In recent years, the herbal products industry has changed in significant, fundamental ways. Most of the herbal product companies we knew have been purchased by private equity firms, investment holdings, and venture capitalists focused on profits. As our industry is increasingly transformed by this profit-driven business model, our herbal products community is shrinking, and it’s more important than ever to hold steady in our independence.

Scent is all around us. Sometimes it takes center stage in obvious ways, like when coffee is brewing or fresh bread is baking. In other instances, it’s in the background, subtly setting the tone for the environment. Whether we are actively paying attention or not, scent is a constant companion, with the ability to influence mood and our perception of life experiences. Throughout human history, aromatic plants have been used intentionally to shape the atmosphere of the places we inhabit and impact the nervous systems of the people within.

For many people on our team, working at Mountain Rose Herbs is a career path fueled by passion and a true love of natural living. In fact, by the end of 2026, we expect that 26% of our staff will have been here for 10 years or more. Working for a company for a decade or more comes with deep institutional knowledge and wisdom that helps Mountain Rose Herbs improve,  while remaining rooted in tradition and experience. Having such a large number of long-term employees also supports the community by improving access to wellness ingredients that are sourced, formulated, crafted, and tested by true experts.

Just as we witness the turning of the seasons in the world around us, I have come to realize that we experience changing seasons within us as well. In nature, winter is a time of retreat and rest. In this part of the world, everything becomes darker, colder, and less colorful. Though life is still bustling all around me, it becomes quieter and more subdued (just as I do). While I welcome the rest and reflection that winter invites, there are times when I feel like the cold darkness weighs on me, and feelings of hopelessness can ensnare me.* And though I understand that it is important to give yourself space to feel your feelings and not run away from discomfort, it is also important to give yourself some extra self-care during these times.

When I first started taking herb classes in the mid-1980’s, herbs like lady’s slipper, osha, and goldenseal were being widely taught about and consumed. As herbalism gained in popularity, these precious herbs were sought after, beyond what could be sustainably harvested. Many of them also became very expensive, and were being wild harvested as a way of making money without regard for the long-term impact of over-harvesting.

You don’t have to stretch your imagination far to understand Black herbalism. You’ve likely already lived it. A kitchen with worn counters. A pot that gets used more than anything else in the house. Roots drying on a windowsill. Someone older than you telling you, “Drink this. You’ll be alright.” 

I recently purchased a kitchen scale, and it has completely changed the game when it comes to testing and developing recipes. My newest culinary gadget has been such a gamechanger that I am quickly forgetting the many years I spent guesstimating measurements and eyeballing ingredients. This has been especially true for simple yet finicky recipes, such as bread dough,

A handcrafted scented bar of soap is both grounding and quietly luxurious. The fragrance that greets you in the shower or at the sink isn’t just an afterthought…it’s part of the sensory aromatherapeutic experience of bathing. In cold process soapmaking, scent is woven into the art and chemistry of the craft. Understanding how cold-process soaps are scented, and how to choose a blend that suits your mood and your skin can help deepen your appreciation for every bar.

These days more and more folks are participating in Dry January. Whether it be a New Years resolution, a health reset after holiday indulgence, or a lifestyle shift, a month without alcohol can feel like a sacrifice of sorts. But does it have to? With the holidays now over and months to go before the return of the sun, it’s important to find ways of bringing celebration into our lives. Which is why we like to think of Dry January as a celebration. And what better way to celebrate then by making copious amounts of delicious mocktails to replace the boozy beverages we might be missing?

At a Lammas harvest celebration one summer evening, I gazed up at a towering vitex beside a weathered chestnut-board barn. Violet flower spikes were alive with bees. I rubbed a few of the delicate palmate leaves between my fingers and breathed in the earthy scent.

A few weeks back, I wound up catching a “bug” that really took me out. While I’m usually pretty prepared for most things that may come up in my household, I didn’t have what I needed when I needed it. I was in no condition to be making medicine or trying to source it. With a high fever and intense fatigue, it was hard to even think straight, let alone try to guide someone else to find what I needed or make me something.