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November Sales & Special Days
Seniors save 10% every Tuesday ~ Receive a five cent credit for each bottle, jar or bag that you bring in to reuse ~ Join our Bulk Herb Club and save 10% on all bulk purchases, all the time!
for the entire month of November!
We love this small family owned company from Oregon - they grow many of the herbs they use right on their own organic farm, and craft all their lotions and creams in small batches for maximum freshness and efficacy. Thanks Wild Carrot!
Arts Alive!, Saturday November 5th
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The Promise |
Join us from 6 to 9 tonight for our November Arts Alive Party! We're hosting the renowned local art team of Bob & Donna Sellers, with live music from the incredibly talented Belles of the Levee, playing soulful Depression-era jazz and blues. We'll be serving spiced mulled wine, herbal tea, organic apples, triple ginger thin cookies, and a cream cheese schmear made with our delicious
organic Berebere spice blend
.
About our Artists:
The Imaginal Story Art of Bob and Donna Sellers, utilizes feminine and masculine archetypes to inspire stories of the romantic past, and to suggest imaginative stories of now and beyond.
"Our art appeals to those who wish to explore outside their usual patterns, beyond the gate, thereby creating greater self-knowledge and flexibility while traveling the journey of life.
We have found that using symbolism, imagery, and metaphor in our art, reveals deeper meanings and encourages an imaginative journey, leading us toward the integration of both the conscious and the unconscious. We use a variety of artistic methods to evoke feelings, meaning and creative possibilities including acrylics, photography, painted montages, strong color and psycho-dramatic scenes.
Our story art is a picture in time that can be a foundation, a stimulus, for a story that your imagination may create and may lead you to discover interesting aspects of yourself and an evolution of your self-definition."
Thanksgi
ving, Thursday November 24th - (Store is Closed  Today)
Have a Happy Day of Giving Thanks!
Thanksgiving Trivia: After the first Thanksgiving in 1621, the observance was sporadic and almost forgotten until the early 1800's. It was usually celebrated in late September or October. In 1941, Congress made it a national holiday and set the date as the fourth Thursday in November.
Small Business Saturday, November 26th
Today's the day when the country comes together to celebrate the Shop Small movement and support small local businesses, like us! To express our gratitude for your support on
Small Business Saturday,
November Classes at Humboldt Herbals
Drop us a note if there's a particular subject you'd like to see, or if you'd like to teach a class at Humboldt Herbals.
Please pre-register for classes by calling us at (707) 442-3541.
 Food Heals with Marcia Stroud, MA, Biochemist, Herbalist & Nutritionist
Wednesday, November 9th from 6:30 - 8:00pm ($25)
Thinking about changing the way you eat?
Good health depends on good nutrition - learn how you can eat your way to better health!
In this class, we'll discuss five key principles of healthy nutrition.
* How to determine your nutritional type
* Which saturated fats are healthy
* How the glycemic index relates to overall well-being
* How enzymes, pH, and raw foods relate to overall health
* When raw veggies may not be the best choice and which organic foods are not the healthiest
And, because what you don't put into your system is just as important as what you do, we'll examine ways to reduce your intake of toxins. This course also includes a look at some natural allies to support specific areas such as energy and sleep. And, finally, we'll discuss external body and skin health and their relationship to overall well-being.
Learn About Herbal Medicine with the Humboldt Herbals Community Herbalists!
Humboldt Herbals Herbalista Fall Class Series
Saturdays from 10 - 12:30pm
219 D Street in Old Town Eureka
(next door to Humboldt Herbals)
$45 for each individual class
and
$20 for individual herb walks
(preregistration at least 48 hours before individual classes is required ~ drop in's are welcome for herb walks)
Call now to reserve your place (707) 442-3541
 November 5th: Finding Balance: Herbal Allies for Stress and Mental Wellbeing with Kate Maxey (10am to 12:30pm)
In today's world of go-go-go and chronic stressors we all need a little support to maintain a sense of calm. In this class we will discuss the plants that help us to relax the nervous system and tonify the stress response as well as lifestyle changes that support a more balanced way of being. We will also talk about ways in which stress affects not only our mental health but our physical health as well, with special emphasis on the immune system and endocrine system.
Kate has been studying and utilizing herbal medicine for 15 years. She studied with the Northwest School of Botanical Studies and has worked at Humboldt Herbals for nearly a decade. She has recently graduated from Humboldt State University with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and sees the importance of bridging the fields of Herbal Medicine and Mental Health together.
 November 12th: Aromatherapy: The Essentials with Jessica Shepherd (10am to 12:30pm)
Enhance your health with aromatherapy and revive your soul with scent! In this class we will discuss brief history, distillation methods, proper dilution & safety guidelines, blending techniques, and some of the various ways essential oils can be utilized to support mind/body health. We'll also discuss the healing properties of select essential oils, and you'll create your very own custom aroma blend in class to take home!
Jessica has been studying the healing arts and working with plant medicine since 1999. A graduate of Dandelion Herbal Center and an Aromatherapist internationally certified through the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy, Jessica is a passionate Botanical Perfumer and artisan crafter of herbal products for body and soul.
Sunday October 30th: Plant Walk at Elk Head Trail in Trinidad with Julie Caldwell
(
1:30 to 3:30pm, rain or shine)
 Join Julie for a casual stroll along Elk Head Trail to meet the vast array of medicinal plants that grow along this gorgeous path. We'll discuss their medicinal properties and explore how each plant contributes to the entire trail eco-system.
Julie is the proprietress of Humboldt Herbals, a business she has happily cultivated for over 18 years. She loves to teach about the beautiful and elegant relationship between People and Plants.
 November 19th: Cooking with Medicinal Herbs with Candice Brunlinger (10am to 12:30pm)
This class will be all about eating your herbs. We will discuss various ways of incorporating herbs into your cooking and the therapeutic uses of common spices.
Tips will be shared on how to conveniently use herbal broths, syrups, vinegar, oil and honey infusions in everyday cooking and ideas on healthy herbal snacks such as gummies, crackers and nut butter balls. You will get the chance to try samples in class and go home with handouts and many recipes to inspire you herbally in the kitchen.
Candice has studied herbal healing for over a decade, has a small clinical practice and an herbal product line, Herbal Infusions. She enjoys teaching workshops and classes, including the Beginning with Herbs series at Humboldt State University. She has a passion for herbal healing, making herbal medicine, cooking and gardening.
A Weekend of Ceremonial Plant Medicine & Craft with Darcey Blue
Saturday November 19th and Sunday November 20th
Saturday: Creating Ceremony & Rituals with Plant Allies 2:30 pm - 6:30 pm in the Humboldt Herbals Community Classroom (219 D Street - next door to Humboldt Herbals)
Sunday: Healing Fire Ceremony & Prayer Offering Ceremony to the Waters 12pm- 4 pm at Moonstone Beach in Trinidad
Cost: Both days $100, Single Day $60
Call Humboldt Herbals at (707) 442-3541 to reserve your place
Saturday:
Learn the intuitive art of dreaming ceremony and ritual using plants as allies in the process. The Plant spirits are eager to help us in our lives in both mundane and ceremonial ways. We will learn about plant helpers for ritual cleansing, healing, intention setting, medicine bundles, & prayer offerings/earth mandalas. We will also learn and share ways to connect with the plants as spiritual helpers through shamanic journey, heart based perception, soul engagement with nature & dreamwork You will have a chance to both make plant potions and practice techniques learned in class together, and will take home recipes, a materia medica of plants and their spiritual indications, and your own healing medicine bundle.
