Results for Category: DIY
How to Make and Use Rose Water
There are many well-known herbal flowers I’ve had the privilege of using over the years…lavender, chamomile, calendula…all very popular in any herbal arsenal. But one flower that I’ve often overlooked and kept in the “for decoration only” category, has recently caught my attention for its wonderful herbal properties. The beautiful, fragrant rose. For years I…
How to Craft the Perfect Herb Planter
Earth is home to an incredible array of natural herbs that have been integral to society for as far as we can see into the past. H...
Fig Face Mask For Healthy Skin
One of my favorite things about summer in the South is fig season! The abundance of fresh figs makes simple summer meals exciting,...
Recipes Using Bee Balm
As we discussed in our last article, many names have been given to the plant monarda: bee balm, bergamot, or Oswego tea (more on that here). It has been used in North America for a very long time and for many purposes. You can find it in nearly every state in the U.S., and since it’s…
How to Make an Herb and Flower Drying Screen
Growing your own medicinal, culinary, or otherwise useful herbs and flowers is a rewarding experience. The act of planting the seeds, nurturing and watering them as they grow, then harvesting the fruits of your labor for your natural health medicine cabinet is so fulfilling. It’s nice to know that you have all of the great…
How to Make Herbal Beads
Summer is an exciting time for herbalists, as we enjoy the abundance of plants growing in our gardens and in the wild. Many of us ...
23 Ways to Use Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the most recognized and used herbs in the western world. Many people think of it first for anxiety and insomni...
How to Soothe Sunburns and Stay Cool Naturally
Ouch! Most of us know the tight, red-hot feeling of a sunburn. When the sun gets the best of you, count on these easy and effective remedies for quick relief. Tips for Soothing Sunburns Apple Cider Vinegar Believe it or not, apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy for soothing sunburned skin. Herbalist Kiva Rose speeds healing…
DIY Natural Sunscreen Recipe + 2 More Easy-to-Make Recipes for Summer Skincare
Summer is a beautiful season, but it can also bring challenges for our skin. As you enjoy the sunny days, soothe and protect your skin using natural summer skincare with the easy-to-make recipes to follow using foraged wild weeds. Summer Skincare and Sun Protection One of the biggest summer skin issues is sunburns. If possible,…
5 Ways to Freeze Fresh Herbs
It is high summer, and gardens are overflowing with herbs, many of which are at their peak and ready to harvest. This is the seaso...
Two Nasturtium Recipes for Summer
As spring turns to summer, gardens and farmers markets are overflowing with beautiful options. In my own garden, the nasturtiums a...
10 Elderflower Recipes and Uses
The elegant elderflower – if you’ve been noticing large, creamy blossoms on forest edges, then you’re probably seeing the flower of the elder. In this post, we are sharing an assortment of elderflower recipes to try yourself. Like us, we hope you find the flower an alluring early-summer resource! It seems appropriate that the elder is…
Natural Allergy Support: Nasal Rinses, Eyewashes & Herbal Steams
Natural allergy support is something that many of us seek, often with desperation during the spring and summer months. I had the worst allergies imaginable during both of my pregnancies—it was so bad that people would stop and stare at me, often with sympathy and sometimes with alarm. Going outside for as little as 5…
6 Natural Ways to Ease Poison Ivy Rashes
Sooner or later, many of us will encounter poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Whether you are foraging, gardening, hiking, or just enjoyin...
On-the-Go Herbal First-Aid Kit for Camping, Hiking, or Anywhere
I grew up hiking, backpacking, and camping all over Yosemite National Park with my dad. Yosemite fills my heart with amazing memor...
3 Herbal Gifts to Celebrate Mother’s Day
In Louisiana, we have been enjoying beautiful spring weather for over a month now. Before long, my rose bushes will be bursting with lovely flowers, which I harvest and dry each year to use in my herbal creations. With Mother’s Day around the corner, I want to offer a few ideas for handmade products made…
How To Make A Poultice With Dried & Fresh Herbs
It’s easy to focus on the internal herbal preparations, like teas, extracts, and syrups, because we are so conditioned to “taking something” – whether that be supplements, OTC medications, or prescriptions – to manage our health. Topical herbalism, though, has many unique preparations that have benefited people for generations. In this post we’ll teach you…
5 Herbal Body Care Products to Buy or DIY
Do you enjoy making your own herbal bath and body care products at home? Making luscious lotions, healing salves, heavenly soaps a...
5 Homemade Spring Cleaning Products
For many of us, the warmer weather of spring brings with it a desire to do some serious cleaning. However, conventional cleaning p...
Natural Soapwort Shampoo and Body Wash
When you are planning your spring garden, consider not only the beauty but also the usefulness of the plants that you plan to put in. I love ornamental plants as much as anyone else, but I get a particular sense of satisfaction if I have a purpose or use for the lovely flowers that brighten…
DIY Fine and Dandy Facial Serum
My son and I were out on our walk the other day, and I realized we’re full blown in the middle of spring here in Texas. Everywhere I turn, I am seeing dandelions pop up all over the place! Last spring I taught you how to Sweeten Your Breakfast with Dandelion Flower Syrup, so I…
Foraged Skin Care Remedies
Early spring is a wonderful time for foraging. After winter, it is refreshing to finally get outside and gather some healing herbs...
4 Easter Egg Decorating Techniques
Easter is right around the corner, and dyeing eggs is a much loved tradition on this holiday. This spring, add some herbal fun to ...
Skin Care Tips and Simple Recipes for Spring
Although you might feel energized by the warmer weather when spring comes around, your skin could be suffering. Here are some springtime skin care tips to help you prettify your skin. Get Rid of Winter in Your Spring Beauty Regimen Before you can focus on gorgeous spring beauty, you first need to get rid…
Herbal Remedies for Dry Skin: 3 Simple Recipes
Most of us have dealt with dry skin at some point in our lives, and for many of us, this concern intensifies during winter. Even though spring is just around the corner, if you are still dealing with the drying effects of cold air and indoor heat on your skin, here are some natural options…
How to Make Your Own Soap + Herbal Recipes
One of my favorite ways to utilize herbs and essential oils is by adding them to my handmade soap. Soapmaking is a great skill to ...
Soothing Oatmeal Bath Recipe
My son and I suffer from eczema, and during the coldest parts of winter our eczema tends to flare up more often than usual. It can...
Comfrey Uses + Soothing Comfrey Cream Recipe
I started growing comfrey a couple of years ago, but my reasons were NOT strictly altruistic. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of my herbs, but I particularly love perennial herbs like comfrey that are well suited to a pot and can be brought indoors during our cold Kansas winter. There is Comfort in…
Can You Be Green and Glamorous?
Editorial Note: This is the first part of a two-part post exploring the realities of the cosmetics and personal care product industry. The first part focuses on animal testing and cruelty-free alternatives. The second post will delve deeper into natural products and environmental impacts. As human beings, we are multi-faceted creatures. But what happened when…
A Simple Cold and Flu Recipe with Ginger, Lemon, and Garlic
Like many families, each winter we struggle through cold and flu season; fortunately, it’s usually just a cold. I have a pre...
