Summer Cookout Menu: Recipes & Inspiration

When the thermometer starts to register in the 80s and 90s, my mind takes up residence in the shade of my patio, situated near the grill and not too far from the drinks’ cooler. For foodies like the folks in my family, backyard cookouts mean long lazy days brushing a perfect protein with a tangy sauce over a slow fire. It means tossing together colorful, herby appetizers and barbecue side dishes, imbibing in a newly invented icy drink, and whipping up a batch of homemade ice cream to go with pie. Other than a loose plan of when we want to eat, we let the day guide itself. We just sink into the mindful, soul nurturing process of preparing a meal to eat outside. I think of this time as some of the very best summer medicine.

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Posted by Heidi

Mint Chocolate Body Butter

With the dog days of summer stretching out before us, it’s time to think more seriously about hydration. Every organ, tissue, and cell in our bodies requires water—it is essential for us to keep a steady temperature, to lubricate our joints, to eliminate waste, etc. Because we lose water through sweating, digesting, and even breathing, it’s important to regularly rehydrate, particularly when it gets hot and we’re doing more physical activity outside. And while you’re responsibly drinking plenty of fluids to rehydrate your internal organs, tissues, and cells, don’t forget about the largest organ in your body: your skin. Now is the perfect time to whip up a super-hydrating, cooling body butter!

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Posted by Heidi

Homemade Immune-Supporting Root Beer

Who doesn’t love a frosty, foamy root beer on a hot day? From drive in burger joints to movie theaters, root beer is the classic American drink. However, the corporate world has turned root beer into a cheap artificial drink full of high fructose corn syrup and other artificial flavors. Real homemade root beer is full of healthful and flavorful herbs.

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Posted by Dr. Glen Nagel

Herbal Elixir Recipe for Stress Relief

Most herbalists will tell you that they became interested in herbs because they had some condition that they wanted to find a better way to address. For me, it was more about learning to be in charge of my emotions. It’s not that they were out of control, but I studied psychology in college, and this interest has never left me. Strong emotions can be uncomfortable and do considerable damage to various bodily systems.

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Posted by Tina- Guest Writer

Flavored Coconut Whipped Cream

When sharing treats with my family and friends, I love to hide herbs and spices that they may not know about or know how to use. Adding fun twists to classic preparations is an exciting pastime of mine. One classic dessert that I find to be endlessly entertaining is fluffy, creamy whipped cream. Not only is the flavor of fresh whipped topping better than store-bought, but you can infuse flavors to tailor it to whatever you are serving it with. And if that isn’t enough to make you want to make your own, it’s a much more ecofriendly alternative, as it does not come in a single-use container.

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Posted by Jessicka

DIY Hydrating Foaming Hand and Body Soap

“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.

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Posted by Jessicka

Herbal Doggie Popsicle Recipes

While in the dog days of summer, it’s important to consider the comfort of our beloved furry friends. My St. Bernard did a great job at reminding me of this fact. Wanting to give my spoiled boy anything that made him happy, I decided to try ready-made puppy ice cream that I found at the grocery store. But between the hefty price tag and knowing it wasn’t the most healthful option to cool him down, it wasn’t a sustainable option for my household. I knew I could make frozen dog treats that were just as refreshing, and which also contained ingredients that would support my dog’s overall wellbeing.

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Posted by Jessicka

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Formula for Summer Wellness


The twelve organ systems of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) connect with their western biomedical counterparts, but aren’t limited to western understandings of locations or functions. In TCM, each organ system includes not only the organ’s location, but also primary meridian lines, collateral lines, sinew channels, and more. The Five Elements of Chinese medicine—Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal—and their associated seasonal changes correlate with these organ systems.

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Essential Oils for the Morning

Eventually, we all need to roll out of bed. Whether you are naturally a get-up-and-go type person, or you’re the sort who needs a cup a coffee to start functioning, invigorating essential oils are a simple way to jumpstart your morning routine. Some of our favorite scents for getting going include citrus oils for their sweet and sunshiny top notes, evergreen oils for their grounding aromas, and bright oils for their stimulating and motivating qualities. With endless possible combinations, it’s easy to create a custom blend to kick-start your morning with aromatic goodness (we’ve included some of our own favorite morning oil blends to get you started!).

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Posted by Christine

How to Make Fermented Hot Sauce

I’m always striving to tweak and experiment with the food I consume. Whether that means attempting a new cuisine, trying seemingly odd and new (to me) ingredients, experimenting with herbs and spices, or delving further into the world of fermentation, the culinary arts are an endless source of inspiration, fun, and creativity.

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Posted by Mason

Vegan Golden Milk Ice Cream (No Machine)

Spring and summer are especially packed with physical activities—gardening, hiking, cycling, etc. With so much action, it’s important to support your body in its everyday functions. You’re probably wondering why a blog post about ice cream is starting out this way. Well, it’s the ingredients in this recipe that make it as helpful as it is tasty. Turmeric has been touted for its ability to support healthy joint mobility.*

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Posted by Jessicka

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Summer Cookout Menu: Recipes & Inspiration

Looking for inspiration for your summer cookout or backyard barbecue? Here are some of our favorite recipes featuring herbal goodness to inspire you!
WRITTEN BY Heidi

August 17, 2020

Mint Chocolate Body Butter

Good hydration is key to healthy skin. This summer, whip up an easy DIY mint chocolate body butter to give your skin super-hydrating, cooling relief.
WRITTEN BY Heidi

August 17, 2020

Homemade Immune-Supporting Root Beer

When you think of root beer, you might imagine the high-sugar, artificially sweetened variety that you buy in a can or in a restaurant as part of a root beer float. Learn to make your own root beer with real, healthful ingredients and roots that support your immune system.
WRITTEN BY Dr. Glen Nagel

August 14, 2020

Herbal Elixir Recipe for Stress Relief

This herbal elixir, made with adaptogenic herbs, is a sweet way to take herbal supplements for natural care stress relief. Learn about adaptogenic tea.
WRITTEN BY Tina- Guest Writer

August 10, 2020

Flavored Coconut Whipped Cream

Coconut whipped cream is a simple way to take a smoothie, pie, or hot cocoa to the next level. Make the flavor your own with herbs, spices and teas.
WRITTEN BY Jessicka

August 5, 2020

DIY Hydrating Foaming Hand and Body Soap

We like foaming hand and body wash for its ease of use, but we want moisturizer too. Make this simple DIY foaming soap to clean and hydrate dry skin.
WRITTEN BY Jessicka

August 4, 2020

Herbal Doggie Popsicle Recipes

These frozen herbal “pupsicle” recipes help your dog beat the summer heat. Hydrating and refreshing, they can be tailored to your pet’s needs and tastes.
WRITTEN BY Jessicka

July 30, 2020

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Formula for Summer Wellness

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, summer is the time of Fire and Heart. Support movement, activity, expression and joy with Gan Mai Da Zao Tang.
WRITTEN BY Jiling Lin- Guest Writer

July 21, 2020

Essential Oils for the Morning

Essential oils are a perfect way to jump-start your morning routine. Enjoy these tips about best morning essential oils from our certified aromatherapist.
WRITTEN BY Christine

July 21, 2020

How to Make Fermented Hot Sauce

It's the season for bright, pungent hot peppers. Learn how to make homemade fermented hot sauce with your farmers market bounty!
WRITTEN BY Mason

July 20, 2020

Vegan Golden Milk Ice Cream (No Machine)

Unique and refreshing vegan ice cream is a delicious golden milk variation for summer. This recipe doesn't require an ice cream machine.
WRITTEN BY Jessicka

July 14, 2020