Please bring to class a 12 x 12 square of beautiful cloth, fabric, leather, for your medicine bundle, and one special stone. It is best if you ask the stones on the land where you live for one which would like to work with you, (as opposed to purchasing one, but if you feel particularly called to one to buy, it is fine, it just needs to speak to your heart & soul.)
Sunday:
Join together in community at the ocean for an afternoon of ceremony facilitated by Darcey Blue. We will come together as a community to build a prayer offering to the waters of the world, and a healing bundle for personal transformation to be offered to our ceremonial fire. The power of prayer is well known as an agent for change and healing, and in community that power is exponential. We come together to set intention of healing for the world waters, the mother ocean, the rivers running free, the glaciers ancient rhythm, the groundwaters wholeness, the cleansing rains. We will also gather round the ceremonial fire to release and transform ourselves as agents of change and healing for the world and our communities.
This is a medicine fire and sacred space, please come dressed for the weather first, and in your ceremonial dress to be present to spirit. Drums, rattles, flutes, & voices are encouraged!
Each person will have the chance to release a burnable non toxic item to the fire during our ceremony. You may wish to craft something that represents what you are transforming/releasing, or bring an object you own that you are ready to release/transform. (only non toxic burnable items -i.e. no plastic, batteries etc)
About Darcey Blue ~
DEVOTEE OF SACRED WILDNESS ~ SHAMANIC HERBALIST
" I want to leave the bounds of the indoors and take you out to smell wild minerals of the wet dirt, to fill your mouth with the spice of tree resin, to drum your heart into a rhythm that allows YOU to hear, feel, see, sense, experience the magic and sacredness of the natural world. I want to show you how to see with more than your eyes, see with your body, your heart, your sensual nature. I want to feed the senses and bodies of my clients with the holiness of the plant medicine- not just the extracts that help them feel better, but with the place where the earth wisdom, sacred space, and plant spirit touches the spark of life within each heart and body."
I am Darcey Blue - Herbalist, Devotee of Wildness, and Shamana Flora. The Plants are my greatest allies and teachers, the Earth my sanctuary, and Sacred Wildness my purpose.
I am a shamanic herbalist and wild crafter of plant medicines, I am a Lover to the Earth and wild earth mama. People call me a plant whisperer. I call myself a devotee of all that is sacred on this wild beautiful earth.
I am here to guide you to the healing wisdom and medicine that the plants and wild, sacred nature hold for you. The wisdom of spirit that is within each of us.
I work with those who are eager to learn from the plants a healing way as old as time itself, and who are ready to take responsibility for and transform their relationship to self, body, spirit, nature, and the Earth.
I was trained as a Clinical Herbalist & Nutritionist at the North American Institute of Medical Herbalism under Paul Bergner, and studied under Rosemary Gladstar and Charlie Kane. I have been using and learning from the plants, both wild and cultivated since childhood, and it is my deep love of the wild Earth that fuels my passion for healing and teaching about plants, wilderness, spirit, nourishment and healing.
I was called to the shamanic path by an old Juniper tree in 2003 and have been talking with plants ever since. I have studied shamanic lifeways and practices for over 10 years in the US and in in Peru. I facilitate workshops and retreats in shamanic work with plant medicine and plant spirits and work with private clients using sacred botanical medicine, ceremony, nature connection and shamanic practice.
My own journey in life has been catalyzed by cultivating the ever deepening relationship with the wildness in the world, and the wildness within my own body and spirit- through the plants, the land spirits, and solitary time in wild natural places- sitting with plants, wildcrafting plants, and journeying with spirit and self awareness.
November Classes in Our Community Classroom!
Vitality Yoga with Jamie Starheart Kessloff
T
uesdays from 6:15pm - 7:30 in the Humboldt Herbals Community Classroom
219 D Street in Old Town Eureka
$10-14 sliding scale
Call/text 707.460.0303 for additional info
In this yoga class we will listen to our individual needs as we awaken and balance our energy centers through Anusara yoga, Polarity movements, Vinyasa flow, longer Hatha held poses, and pranayama (breath exercises). All levels and injuries are welcome and encouraged to come. Jamie's classes include a little sweat, essential oils (optional), yogic philosophies, and alignment guidance to get the most out of your practice, thereby getting the most out of your life.
Jamie received her teacher training of 200 hours in 2005 from Certified Anusara and Para Yoga teacher Mary Bruce at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Arizona. In 2007 she completed a Restorative Yoga teacher training from Mary Bruce, whose teacher was Judith Lassater, developer of Restorative Yoga. Jamie is a Certified Massage Therapist of nine years, Reiki Master of thirteen years, CranioSacral Therapist since 2007, Acutonics Practitioner as of this year, and presently enjoying her schooling at Institute of Integrative Nutrition, as well as furthering her CranioSacral Therapy training with Upledger Institute. These training's and experience are felt in the quality of instruction you'll receive, as well as her time living 200 feet up in several trees in her 20's, (now age 38) to preserve and bring awareness to the Old Growth Forests of our beautiful Humboldt County.
Come nourish yourself Tuesdays at 6:15pm! It's the gift that keeps giving back.
Coming in December
Holiday Gift Making Workshops
Handmade Herbal Holiday Gifts: A Workshop for Kids of all Ages
Saturday December 3
rd from 10am-12:30pm
At Humboldt Herbals Community Classroom
Sliding Scale Starting at $25
(Minimum price includes 3 projects and add $5 for each additional gift)
Bring your children and enhance the senses with this fun and hands-on workshop to make handmade gifts for those on your child's holiday gift list. Make as many gifts as you need and pay a sliding scale to accommodate all budgets.
Labels and ribbon will be provided to decorate for an extra handmade touch. A DIY guide will be included with all the recipes for the workshop plus more to inspire you and the family at home. All ingredients will be high quality, organic, ethically and/or sustainably harvested. Pre-registration required as spaces will be limited. Call Humboldt Herbals to register at 707-442-3541.
Here are some of the gifts you will be able to make:
*Make your own Herbal Decorated Holiday Cards
Be creative with your child and decorate one of a kind holiday cards with various dried herbs, adding glitter, stickers or drawings. ($5 includes up to 3 cards)
*Aroma Sachet Bags
Choose a simple relaxing lavender sachet or inspire your kids to stimulate their senses by mixing and blending their own. Sachet bags are a simple yet fun aromatic gift for anyone. ($5 includes 2 bags)
* Chocolate Lip Balm
Pour a delicious smelling and tasting edible chocolate lip balm mix into containers and watch them solidify for delicious gifts. ($5 includes 2 containers)
*Aromatic Salt Scrub and/or Herbal Bath Salt Blend
Chose one or both nourishing gifts for mom, aunties, grandmas or other women on your kid's list to encourage them to pamper and nourish themselves through the season. ($5 for each option)
*Bay Rum & Fir After Shave or a Cedar Beard Oil
Assist your child in making a natural gift for dad (or other men) for the holidays. Mix together ingredients for a refreshing Bay Rum After Shave or a moisturizing Cedar Beard Oil. ($5 for each option)
About the Instructor:
Candice Brunlinger has a passion for making herbal remedies and crafts and inspiring both children and adults to enjoy the sensory benefits and fun of making handmade gifts from the heart. Come join her and her son in this workshop and be inspired too!
