Sometimes, the journey to vibrant health leads us down some rather unsavory aisles - and mucoid plaque is one of them. If you have ever done any research about intestinal health, chances are, you've come across this controversial substance. Does it actually exist? And if so, how do you get rid of it? It is...
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How to Make Infused Cottonwood Oil for Balms, Salves, & Ointments
I've been on a bit of a cottonwood kick lately, but I just can't get over how amazing this herb is! It's just so good for so many things and has been one of my must-haves for pretty much every type of physical pain or bout of inflammation I've experienced. If you haven't tried your...
Pedicularis Tincture Recipe for Relaxation
I think this year, more than anything, I've felt the effects of burnout, stress, and its accompanying symptoms like insomnia (which I've never had before), feelings of apathy, and a lingering fatigue that lasts all day. It's made things really difficult. It's hard to get things done, and that's sort of a big deal when...
How to Make Cottonwood Tincture
Ask any herbalist how they feel about cottonwood and you'd be met with a unanimous dreamy sigh. I think it goes without saying just how amazing these fragrant little buds are and they're just so good for so many things! If you're looking for a remedy renowned for its pain relieving, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties,...
The Perfect DIY Oil Cleanser Recipe for Oily Skin
I've been following the oil cleansing method for some years now, and my skin hasn't been better! In fact, I very rarely get breakouts anymore - usually just one pimple, and that almost always coincides with my cycle. But it wasn't always like this. The journey to finding the perfect balance of oils with the...
Natural Cycles and Non-Hormonal Birth Control
I have long been an advocate for turning to natural methods whenever possible in my everyday life. This crazy hippie journey has been a wild ride like switching to The Oil Cleansing Method instead of using store-bought cleansers, throwing out my tampons in favor of the diva cup, making my own skincare, and going no-poo,...
Camper’s Cascade Forest Dry Shampoo Recipe
you're out in the wilderness for several days, personal hygiene can go by the wayside in favor of more primitive methods like taking a dip in chilly lakes, using body wipes, or just going all-natural, but if you're a stickler for feeling fresh on the trail like me, then this simple dry shampoo recipe is...
3 DIY Beauty Treatments Featuring Beetroot, Turmeric, and Vitamin C
I've partnered with iHerb to share 3 of my favorite DIY beauty treatments featuring Nature's Way Beet Root Powder, Turmeric Powder, and Vitamin C Powder! Thank you for supporting my sponsors! Making your own DIY beauty treatments doesn't have to be boring - in fact, it can quite fun and fulfilling if you're willing to...
Citrus and Rose Bath Salts
Taking a luxurious bath is one of my favorite evening activities. It allows me to focus on self-care, something that's hard to do in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and it gives me the chance to let go of the day's stress, ease tension, and clear my mind of negative energy. I'm a...
Pique Tea Review – The Best New Tea for Health?
If you've been a follower of mine, then you know I'm a fiend when it comes to tea, especially Earl Grey and Jasmine. In fact, I often peruse the tea aisle looking for new teas to try. It's sort of a quest to find the best versions of my favorite tea flavors. Recently, I've had...
My Experience Using uBiome
These last two years I've been delving into all manner of at home tests ranging from genetics and ancestry, fertility and thyroid health, and even hair mineral analysis. What I've found along the way has been insightful and empowering because for once in my life, I feel like I have a better understanding of what's...
Yuzu Lavender Hand and Body Lotion Recipe
I recently got my hands on a few new essential oils and have fallen utterly in love with yuzu and fine lavender. Just the other day, I created a homemade soy candle using these stunning essential oils and knew that I wanted to incorporate them in a few more DIY projects, hence today's recipe -...
Cleaning Solutions for The Natural Home
Rest assured that once you have used an all-natural household cleaner in place of the chemical-laden version you find at the store, you'll be hooked. Sure, there is more effort involved since you need to make them yourself, but once you smell the lingering scent of fresh essential oils and see the results, you will...
How to Make Instant Fire Cider
Doesn't it seem like as soon as flu season is over, another wave sweeps through the masses? At least, that's what's happening this year - even to those who already had the flu just a few short weeks ago. It's not uncommon that the flu virus changes and mutates in order to proliferate. So, what...
