Vitex Berry Distillation
Chaste Tree berries (Vitex agnus castus) in the still this afternoon. Chaste Tree is commonly used for hormone imbalances in women that present as premenstrual syndrome, menopause, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and menstrual disorders. Not recommended for men as it can trigger migraines, decreased sex drive, and repeated usage [...]
Essential oils and GRAS: What it really means
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a designation for substances that are intentionally added to food called GRAS: Generally Recognized As Safe. A number of essential oils, absolutes, and hydrosols have made the GRAS list. But this is where most people stop digging for information and assume that [...]
What does risk versus benefit look like in aromatherapy?
"Hindsight is a wonderful thing but foresight is better, especially when it comes to saving lives or some pain!" - William Blake As an aromatherapist a large part of my job is to help clients navigate their risk vs. benefit ratio with essential oils and hydrosols. While a specific essential [...]
Land of Enchantment
We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us. - John Muir Koi at the Southwest Acupuncture College I called New Mexico home for 14 years. Every time I return there's at once [...]
Bluebonnets
I will be the gladdest thing Under the sun! I will touch a hundred flowers And not pick one. - Edna St. Vincent Millay
Rosemary
Sweet friends gifted me this bag of fresh Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) last night and I'm making good use of it with the distiller today. Did you know: Rosemary is used in floral arrangements at weddings to symbolize fidelity and in funerals for remembrance?