Handmade Herbal Gifts: A Workshop to Inspire Last Minute Gifts for the Holidays
Sunday December 4th from 10am - 12:30pm
At Humboldt Herbals Community Classroom
Sliding Scale Starting at $30
(Minimum price includes 4 projects and add $5 for each additional gift)
Are you interested in making your own gifts for the holidays? Well, join us for this fun and inspiring workshop to enhance your senses and make your own lovely gifts to check off your list. Make as many gifts as you need and pay a sliding scale to accommodate all budgets. A demonstration will be provided on how to prep and strain an extract/infusion and we will briefly discuss supplies you may need to make gifts at home.
Labels and ribbon will be available to decorate for an extra handmade touch. A DIY guide will be included with all the recipes for the workshop plus more to inspire you and the family at home. All ingredients will be high quality, organic, ethically and/or sustainably harvested. Pre-registration required as spaces will be limited. Call Humboldt Herbals to register at 707-442-3541.
A variety of gifts will be available including:
*Aromatic Salt Scrub and/or Herbal Bath Salt Blend
Chose one or both nourishing gifts for mom, aunties, grandmas or other women on your kid's list to encourage them to pamper and nourish themselves through the season. ($5 for each option)
*Silky Radiant Body Butter
Nourish the skin of your family and friends with this decadent and nourishing body butter to soften the skin, improve elasticity and create a silky radiance. ($5)
*Bay Rum & Fir After Shave or a Cedar Beard Oil
Assist your child in making a natural gift for dad (or other men) for the holidays. Mix together ingredients for a refreshing Bay Rum After Shave or a moisturizing Cedar Beard Oil. ($5 for each option)
*Cordials & Elixirs
Cordials and elixirs make delicious gifts for family and friends and are a great present for that person who has everything or when you feel challenged with a gift idea. Learn how to prepare and strain herbal alcohol infusions and the various ingredients to make them fun and tasty! There will be 3 cordials/elixirs to choose from. ($5 each bottle)
*Aroma Sachet Bags
Choose a simple relaxing lavender sachet or stimulate your senses by mixing and blending your own. Sachet bags are a simple yet fun aromatic gift for anyone. ($5 includes 2 bags)
*Chocolate Mint Lip Balm
Pour a delicious smelling and tasting edible chocolate lip balm mix into containers and watch them solidify for delicious gifts. ($5 includes 2 containers)
*Make your own Herbal Decorated Holiday Cards
Be creative, enhance your senses and decorate one of a kind holiday cards with various dried herbs. ($5 includes up to 3 cards)
About the Instructor:
Candice Brunlinger has a passion for making herbal remedies and crafts and inspiring both children and adults to enjoy the sensory benefits and fun of making handmade gifts from the heart. Come join her at Humboldt Herbals for this workshop and be inspired too!
Children's Gift Making Workshop
Saturday, December 10th
10AM to 12PM and 2PM to 4PM
219 D Street in Old Town Eureka
Humboldt Herbals Community Classroom
Join Humboldt Herbals Community Herbalists Marea Zendran and Jasmine Zenderland for a festive gift making workshop!
This is a drop-off class for ages 6 and over. We will be making ten beautiful gifts for your child to give. Parents can have a few quiet moments to themselves while their elves are creating fun gifts for every member of the family!
Cost is $50 per child
12 children per session, Register by December 5th
Easy DIY Herbal Gift Ideas
& Holiday Recipes
Make these now for holiday gifting!
We're always on the lookout for fun and delicious herbal holiday gift ideas, and these are great ones to make with your friends! They all need to sit and macerate (steep) for three to six weeks, so start brewing them now for easy, special gifts in December. Bottle your creation in a pretty bottle, tie a little ribbon or raffia around the neck with a personal message, and that's it! Here we include some of our past favorites and some fresh new recipes to get you inspired!
All of the ingredients you need to make these delicious concoctions are available at Humboldt Herbals.
Cordial's and Liqueur's...Oh My!!
Let's kick off the holidays in high spirits with these incredible recipes...
Cordial Cafe a.k.a. Cacao Cordial
Spread holiday cheer with this very tasty after-dinner cordial!
- 1/2 cup cacao nibs/ cocoa nibs
- 5 dates chopped
- 4 teaspoons dried orange peel or 2 TBSP fresh
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
- 1 vanilla bean pod (chopped)
- dash of powdered cinnamon
- dash of powdered cardamom
- dash of powdered nutmeg
- 2 cups vodka or brandy
- 1 cup honey (you can use an infused honey for this also--we like rose petal honey!!)
Put the herbs, spices, dates and almonds in a clean mason jar, then pour the vodka or brandy over everything filling the mason jar to the top. Seal lid on jar and label with the date and ingredients. Make sure everything stays covered with alcohol--so after the first few days check your jar and if the herbs/fruit have absorbed some of the alcohol top the jar off with more vodka/brandy if needed in order to keep everything completely covered. Infuse for one month. Then decant off the herbs, fruit etc. strain well into a clean quart sized mason jar. To the strained liquid then add 1 cup of honey to sweeten--mix everything together and adjust to taste by adding more sweetener if desired. This cordial should keep for at least a year! Enjoy!
- 2 parts damiana
- 1 part roses
- 1/2 part dried orange peel
- 1/2 part cardamom pod
- 1/2 to 1 vanilla bean
- 1 part muira puama
- chocolate syrup (added to taste)
Soak herbs in vodka or port for 4 to 6 weeks in a mason jar. Add enough liquid to cover the herbs, plus more to increase the liquid level to two inches above the herbs. After 6 weeks, strain, and add chocolate syrup to taste before bottling.
Damiana Vanilla Rose Cordial
- ¾ ounce damiana
- 3/4 ounce shatavari root
- 1/2 ounce ashwagandha root
- 1/8 ounce cardamom pods,
- 1/2 ounce pink rose petals
- 6 oz of vodka,
- 12-14 oz of brandy
- ½-3/4 cup of honey
- 1oz of rose water/hydrosol
- 1-2 oz of vanilla extract
Soak herbs and alcohol in a mason jar for 2-6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and add honey, rose hydrosol and vanilla extract, all to taste. Pour into cute cordial/elixer bottles to make great gifts for the holidays.
Vanilla Chai Spiced Cordial
- ½ - 1 vanilla bean (split and chopped into pieces)
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks (break into pieces)
- ¼ cup all spice
- 6-8 crushed cardamom pods
- ¼ inch piece of freshly grated ginger rt
- pinch of nutmeg
- Honey
Add equal parts brandy and rum until all herbs are completely covered with an extra inch of alcohol. Let it infuse for 2-6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain, add honey to taste and pour into bottles to make great gifts for the holidays. You can include a vanilla bean or cinnamon stick directly into the bottle for decoration (optional).
