Organic vegetable glycerine—known as glycerol and sometimes spelled glycerin—is an effective alternative to alcohol-based tinctures for extracting and preserving many beneficial herbal constituents. Of course, infusions, decoctions, and oxymels are ideal for many herbal wellness goals that don’t involve alcohol, but glycerites—the medicinal preparations made by mixing vegetable glycerine with herbs—can open new opportunities for teetotalers, parents, and those who do not wish to have alcohol. Bonus: it tastes good! Glycerol is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid with a viscous consistency and a pleasing sweetness that makes it a good base for botanical flavors.

One of my favorite daily indulgences is a piece of rich, organic dark chocolate paired with crunchy almonds. It's a combination that satisfies my sweet tooth, boosts my spirits, and keeps me on a healthy snack track. So, I began a quest to find the perfect way to incorporate chocolate with healthy organic herbal goodness, resulting in these irresistible no-bake ashwagandha chocolate bites. Imagine sinking your teeth into a treat with cookie dough's soft, chewy texture, the warm, aromatic kick of chai-inspired spices, and that beloved, intense dark chocolate flavor!

With summer right around the corner, many of us are gearing up for adventurous journeys to familiar or undiscovered destinations. Hitting the wide-open road with a car packed to the brim, blasting your most beloved sing-along tunes, and playing endless games of I Spy or license plate bingo on a long road trip can sometimes be more rewarding than the destination itself. As enjoyable as driving many hours through winding forested roads and picturesque hills can be, road trips are not without their own set of challenges. Everything from stuffy air, motion sickness, backseat bickering, and impatient irritability are all too familiar nuisances when traveling in a car for a prolonged time. 

At Mountain Rose Herbs, we recognize the essential role of considering the human experience at every level of our business. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is more than just words. We understand the importance of supporting underrepresented communities and are proactively building strong partnerships with those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

As I move and shake my way out of cool-weather hibernation (and try to shed some extra winter insulation), smoothies become the perfect breakfast and/or lunch for me. These nutritious drinks keep me feeling light, but still nourished and focused, and I love discovering new ingredients to add to my favorite blended recipes.

At Mountain Rose Herbs, we believe that nurturing our community and environment go hand in hand. This philosophy is at the heart of our partnerships with local nonprofit organizations who align with our values in land stewardship and environmental justice. One of those partners is Beyond Toxics, an Oregon-based key player dedicated to building a community-driven environmental justice movement in Oregon. Beyond Toxics empowers communities affected by pollution and climate change by working to protect our precious pollinators, restore native plants, and foster a healthier, more sustainable world.

We often get excellent questions and comments from the Mountain Rose Herbs community that inspire us on product ideas, blog writing, and more. We recently had a question about the difference between whole and standardized herbal products and how to choose which to use. We are so glad you asked that! 

Saffron, often regarded as the world's most precious spice, offers numerous benefits beyond its captivating flavor and vibrant hue. Packed with various bioactive compounds, saffron can enhance culinary dishes and add a touch of luxury to mealtime. Its rich color and unique aroma make it a sought-after ingredient in traditional and contemporary cuisines. Beyond the kitchen, saffron's historical use in cultures around the world highlights its value in herbalism and holistic wellness practices. It contains bountiful antioxidants and has been known to support many of our body’s natural functions and mood support.

At Mountain Rose Herbs, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond the products we provide. It extends to fostering a deep connection with our community and the environment through our employee volunteer program. This unique initiative offers each of our team members 24 paid hours annually to volunteer at local nonprofit organizations, enabling us to make a meaningful impact while fostering a culture of giving and teamwork.

Fermented foods and beverages—abundant in lively bubbles and gut-nurturing probiotics— have been all the rage in recent years.It’s safe to say that most of us are familiar with the so-called “fermented celebrities” circulating our natural grocery store aisles these days, such as kombucha, kimchi, sourdough bread, sauerkraut, and kefir. However, one drink has surfaced from ancient origins and is quickly becoming the latest-and-greatest fermented beverage: tepache. With just a sip of this tastebud-enticing, effervescent, fermented pineapple drink, you can taste exactly why. 

Spring is in full bloom, and there’s no better time to tune up your bike, tighten your laces, or get your bus pass than in May – because May is bike Month! Here in Eugene, your vibrant city comes alive with the spirit of cycling, thanks to the fantastic efforts of the City of Eugene Transportation and their regional partners. From free rides to exciting events, and engaging classes, Bike Month is a celebration of all things cycling, designed to showcase the many benefits of biking and to encourage everyone to join in the fun.