool Down Cools the body naturally, overheating, fevers. etc... (I personally will not go anywhere without this, it breaks an uncomfortable fever like no other!
Immunity Strengthens immunity, flu, virus’
Le Fleur Labor, pregnancy, calming, pain relief
Myrtle Fertility, hormones
PMS Support Cramps, moods, bloating
Pregnancy Mood Support Moods, hormone balance, etc.
Skin Support Rashes, eczema, psoriasis, etc.
Abundance Overall feeling of well being, and joy

Available in 2 oz. bottle with dispenser cap.
Reg. $12 Now $9

Rollers

A convenient and portable way to carry scent with you wherever you may go.

Believe- A spiritual blend to help ground, calm, and bring peace

Lavender Fields-all-purpose for calming, first aid– etc.
Headache Soother– roll on temples, back of neck, forehead for soothing headache relief
Cleansing -for blemishes, scrapes, stings, cuts, etc.

Available in .10 ml glass roller bottle:
Reg. $8.00 Now $6

Sprays

A fresh mist of our sprays and you get the immediate olfactory gift of refreshment and joy. Easy and portable to use, it makes using essential oils simple.

Pick Me Up-An energizing mist of mints and citrus oils

Out & About: All purpose antibacterial spray for hands & surfaces
First Aid Spray-for cuts, scrapes, abrasions, bites, etc.

Big Brain-Mental Fog, ADD, Focus

Available in 2 oz. sprays-
Reg. $10 Now $7

The information contained on this blog is not meant to prescribe, treat or diagnose, or take the place of medical assistance. Discuss health care options with your personal doctor.

Summer Soothers Tip #5: Sleep

Sleep can be disturbed or bothered while traveling. Whether it be a different bed, difference in time zones, routine, etc... it can be tough to be well rested for adults and children alike.

Here are some things we use in our travels.

Calming Essential Oils-Lavender, chamomile, mandarin, coriander, lemon, rose otto, jasmine, neroli, etc... (Soon to be available from our website will be two specific calming synergies-Beautiful Dreamer and Bliss)
I also love this blend Click here: Dream Time: Insomnia, Restful Sleep, Nightmares, Sleep Enhancer - Absolute Essential.
Apply to crown of head, forehead, back of neck, feet and breathe in deeply.

Melatonin-I like the drops (Sweet Dreams brand). Children can also safely use these.

Dream Pillows- Dream A Little Dream-Dream Pillows I love to use my one with lavender, rose buds, nutmeg and clove in it.

Fortify- Available from Herbally Grounded. Helps have consistent sleep and strong bones!

Single herbs, teas, etc... Chamomile is a century old favorite. I like to add spearmint and agave to it.
Valerian is a bit stinky, but is wonderful. I add a tsp. to my orange juice and down it.
Hops-Great for those whose minds go over grocery lists, finances and the days events and cannot slow down.
Passion Flower- Made into a tea it is tart and tangy and pink! I really love it with a little chai and cream myself. It is very euphoric and makes me relax and rest my muscles so I go to sleep faster.
You can take portable tea bags with you on trips as well as use a coffee maker that is provided if you are in a hotel. It's very easy to travel and drink your tea!

Other helps:
Read before bed instead of watch TV. TV sticks in our subconscious if watched before bedtime. Especially if it is scary, tragic images. Our subconscious runs around with this information all night, and I cannot emphasize how damaging it is. (I will not step up on my soapbox right now of having a TV in the bedroom, but someday I might, so watch out!) James Ray says the bedroom is for sleeping, napping and babymaking. I agree.:)

Gentle exercises-Yoga, Tai Chi or meditation before bed. (Check out these Tai Chi dvd's- they are fantastic! TaiChiFlow)

I like to repeat to myself: (without looking at the clock, which says it is way to late to be going to bed to get a good nights sleep)

"I will sleep soundly and peacefully and awake refreshed and excited to greet the day. "

Whether it's true or not, thinking makes it so!