Kava Cacao Cordial
- 1-2 parts Kava Kava rt (chopped root is preferred)
- 1 parts Cacao nibs
- 1/2 part Carob pieces,
- 1/2 part Cinnamon chips
- 1/8 part grated or powdered nutmeg
- 1/4 part Damiana leaf
- Chocolate syrup
Add 1/2 part brandy and 1/2 part vodka until herbs are completely covered with an extra inch of alcohol. Let sit for 2-6 weeks, strain and add chocolate syrup to taste. Pour into bottles to make great gifts for the holidays.
Holy Heart Grounding Elixir
1 cup tulsi basil leaves, dried (a.k.a. Holy Basil)
Or use 1½ cups of fresh leaves and flowers, finely chopped, if you have access to fresh tulsi
1 cup rose petals
1/3 cup hawthorn berry
1-2 vanilla bean split lengthwise
1 tbsp cardamom pods, pulse grind to gently break up
Optional: Add 1/3 cup raspberries or pomegranate (or other berry of choice)
1/2 -3/4 cup honey
Vodka, Gin, or Rum
Add herbs, fruit and honey into a quart size mason jar and fill to the neck line with your favorite alcohol. Stir well and allow it to sit 2-4 weeks, in a cool, dry and dark place. Strain through cheese cloth or a stainless steel mesh strainer and squeeze out all the liquid extract. If needed, add more honey or vanilla extract to taste, bottle and enjoy!
Damiana Chocolate Liqueur
This recipe is always a crowd pleaser, invokes passion and makes a truly sweet gift!
- 1 ounce dried Damiana
- 2 cups good quality vodka
- 1 1/2 cups spring water
- 1 cup unprocessed honey
- vanilla extract
- rose water (optional)
- chocolate syrup
- almond extract
Soak Damiana in alcohol for 5 days, shaking at least twice daily. Strain through cheesecloth or muslin, reserve liquid. Soak alcohol soaked leaves in the water for 3 days, shaking at least twice daily. Strain through cheesecloth or muslin, and reserve the liquid. Over low heat in a stainless steel pan, warm the damiana water and melt honey into it. Remove from heat, add vodka and pour into a tight-sealing jar (like a canning jar). Add vanilla and rose water to taste. Put the bottle in a cool, dark place and let it mellow for one month or longer. For each cup of liqueur add 1/2 cup of chocolate syrup, 2-3 drops of almond extract, and a touch more of rose water. Enjoy like you would any liqueur! (Alchemy Note: while your damiana is soaking in the vodka or water, you can take your jar outside for an infusion of sunlight or moonlight, you can take it to your favorite places in nature and ask that those energies be part of your liqueur, and you can sing to it while you shake it.)
Chamomile Liqueur
- 1/8 oz. dried Chamomile flowers or tea (about 3 Tablespoons)
- 1 c. Vodka
- 2 large strips of lemon zest
- 2 Tablespoons Honey
Add all ingredients together in a pint jar (or larger if you are multiplying the batch). Close the jar tightly and shake well. Allow to infuse for about 3-4 weeks. Strain and filter, and enjoy!
Feelin' Fabulous Fennel liqueur
A tasty digestif to share with your guests at a holiday party or to gift to your family and friends!
- 2 parts Fennel Seed
- 1/4 part Cardamom
- 1/4 part orange peel dried or 2 teaspoons of fresh orange zest
- Vodka
- Honey
First crush the fennel seed and cardamom seed gently in a mortar and pestle just to release their aroma's. Put the herbs and zest in a glass jar filling it 2/3 of the way, then cover the herbs with honey (about 1/4 cup), then cover with vodka until the jar is filled. Put a lid on the jar, label and date, shake well and store in a cool dark place for one month. After it has infused for a month strain everything off, add more honey to taste if desired, and rebottle with a crafty gift label.
Lavender Bitters Liqueur
A floral and aromatic bitter's blend that calms the nerves and soothes digestive woes.
- 1/2 ounce dried Lavender flower
- 1/4 ounce dried Angelica root
- 2 large strips of orange zest or 1/4 ounce dried peel
- dash of grated nutmeg
- 10 ounces Vodka (high proof)
- 1/4-1/2 cup of Honey
Place herbs in a pint mason jar, cover with honey and then fill the jar the rest of the way with the Vodka. Close the jar tightly and shake well, label, date and store in a cool dark place. Allow to infuse for about 3-4 weeks. Strain and filter, rebottle with a gift label and enjoy!.
(*Avoid using Angelica root during pregnancy)
Infused Culinary Salts, Vinegars, Oils & Honey
Easy to make, these culinary combinations are wonderful to keep on hand for flavorful dressings, marinades, rubs, beverages, vinaigrettes, sauces, and anything else you're inspired to create. You can make a lovely gift basket, and include some of your favorite recipes that incorporate your delicious homemade culinary delights.
Almost any aromatic or flavorful organic herb can be used when making infusions. Popular choices are:
Allspice, Anise, Basil, Caraway seeds, Cardamom, Cayenne, Celery seeds, Chili Peppers, Chives, Chive blossoms, Cilantro, Cinnamon, Cloves, Coriander, Cumin, Dill, Fennel seeds, Garlic, Ginger root, Lavender flowers, Lemon Balm, Lemon peel , Lemon Verbena, Marjoram, Mustard seeds, Nasturtiums, Onion, Orange peel, Oregano, Parsley, Peppercorns, Peppermint, Rose petals, Rosemary, Summer or Winter Savory, Tarragon, or Thyme
Infused Salt
Herbal infused salts are a fun way to turn ordinary ingredients into something special! This versatile ingredient is delicious in soups, sauces, stews, roasted vegetables or meats, and as a finishing touch to any dish. Sprinkle savory Rosemary salt over homemade bread, Thyme salt on a bowl of steaming homemade stew, Sage infused salt on roasted root vegetables, or enjoy a margarita dressed up with a Chili Pepper salt rim. Yum!
Use 1 part herb or spice to 4 parts salt. Crush the herbs in a mortar and pestle or whirl in a food processor or coffee grinder. Mix the herbs with salt. When using hard herbs and spices like Cinnamon sticks, Cardamom pods, or Star Anise, simply place into salt and allow to infuse for 2-4 weeks, then remove the herbs and spices. The salt will be infused with the delectable flavor and aroma of the herb. Package in pretty, airtight glass bottles, jars, or tins. Add labels and a bit of decorative ribbon or twine if desired. For a creative presentation, you can layer each herb separately into the jar, with instructions to mix the herbs together before using. To easily transform these into a memorable gift package, create a set of flavored salts and include recipe ideas, or pair the salts with jars of whole pink, green, white, smoked, or rainbow peppercorns.
When vinegar is infused with herbs, it adds a special twist to salad dressings, marinades, dipping sauces, vinaigrettes, and any other recipe utilizing vinegar.
