In aromatherapy, we are constantly talking about diluting essential oils in a carrier. But what is a carrier, and which should you choose? Here we’re going to cover the organic carrier oils that are most commonly used for topical recipes and massage.

Seaweeds, also known as “sea vegetables,” are widely prized for their rich supply of minerals and their unique umami-packed flavor. Bladderwrack, dulse, and nori are some of the healthful certified organic seaweeds that thrive off the beautiful coast of Maine's Atlantic waters. I took a trip across the country to visit with our skilled harvesters who devote their life to these flavorful ocean treasures.

Here at Mountain Rose Herbs, we work hard to do business in a way that leaves the lightest possible footprint on this earth. Each year we publish a detailed report to measure and monitor our sustainability efforts and provide our customers the transparency they deserve. We're still working on our 2017 report but couldn't help ourselves from sharing some initial results with you!

As a sensual scent, rose is associated with love and the heart. It promotes closeness and emotional balance, and its sweet, floral notes can be found in an array of scented products. From luscious lotions and skin care, to sweet perfumes and warming diffuser blends, this versatile ingredient makes a regular appearance. Use this helpful guide to sort out the subtle differences between the natural rose essential oils and hydrosols we offer, so you can find the perfect rosy ingredients for you and your budget.

I was first introduced to kava (technically called “kava kava”) while visiting Hawaii’s Big Island. After getting back to the mainland, I began to notice kava everywhere. Kava bars were now easy to find on my travels coast-to-coast, from Asheville, North Carolina to Portland, Oregon. Articles in publications like The New York Times extolled its increasing popularity as an alternative to caffeine-fueled coffee shops or alcohol-centric drinking establishments.

One of my favorite herbal preparations to make is a salve. For me, the aroma of wax and olive oil always evokes memories of summers spent adventuring through the beautiful wild places of the Pacific Northwest.

Ready to devour some inspiring herbal education? We're thrilled to share our very own podcast: Herbal Radio, the official podcast of Mountain Rose Herbs! This community resource is a collection of curated lectures from some of our generation's most esteemed herbalists. These informational episodes include talks from our Free Herbalism Project events, audio extracted from our YouTube channel tutorials, and more, all free to download and enjoy! 

Cacao has a long and colorful history beginning in Central and South America. At Mountain Rose Herbs, our fair trade organic cacao powder, nibs, and butter are sourced from an area known as the Cordillera Azul in Peru. There, cacao thrives in fields nourished by seven mighty rivers and abundant rainfall. No irrigation needed! We had the pleasure of traveling to this beautiful region to meet our hardworking farmers who nurture and harvest this beloved botanical.

While I’ll never stop loving a classic café latte, I’m amazed by the variety of creamy drinks you can create with healthful herbs and teas. That's why we were overjoyed to see this submission from Rita Gillan (ritadoula.com), a recipe contest winner from our Fall 2017 catalogue. Enjoy her simple how-to-guide and chai maca latte recipe. Now you can make this delicious herbal beverage in the comfort of your own home. Thanks, Rita!