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

SS Tip #4: Di-a-rrhe-a, and Con-sti-pa-tion

I wrote those words carefully as people just don't seem to like to hear them. Given the issues involved with these two fun friends, I cannot blame you. Often when we travel, our bowels tend to not move along with us as well. You may have a bout with one or the other, or vacillate between the two. Of course the general health rules apply here. Drink lots of water, and fruit and vegetables will help move the bowels along at a regular pace. Keep in mind your intestines are muscles. I like to think of them like a big boa constrictor. They move the waste down very similarly to how a boa digests it's food. If you find yourself in one or both of these predicaments though, here is what we do:

Constipation:
While driving a long ways, make sure and stop and walk a little bit along your way. Staying sedentary in the car for hours, is not conducive to allowing the bowels to move.

-Slippery Elm (a very mucilaginous herb that helps soothe and helps the bowels move along, very gently)

-Eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Because I knew we would be eating on the road, I packed our portable cooler with apples, celery, clementines, grapes and the like, so that we could still keep some good enzymes in the diet.

- On The Move Fiber from Herbally Grounded, Greens, and Chlorella. All of things keep the bowels moving and fortified so they can function well.



Diarrhea:

-My favorite remedy for diarrhea is charcoal. I like the Nature's Best brand and it comes in capsules. It gives you just enough substance to get things back to normal.Make sure and still drink lots of water!

-Young coconut juice: Helps keep those enzymes and fortified minerals in the body and helps the body to disperse the water you take internally more efficiently.

- I like to make a little mixture of a few slices of ginger, steeped in hot water, add 1 tbsp. of honey and a tsp. full of marshmallow root. This soothes the bowels and is anti-inflammatory as well.


Keep a movin'!

Summer Soothers: Tip #3- Treat Your Feet

When you think of it, our feet do more everyday than most any other part of our body minus our internal organs. That is why pedicures are great and are conducive to overall health and well being! A few years ago I started what has become a yearly ritual and one all the girls-nieces included, look forward to at my family reunion. It is the "Last Night of the Reunion Spa Foot Bath." After the men-folk have returned from their endless hours of fishing, dirt biking, and the like, the kids are settled and the ladies join on the porch for our own individual foot baths. I started this because by the end of the reunion in the mountainous regions my beautiful pedicure complete with hand painted flowers and sparklies had turned into something similar to a hobbits dirty, hairy- foot minus the hair. I am sad we did not take pictures this year, but we were enjoying it too much to move.

Here is what we do:

Buy inexpensive laundry bins (I bought mine at Target for about $1.25 each and they are rectangular)
Each bin is filled with warm/hot water. We seat ourselves in a circle and I have a variety of goodies to add. I pass around Castile or Trader Joe's dish soap to add to the water to help with all the dirt. We swish that around and then I have about 12 single essential oils and blends to choose from. I tell the therapeutic effects of each and we pass them around letting each person add their own. After soaking for a bit, we pass around a container of salt scrub, everyone takes a small handful, and we scrub our feet until they are nice and clean. We soak some more, and then turn the bin over, emptying the water, and dry our feet on the bin or with a towel. This year I brought the famous cream my sister and I make, and also a cayenne lotion I made (simply add cayenne (medicinal not food grade) to unscented lotion base, shake up, let sit). So they had a choice. The cayenne is great for a little warmth and circulation. All the while we are talking and chatting and enjoying the bliss that is ours. Chocolate always has a place, and a variety is usually eaten. You could add fresh herbs or flowers if you so desired, and I thought a nice touch would be some river rocks to rub our feet on in the water. Don't forget the importance of your feet-take time to care for them, especially while camping!

Summer Soothers TIP #2: Insect Repellent

If you have ever read the ingredients in commercial insect repellent, you may wonder how you are not on the ground next to that mosquito who's legs are in the air. It is pretty toxic. Considering the skin is the biggest organ of our bodies, we need to be aware of what we are putting on it. It is estimated that 60% of everything we put on our skin is absorbed into our blood stream and therefore our organs.

A few years ago at our annual family reunion, the mosquito's were having a reunion themselves. The bites were abundant,except for my little family. We used a natural repellent made with essential oils (recipes to follow) and the only bites we received were where we forgot to spray. The great thing about all natural repellent is of course, it only benefits our skin and body and causes no harm. The other thing is-it smells good! I like to put it in a 6 oz spray bottle with a spritzer top. You could even do an industrial size in a big cleaning spray bottle. This blend I use works for mosquito's, ticks and other insects as well. As a bonus, rodents don't like it either!