- Vinegar: Distilled white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, wine vinegar, or rice vinegar. Use milder vinegars when infusing delicate herbs and stronger flavored vinegars for robust herbs
- Organic herbs, fresh or dried (see list above)
Wash fresh herbs and pat dry (omit this step if using dried herbs). Place the herbs or spices into a sterilized glass container and fill with vinegar of your choice. 3 TBSP dried herbs/spices or 3-4 sprigs of fresh herbs per pint of vinegar is usually a good amount. However, this depends upon the strength of the herb, spice, and vinegar used, so experiment with more or less. Cover the container tightly with a non-corrodible, nonmetallic lid, and place in a dark, cool place to steep (we add a layer of wax paper on top of our mason jars before screwing down the lid to keep the metal separated from the vinegar). After the first 3-4 days of infusing check the jar to see if you need to top it off with more vinegar. Allow the vinegar to infuse for 2-4 weeks, or until the desired flavor has developed. Once finished, strain the herbs out, and pour the infused vinegar into sterilized bottles or jars. Fresh sprigs of herbs, dried herbs, whole chili peppers, peppercorns, and berries can be added before sealing to make the bottle more attractive and to further enhance the flavor. Label with the ingredients and date, and you're finished! It's best to keep vinegars stored in a cool, dark place and use within 4-6 months or keep the vinegar refrigerated to retain the flavors longer. If you notice mold, cloudiness, signs of
fermentation, or anything else that looks unusual, discard immediately.
Lavender Rosemary Vinegar
(from The Herbal Kitchen by Kami McBride)
This herbal vinegar can go into the dinner marinade and then into your evening bath!
- 1/4 cup dried Lavender flowers
- 2 Tablespoon's of dried Rosemary leaf
- 1 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar
Follow the above instructions for making infused vinegar. Pick a decorative bottle and add a crafty gift tag with ingredients and
ideas for use.
Hair-Raising Cider 
(from Rosemary Gladstar - click here for a step-by-step video tutorial from Rosemary herself!)
This is an old-time cold and flu remedy that's effective, easy to make, tasty, but not for the weak of heart.
- 1 quart apple cider vinegar
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 head of garlic, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup grated fresh horseradish
- 2 tablespoons powdered turmeric
- cayenne powder
- 1 cup unprocessed honey (more or less to taste)
Combine the vinegar, horseradish, onion, garlic, turmeric, and a pinch or two of cayenne. Cover and let sit in a warm place for 3 to 4 weeks. Strain the mixture, add the honey, and rebottle. Refrigerate. Take 1 to 2 tablespoons at the first sign of a cold and continue throughout the day (about every 2 to 3 hours) until the symptoms subside.
Stoke the Fire Cider
by Candice Brunlinger--
recipe inspired by none other than Rosemary Gladstar
- Equal parts Onion and Garlic
- ½-1 part of Horseradish depending on personal flavor preference
- ½ part Ginger
- Pinch of Cayenne powder (can also use a small piece of fresh pepper when in season)
- Add a fresh bundle of mixed herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, marjoram, basil, cilantro etc.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Honey to taste
Chop and grate the ingredients and add into a mason jar until it is a little more than ½ filled. Add a pinch or two of cayenne (about ¼ tsp for a quart sized jar). Pour in your Apple Cider Vinegar until all the ingredients are completely saturate with 1-2 inches of extra liquid and are free flowing. Infuse for 2-3 weeks, shaking daily. Strain using cheese cloth, muslin or a stainless steel strainer. Mix in honey to taste. The flavor should be hot, sweet and spicy. Bottle and use this delicious fire cider as gifts to warm up the lives of your family and friends.
Balance My Fire Cider
A classic fire cider with restorative energy tonics making it a great gift for those who tend to burn their candle at both ends.
- 1 head of garlic peeled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bundle of fresh basil or rosemary (or a combo)
- 2 tablespoons of grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons of whole coriander seed crushed
- 1 American Ginseng root whole
- 6-8 pieces of Astragalus root slices
- 1/4 dried Burdock root pieces or 1/2 cup of fresh chopped root
- 1/4 cup Hawthorn berries
- 1/2 cup Nettle leaf
- 1 quart Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 cup of Honey
Place all of the ingredients in a quart size mason jar, pour over the apple cider vinegar to fill the jar. Let sit in a warm place to infuse for 3-4 weeks. Strain the mixture, add the honey, mix well and rebottle as gifts!
Infused Herbal Culinary Oils
Herbal infused oils are so versatile! They are perfect for stir-fries, sautés, pasta dishes, salad dressings, marinades, roasted vegetables, dipping, and so much more.
- Organic oils: Olive, Macadamia Nut, Sesame, or other culinary oil of your choice.
- Organic herbs, dried (see list above). Make sure to use dried herbs when infusing oil, as the water content naturally present in fresh herbs can cause botulism.
Start by sanitizing a glass bottle or jar and allow to air-dry completely. Just one drop of water can cause your oil to go rancid quickly. Fill sterilized bottles ¼ of the way with dried organic herbs or spices and then top with oil. Allow the oil to infuse for 2-4 weeks, or until the desired flavor has developed. Dried herbs and spices can be added before sealing to make the bottle more attractive and to further enhance the flavor. Label with the ingredients and date. Store infused oils in the refrigerator once ready and be sure to use within 1-3 months.
Long Life Culinary Oil
(from Kami McBride)
This blend is full of antioxidants and is delicious! This culinary oil adds a note of full-bodied flavor when drizzled on steamed veggies, stir-fries, fish, poultry etc.
- 2 cups olive oil
- 2 tablespoons powdered paprika
- 1 tablespoon powdered coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon powdered star anise
- 1/4 teaspoon powdered nutmeg
Put the above spice blend into a pint mason jar, then cover with the olive oil to fill the jar. Seal it with a lid and keep in a cool dark place to infuse for 2-4 weeks. Since the spices are dry you can either leave them in the oil or if you prefer you can strain them off, then rebottle with a crafty gift tag and label.
Infused Herbal Honey
Orange Spiced Honey
Take 1/3 cup orange peel, 2-3 cinnamon sticks, 1 tbsp each of all spice, ½ tbsp clove, ¼ tsp of decorticated cardamom (or 6-8 broken cardamom pods) and place all herbs in a pint sized mason jar. Saturate with honey and mix well, releasing all air bubbles. Let it sit for 2-4 weeks, preferably in a sunny window. Gently warm the honey before straining it by placing the jar in recently boiled water for 10-15 minutes (make sure jar is warm before placing in hot water to prevent breaking). Strain the herbs if desired, or leave them in there for decoration and enjoy!
Damiana Rose Honey - "Rosie-ana Nectar"
Take equal parts of damiana leaf and rose petals and completely saturate with honey. Use either method of infusion discussed above. Strain, bottle, and enjoy the euphoric benefits of this aphrodisiac nectar. You can also add a little fresh vanilla bean, lavender, ginger or all spice to the infusion, depending on desired flavor. Follow the instructions mentioned above.
Calendula Herbal Oil
This medicinal oil is simple to prepare and has so many uses. The gentle,
 soothing, and healing oil is perfect for cradle cap, diaper rash, chapped or chafed skin, bruises, and sore or inflamed muscles. The oil can be used alone, or incorporated into salves, massage oils, lip balms, ointments, creams, and lotions.
- Organic Olive oil
- Organic Calendula flowers, dried
1. Place Calendula flowers in a clean, dry glass jar. Pour olive oil into the jar, making sure to cover the flowers by at least 1" of oil so they will have space to expand. Stir well and cap the jar tightly.
2. Place the jar in a warm, sunny windowsill and shake once or more per day.
3. After 4-6 weeks, strain the herbs out using cheesecloth. Pour the infused oil into glass bottles and store in a cool dark place.
 Calendula Salve
A soothing and healing salve. Rub into sore or inflamed muscles, apply to minor cuts, scrapes, insect bites, rashes, diaper rashes, stretch marks, chapped lips, chafed skin, bruises, and other skin irritations.
