Calendula Blossoms Calendula is one of my favorite herbs for skin care. I grow it every year and make infused oils with the calendula blossoms, which I use in massage oils, lotions, creams, and salves. With the Summer Solstice coming later this month, Calendula's sunny blossoms make it the perfect herbal ally for June. Calendula – June’s Herbal Ally Botanical Information Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a hardy, daisy-like annual in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Its comm

Meadow with wildflowers Wildcrafting, also known as foraging, is a wonderful way to gather herbs, plants, and fungi from their natural habitats. When done with care, it can provide fresh, natural ingredients for food and medicine. Wildcrafting not only connects me with nature but also supports my well-being in a gentle, sustainable way. Understanding Wildcrafting Wildcrafting means more than just picking plants. It’s about respecting the environment and ensuring the plants wi

There's nothing like doing yoga outdoors! By practicing yoga outside, you get to be a part of nature. All that time cooped up in your home or office isn't healthy for your mind and body. Spending time in nature is a natural mood enhancer. It also helps you to feel more connected to the natural world. So check out my Yoga in the Park class this summer. If you're in the Rio Rancho, NM area, come join us on Thursdays from 9:00-10:00 am at Haynes Park (southwest corner), beginni

Comfrey salve on a wooden table When it comes to natural remedies, comfrey salve has long been cherished for its soothing properties. If you’re looking for a gentle, effective way to address wounds or ease aches and pains, comfrey salve might just be the answer. Let’s dive into how comfrey salve can support wound care and provide pain relief. Understanding Comfrey Salve for Wounds and Pain Relief Comfrey salve is a topical ointment made from the comfrey plant (Symphytum offic

Yoga in nature There is something truly special about stepping outside and feeling the fresh air brush against your skin. When you combine that with the gentle flow of yoga, it creates a powerful experience that nurtures both body and soul. Practicing yoga outdoors invites you to reconnect with nature in a way that indoor studios simply cannot replicate. It’s calming, grounding, and healing—especially for those who need gentle, mindful movement and a peaceful environment. Why

Shatavari is an Ayurvedic herb whose name can be loosely translated to mean “a thousand husbands”, indicating its ability to improve female reproductive health. Since May is National Women's Health month, and Shatavari is an herb that is specific for women’s reproductive health, it’s our herbal ally for May. Shatavari - May's Herbal Ally Dried Shatavari Roots Botanical Information Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a climbing, thorny perennial in the asparagus family, nati

Herbal salve in a wooden bowl with dried flowers around Life's unexpected moments often lead to minor cuts and wounds. Be it a kitchen accident or a gardening nick, these small injuries require delicate care for proper healing. Natural salves not only calm the skin but also aid the body's natural healing process. If you're seeking a nurturing approach to skin care, this guide is for you. Discover how natural remedies can assist your wounds in healing safely and comfortably. W

Serene skincare setup with natural face creams and fresh flowers Aging is a beautiful journey, and caring for your skin naturally can make it even more rewarding. It’s about embracing the changes with kindness and supporting your skin’s health with nature’s best ingredients. Let’s explore how natural face creams can help you maintain a radiant glow while respecting your skin’s unique needs. Why Choose Natural Face Creams for Aging Skin? When it comes to aging skin, the goal i

Aging is a natural journey, but it doesn’t have to mean surrendering to decline. I’ve discovered that embracing gentle, time-tested Ayurvedic practices can help us maintain vitality, clarity, and grace as the years go by. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of healing, offers a nurturing approach to support our bodies and minds in a sustainable way. Let's take a look at Ayurvedic practices for healthy aging, so you can feel great and live fully. Embracing Ayurvedic Practices

Welcome to allergy season! As spring arrives, the snow melts, and plants start to bloom. Our bodies also transition from winter to spring, shedding extra weight in preparation for warmer weather. However, seasonal allergies can pose a problem for many. While flowers also release pollen in summer, springtime pollen tends to affect us more. This is because, during spring, the body sheds winter fats, enriching the blood with sweetness. When the blood becomes rich and sweet, even

