Are My Herbs Irradiated?! Learn About Irradiation in Our Food System & How to Avoid It

Irradiation of food is a topic that is increasingly showing up as a point of concern for Mountain Rose customers, so I want to take a minute to talk about this timely subject. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of food irradiation in 1963 to kill bacteria, molds, insects, etc. in wheat and flour. Today, the FDA has approved irradiation for fruits, vegetables, eggs in the shell, spices and seasonings, sprouting seeds, poultry, crustaceans and shellfish, and red meats. Food irradiation involves exposing foods to one of three different types of ionizing radiation: gamma rays from cobalt-60, x-rays, or electron beams. The FDA uses this technology to improve food safety and extend storage and shelf life. Meanwhile, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organics Program (NOP), which oversees the nation’s organics labeling, prohibits the use of irradiation to treat organic products because the process alters the natural state of food. These two opposing views present consumers with something of a conundrum.

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Posted by Heidi

Homemade Shaving Cream

A good shaving cream can make all the difference in both the quality and comfort of a shave. It’s no wonder then that this homemade shaving cream recipe has been such a longtime favorite of the Mountain Rose Herbs community. Whether youre working on your beard, your head, or a full-body cleanup, the rich texture of this cream feels wonderful on the skin as it nourishes, hydrates, and makes a perfect surface to safely and comfortably shave away unwanted hair.

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Posted by Heidi

Homemade Deodorant: How to Make Natural, Herbal, Roll-On Deodorant

Summer being what it is—with all the extra sunshine and outdoor fun—our deodorant choices start to matter in a bigger way. Consumers have become increasingly aware of the potential issues that can come with using deodorants with ingredients like propylene glycol, aluminum, and triclosan, and have been turning more and more to natural deodorants. Unfortunately, while over-the-counter natural deodorants are a safer and more earth-friendly option than those loaded with parabens and chemicals, they are still packaged in mostly non-recyclable plastics that millions of Americans throw away every year. Happily, it’s an easy task to make your own natural, herbal, roll-on deodorant.

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Posted by Heidi

How to Make Slime with Psyllium Husk

Slime—that strange substance that defies Newtons laws of viscosity—has been a staple in store toy aisles for almost 50 years and the DIY versions have been around almost as long. The typical school-science-project slime recipe involves mixing either borax or contact lens solution with PVA glue and water. The science behind it is a chemical reaction between the polyvinyl acetate in the glue and the borate ions in the contact solution or borax, an action called cross-linking that results in a logic-defying substance that is a whole lot of fun to play with. However, fascinating DIY science aside, too much exposure to boron—which is the base of borax, boric acid, and also, ironically, that contact lens solution—can cause respiratory, skin, and eye irritation, and when ingested can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Note the caution on the front of a box of borax detergent: Caution: Eye irritant, may be harmful if swallowed. Needless to say, that DIY slime hack is not ideal for small children, particularly those who tend to taste-test things. Fortunately for the child in all of us, you can make slime from psyllium husk!

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Posted by Heidi

Herbal Hair Care & Natural Hair Color


When I say “herbal hair,” what is the first thing that comes to mind? Confusion? An image of someone who rarely takes care of their locks? Or maybe even a slight understanding of the magick of apple cider vinegar as a rinse? To me, herbal hair is the alchemy between humans and the earth. The delicate dance between caretaker, gardener, and healer. Beauty rituals that comfort our souls and release our grip and dependence on man-made products. At the root of it all, herbal hair care can nourish our scalps and color our locks, simply by using flowers, leaves, roots, and seeds. This can be in the form of a hydrosol mist, a leave-in spray, or an infusion of jojoba oil and rosemary for scalp nutrients.

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Lemon Essential Oil: 5 Ways to Clean Your Home Naturally

We love lemon essential oil for its wellness benefits, its bright and sugary citrus aroma, and its uplifting and energizing constituents. It’s a wonderful oil in skin and hair care formulas and for diffusing in homes and offices. We also love that this cost-effective oil makes an excellent cleaning agent and leaves our homes smelling deliciously like freshly cut lemons. It’s the 76% (=)-Lionene in lemon oil that makes it so good at polishing furniture and cutting grease and sticky residues. We’re revisiting five of our favorite lemon oil-based cleaning recipes that are easy to make, safe to use, and leave our homes smelling citrus good.

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Posted by Christine

10 Ways to Use Hydrosols + Our Favorites


Hydrosols are high quality, distilled botanical extracts, not to be confused with the floral waters” you might have seen for sale that are often just water combined with essential oils. Hydrosols are beloved by the herbal community for their ease of use and versatility in aromatherapy, herbal body care formulations, therapeutic applications, cosmetics, and household recipes. They add variety and scope to our herbal practices, and we appreciate the added safety they give us when working with children, elders, and pets. Although they are made using the same distillation process as essential oils, they are more sustainable because distillers get significantly more hydrosol per distillation. But not all hydrosols are created equally. We’re excited to tell you more about these lovely plant waters.