- 4 oz Calendula flower infused herbal oil (from above recipe)
- ½ oz Beeswax
- 20 drops organic Lavender essential oil (optional)
Coarsely chop the beeswax. Melt beeswax and Calendula oil over a double boiler. Once melted, remove from burner and stir in the Lavender essential oil. Pour into tins or glass jars. Allow to cool thoroughly before using or placing caps on the jars.
Calendula & Shea Butter Lip Balm
This nourishing lip balm is made from healing ingredients which soothe dry and chapped lips.
- 1 Tablespoon Shea Butter
- 3 Tablespoons Calendula Herbal Oil (from above recipe)
- 1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Beeswax
- 10-15 drops essential oil of choice
- A few drops of Vitamin E Oil
Coarsely chop the beeswax. Place beeswax, butter, and oil in a small pot or glass Pyrex measuring cup and gently heat in the top of a double boiler until the beeswax and butters have melted. Once melted, remove from the stovetop and stir in the essential oil and Vitamin E Oil. Immediately pour the mixture into lip balm tubes or small containers. This recipe will make approximately 1.5 oz of lip balm, enough to fill 10 lip balm tubes, 6 of your 1/4 oz plastic jars, or 3 1/2 oz tins or plastic jars.
Ruby Red Oil
Want a ruby red tinted lip balm? Use Alkanet root for its beautiful, naturally red color it will lend to your lip balm creations! The rose doesn't lend a color but its smells lovely and is great for nourishing and toning the skin.
-
3-6 tablespoons of Alkanet root--depending on how deep of a maroon red shade you want to obtain
- 1/2 cup of dried pink or red rose petals
- 1 cup of almond oil
Put the alkanet root in a glass jar and cover with almond oil, seal with a lid, label and date. Let it infuse for 2-3 weeks, strain the oil through cheesecloth and rebottle.
Chocolate Lip Balm
Crock pot or double boiler
Spoon
Small cup with pour spout or a baster
Lip balm tubes or small containers
Labels
Ingredients:
1 ounce (by weight) of Beeswax
1 ounce (by weight) of Cocoa Butter
1 ounce (by weight) of Shea Butter
1 fluid ounce of an herbal infused oil or a carrier oil of choice (coconut, almond, apricot, sunflower, safflower, olive, etc.)
1 tsp dark chocolate
1 tsp of vanilla extract
7 drops of an essential oil (i.e. Peppermint, Spearmint, Lavender, Rose, or Orange are all great flavors/oils)
A couple droppers of Vitamin E Oil
Directions:
Add beeswax, cocoa butter and shea butter to a small crock pot or double boiler on low heat and allow it to melt. Add infused/carrier/nourishing oil and dark chocolate and stir until melted. Add vitamin E oil and the essential oil or vanilla extract and mix well. Pour into a small measuring cup with a pour spout to help pour small amounts into your lip balm tubes or containers. You can also use a baster to help control pouring the liquid. Allow to cool and solidify. Cap, label and decorate if desired for gifts.
*Recipe makes approximately 25 small lip balm tubes (.15 oz size) or 15 x ¼ ounce containers
Aromatic Gift Ideas --
These all promote instant good cheer!!
Bay Rum Aftershave
Bay leaf, spices, and Jamaican rum combine to give the bay rum fragrance its distinctive woody, sweet, and spicy scent. This also makes a nice skin toner for acne-prone skin.
- 4 ounces vodka
- 2 bay leaves*, lightly crushed
- 2 tablespoons Jamaican rum
- 1 cinnamon stick, whole
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice, whole
- zest from 1 orange
- 10 drops clove bud essential oil
- 50 drops bay laurel essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a container such as a bottle or mason jar with a tightly fitting lid. Put the closed container in a dark, cool place (not in the refrigerator) for two to four weeks. This allows the alcohol to extract the essential oils from the bay leaves. After two weeks, strain the mixture through several layers of coffee filters. If necessary, repeat until no residue remains. Put in a nice bottle and splash on face after shaving.
(*If you can't find Pimenta racemosa bay leaves which are traditionally used for Bay Rum, we recommend using our local fresh California bay, Umbellularia californica.)
The Queen of Hungary's Water
(recipe adapted from Rosemary Gladstar)
This wonderful astringent toner has been hailed as the first herbal product every produced and marketed. It's an excellent astringent for the face and a great rinse for dark hair. The Gypsies used it as a hair rinse, mouthwash, headache remedy, aftershave, footbath, and who knows what else! This formula is sold in department stores in exotic little bottles for a very fancy price. (Note: in the recipe, parts can be any amount you want depending on how much you want to make. A part could be as little as a pinch or as much as an ounce. All the herbs are dried.)
- 6 parts lemon balm
- 4 parts chamomile
- 4 parts roses
- 3 parts calendula
- 1 part lemon peel
- 1 part rosemary
- 1 part sage
- apple cider or white wine vinegar to cover
- Rose hydrosol
- Lavender hydrosol
Place the herbs in a widemouth jar. Fill the jar with enough vinegar that it rises an inch or two above the herb mixture. Cover tightly and let it sit in a warm spot for 2 to 3 weeks. Strain out herbs. To each cup of herbal vinegar, add 1/2 cup rose hydrosol and 1/2 cup lavender hydrosol. Rebottle. This product keeps indefinitely.
The Forests Whisper Potpourri
- 15 Cinnamon Sticks (broken into pieces) or 2 ounces of chips
- 2 cups dried Cedar leaf tips or Fir Needle leaf tips (broken into pieces)
- 1 cup of dried Rosemary leaf
- 2 cups of dried Lavender flower
- 1 cup dried orange peel
- 1/2 cup dried whole clove
- 1 cup dried whole Star Anise
-
Put the dried lavender flowers and cedar leaf tips, and rosemary in a large bowl and set aside. In a mortar and pestle, or electric grinder, gently grind the spices and orange peel just enough to break them up a little bit to release their scent, then add that to the bowl of herbs. Next, add the essential oil, drop by drop, stirring the mixture as you do so. Scoop the potpourri into a paper bag, turn over the top of the bag, and leave in a cool dark place to cure for about 4 weeks. You can also store the potpourri mix in a large glass jar with a tight fitting lid to cure.
Gift this in a tiny glass jar or tin container with lid--add a crafty gift tag and its ready to go!
Sunshine Daydream Potpourri
- 2 cups dried Red Rosebuds or Rose petals
- 1/4 cup powdered orris root
- 1 cup dried Lemon Verbena leaf
- 1 cup dried Lavender flowers
- 1/2 cup Lemon Peel
- 1 cups dried Calendula flowers
- 25 drops Orange, sweet essential oil
- 12 drops
Put flowers, rosebuds, and herbs in a bowl, then add the orris root powder in and mix everything together very well. Next add the essential oils to it, drop by drop, stirring the mixture as you do so. Scoop the blend into paper bags and fold over the tops of the bag. Leave the bags in a cool, dark place for at least 4 weeks to cure. You can also store the potpourri mix in a large glass jar with tight fitting lid to cure.
Orange Spice Cologne
A warming, spicy, and exotic blend that will lift spirits, invigorate senses, alleviate stress, mental fatigue, and tension. Keep a small bottle in your purse or backpack to refresh the scent and its properties throughout the day.