Happy Camping Aromatherapy Repellent
Proportions are for 6 oz.

Distilled Water
60 drops Citronella Essential Oil
60 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
20 Drops Thyme Essential Oil

Mix well.


You can also mix the essential oils in an amber glass bottle and keep it on hand to make more spray when you need it. Spray all over exposed skin, and close eyes when spraying on face.

If you do get bit by some stronger than usual pest or one sneaks under your clothes and bites you were you didn't spray (don't laugh, we have documenation of this happening!;)) than I would apply Lavender essential oil directly on the bite. A few applications for the first day to keep the sting and itch away and as needed, if there is more itch or infection on subsequent days, keep applying. If you get bit by a bee or wasp, I will reccomend my mom's age old remedy. Make a paste out of baking soda and water (I of course add essential oils to this, but it is optional), remove the stinger with a credit card, or other object that works, and apply the paste. Leave on until it starts to crack and dry and reapply. Then apply essential oils. Comfrey Plantain Salve is also a wonderful thing to have on hand for bites and stings. Comfrey is known as nature's band aid and Plantain is anti-inflammatory and was such a popular and widely used herb for centuries that Chaucer and Shakespeare reference it in their works. There you have it!


Happy camping!

Summer Soothers Tip #1

Question #1- What do I do for a sunburn?

The first thing you need to do is cool the body so that the dermal layers of skin do not continue to burn deeper. Keep in mind that sun is good for us, overexposure can be harmful and painful.

1. Take a luke warm bath. You do not want it cold or it can shock the body. A great neutralizer for the skin is baking soda, or himalayan salt. I would put one or both in the water as well. You also want to be drinking lots of room temperature water. Again, if you drink it cold, your stomach has to warm it up before it can use it. But, cold water is better than no water!

2. Apple Cider Vinegar (Organic Bragg's is the best) You want to see some sedimentary looking floaty stuff at the bottom to indicate that the ACV is good stuff. This is called the "mother", and just like your mother is important to you, this is important to good ACV! Put this in your bath, or swab the burned areas with it and let dry. ACV is a natural coolant and balances PH. It is also highly antibacterial and good food for the skin. It helps rehydrate and nourish.

3. Mix 100 drops of pure lavender essential oil with 2 oz. of good quality aloe vera gel. My favorite is Aloe Life. Shake it up well and roll it in your hands to warm it a bit so the oils disperse in the aloe. Apply to burned areas, often. This is key. The skin will continue to burn unless cooled. I would apply this every hour or so for the first 6 hours.

4. For rehydration of lost minerals, fresh young coconut water is the best.Click here: How to use young coconuts for your vibrant health! Second to that is bottled coconut water. This is full of electrolytes and minerals and replenishes depleted mineral stores better than anything I have ever used. You can usually get these at grocery stores, Asian markets or raw food cafes. I would also suggest the Inflease tincture from HerballyGrounded to work on the body from the inside out.

5.For continual healing Angel Oil from Herbally Grounded is fantastic. You can purchase this or make your own. Calendula oil is also amazing and is super easy to make. (see recipes below)

Angel Oil

1 part Lobelia Herb
2 parts Extra Virgin Olive Oil
10 ml. Lavender Essential Oil

In a clean glass mason jar that has been cleaned with hydrogen peroxide, add lobelia and cover with the olive oil. Cap tightly and keep on counter. Shake every day for
1-2 weeks. Strain through washed (no softener) unbleached, cotton muslin, squeezing out as much oil as you can, which will leave a powdery looking dried herb that can be discarded. (I like to put it on my plants or add to compost) Put in clean bottle with squirt top. Add Lavender EO to it and shake well.

Calendula Oil

1 part Calendula
2 parts Extra Virgin Oilve Oil

Same process as above. Essential oils can also be added. I like Roman Chamomile and Lavender for sunburns. IF you have Helichrysum or Imortelle Essential oil it is an amazing skin healer.

All of this can safely be used on people of all ages.

