Your Ultimate Guide to Healthy Living

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.

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.

Tallow is rich and emollient and does not feel overly greasy. It melts on contact with the skin, providing a soft, nourishing sensation.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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 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.

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.