Category: Skin
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Sweet Relief: The Soothing Magic of Gentle Violet
When spring rolls around and tiny purple blossoms blanket shady lawns, most people see a common weed. But to herbalists, Violet (Viola odorata or Viola canina) is one of the most comforting, cooling, and restorative wild allies available right in our backyards. The whole plant is edible, though I’m not personally a fan of the…
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Witch Hazel: Connecticut’s Most Powerful Wild Medicine
Did you know Connecticut is considered the Witch Hazel capital of the world? [Source] If you’ve ever stepped onto a wooded trail here, that probably doesn’t surprise you. Witch hazel is everywhere—tucked along stream banks, lining old forest roads, even growing right off hiking paths. One of my favorite fall moments is catching that faint…
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Sun-Kissed Butt Cheeks: My Experience with Calendula
Calendula, the bright orange, lions-mane-like flowers of late summer have been on my Top 5 Herbal remedies to keep in my medicine cabinet for over 16 years now. All because of little red butt cheeks. The first time I ever even heard of Calendula was as an ingredient in the all-natural diaper rash cream I…
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My No-BS Skincare Routine (That Actually Works)
I get compliments on my skin ALL the time. As an elder millennial, I really appreciate it! I thought I would share my Skincare Routine with you all here so you will be able to follow in my footsteps if you so choose. Some of you are not going to like this. You’re either going…
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The Vitamin C Powerhouse Growing in the Wild: Rose Hips
You’ve heard that you need Vitamin C, so you eat oranges regularly and figure you’re doing a good deed for your body, right? Why do you even need Vitamin C? According to the pharmacy aisle at Walgreens, you NEED vitamin C to stop your cold and if you don’t take their products you’ll never get…
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Understanding Skin Absorption: Why Your Products Matter
I started dabbling in making my own herbal oils and salves way back in 2012 after I learned that pretty much everything you apply to your skin is eventually absorbed into your bloodstream. I did NOT want petroleum (the precursor to gasoline) in my blood. Your skin has three major layers. The outer layer is…