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Your Ultimate Guide to Healthy Living
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Why Immune Herbs Work Better in a Regulated Nervous System
Supporting immunity is not only about strengthening defenses or responding to germs; it also involves maintaining internal conditions that allow the body to repair, regulate, and respond appropriately.
Laura Van Horn
Jan 138 min read


Menstruum Matters
The menstruum, the liquid used to extract an herb, is not a neutral choice. It plays an active role in what constituents are drawn out. This does not require advanced chemistry, but it does require slowing down and doing a little bit of research.
Laura Van Horn
Jan 65 min read


Holiday Room Sprays
The Christmas holiday season is a joyful, hopeful, blessed season, but if we are honest, it can also be exhausting. Between crowded stores, endless to-do lists, family gatherings, and the pressure to create picture-perfect moments, if you lose your focus, it can leave you running on empty. Add in stuffy indoor air, seasonal colds, and the general heaviness that comes with shorter days, and it is no wonder we need support.
Laura Van Horn
Dec 16, 20255 min read


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 18, 20257 min read


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 11, 20255 min read


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 4, 20257 min read


Essential Oil Quality
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.
Laura Van Horn
Oct 14, 20255 min read


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 7, 20257 min read


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 26, 20257 min read


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 5, 20259 min read


Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
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.
Laura Van Horn
Jul 29, 20255 min read


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 22, 20256 min read


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 15, 20257 min read


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 8, 20257 min read


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 1, 20257 min read


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 24, 20255 min read


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 17, 20254 min read


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 10, 20255 min read


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 20, 20258 min read


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 8, 20256 min read
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