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Posted by Heidi

Spring Rain Essential Oil Blend + Wax Melt Recipe

I love to live fully within the seasons. I take in all the nuances of the seasonal elements, ebbing and flowing with the twists and turns of the weather and the expansion and contraction of daylight. This mindfulness practice allows me to connect with the “now” and fully appreciate all that the Earth shares with us through her wondrous cycles. 

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Posted by Jessicka

Bulk Ingredients That Save Money, Reduce Waste, & Promote Resiliency



I love the peace of knowing that I have both the skills and stock on hand to thrive in most of the situations life throws my way. I can confidently rely on my resourcefulness and forethought to help me whether I can’t get to the grocery store for a bit, need to pinch some pennies, or just ran out of laundry soap. The efforts that I put into this lifestyle are also in line with my sustainability goals and significantly reduce the waste generated from my household.

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Posted by Jessicka

Tips for Choosing Reputable Seed Companies & Nurseries

Spring is upon us, and many of us spent the cold and dark days of winter planning spring and summer gardens, selecting plant varieties, acquiring seeds, and getting a head start on sowing, germinating, and nurturing the young seedlings in our windowsills and greenhouses. Nowadays, we can buy everything from seeds and trees to full-grown flowers and shrubs at nurseries around the country. But not all nurseries are alike. A surprising number of the most popular suppliers of the seeds and plants we love give little regard to environmental issues. Don’t despair! There are guidelines and best practices we would like to share with the Mountain Rose Herbs community that will help you select seeds and plants that were grown using practices that support the health and vitality of our ecosystem.

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Posted by Buck

DIY Shower Steamer Recipes (Calming & Uplifting Variations)

Treat yourself or someone you love to a spa-scented shower experience with easy-to-create “Shower Steamer” tablets. Shower steamers use all-natural salts (typically baking soda) and essential oils. These little aromatherapy pucks can turn your shower into a spa-like experience. It is a simple product made up of just a few household ingredients and your favorite essential oils. The tablets dissolve slowly as you shower to create a lasting aromatherapy experience and the warm steam helps diffuse the scent. You can select scents that will energize, relax, or help with seasonal congestion.

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Are My Herbs Irradiated?! Learn About Irradiation in Our Food System & How to Avoid It

Food irradiation is common in mainstream food production in the United States. So what is irradiation and how does it affect your herbs and spices?
WRITTEN BY Heidi

September 8, 2023

Homemade Shaving Cream

A good shaving cream is a must for a close, smooth shave. The good news is that it's incredibly easy to make natural shaving cream with organic and nourishing oils and butters!
WRITTEN BY Heidi

August 2, 2023

Homemade Deodorant: How to Make Natural, Herbal, Roll-On Deodorant

It’s the time of year—full of sun and outdoor fun—when our deodorant choices matter more than ever. Make your own effective, natural, herbal, roll-on deodorant!
WRITTEN BY Heidi

July 31, 2023

How to Make Slime with Psyllium Husk

This simple, kid-friendly, psyllium-based slime is pure, natural, safe, and organic. It takes less than 10 minutes to make and is good for hours of fun!
WRITTEN BY Heidi

July 15, 2023

Herbal Hair Care & Natural Hair Color

At the root of it all, herbal hair care can nourish our scalps and color our locks, simply by using flowers, leaves, roots, and seeds. Learn about natural hair coloring & care from a professional hair stylist.
WRITTEN BY Chelsea Stephens- Guest Author

June 19, 2023

Lemon Essential Oil: 5 Ways to Clean Your Home Naturally

We love these five lemon oil-based cleaning recipes that are easy to make, safe to use, and leave our homes smelling citrusy and fresh!
WRITTEN BY Christine

June 15, 2023

10 Ways to Use Hydrosols + Our Favorites

Herbalists love hydrosols for their ease of use, versatility, and economical price point. But what exactly are hydrosols and how do you use them?
WRITTEN BY Heidi

June 8, 2023

Spring Rain Essential Oil Blend + Wax Melt Recipe

This Spring Rain essential oil blend celebrates the promises and gifts of the season. You can also add this beautiful aroma blend to wax melts for a delightful home fragrance.
WRITTEN BY Jessicka

May 8, 2023

Bulk Ingredients That Save Money, Reduce Waste, & Promote Resiliency

Learn how making simple switches in your lifestyle and buying habits can improve your resiliency, save you money, and reduce waste.
WRITTEN BY Jessicka

April 19, 2023

Tips for Choosing Reputable Seed Companies & Nurseries

Not all nurseries and seed companies are created equally. Here are some guidelines and best practices to help you support the health and vitality of our planet through your garden purchasing choices.
WRITTEN BY Buck

April 17, 2023

DIY Shower Steamer Recipes (Calming & Uplifting Variations)

Shower steamers, also called "shower bombs," are a wonderful way to add a spa-like experience to your self-care routine. You can select scents that will energize, relax, or help with seasonal congestion.
WRITTEN BY Janice Cox, Guest Writer

March 22, 2023