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Peppermint essential oil is an energizing oil with a penetrating, minty aroma that helps to relieve both mental and physical fatigue. Use it in the daytime, as its energizing effect may keep you awake at night. This oil has been known to relax tense muscles and spasms, eases painful menstrual cramps, digestive issues and headaches.

Peppermint is soothing in a footbath after a long day on your feet, and one drop on a handkerchief is reviving during travel. This is also a great oil to use in a car diffuser for long trips.

Peppermint oil is often used to help ease headaches, sinus congestion, sore muscles and joints.

 

Traditional uses: emollient, antiseptic, muscle relaxant.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only, and not intended to treat, prescribe, cure, or diagnose any disease or condition. This information is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician or other health care provider. Dreaming Earth Botanicals is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations, or procedures discussed. All matters pertaining to your physical health should be supervised by a health care professional. Keep all aromatherapy products out of reach of children.

 

 

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Colors and patterns may vary.

A Turkish towel, also called a peshtemal or Hammam towel. These bath towels are imported and used in legendary Turkish spas, these tightly woven creations are extremely strong and durable, and feature a stylish handcrafted fringe that makes them ultra chic.

The towels are flat-woven, they’re extremely light and take up very little space, making them the perfect travel companion.

They’re wonderfully versatile. Of course, they make fabulous bathroom towels. But you can just as easily wear your peshtemal as a poolside or beachside wrap.

~ Ultra-absorbent & quick drying

~ Long-lasting softness

~ Beautiful style

Colors and patterns may vary, The towel you receive may not be displayed in picture, all hand made in Turkey with beautiful variety.

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Our syrup is handcrafted in small batches in the mountains of North Carolina. The flavor can’t be beat. It has a gentle warmth from ginger/cinnamon/clove and is pleasantly sweet. It stands alone perfectly, but also blends beautifully in a variety of applications.

At 8oz this is a perfect introductory size of 16 servings.

This product is shelf stable until opened, after which it needs to be refrigerated and is best used within 3 months.

Brew Naturals is located in Asheville, NC.

 

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A few weeks ago I wrote about immune supporting herbs; I will continue on the topic of herbs, focusing here on nervous system support and reducing anxiety.

Going into Winter, our immune systems and nervous systems can always use a little extra support and love. Please refer to our last blog to read about immune supporting herbs.

There are several ways to give our nervous system support and reduce anxiety. Every body is so different that you may need to experiment until you find what resonates best for YOUR body.

Here are a several herbs that I have directly worked with for nervous system support:

  • Ashwagandha – as an adaptagen, it helps your body manage stress. It is also used for reducing blood sugar levels, reducing cortisol levels, may reduce symptoms of depression, reduces inflammation, lowers cholesterol and lastly is used for fertility support in men.
  • Chamomile – lowers cortisol levels (stress hormone), treats diabetes and lowers blood sugar, reduces menstrual pain in women, slows or prevents osteoporosis, reduces inflammation, helps with sleep and relaxation, treats cold symptoms, and treats mild skin conditions.
  • Valerian – commonly used for sleep disorders, especially the inability to sleep. Relieves anxiety and psychological stress. And lastly, minimizes hot flashes in menopausal woman.
  • Lavender – like valerian, it is used for improved sleep. It also reduces blood pressure and heart rate, relieves asthma symptoms, natural remedy for pain, treats skin blemishes and bug bites, relives headaches, anxiety and stress.
  • Passionflower – treats anxiety and sleep problems, as well as pain, heart rhythm problems, menopausal symptoms and nervous disorders.
  • Kava Kava – used to treat anxiety disorder, stress, trouble sleeping, PMS, relieves pain, prevents seizures and relaxes muscles. One thing to note: kava works much like alcohol on your brain and it is best to avoid alcohol while taking this herb. In addition, if taken for long periods of time it can be taxing for your liver.
  • CBD – relieves anxiety and depression, reduces pms, protects against neurological disease, relieves chronic physical pain, eases diabetic complications, treats epilepsy, high blood pressure, glaucoma and alleviates ALS symptoms.
  • Lemon Balm – improves mood and cognitive function, helps relieve stress, reduces anxiety, eases insomnia and sleep disorders, used to treat cold sores, relieves indigestion, treats nausea, minimizes menstrual cramps, eases headaches, and may reduce toothache pain.
  • Hops – (yes, the same herb that make beer from!) used for anxiety, inability to sleep, restlessness, tension, nervousness and irritability, alleviate hot flashes and reduce the risk of heart disease. May also reduce swelling and prevent infections.
  • Reishi – not an herb, but rather a mushroom; I wrote about its immune supporting properties in the last blog, but it is an adaptogen, helping the body manage stress. It fights fatigue and depression and supports heart health and blood sugar control.
  • St. Johns Wort – reduces symptoms of depression, stress, tension, menopausal symptoms and may assist with wound healing (when applied topically).
  • Rhodiola – treats anxiety, fatigue and depression, improves brain function, may improve exercise performance, and may help manage diabetes.
  • Oatstraw – improves brain function and induces feelings of wakeful relaxation. This herb appears to change brain-wave patterns and enhance mental focus. It also improves prostate health and is loaded with minerals and b vitamins.
  • Hawthorn – primarily benefits the heart, used often for grief, sadness, heartache and loss. Also used for heart disease, digestion and kidney ailments.
  • Mimosa – often referred to as the “happiness” bark, grows wildly in Asheville (a native tree). It calms anxiety, and can also be used for irritability, depression, mood swings, poor memory and excessive anger.

