Cleopatra is notorious for her milk bathes and kohl eyeliner. The Pharaoh(ess) indulged in a natural beauty regime (I meant routine, of course) that included a large variety of herbs, plants, and raw ingredients including aloe vera, which is our star ingredient today. Queen Nefertiti is also known for using aloe vera to help promote healthy skin. Aloe Vera is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and soothing. It can help prevent scars and contains salicylic acid which helps combat acne. It also helps to improve the elasticity of skin, preventing wrinkles. This aloe vera cleanser is indeed fit for a Queen! Something about creating my own beauty products makes me feel like royalty myself. This recipe fills a 4 oz container. I usually recommend using glass bottles and jars but because we put these in the shower (especially if you have little ones), I recommend using "safe" plastic bottle likes  these clear ones or these pretty blue ones .   If you have dry skin, skip the castile s

When you start foraging, you want to be smart and safe! Here are my Foraging Rules. I call them my "4 Knows" - not no but as in "I know something." 1. Know the Plant - use atleast 3 sources. Be 100% certain of a plant before using it. Know the poisonous lookalikes if any. 2. Know the land - is it safe to pick from? Has it been sprayed? Plants draw nutrients from the soil so don't pick anywhere with heavy metals. Do you need to ask an owner?  3. Know the ecosystem - You are part of a larger whole. Be respectful and leave some for others. 4. Know your purpose - Don't take more than you need and listen to your body. These 4 rules are in my Foraging Journal available on amazon here along with sections to record plant profiles, recipes, calendar and even a foraging bucket list. 

For the Foraging Journal entry today, we are going to cover Goldenrod. It is surprisingly obscure in the herbalism world for how easily it grows. The beautiful rods of gold shine through in late summer and early Autumn. I've bolded the sections that are in my Foraging Journal and I'm going to guide you through what to fill out. I would suggest writing what is pertinent to you in your own words, not word for word. This will help you recall information and helps your brain remember important information. I also suggest reading other sources - A Forager's Library is a terrific list of resources.  You can read more about my Foraging Journal  here.   Before we begin, this post is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. Please do your own research thoroughly and take into consideration your own health. Don't eat or use something if you don't know what it is. Forage responsibly. Latin name: Solidago spp.  What is Goldenrod's Latin name? Solidago is the genus. The "

If there was one herb the most common or well-known, mint could claim it. Although several different kinds exist, it's fresh scent can be recognized anywhere. Because mint is everywhere! This Cocoa Mint Almond Milk is a great way to enjoy this fresh herb plus the milk tastes kind of like a peppermint patty in a delicious drink. When was your first encounter with mint? Or your last? Maybe it started as sticks of gum in your mom's leather purse or fragrant leaves picked fresh from Granny's green garden. But it is also... in the rug district of Morocco, offered hot in dainty little glass jars etched with intricate gold patterns as you stroll through brilliant woven wares. Then there it is again, ice cold partnered with cucumber as you step glistening from a sauna at a high-end spa. And there again, made crushed over ice and served in a frosted silver cup with bourbon. And it's always here, in the comfort of home, a warm mug offering gentle sips to calm a nervous belly. And

Did you know originally marshmallows came from a plant? Marshmallow (or marsh mallow or Althaea officinalis) is actually a herb! The scientific name of this plant comes form the Greek word "altho" which means to cure. Marshmallow is an amazing demulcent and soothes mucus membranes or any sort of irritated tissues. Rosemary Gladstar in her book Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Healt h states "Our pioneer parents cooked the root with honey or sugar, formed into soft balls and gave it to their children to suck on to sooth a sore throat." Yes, marshmallows were originally a remedy! Not a super sticky, sugar overdose like they are today. In this post, we will combine the herb marshmallow with it's modern candy counterpart! However Marshmallow Root Marshmallows are nothing like what you'll find in the store. They are soft and slightly sticky. Still very sweet but definitely more of a gentle treat and not something you can stick in a marshmallow gun.  We are using local

If you can't forage or grow the herbs yourself, there are many places that have high quality herbs! This is a list of the best places to buy herbs. It's nice to have options especially if one herb is out of stock at one place! 1. Local Natural Food Market - A lot of natural food markets have herbs in bulk. Sometimes markets don't go through certain herbs as quickly. You can do a sniff check and see if it smells vibrant. If the smell is dull or dusty smelling (depending on the herb), opt for somewhere else. 2. Local Farms and Farmer's Markets - Let's start local. Often herbs can be purchased from the actual growers here. This is a prime spot to make good relationships for obtaining herbs in the future! 3. Mountain Rose Herbs - This place is one of my absolute favorites. Their essential oils are high quality as well so I feel like it's almost my one-stop shop for all things remedies! Their catalogue, website, and social media pages are loaded with recipes and hel