As the years pass, our skin tells a story - one of laughter, sunshine, and countless moments lived fully. Yet, with time, it also changes. Your skin becomes thinner, drier, and more delicate. Embracing skincare for aging skin naturally is a beautiful way to honor this journey. It’s about nurturing your skin with kindness and wisdom, using gentle, effective ingredients that support its unique needs. Let’s take a look at how to care for mature skin with natural solutions that f

If you're living with a chronic disease, you may want to learn how to improve your digestive health to reduce symptoms as well as flareups. As someone living with a chronic condition, I can tell you honestly that digestion plays a huge role in feeling better, improving symptoms, and lessening the chances of relapses. I have found that nurturing my digestive system makes a world of difference in how I feel every day. By improving my digestion, I’ve been able to lose excess wei

Regardless of your age, it's never too late to start a yoga practice, especially if it's a gentle style. Gentle flow yoga offers a calm, mindful approach that helps you reconnect with your body, reduce stress, and build strength without strain. Let’s explore how gentle flow yoga for seniors can enhance wellbeing. Let this practice become a soothing part of your daily routine. What Is a Gentle Flow Yoga Classes Like? When you step into a gentle flow yoga classes, you’ll find a

One of the first weeds to pop up in the springtime is the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)! This weed is both food and medicine, and not an annoying weed that clutters our lawns. It has a rich history with many health benefits. Learn about Dandelion - March's Herbal Ally. Dandelion - March's Herbal Ally Botanical Information The common dandelion (Taraxcacum officinale) is a hardy perennial in the daisy family. It's known for its deep taproot, basal rosette of jagged leaves,

Garshana, or dry brushing, is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that has been used for centuries. This invigorating and restorative technique helps to rejuvenate, heal, and revitalize the body. What is Garshana or Dry Brushing? Unlike Abhyanga, which is a relaxing Ayurvedic massage with oil, Garshana is an Ayurvedic dry massage technique that uses raw silk, linen gloves, or natural bristle body brushes to vigorously massage the body. It increases circulation and energy, stimulate

Bowls of Red Lentil Soup There's nothing like a hot bowl of soup on a cold winter's day. So, the next time it's cold and wet outside, make a batch of this hearty Red Lentil Soup. It's full of flavor and easy to make. Red Lentil Soup About Red Lentils Red lentils are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and iron. They’re high in antioxidants and polyphenols as well. Its nutritional profile supports heart health, helps regulate cholesterol and blood sugar, aids in weigh

In February, we're still experiencing cold weather, but we may also enjoy a few warmer days here and there, pointing to the warmer weather that will be coming in spring. The days are noticeably longer now too. It's natural to want to slim down, rejuvenate, and refresh yourself in late winter, so consider following some of these selfcare tips for February. February Selfcare Tips Food You may notice that your body naturally wants some lighter foods now, particularly green leafy

February is Heart Health Month and is celebrated to raise awareness about heart disease and to promote cardiovascular health. Heart disease is a leading cause of death, so throughout the month, people are encouraged to focus on their heart health through lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, and managing stress. So, let’s explore Hawthorn – our wonderful herbal ally for February. Hawthorn - February’s Herbal Ally Hawthorn Flowers and Berries Botanical

Various dried herbs stored in glass jars for herbal remedies Living with a chronic disease, such as an autoimmune condition, heart disease, and diabetes, can feel like navigating a maze. Every day brings new challenges, and finding ways to support your body gently and effectively is essential. That’s where custom herbal remedies come in. These natural allies can help soothe symptoms, boost your energy, and nurture your overall well-being. Understanding Custom Herbal Remedies

When life feels overwhelming and your body craves calm, I’ve found that Yin Yoga offers a gentle, nurturing path back to balance. This practice invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with your body in a way that feels both healing and empowering. If, like me, you’re living with a chronic condition, such as an autoimmune disease, heart disease, or diabetes, Yin Yoga can be a wonderful companion on your journey to feeling better and living fully. Let's take a l