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Hawthorn Healing

We harvested some hawthorn last fall, over-growing along our fence line. Hacked up several branches and stripped it's leaves and berries for freeze drying.

Caution: some of their branches/stems have nice and sharp thorns that will catch you by surprise.

Thought it's prickly outside, this plant is loaded with antioxidant properties. It has a long history for aiding in digestive and cardiovascular health. And it's native to Washington State.

The antioxidants in hawthorn come primarily from its rich content of flavonoids, such as quercetin, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins, along with vitamin C and other polyphenols.

It's also a miracle worker for combatting inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory Effects:

Its compounds reduce inflammation by inhibiting free radical-induced damage in tissues, which may help with chronic conditions linked to inflammation, such as arthritis.

And reducing that BAD cholesterol...

Cholesterol Management:

The plant may help reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) oxidation, a process that contributes to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries).

After we free-dried and jarred all of our harvest, we can add it to a variety of herbal teas for consumption.

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Eucalyptus 🌿

Just Breathe: The Respiratory Benefits of Eucalyptus

Let me tell you, I've been using eucalyptus for as long as I can remember. My mom used to have the oil on hand for my humidifier when I was a kid suffering from seasonal croup cough. One of its most notable benefits is its ability to support the respiratory system, offering natural relief for common ailments and enhancing lung health.

Cut to this flu season, when both my partner and I suffered from some sort of bronchial chest cold that beat us down for nearly a month. It totally changed our perspective on our surroundings, diets, and spirituality. I now have a collection of different essential oils and plan to plant herbs in the garden when we move. I had to locate some eucalyptus to help alleviate our symptoms and evolve out of this depressing funk...

How to Use Eucalyptus for Respiratory Health

Steam Inhalation: Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale deeply to clear nasal passages.

Aromatherapy: Use a diffuser to release eucalyptus oil into the air, creating a refreshing environment that supports healthy breathing.

Chest Rubs: Mix eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, and apply to your chest to ease congestion.

While eucalyptus is a powerful natural remedy, it’s essential to use it responsibly. Always dilute essential oils and consult a health expert before use.

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Calendula

This flower is good for various things when used topically. It heals rashes, infections, inflammation, and various other skin irritations.

You can also use the whole flower in savory dishes, likes salads and soups.

It's vibrant color has also been used to add pigment to cosmetics and dye fabrics.

Such a beautiful flower that my logo is modeled after :) 🌼

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Finally, I fulfilled a domestic dream of mine to make pesto with basil from the garden. I didn't have pine nuts, so I had to substitute another nut for that part... ciao! 🤌

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Hot take, mint is my favorite bedtime tea... not my wake-up tea. It's soothing with that subtle spark of mint, clears my mind, and primes me for dreamland.

We have several varieties of mint, including pineapple mint, apple mint, chocolate mint, and mojito mint! Gonna sheer tons more chocolate mint for tea this fall.

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🌱CHIVES🌱

First of all they smell so delicious and pungent! Perfect additive for soups, salads, pasta sauce, pizza topping, you name it! We have two large planter containers of chives here and they seem to keep sprouting up.

First of all chives have a hearty dose of folate, choline, and Vitamin C. It's a miracle worker as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory herb. Break this down into an oil and take daily to promote digestion and tickle your appetite.

Sprinkle on your favorite dishes like pastas and salads. Season your soups for a little savory kick. <3

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🐰 HOPS 🍃 Though there are a variety of hops out there, many are home to a common flavanoid that is found in garlic and cocoa.

•When it's not being the main character for brewers, hops are known their antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, but also help with insomnia.

•Hops reduced down to a water & oil solution are perfect for humidifiers or oil diffusers to help improve anxiety levels and promote a better sleep cycle. 🌙

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🌼DANDELION🌼

Since they are abundant weeds all over our property, it's pickin' time. Dandelion aids the liver by cleaning it out and helps the kidneys excrete all that gunk out. They also help with mild constipation through liver stimulation and help with skin conditions like acne and eczema by eliminating the toxins built up in the liver and kidneys. 🍵 Dandelion tea is a great travel buddy when our diets tend to change on the road despite our attempts to be diligent. Often, we don't get enough nutrients. Dandelion can help move things along 😉 🌱 Dandelion root works wonders for hormonal peaks during ovulation prior to menstruation. So if you're inclined to irritability around flow visits, give Dandelion root a go! (should take me own advice 😆) 🫙The magical and complex starch Inulin can be found in Dandelion in high quantities. You can feed your gut flora and boost large intestine functions, all with this common weed right from your backyard!

Keep an eye out for my Etsy launch where you can find my first tincture!✌️