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

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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Guide to Oil Cleansing + The Best Oils for Your Skin Type

I know that washing your face with oil may sound a little odd at first, but trust me—this ancient secret is a great way to cleanse and nourish your skin! The reason oil cleansing works is basic chemistry: like-dissolves-like. Using nourishing organic oils to clean your face helps break up the grime that gets caught in your skin’s natural sebum while not harming the microbiome of the skin. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

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Posted by Jessicka

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

Guide to Black Tea: Why Do Teas Taste So Different + Tips for Choosing the Best Teas

Camellia sinensis is one of a small number of botanicals on the planet that has altered the course of history. This single precious plant—from which black, green, and white teas, among others, are made—has, for better or worse, been responsible for both the making and the fall of empires. Although it is the mother plant of a variety of teas, its power in the global marketplace is particularly potent when its leaves are fully oxidized to make black teas. Black tea is the most popular type of tea in the world, including here in the States. In 2019, the Tea Association of the U.S.A. reported that people in the U.S. consumed over 3.8 billion gallons of Camellia sinensis-based teas, 84% of which was black tea. What is it about black tea that is so alluring?

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Posted by Heidi

Meet the Makers: Featuring Kevala Ayurvedic Skin Care

It was not until I found Ayurveda that I began to understand that the things I disliked about myself were the very things that made me perfect and were a beautiful representation of who I was meant to be—a driven, compassionate warrior goddess. Ayurveda gave me permission to love myself and teaches that we are deeply interconnected and yet so uniquely divine!

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Wild Lettuce: Historical & Present Day Reflections of a Wild Herbal Ally

Wild lettuce is one of those “weed” herbs that is fairly common throughout North America. Its cultivation origins are from Southern Europe. The plant has a long history of use as a nervine and a bitter and, as such, is grown in a variety of places in Europe to capture the beneficial constituents in its latex, leaves, and seeds. Wild lettuce has become naturalized in the United States, where it is now regularly wildharvested.

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Posted by Heidi

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

3 Magic Moon Milk Recipes for Restful Sleep

If drinking warm milk before bed sounds like the kind of advice you might hear from your grandma—well, it turns out grandma knows best again! Drinking heated creamy beverages before bed has been practiced for centuries and has helped people all over the world drift off into a restful sleep. It is also commonly recommended by Ayurvedic practitioners to calm fiery doshas and to help balance the body before bed. Nowadays, these magical cups of comfort are often referred to as moon milks and incorporate herbs and spices to help assist the body in relaxation.

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Posted by Jessicka

Herbs for Health: 11 Superfood Powders to Sprinkle Into Your Diet

Powdered herbs—whether we speak of culinary spices like cinnamon and garlic powder or nutritive herbs like acai, nettle leaf, and mushrooms—bring together the best of several worlds. They are highly nutritious, easily absorbed by our bodies, wonderfully convenient, and versatile in how we can use them. When stored correctly, herbal powders retain their nutrients, fiber, and flavor for about a year. And they are supremely easy to use. We can cook with them, make tea from them, add them to smoothies and juices, put them in capsules, or simply take them with water. They can also be added to skin and hair-care products and used as poultices for everyday insect bites/stings or minor abrasions. For many of us, herbal powders are the first herbs we ever used: in the form of the dried spices and herbs we add to our food for flavor. Let’s take a look at some of the healthful powdered herbs that are as easy to incorporate into our daily lives as adding salt and pepper to a meal.

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Posted by Heidi

WELCOME

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

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

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

Guide to Oil Cleansing + The Best Oils for Your Skin Type

Nourishing organic oils are a wonderful way to clean your face and maintain the balance of your skin’s natural sebum. Learn how to make an oil cleanser that’s perfect for your skin type.
WRITTEN BY Jessicka

June 12, 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

Guide to Black Tea: Why Do Teas Taste So Different + Tips for Choosing the Best Teas

Black tea is the most popular tea in the world. Learn more about what makes your favorite variety so special and explore new options that may become a new favorite!
WRITTEN BY Heidi

May 19, 2023

Meet the Makers: Featuring Kevala Ayurvedic Skin Care

Learn about a mother-daughter duo who is bringing passion, creativity, and Vedic wisdom to the art of self-care.

Wild Lettuce: Historical & Present Day Reflections of a Wild Herbal Ally

Wild lettuce has a long history of use as a nervine, a bitter, and to support restful sleep. Learn more about this herbal ally that is making a comeback.
WRITTEN BY Heidi

April 27, 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

3 Magic Moon Milk Recipes for Restful Sleep

These moon milk recipes combine the old-time remedy of warm milk before bed with healthful herbs and spices for the perfect bedtime beverage!
WRITTEN BY Jessicka

April 11, 2023

Herbs for Health: 11 Superfood Powders to Sprinkle Into Your Diet

Powdered herbs are nutritious, versatile, and convenient. Check out these 11 herbal powders that make it easy to add health-supporting benefits to your life.
WRITTEN BY Heidi

April 4, 2023