The Benefits of Maca Powder
Over the last several years, maca has become the new must-have superfood among health enthusiasts and the natural health community. It seems like the benefits of maca powder are never-ending as research continues to turn up new and exciting uses for this fabled root vegetable. The Benefits of Maca Powder & How to Use it...
The Difference Between Cold and Flu
Have you ever wondered if the cold you have is a really a cold or if it's the flu? You're not alone! In fact, most people have trouble differentiating between cold and flu and which symptoms belong to which condition. Today, I want to give you a little more insight so that you can identify...
DIY Hiker’s Calamine Lotion Stick
If you're an avid hiker, chances are you've come across poison oak, poison ivy, or sumac along the way. There's almost nothing worse than realizing that you're either standing in a grove of the stuff or belatedly finding out you've brushed up against one of these rash-inducing plants. Whichever the case may be, getting poison...
Smudge Stick Aromatherapy Roll-On
The dark half of the year can leave us feeling stagnant, slow-moving, drowsy, and in need of a pick-me-up. In my opinion, there's no better way to accomplish this than making a smudge stick aromatherapy roll-on blend to help chase away negative energy, clarify the mind, and purify the home. This handy little roll-on is...
6 Health Promoting Earl Grey Tea Benefits
For as long as I've been drinking tea, Earl Grey has been the one I come back to time and time again. It's heady, bergamot-laced aroma awakens the senses and clarifies the mind while instilling a sense of well-being and positivity to my early mornings. Needless to say, earl grey tea has had my heart...
How to Remove Blackheads Using Floss??
I often come across beauty trends that seem too good to be true, but this time around I think we've got a winner - using dental floss for removing blackheads. Yeah, I know, it sounds really really strange and kind of gross when you think about it, but hear me out on this one! How...
Perfect Pout Peppermint Lip Scrub
Every December there is a flurry of Christmas parties to attend whether it's with friends and family or a company work function. I've always enjoyed getting dressed up in fancy dresses or cheesy Christmas sweaters, getting my hair done, and throwing on a bold lip. What I don't enjoy? Crazy dry lips that make your...
Douglas Fir and Mint Whipped Body Butter
Have you ever wanted to smear yourself with the fresh coniferous scent of a forest and come out with super smooth glowy skin that smells like heaven? I know I have! In fact, I often dream about ancient pine forests filled with spruce, cedar, and douglas fir blanketed in snow this time of year. The...
Winter Frankincense and Myrrh Serum
Over the last few months, I have been getting back into a love affair with rosehip seed oil. I sort of took a long hiatus in order to try out other facial oils, but I have to say, sometimes an oldie can really be a goodie. I've really been getting into the whole "simple is...
Lavender Rosemary Eyelash Growth Serum
I've always been fascinated by the many eyelash growth serums available nowadays, but never felt like forking over fifty-plus dollars in order to get those long luscious lashes I've always wanted. I always thought those products were so overpriced, and some of them are even known to change your eye color with extended use -...
Lavender Orange Bath Bombs
One of my favorite DIYs has to be making bath bombs and it's been far too long since I've made them. If you're anything like me, taking at least one night a week to fully enjoy a luxuriating bath is key to keeping stress levels at a manageable level. Include a beeswax candle, spa music,...
Chai Rose Lip Balm
Here in Southern California, we don't get those wet winters like most places. Instead, we get bone dry weather that sucks ever ounce of moisture from your skin. Lately, it just seems like the days just get dryer and dryer to the point where I carry around a tube of lip balm like it's an...
Thin Mint Lotion Bar Stick Recipe
One of my favorite things to use when winter's dry weather settles in is a good lotion bar. One of my least favorite things to use when winter's dry weather settles in - is using a good lotion bar. "What do you mean?", you might ask? Well, for those of us who have used lotion...
DIY Winter Forest Shave Oil
I used to be one of those people who stocked up on everything pine infused as soon as holiday items hit the shelves, but in the last few years, I've slowly made the switch to more natural homemade versions of my favorite forest scented products. Not only can I save money while still enjoying the...
