Tea Tasting Terminology + Printable Tasting Cards

In the worlds of fine wine or artisanal cheese, you’re likely to encounter terminology that can seem foreign to those who are not waist-deep in the art of vinification or caseiculture. Tea-tasting is similar in that tea connoisseurs use a unique language to describe the subtle nuances that you can find in a quality cup of tea. Fear not tea-enthusiast friends—I'm here to help you decode the descriptive terminology used in professional tea-tasting!

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Posted by Hailey

Chia Seed Pudding Recipe With Pumpkin Spice

I will admit that I was a latecomer to the pumpkin pie spice trend. I still have not had a pumpkin spice latte, for instance. I have been starting to come around though. My turning point came after I tried one of our very own blog recipes, pumpkin pie spice roasted mixed nuts. Ever since that day, I have felt the undeniable pull towards this seasonal favorite. As the days grow shorter and cooler, the warming spices seem to offer the perfect comfort and sense of wellbeing. Naturally, I wanted to celebrate the arrival of pumpkin spice season this year with a recipe variation!

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Posted by Maia

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 Lotion with Organic Sweetgrass Hydrosol

 

Perhaps every herbalist or skincare formulator has a recipe that once wholly intimidated them. Homemade lotion was one of those for me. I had a pretty epic and expensive DIY lotion fail once, and it took me a long time to build up enough confidence to try blending water and oil into something usable again. Mountain Roses organic sweetgrass hydrosol was the impetus to suck up my courage and try again. Its subtle, honeyed aroma has a wonderfully green-earth undertone that makes it a perfect base for a variety of skincare formulations, from facial toners to body sprays to lotions. In this simple lotion recipe, I love it with just a touch of vanilla in the form of organic benzoin resin.

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Posted by Heidi

Guasha Massage Tutorial

Guasha” (刮痧) translates as “scraping petechiae.” Gua () is scraping, the act of pulling a guasha tool across the skin. Sha () is petechiae: pinkness or redness on the skin that can arise from scraping, a result of increased blood circulation to the area. Guasha is one of the many tools in our East Asian medicine toolkit, which also includes acupuncture, herbs, massage, moxibustion, energy work, lifestyle medicine, and more.

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Homemade Creamsicles® With Orange Cream Rooibos (Vegan)



As a child, I remember delighting in the hot days of August. My brother and I could spend an entire day in the yard leaping through the sprinkler, having rowdy water fights, and just causing general (damp) mayhem. However, the real highlight of any summer day was the moment that the sing-song tones of the ice cream truck floated to us. In my memory, the ice cream truck has an almost mythical quality to it. It would appear with a burst of song at the perfect moment, with an endless bounty of colorful, frozen treats. I recently learned that national creamsicle day is August 14 and I was immediately flooded with countless (sticky) memories from my youth. Pairing my new awareness of the upcoming occasion with the fact that our fearless leader, Shawn Donnille, is an avid Creamsicle® fan, I decided to try my hand at an herbal adaptation of this beloved summer treat that would win over even the most diehard admirers.

 

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Posted by Maia

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

Glycerites: How to Use Vegetable Glycerine to Extract Herbal Constituents

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.

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Posted by Heidi

Spicy Paloma Cocktail & Mocktail with Herbs



Cocktails and mocktails provide the perfect opportunity to put our favorite botanicals to creative use. Whether mixed with fresh garden herbs, homemade tinctures, or kitchen spices, mixed drinks are a fun and tasty way to enjoy the benefits of herbs and spices—and to apply our love of herbalism.

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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

WELCOME

We offer one of the most thorough selections of certified organic herbs, spices, and botanical products and are commited to responsible sourcing.

Tea Tasting Terminology + Printable Tasting Cards

Do you love tea and want to train your palate? Are you looking to articulate the finer aspects of your favorite teas? Check out this helpful guide to enhance your tea-drinking experience.
WRITTEN BY Hailey

November 30, 2023

Chia Seed Pudding Recipe With Pumpkin Spice

Try this decadent chia pudding recipe for a healthful start to your autumn mornings.
WRITTEN BY Maia

September 26, 2023

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 Lotion with Organic Sweetgrass Hydrosol

Mountain Rose’s organic sweetgrass hydrosol has a subtle, honeyed aroma that makes a perfect base for this homemade body lotion.
WRITTEN BY Heidi

August 24, 2023

Guasha Massage Tutorial

Learn how to do a gentle guasha facial massage to improve your natural skincare regimen.
WRITTEN BY Jiling Lin- Guest Writer

August 22, 2023

Homemade Creamsicles® With Orange Cream Rooibos (Vegan)

This homemade Creamsicle® recipe is a healthier twist on the classic popsicle. This flavorful version is made with Orange Cream Rooibos Tea and will surely delight the senses.
WRITTEN BY Maia

August 14, 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

Glycerites: How to Use Vegetable Glycerine to Extract Herbal Constituents

Glycerites are an effective, delicious alternative to alcohol-based tinctures. Learn about organic glycerol and get an easy recipe for glycerites.
WRITTEN BY Heidi

June 28, 2023

Spicy Paloma Cocktail & Mocktail with Herbs

Herbal Academy’s Pirate Paloma puts a spicy twist on the classic Paloma cocktail. Combining warming masala chai spices with refreshing grapefruit and lime, the mixture of spice, citrus, and rum will transport you to a dreamy summer scene.
WRITTEN BY The Herbal Academy- Guest Writer

June 26, 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