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“Soap and water and common sense are the best disinfectants.” So said Sir William Osler (one of the founders of the renowned John Hopkins Hospital). Today, of course we know he was exactly right; the act of scrubbing our hands for 20 seconds with soap and water is proven to prevent the spread of germs: protecting us, our loved ones, and the other citizens in our communities. But we also know that one of the side effects of using so much soap or hand sanitizer is that it can be drying to the skin. Fortunately, our herbal allies give us ways to create an effective hand and body soap that is also incredibly hydrating, because obviously we want to be safe while keeping our skin happy and supple.

When I’m about to embark on a summer adventure, I always do the final check before walking out the door—keys, wallet, water, and lip balm. Being ill-equipped with any of these staples puts a real damper on my ability to take impromptu diversions on the roads less traveled.

Taking time to care for your skin is important. This amazing organ is what allows us to face the world every single day. I've been making my own skin-loving recipes for almost a decade, and I've learned which types of recipes are as good as over-the-counter products, which are actually better when made by hand, and which should be left to the professionals. Facial masks are among some of the most effective recipes in the “better when handmade” category.

To many, the thought of making bath bombs is intimidating. It’s true that the process takes a little more finesse than some DIY skin care recipes, but I’ve found that understanding the role that each ingredient plays helps me to consistently make the best bath bombs.

Herbal foot soaks are one of my favorite herbal treatment modalities! In my house, we do foot soaks in the evening about once a week, and this habit has become a real treat for my family. It is truly amazing to watch how we all get a little calmer and nicer as we sit there chatting with our feet tucked into little buckets full of herbal tea. My son and I like to play cards—rummy is our card game of choice—and do foot soaks before going to bed and we find it to be a perfect winding-down evening ritual. (Parenting pro tip: herbal foot soaks are a great way to get the kids slopping around in herbs when they are young!) I am known for creating herbal foot soak experiences for family gatherings, birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and whenever we find ourselves just hanging out with friends. Eat, drink, foot soak, and be merry is the motto around here…

When choosing or crafting a natural moisturizer for your face, it helps to understand the benefits and drawbacks of the different oils included in the recipe. Facial skin tends to be more delicate and sensitive than the rest of the body, and it can be a little tricky to adequately nourish your complexion without either smothering your pores or causing irritation. This is why organic rosehip seed oil is one of the most universally loved choices for gentle moisturizers. 

As English Poet Laureate Alfred Austin said, “The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.” Here in the beautiful Willamette Valley, our Mediterranean climate can stretch the gardening “season” through most of the year, and many green thumbs take full advantage of this fact! That means spending a lot of time wrist-deep in soil, which can take its toll on hardworking hands.

Eucalyptus essential oil has become a staple in the collections of aromatherapy dabblers and experts alike. Steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of the Eucalyptus globulus tree, this oil is well known for its cleaning properties and ability to support open breathing. With a little practice, this distinctive essence may easily become one of the most versatile oils in your aromatherapy and green living toolkit!

Many a parent will vow that the arrival of their child was the greatest gift they’ve ever received—and also the most demanding! As the proud keeper of a tiny new human myself, I am deeply immersed in the difficult but rewarding work of merging pre-baby life with parenthood, and one truth that’s never been clearer to me is that families need the support of their village to thrive. Since we can’t always be there physically for the ones we love, we often look for ways to pass on that love and assistance through a thoughtful gift, be it lovingly selected or lovingly made.