For many people on our team, working at Mountain Rose Herbs is a career path fueled by passion and a true love of natural living. In fact, by the end of 2026, we expect that 26% of our staff will have been here for 10 years or more. Working for a company for a decade or more comes with deep institutional knowledge and wisdom that helps Mountain Rose Herbs improve,  while remaining rooted in tradition and experience. Having such a large number of long-term employees also supports the community by improving access to wellness ingredients that are sourced, formulated, crafted, and tested by true experts.

Just as we witness the turning of the seasons in the world around us, I have come to realize that we experience changing seasons within us as well. In nature, winter is a time of retreat and rest. In this part of the world, everything becomes darker, colder, and less colorful. Though life is still bustling all around me, it becomes quieter and more subdued (just as I do). While I welcome the rest and reflection that winter invites, there are times when I feel like the cold darkness weighs on me, and feelings of hopelessness can ensnare me.* And though I understand that it is important to give yourself space to feel your feelings and not run away from discomfort, it is also important to give yourself some extra self-care during these times.

When I first started taking herb classes in the mid-1980’s, herbs like lady’s slipper, osha, and goldenseal were being widely taught about and consumed. As herbalism gained in popularity, these precious herbs were sought after, beyond what could be sustainably harvested. Many of them also became very expensive, and were being wild harvested as a way of making money without regard for the long-term impact of over-harvesting.

A handcrafted scented bar of soap is both grounding and quietly luxurious. The fragrance that greets you in the shower or at the sink isn’t just an afterthought…it’s part of the sensory aromatherapeutic experience of bathing. In cold process soapmaking, scent is woven into the art and chemistry of the craft. Understanding how cold-process soaps are scented, and how to choose a blend that suits your mood and your skin can help deepen your appreciation for every bar.

This polished mocktail-worthy punch is a twist on the old-fashioned tangy switchel, but with classy balsamic vinegar, hawthorn berries, apples, and sweet and savory molasses layered in for a refreshing yet grounded, nutritive beverage. A switchel, also known as “Haymaker’s Punch” is a drink crafted with vinegar, ginger, and usually molasses and is used as a refreshing drink that also helps with electrolyte balance.

Potlucks are more than shared meals; they are expressions of community, cooperation, and gratitude, bound together by the simple act of cooking for one another. In a culture that often prizes speed and convenience, gathering around a shared table invites us to slow down and remember that nourishment is not only about what we eat but about how we connect. Each dish carries a story, whether it is a family recipe passed down through generations, a spontaneous creation inspired by seasonal herbs, or a heartfelt offering made to share warmth and care with friends and coworkers.

This blog is part of a 6-part series on recipes featuring our recently new line of organic flavor extracts. Stay tuned for more flavor inspiration coming soon!

Beloved and recognized throughout the world, vanilla bean needs no formal introduction. With a unique ability to enhance rather than overshadow pretty much anything it's paired with, it’s no wonder vanilla has been crowned with such a reputation in the flavoring hall of fame. With that being said, even the most famous flavors are subject to their fair share of controversy.

Once darkness falls and vampires begin emerging from their satin-lined coffins and werewolves serenade with their haunting howls, many of us are gearing up for our own traditions to celebrate this season of spooky. For me, the month of October tends to unleash a beast with a taste for leaving the real horror to the mess of my craft cabinet and kitchen countertops. After wrapping up the finishing touches on my annually elaborate DIY costume, it was time to dust off the trusty cauldron to craft for my ghoulish guests to sip on during our Halloween festivities. Since no spirits should be contained to cheaply-made plastic goblets filled with sickly sweet, boozy syrup, I concocted a bewitching mocktail recipe that will trick and treat anyone who dares take a sip into having a spooktacular evening—alcohol-free!  

As a former football mom, doula, and military wife, I've had my fair share of experiences with the importance of staying hydrated. Whether on the field or in the delivery room, I've witnessed firsthand how dehydration can lead to serious situations. We've all had those days of overdoing the 'fun in the sun', or even just forgetting to drink during a hectic day. It's a mistake anyone can make. Understanding vital hydration helps you enjoy your adventures safely and healthily!

Nestled in the lush and green Willamette Valley of Oregon, a generational farm is hard at work growing, harvesting, and processing pumpkins and pumpkin seeds.  The farm has been growing seed pumpkins for decades, but after learning about the health benefits of pumpkin seed oil, they recently decided to expand their offerings to include pumpkin oil. Not only did this diversify their offerings, but it also helped to improve their waste stream.

You may have heard the recent buzz about North America’s only native caffeinated plant, yaupon. Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) is making a resurgence, and it took concerns of tariffs and increased tea and coffee prices to bring this domestic caffeinated plant into the mainstream eye. However, Mountain Rose Herbs’ interest in this plant preceded the tariff-driven trend, and we are delighted to share more information about the relationship we've developed with this plant over the past 7 years.