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Comfort & Joy: Gentle Support for Winter Wellness
Natural Winter Wellness Remedies As I write this, it is now December, which means we are now in the Christmas holiday season. For many, this season is a season of spending, but for me, it is Advent season . Do not get me wrong, I have had my years of consumer-itis, but over time, I kept asking myself, "to what end?", which led me to re-evaluate the meaning of this season. Symptoms of consumer-itis often include rushing from place to place, losing patience with others, exhaust
Laura Van Horn
4 days ago8 min read
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Frankincense and Myrrh
While gold easily makes sense as a gift, frankincense and myrrh might seem like odd choices for a baby. But in the ancient world, these resins were treasures; valuable not just for their rarity, but for their remarkable properties.
Laura Van Horn
Nov 257 min read
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Pain-Relieving Salves
Foot soaks do wonders for my feet, but sometimes I just do not want to put in the effort. That’s when having a pain salve on hand to massage into my feet, or any sore spot, is an absolute blessing.
Laura Van Horn
Nov 187 min read
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Tallow
Tallow is rich and emollient and does not feel overly greasy. It melts on contact with the skin, providing a soft, nourishing sensation.
Laura Van Horn
Nov 115 min read
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Warmth & Wellness
'Tis the season for warming herbs and spices; the ones that bring comfort to cold hands, support our bodies during cold season, and fill the house with aromas that make everyone want to linger at the kitchen table just a little longer.
Laura Van Horn
Nov 47 min read
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Nourishing Carrier Oils for Autumn & Winter Skin
Over time, that steady moisture loss dehydrates deeper layers of skin, weakens the lipid ‘mortar,’ and leaves skin feeling rough, tight, or flaky. That is where carrier oils come in. They reinforce the lipid barrier and help seal in the skin's natural moisture, reducing water loss to the dry air.
Laura Van Horn
Oct 286 min read
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Herbal Roots
Herbal roots can form a solid foundation for home herbalism, addressing immune support, digestive health, liver function, inflammation, and structural wellness. Each can be prepared as a simple decoction or tincture and stored for use throughout the winter months when the body often needs extra support.
Laura Van Horn
Oct 77 min read
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Grief and Sorrow
Grief, especially when combined with stress, can affect the body, leading to aches, fatigue, restless nights, or digestive upset. Using herbs and essential oils can help ease these physical burdens.
Laura Van Horn
Sep 235 min read
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Preparations for Fall
Fall is a favorite time of year, with the beautiful colors and cool breezes; nonetheless, along with all the beauty comes an increase in respiratory infections. By bringing in immune-supportive herbs, cozy kitchen remedies, and a few aromatic allies, we can enjoy the season with greater resilience.
Laura Van Horn
Sep 167 min read
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Grocery Store Herbalisms
I used to think you needed special trips to health food stores or expensive supplements to support your family's wellness. Then I realized that some of the most effective natural remedies were already sitting right there in my spice cabinet, just waiting to be put to better use.
Laura Van Horn
Aug 267 min read
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Be Ready for Back to School
School environments create the perfect storm for infections to spread. Meanwhile, the pressure of academic performance, social dynamics, and packed schedules can leave some feeling overwhelmed. But there is hope.
Laura Van Horn
Aug 59 min read
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Digestive Support
Herbs and Essential Oils for Digestive Support Tummy ache waiting to happen Digestion complaints are all too common, ranging from...
Laura Van Horn
Jul 226 min read
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Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is no lightweight; it exudes warmth and strength. In the kitchen, it enlivens. In the apothecary, it stimulates, soothes, and comforts. This is an herb that acts on digestion, joints, circulation, respiration, and the immune system. Keep it on hand, and you will find it meets more needs than you might expect.
Laura Van Horn
Jul 156 min read
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Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil is an enjoyable summertime herb in both the kitchen and the apothecary. European herbalists have long used basil to support digestion, calm the nervous system, and ease respiratory complaints.
Laura Van Horn
Jul 86 min read
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Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
Peppermint is loved for its versatility and reliability; it is easy to grow, multipurpose, and offers benefits in many forms—from the fresh or dried leaf to the potent essential oil and gentle hydrosol.
Laura Van Horn
Jul 17 min read
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Summer Relief Kit
Summer brings unique challenges when it comes to pain and discomfort. From sunburns, itchy bug bites, muscle cramps due to dehydration, or a tension headache from excessive sun exposure, having a well-stocked natural pain relief kit can make all the difference between suffering through summer or enjoying it.
Laura Van Horn
Jun 245 min read
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Refreshing Sun Teas and Iced Herbal Refreshers
When the summer heat hits and you are looking for something refreshing that supports, nourishes, and hydrates your body instead of draining it, herbal teas are a great option. These simple, cooling beverages help you stay hydrated while providing gentle herbal benefits—perfect for busy families who want something more nourishing than sugary drinks or popsicles.
Laura Van Horn
Jun 174 min read
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Beat the Stink Naturally
When you switch to natural deodorants, you support your body's natural detox process while still maintaining social acceptability. Win-win!
Laura Van Horn
Jun 105 min read
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Build a Summer Apothecary
Summer brings sunshine, fresh air, county fairs, and fun… along with sunburns, bug bites, bumps, and the occasional overheating. A well-stocked apothecary gives you natural tools to be prepared.
Laura Van Horn
May 208 min read
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Herbal Medicine in Modern Times
Herbs have been used for generations as a practical means of addressing common health concerns. Many people have found relief using herbal preparations for indigestion, sleep, mild pain, or seasonal allergies. Herbs are still widely used today for these purposes. Herbs are not miracle cures, but neither is modern medicine.
Laura Van Horn
May 86 min read
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