Pumpkin Spice Aroma Spray
One of my favorite scents during the fall and holiday season is pumpkin spice. It gives me this warm fuzzy feeling that reminds me of my grandmother's homemade pumpkin pies on Thanksgiving. The delicious cocktail of aromatic spices instills within my mind an image of cold misty mornings, hot mugs of coffee, thick woolen sweaters,...
Flawless DIY Tinted Moisturizer
I've always been a fan of make-up and until I read the book "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up", I used to own at least a dozen different foundations. You see, I used to have some pretty bad cystic acne that liked to leave scars, hyperpigmentation, and clogged pores in its wake. So, in order...
Clarifying Pumpkin Face Mask Recipe
I can always tell when summer is ending based on how my skin looks and feels. The balmy nights grow cool and dry and that dewy glow I've had all summer long begins to fade into something a bit less luminescent. I'm sure you know the feeling! The only consolation I have is the fact...
Stress Support Date Ball Recipe
When life throws you a curve ball and you have no choice but to trudge through the rough spots in order to see the light of day again, there's no better support than adaptogenic herbs and making sure to take time for ourselves each day by having a cup of tea, going for a walk,...
5 Humidifier Benefits That Improve Your Health
As cooler weather approaches, so too does cold and flu season. Germs circulate more easily in the closed spaces of our homes, the air becomes cold and dry, and our sinuses and skin are more susceptible to irritation. It's for times like these that having a good humidifier can make all the difference in your...
Suspect Hormone Imbalance? How I Finally Got Tested
At this very moment, there are dozens of hormones whisking throughout our bodies carrying out various tasks like supporting energy, burning fat, stabilizing body temperature, regulating the menstrual cycle and sex drive, and keeping our adrenals in check. When hormones are balanced and working optimally, we feel clear-minded, active, happy, and are in generally good...
Why You Should be Using Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has become increasingly popular as a revered medicinal plant known to strengthen those who are burnt out and tired and calm those who are anxious. This incredible herb is full of amazing properties that have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to help increase the body's resistance to physiological and psychological...
My Experience Using 23andMe
If you've been following along, you'll know that I have been delving into genetic testing to find answers not only about ancestry but also about possible nutritional deficiencies and other wellness related issues. Needless to say, I have found out quite a bit about my family roots and even discovered a certain gene mutation that...
7 Benefits of Using an Essential Oil Diffuser
It's no secret that essential oils are all the rage these days and for good reason! Their healing and supportive properties allow us to get restful sleep, soothe away pain, boost our energy, mitigate negative emotions, relieve stress, and can even help balance our hormones. It seems there is little essential oils can't do when...
9 Ready-Made Essential Oil Blends You Need for Back to School
In a few short weeks, we'll be preparing our school supplies, setting our alarm clocks, and packing lunches again for back to school season. But what's one thing we may be forgetting to pack away for our children for the school year ahead? You guessed it, some go-to essential oils that are ready to go...
Peach and Rose Summer Heat Elixir
Summer is the time for getting outdoors, hanging out with friends and family, and enjoying heaps and heaps of stone fruit. One of my favorites of course, is a perfectly ripe juicy peach that runs down your arm as you bite into it. I can often be found eating them over the sink with a...
The Perfect Summer Sangria
For the longest time, I had turned up my nose at the sangria thinking is was a great way to ruin a perfectly good bottle of wine. Little did I realize that a well-made sangria could be both delicious and satisfying during the sweltering months of summer. They're crisp and full of juicy flavor, making...
3 Delicious Iced Tea Recipes for Summer
The Summer Solstice has come and gone and temperatures are steadily rising here is Southern California in preparation for the seemingly endless days of summer. It's been such a joy to get out and hike the local trails, lay out by the pool, and do a bit of morning yoga and meditation out in the...
Barrier Repair, The Secret to Beautifully Clear Skin
Over the years I have learned that frequent body movement, hydration, a clean diet, gentle yet simple skin care, and stress management play a huge role in the health and clarity of our skin. However, there was one very important piece of this puzzle missing - barrier repair! You may be wondering what the heck...