PS... using a natural good quality sunscreen is of course foremost! :)

Summer Soothers

I have decided to do a running list of important things to have on hand for summer. Even if you are new to herbalism and essential oils, these things are easy to buy or prepare, and are worth having in your home or car for summer fun and travel. Plus, they work. When you think of it, what better things to use then the gifts nature has given us? More now than ever in my lifetime, natural remedies are "popular". They have always been popular with my family because of their efficiency and healing powers. My mission is to share my favorite remedies for a happy summer with you so that you too can enjoy what nature has to offer and see the benefits for yourself.

We are preparing to go on our annual family reunion. I am the family's official witch doctor and welcome the task! I start preparing my summer kit in spring, but never fear, there are many things you can buy prepared or start making now to still use. I welcome questions and will post answers to some in the actual blog so we can all learn from each other.

Frog in the throat....use this to coat.

My favorite little adopted sisters down at Herbally Grounded came up with this one. It is simple, soothing, and has worked for us everytime. We have used it for all things throat related. It tastes great too and the kids like it.

1 8 oz. bottle of water
1/2 cup Elderberry Syrup (found in your local health food store, if local-Herbally Grounded)
2 squirts or 2 tbsp. Agave nectar

Shake and drink throughout the day. You can make it in larger batches also.

Garlic, how I love you!

Garlic Shooter

Garlic is fantastically antibacterial. It is one of the most powerful things we can take into our body for health and healing. Here is an easy and fun way to get it down without ever tasting it!

Freshly squeezed juice of ½ Lemon (1-2 Tablespoons)
1-2 Tablespoons Water
1 clove Garlic, crushed

Put Lemon juice and Water into cup. Add freshly crushed garlic clove. Immediately swirl cup to achieve a circling motion and drink in one gulp.

The ‘shooter’ experience is reportedly followed by an immediate feeling of rejuvenation called the ‘shooter rush’. The original recipe came from the Arizona Garlic Festival, Verde Valley, Arizona, found in the International Garlic Festival Cookbook by Caryl Simpson.

Slippery Elm Lozenges

Slippery elm is the number one herb for throat, respiratory and digestive help. It is amazing! You can buy these lozenges over the counter, but they are so fun and easy to make on your own!

1 Tbsp. Slippery Elm bark powder
1 tsp. honey
Optional: 1-2 drop essential oil to flavor (I like peppermint or lemon)

1. Put the Slippery Elm powder into a bowl.
2. Make a little nest in it and add the honey.
3. Coat your hands with vegetable or olive oil, and work the dough until the honey is incorporated.

4. Roll into snake. (just like play-doh)

5. Wrap in saran wrap and chill.

6. Cut into lozenge sized discs.

4. Store in refrigerator, or dry on screen until dried through.

Sylvia’s Hot Toddy Recipe (non-alcoholic)
for cold’s, flu, congestion, etc…

Juice from one lemon-(fresh)
1 tbsp. raw honey
1/2 can frozen OJ -preferably a more natural kind like Trader Joe’s
2 cups water
Sprinkle of cayenne

Heat all (except cayenne) together in saucepan until heated through– pretty warm. Pour into mug, sprinkle with cayenne, and drink it down. Go to bed!
*Variation– add 1 tbsp. slippery elm powder for a super effect!

Onion Ear Poultice

1/2 onion, chopped, 1/4 cup water
Heat ingredients in a pan and bring to a simmer (not a boil), and turn off heat. Strain onion from water (reserving water in pan) and wrap in several layers of cheesecloth, muslin, or a washcloth. Apply this poultice over the affected ear, lying on the other side. Leave for at least 5 minutes or until cool. The onion can be heated and reapplied several times. Do this as many times as needed to ease the discomfort. This old fashioned technique is a little messy, but worth it! You may also add a drop or two of lavender essential oil, to help calm and ease the mind. This remedy creates a vacuum to help remove liquid and infection. The heat and antibacterial properties of the onion also help ease the earache and reduce inflammation. It is helpful to rub a mullein and garlic infused oil blend around the outer part of the ear and mastoid area if an ear infection is present.
Adapted by Jonelle Hughes from Kathy Keville's book Herbs for Health and Healing