- 1 organic Cinnamon Stick
- 25 organic whole Cardamom Pods
- 15 organic Cloves
- 1 organic Vanilla Bean - cut into small pieces
- 1 fresh organic Orange peel - zest only
- 8 oz Vodka
Crush spices in a mortar and pestle. Combine with Vanilla Bean pieces, Orange peel zest, and vodka in a glass mason jar. Cap tightly and shake once or more per day. After 2-6 weeks, strain the spices and pour the infused liquid into a glass bottle with a mister top. Simply add more spices if you desire a stronger cologne.
Floral Spice Perfume
(adapted from Mindy Green)
- 4 drops Ylang ylang essential oil
- 4 drops of Vetiver essential oil
- 12 drops of Bergamot essential oil
- 6 drops of cardamom essential oil
- 2 drops of Jasmine Absolute (optional)
- 1 ounce of Vodka
Put the essential oils in a one ounce boston round amber glass bottle, then add the vodka to fill the bottle, seal with lid, label and date.
Shake the blend well and store in a cool dark place for 3 weeks to cure. Shake again before you rebottle the blend into tiny perfume vials or a decorative bottle with atomizer.
Spiced Fir After Shave
Mason jar
Natural unbleached parchment paper
Measuring cups/spoons
Cheese cloth, muslin cloth/bag or a stainless steel fine mesh strainer
Large measuring glass or mason jar for straining
Small funnel for pouring into bottles
Cobalt or amber glass bottles with caps (1, 2 or 4 ounce)
Labels
Raffia or ribbon to decorate (optional)
Ingredients:
6 ounces Witch Hazel Extract
2 ounces Vodka
2 ounces Jamaican Rum or Spiced Rum
2 ounces Aloe Vera Juice/Gel
2 ounces Hydrosol (Fir, Cedar, Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Lemon grass are options men tend to like)
¼ cup calendula flowers, firmly packed
1 tbsp fresh orange peel zest (or dried orange peel but fresh has a stronger scent)
1-2 cinnamon sticks (or use 2 tbsp cinnamon c/s)
1 tbsp all spice
½ tsp of cloves
Directions:
Add all herbs into a pint size mason jar. Pour in the witch hazel extract, vodka and rum. Stir well. Take a piece of parchment paper and place it over the top of the jar, add lid and screw on tight. The parchment paper protects the infusion and prevents the alcohol from extracting harmful chemicals which may line the mason jar lids. Store in a cool, dry and dark place for 2 weeks shaking daily. I usually put mine in a cupboard or on the counter with a towel over it.
When ready strain the liquid through cheese cloth, muslin or a strainer into a large glass measuring bowl or another mason jar squeezing as much liquid out as you can. Compost or discard herbs. Add the aloe vera and hydrosol to the liquid and mix well. Using a funnel, slowly pour the mixture into your glass bottles. Cap, label and decorate for gifts if desired.
*Recipe makes approximately 12 ounces (3 x 4 ounce bottles; 6 x 2 ounce bottles)
Herbal Bath Salt Blend
Mason jars or other decorative jars
Mixing bowl
Spoon or stir stick
Measuring cup or scoop
Labels
Raffia or ribbon to decorate (optional)
Ingredients:
Salt Blend
You can use any cosmetic salts of choice but we will be using the following recipe:
.75 cup or 8 ounces Sea Salt (Fine)
1 cup or 9-10 ounces Epsom Salt
½ cup or 4 ounces Dead Sea Salt (Fine or Medium Coarse)
¼ cup or 1.25 ounces Himalayan Pink Salt (Fine)
*If you are not adding herbs to the bath salt blend and only using essential oils then this recipe makes 2.5 cups which can make 5 x 4 ounce jars for gifts. Adjusts recipe if needed.
Herbal Blend
You can use any herbs of choice which are safe for cosmetic use depending on what your desired effect is (i.e. relaxing, invigorating, nourishing and healing, detoxing, heart centering, etc.)
I personally like to use equal parts Roses, Lavender, Chamomile and Calendula and sometimes include a ½ part of either peppermint or spearmint.
Essential Oils
You can use any organic or biodynamic essential oil safe for topical use. Please research the uses and safety concerns of essential oils before using! I generally like to keep it simple and use lavender for relaxing benefits but peppermint or rosemary can be used for sore muscles and stimulation, a rose or jasmine blend for a sensual scent or a citrus for uplifting effects.
Directions:
Using a large mixing bowl stir together salts until well blended. Add an equal amount of loose herbs to the salt. If using salt recipe above which yields 2.5 cups, add 2.5 cups of herbs as well. Stir using a spoon until mixed well; however, the salt blend will naturally settle to the bottom leaving the herbs on top but mix as well as you can. Add anywhere between 20-30 drops of Lavender essential oil depending on how strong you want the scent. You can also use another safe essential oil or blend of your choice. Stir well until the essential oil has dispersed throughout the salt and herbs. Scoop into your jars. Label and decorate if desired for gifts. You can also include a small muslin bag along with the gift if the person does not have a strainer to catch the herbs to prevent them from going down the drain.
*This recipe makes 5 x 8 ounce jars or 10 x 4 ounce jars.
Tonics and Elixirs--gifts of longevity and vitality!
 Angelica Root Wine
Angelica root was used in liqueurs in the 18th century to help women "warm up." This "herb of the angels" has a fresh, peppery, woody, herbaceous flavor that makes an excellent digestive tonic, helps your liver, breaks up congestion and helps fortify the body against colds and flu.
- 1/2 cup chopped dried angelica root
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 liter wine, red or white
Steep dried angelica root and honey in wine for 2 weeks, shaking daily, then strain and sip from small glasses or add to hot water as an instant tea.
10 Treasures Vitality Tonic
A deeply tonifying and tasty formula to increase strength and vitality, build the blood, and enhance the immune system.
- 2 parts Panax Ginseng root
- 2 parts Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) root
- 2 parts Astragalus root
- 2 parts Codonopsis root
- 1 part Dong Quai root
- 1 part cooked Rehmannia root
- 1 part Fo-Ti root
- 1 part Lycii berries
- 1 part grated fresh Ginger root
- ½ part Cinnamon chips
- Brandy
Place herbs in a wide mouth mason jar and cover with three times as much brandy. Store at room temperature away from direct light and heat and shake daily for 2 weeks. After two weeks, blend the herbs and brandy in a blender until smooth to help the brandy extract even more medicinal properties. Return the blend to the jar, cover, and shake daily for 4 more weeks. Strain through muslin or cheesecloth, squeezing as much liquid as possible out of the herbs. Rebottle the tonic. When stored in a cool, dark place, it will last indefinitely. To use: take 1 to 2 teaspoons per day, a few days a week, during the winter season.
Winter Shield Protective Elderberry Elixir
This is a delicious, tried and true elixir to be used whenever lots of people are getting sick around you, or at the first onset of a cold or flu, during the acute phase, and on through the tail of the illness. For a preventative, take one teaspoon per day a few days each week.
