For many of us, naptime can feel like a luxury reserved solely for responsibility-free toddlers. As adults, the complexities and pressures of everyday life (aka “adulting”) all too often drive a hard wedge between staying afloat and being well-rested. When we do find those rare moments of peace and quiet, the rambling chatter in our brains can make a power nap feel more like a worry session. With the seemingly endless obligations and expectations that arise from work, relationships, and life in general, it’s no wonder that restlessness is an all-too-familiar theme in the modern human experience.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has become a beloved ingredient in many kitchens and is often celebrated for its distinct tangy flavor, versatility, and wellness properties. Originating from fermented apple juice, this golden liquid has a rich history in culinary and household applications. Its sharp taste complements a variety of dishes, and in my household, is a staple for homemade salad dressings. 

As the warmer weather hits, many of us rely more heavily on deodorant. It’s one of the personal care products that even those who live an overall healthy lifestyle still can’t give up. Truthfully, I have been one of those people. Commercially purchased deodorants simply work more reliably and for a longer period of time—but at what cost?

Nature is a powerful ally when it comes to our health and wellness. She is a vibrant living entity deserving of our respect and protection. That's why we're proud to partner with Cascadia Wildlands, an active force among environmental conservation nonprofits working to protect wild ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest. Together, we share a vision of restored old-growth forests, rivers full of wild salmon, flourishing wolf populations, and communities enriched by biodiversity and sustainable practices within the Cascadian bioregion. 

Herb enthusiasts and plant lovers know that referring to certain plants as “weeds” often feels like an arbitrary degradation of an important and valuable botanical. After all, who gets to decide what is a weed and what isn’t? And why must they be so maligned? Because they are resilient? Bountiful? Uncontrollable? (If so, I would say that we could all stand to take some inspiration from them at times). Our deep misunderstanding of weeds is especially unfortunate because many of them offer us an array of nutritional and medicinal benefits that are, quite literally, rife for the picking. No plant illustrates this dynamic better than the dandelion.

During the initial brainstorming phase for this blog, I’ll admit that I felt a tad silly for attempting to emulate a mocktail of a gin fizz. After all, the first word in this classic cocktail’s name is the primary ingredient that I could not utilize in an alcohol-free version. As a big fan of gin's complex, piney flavor, I knew it would take some trial and error to recreate such a uniquely flavorful alcohol alternative. Along with the absence of the usual star ingredient in a gin fizz, I also wanted to make this mocktail vegan. With over a decade of being vegan under my belt, that was the easy part!

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.