Imagine you are having a dream where you are soaring through the sky, swimming alongside ancient sea creatures, or revisiting distant memories all while actively participating and shifting the experience within the dream world. This experience is called lucid dreaming! Not only is it an exhilarating experience, but it can also foster creativity, provide emotional release, and help with problem-solving.

Herbalism encompasses a wide range of traditions, each with similarities and differences from each other. However, one core principle that applies to traditions found all around the world is herbal energetics. To some, the word energetics conjures thoughts of the esoteric or "woo-woo", but energetics are very real and can be felt in the body. You can experience this simply by sipping on a cup of ginger tea and then following that up with a cup of marshmallow tea. Upon sipping the ginger tea, your body will begin to feel warmth, followed by a drying sensation. After you have had time to sit with that sensation, sip on the marshmallow tea and feel the difference. The cooling and moistening effects will counteract the ginger and your body will feel very different after that next sip. That is energetics in action!

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!  

When we talk about climate change, we are really talking about an imbalance in our atmosphere. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide trap heat close to the Earth’s surface, creating a chaotic effect that disrupts weather patterns, ecosystems, and communities around the world. The challenge we all share is how to reduce and remove these emissions and live in balance with the planet that sustains us.

We recently traveled to our neighboring state of Washington to visit several long-standing farm partners. Peppermint, spearmint, catnip, red clover, California poppy, and oats were among the botanicals we got to see, but even more important than that was getting some one-on-one time with our partners. Opportunities like this are largely possible by being an independently owned and mission-driven company that truly cares about its sourcing. These trips allow us to get boots on the ground to see how the plants are grown and also foster meaningful relationships with our partners. It is an important part of our support for domestic suppliers, while also ensuring that the quality and purity standards you expect from us are met.

There are four core aspects of our farm visits, which help provide the framework for the questions we ask and the ways we can offer our ongoing support.

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!

As someone that is incapable of getting out of bed on time, I’m forever in need of quick, easy, and healthy breakfast options. Without a doubt, granola is a reigning champion in that arena. For a speedy morning meal nothing beats a bowl of granola and yogurt with some fresh fruit! However, even though granola has gained a reputation for being healthy, it can be deceivingly sugary. Over the years, my desire for nutrient dense and low sugar options has led me away from store bought brands and into my kitchen, where I happily discovered that making your own granola is incredibly easy and fun! And to my fellow late risers: let me tell you, when I happen to have a big container of homemade granola on hand during a rushed morning, I swear that I could cry tears of gratitude that my past self was so proactive!

Opening children up to a world of wonder, nourishment, and magic can be as simple as introducing them to the plants that grow in your backyard. Learning how to sink in, slow down, and listen to the plants is both inspiring and grounding.

Vitalism has long been at the heart of natural healing traditions. It is rooted in the notion that there is a vital force which animates all Life. “Vital” means ‘essential’, in other words, life and healing can’t happen without it. Key essentials to life are diet, rest, movement, environmental conditions, and the pursuit of one's own unique calling in life.

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.