- 5 parts dried elderberries
- 2 parts rosehips
- 1 part fresh or frozen blackberries
- 1 part fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 part grated fresh ginger root
- 1 part sliced fresh organic oranges
- brandy
- vegetable glycerine
Place fruit and herbs in a wide mouth jar and cover with three times as much brandy and glycerine, using ½ brandy and ½ glycerine. Store at room temperature away from direct light and heat and shake daily for 4 weeks. Strain and rebottle. To use: take one teaspoon 1 - 5 times per day, as needed.
Sweet Dreams Elixir
Who doesn't appreciate support for deep rest! You can of course adjust the recipe and add your own favorite sleeping herbs to this blend as well!
- 2 parts chamomile
- 1 part lavender
- 1 part dried sage
- 1 part lemon balm
- 1 part linden leaf and blossom
- vodka or brandy
- Honey (we like to use rose petal infused honey!) or Molasses
Fill a clean glass jar with dried herbs leaving 2 inches of space in the jar, then cover with vodka or brandy. Put a lid on the jar, label and date, and let the ingredients infuse for one month. After the ingredients have infused, strain off herbs through cheesecloth or muslin, into a clean glass jar. Once strained add one half part sweetener--for example, if you end up with 12 ounces of tincture then add to that approx. 6 ounces of your choice of sweetener. Taste and add more sweetener if desired. Label with a crafty gift tag and instructions for use--sip on a tablespoon before bed.
Holiday Crimson Cordial
Delicious vitamin-C rich cordial makes a thoughtful holiday gift that helps strengthen immunity and fight off winter ailments. It's great to start a batch in November and let is steep until just before Christmas.
- 2 parts hawthorn berries
- 2 parts rose hips
- 2 parts fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 part lemon balm
- 1 part Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) root
- 1 part grated fresh ginger root
- 1 part sliced fresh organic oranges, seeds and peel intact
- brandy
- honey or maple syrup
Place all ingredients in a wide mouth glass jar and cover with 3 times as much brandy. Cap the jar, store at room temperature away from direct light and heat and shake daily. After 4 to 8 weeks, strain well, squeezing as much liquid as possible out of the steeped herbs. Rebottle and sweeten lightly with ¼ to ½ cup honey per quart of cordial. To use, take a teaspoon to a tablespoon daily, several days a week.
Winter Warmer Rum
- 500 ml. dark rum
- 12 cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 c. fresh elderberries or 1/2 c. dried elderberries.
- 1/4 c. organic sugar
Put everything in a glass bottle. Shake well.
Put bottle in a dark place for one month, shaking it again when you remember. After a month, strain into a new, clean bottle. Let sit for another month to mellow. Drink straight, as a hot toddy, in hot wine or invent your own cocktail!
Good-Life Wine
(from Rosemary Gladstar)
This aromatic herbal wine should be served as a tonic, and is rich with herbs used for thousands of years to promote vitality and longevity. It can be taken in small dosages of 1/4 cup daily to promote health and well-being. All herbs are dried. Make sure you choose a good wine - you might want to try blending red wine and port for extra richness.
- 4 astragalus roots
- 1 medium-sized ginseng root
- 1 ounce ashwagandha root
- 1 ounce damiana leaf
- 1 ounce fo-ti
- 2 tablespoons crushed cardamom
- 2 tablespoons star anise
- A couple of cloves (for flavor)
- A pinch of ginger (for flavor)
- 1 quart good quality wine (save the corks!)
Place the herbs in a widemouth canning jar and pour the wine over the mixture. Cover and let sit for 3 to 4 weeks in a warm location. Strain and rebottle the liquid into the original wine bottle(s). The ginseng root can be sliced and added back to the wine.
Infused Herbal Massage Oils
Easier that you'd think! These make great gifts on their own, or you can use them as a base for salves, lip balms and lotions. We like olive oil for salves, and lighter oils like sweet almond for lip balms and lotions. Here are some favorite combinations to try:
* Lemongrass and Rosemary: stimulating and pain-relieving
* Lavender and Vanilla: comforting and calming
* Orange and Chamomile: uplifting and stress relieving
* Patchouli and Ginger: grounding and warming
* 4 Flower Body Oil: Chamomile, Calendula, Lavender & Roses in equal parts ~ this is wonderful as a base for salves, creams, lotions and lip balms
* First Aid Oil: equal parts Comfrey root, Plantain, Calendula, St. John's Wort
*Skin Loving Oil: Calendula, Gotu Kola, and Rose--soothes and repairs
To make an infused herbal oil
: fill a mason jar 1/2 full with dried herbs, then slowly pour oil over the herbs to fill the jar. Put in a cool dark place and shake daily for 3-6 weeks--the longer it infuses, the more potent your oil will be.
Strain through cheesecloth or muslin, rebottle and label.
Vanilla Chai Kiss Infused Body Oil
This infused oil is a luscious gift simply on its own, or try using it in your lotion, cream, and lip balm recipes! It is incredible when applied after a shower and you can also add a few tablespoons to a bath for a euphoric experience!
- 6 ounces of jojoba Oil
- 6 ounces of sweet almond oil
- 4-5 vanilla beans split and chopped
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 teaspoons of cardamom pods, whole
- 3 teaspoons of coriander seed, whole
Take the spices and grind slightly with a mortar and pestle or electric grinder. Add the spices and Vanilla bean to a pint mason jar then pour in the Jojoba and Almond oil to fill the mason jar. Seal with the lid, label and date. Put in a cool dark place and shake daily for 4 weeks. Strain through cheesecloth or muslin, rebottle and give it a crafty gift
label.
Muscle Relaxing Body Oil
- 1 part rosemary
- 1 part sage leaf
- 1/2 part juniper berry
- 1/2 part lavender flowers
- 1/4 part mugwort leaf
- Almond Oil (or your preferred choice of oil)
-
--after you have infused and strained this herbal oil you can add 2-4 drops of the essential oil blend to each ounce of infused oil you end up with (example: if you have 6 ounces of infused oil then add 12 drops of the essential oil blend to it), after adding in
the essential oil blend, put the lid on and shake it up well and its ready to go!
Mix the herb blend together--I like to crush up the juniper berries lightly. Place the herb blend in a glass jar so it is about 2/3 full of the herb blend. Then pour the almond oil over
the
herbs filling the jar all the way. Put
the
lid on and shake well,
store the infusing oil in a cool dark place for 3-4 weeks. Strain the herbal oil through cheesecloth or muslin, and rebottle with a crafty gift tag.
Sweet, Sweet Vanilla Bean
Last but not least, you just can't go wrong with this classic extract--for use in perfumes to cordials and of course baking, plus it's an excellent natural first aid remedy for burns--this is a versatile gift!
Vanilla Extract
- 6 organic vanilla beans
- 2 cups vodka, brandy or rum
Split vanilla beans lengthwise, then chop them into one-inch pieces. Put the chopped pieces into a jar with a tight-fitting lid, and pour the vodka, brandy or rum over the vanilla beans. Allow it to infuse in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks up to 6 months. Strain and rebottle. Note: Note: We like to include a piece of vanilla bean in each bottle of extract for a wonderful gift presentation.
Spiced Vanilla Extract
- 6 organic vanilla beans
- 1/2 cinnamon stick crushed into small pieces
- a dash or 1 teaspoon of grated nutmeg or nutmeg powder
This vanilla extract has a kiss of spice added to it--you can use it just as you would vanilla extract in a recipe. Follow the above instructions for making vanilla extract.
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