Your Ultimate Guide to Healthy Living

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.

'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.

Purchasing essential oils is an investment in your home and wellness, and like any investment, it deserves careful consideration. The difference between a pure, properly sourced essential oil and an adulterated product can mean the difference between therapeutic benefit and wasted money, or worse, potential harm.

Siberian fir essential oil (Abies sibirica) offers much the same benefits as refreshing autumn rain. When you breathe in its clean, forest scent, there can be an immediate sense of ease and relief in your breathing and tension level. It is an oil that offers practical support: easing congestion and supporting immunity, calming stress, and helping promote restful sleep. In a season when we need all the support we can get, Siberian fir is a great option to keep on hand.

Have you ever wanted to make a new blend of your favorite essential oils, but did not know where to start? Have you tried blending your favorite oils with a plan to create a delightful aroma only to get a questionable, unpleasant medicinal scent? Me too.

As the pumpkin pie treats and pumpkin spice lattes appear in stores, it’s the perfect opportunity to welcome the scents of autumn into our homes, scents that feel comforting, familiar, and grounding. One of the simplest ways to do this is through using essential oils to create layered aromatic arrangements using top, middle, and base notes.

A fixative is an essential oil, typically a base note, that helps "fix" or preserve the scent of lighter oils in your blend. These are usually derived from roots, resins, or woods, containing larger, more stable aromatic molecules.

On days when you feel uninspired, inadequate, or just plain foggy, start with the most important step: spend time in the Word. Let His truth be your encouragement. From there, you might find that essential oils can serve as a helpful tool in finding inspiration, focus, motivation, and mental energy.

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.

Geranium tends to be an overlooked essential oil that is versatile and reliable, offering a wide-reaching benefit for skin, mood, and overall well-being.

Herbs and Essential Oils for Digestive Support Tummy ache waiting to happen Digestion complaints are all too common, ranging from...

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.

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.

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.

When you switch to natural deodorants, you support your body's natural detox process while still maintaining social acceptability. Win-win!

Life has a way of reminding us how small and fragile we truly are.

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.

Herbs and oils can support comfort and healing, but may not fully resolve chronic pain or gout flares. Pair with lifestyle habits such as rest, hydration, and movement

Vetiver may not be the most loved oil, but it is a wonderful oil to have in your collection for a sense of overall calm.

If you are familiar with the calming, floral scent of lavender, spike lavender might surprise you; with a sharper, camphoraceous edge and a different therapeutic experience altogether.