Other supplements to consider as anti-anxiety/nervous system support:

Vitamin D, Vitamin B-12, L-theanine and magnesium

At the Salt Cave, we offer two blended teas for sale: Immunity Booster which contains: echinacea, marshmallow root, chamomile, oatstraw, tulsi, dandelion root, elderflower, and lavender.  Our Humble Heart blend which contains: hibiscus, rose, lavender, lemon balm, oatstraw and chamomile.

Again, every person is unique and the herbs that work for you may not work well for another person. Always consult your naturopath or doctor concerning any questions or possible contradictions.

What are some other techniques you release anxiety? Or herbs you have worked with that are not listed above. Feel free to comment and share below!

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As the season changes and the weather cools, you may consider ways to naturally boost the immune system.

Or maybe you’re already on a regime and you’re interested in new ways to continue strengthening your body.

As a trained herbalist and health-focused person I would like to share the products I have used to boost the immune system, in the hope that some of these could be helpful to you.

 

Well known supplements you may already have experience with, but are always worth sharing about:

  • Astragalus– immune support, prevents cold and respiratory infections, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory
  • Medicinal mushrooms (turkey tail, reishi)– antioxidants, can even help fight certain cancers
  • Echinacea– improve immunity, anti-inflammatory, improves blood sugar, anxiety, and skin health
  • Goldenseal– supports respiratory tract, antibacterial, heals wounds, and supports digestive system
  • Vitamin D and Zinc– maintains the integrity and function of the immune system, also supports mood and cortisol
  • Probiotics (Ion Biome)– defends against toxins, boosts immune, digestion, metabolism, mental clarity and mood
  • Elderberry– reduces blood pressure, antioxidants for immune system, promotes bone strength, also alleviates cold and cough

Less commonly used, some of these may be new to you:

  • Green Tea (matcha)– powerful antioxidant, detoxification, prevents cancer, boosts energy, protection against infections
  • Black Cumin Seed Oil– may prevent cancer, promotes liver and heart health, reduces high blood pressure, prevents diabetes, strengthens immune system
  • Cinnamon Bark– pain relief, improves digestion, boosts immune system, helps with depression, helps with irregular menstrual cycle
  • Osha Root– relieves chest congestion, treats colds, cough, and sore throat, also has antiviral and antibacterial properties
  • Holy Basil– boosts immune system, digestive health, promotes respiratory health, cures fevers, and eye health, alkalizes the body, as well as being great for skin
  • Fucoidan (brown seaweed)– prevents tumors, stabilizes blood sugar, reduces cholesterol levels, also boosts immune system
  • Astaxanthin Algae– benefits cell function, supports vision and eye health, optimizes muscle repair, improves skin appearance, supports a health inflammatory response
  • Quercetin– relief from insomnia, support digestion, relief from pain, headaches, colds and sinusitis, aslo protects wounds against infections
  • Fire Cider/Apple Cider Vinegar– anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, antibacterial, antiviral, and digestive tonic

Every person is unique and some of the things that worked for me to naturally boost the immune system may not work for others. Always consult your naturopath or doctor concerning any questions or possible contraindications.

I have loved working with medicinal mushrooms and will continue my routine of adding reishi to my morning cup of cacao. I am also a huge fan of probiotics. They will always be my go-to to keep my entire family healthy.

What are some of the natural immune boosters you’ve tried that have worked well for you?

If you are interested in whole body wellness you might also like our post on the health benefits of walking.

The more we share — the more we can keep each other and our communities healthy!

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Can you feel it in your body when you’ve been sitting too much?

I know I can. In the car, at work, at home. It can be so easy to just sit down, and stay there. You might notice your back starting to hurt, your shoulders raising up and your spine curling into a C shape. You might feel extra tired and cranky, for no apparent reason.

There is an easy solution. Stand up. Go for a walk.

There are numerous benefits of regular walking for exercise. You don’t necessarily need to run a marathon or to weight train to improve your health. Walking for 20 minutes a day has been shown to be beneficial for both the body and the mind.

A Harvard health study calls walking a “boon to your overall health” and goes on to share that going for a walk can boost immune function, tame a sweet tooth, and ease joint pain, among a host of other benefits.

On top of all that, walking can lower the risk of depression, improve cognitive function, and release endorphins (a neurochemical that boosts mental health while decreasing sensitivity to stress).

Physical activity of any kind increases blood flow, which is good for the entire body system.

Stagnation in the body allows toxins to build up.  Blood flow helps bring nutrients to the bodies cells and takes away toxins, leading to a cleaner and healthier whole system.

Walking may not drastically increase muscle mass or make you break a sweat like running or a spin class would, but that doesn’t mean it’s a less effective workout. Taking a daily 20 minute walk can help keep your body and your brain healthy in the long run.

So stop reading, get off the screen, and go for a walk!  I guarantee you’ll feel better if you do.

 

 

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A few years ago, while traveling through various countries, I was lucky enough to get to explore Morocco, and learn the art of preparing Moroccan spiced lentils.

While I was there, I met a very sweet family who invited me over to dinner a few nights a week, eventually teaching me a few things along the way. On my last week there, they decided to have me cook with them so we could collectively pour some love into our last meal together. They knew my diet was primarily plant-based, so they taught me how to make authentic couscous, along with these Moroccan Spiced Lentils I want to share with you today.

Surprisingly, this recipe is very easy and only takes around 15-20 minutes to make. A little pro-tip for you though, the longer you let the lentils steep with the tomatoes and spices, the tastier they get.

What you need
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup lentils (rinsed & drained)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup garlic & onion pasta sauce
  • 1 1/2 tbsp coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tbsp paprika
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 3 saffron strands
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3/4 to 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
Instructions

1. Cook lentils by bringing water to a boil and adding in lentils. Once lentils are in pot, bring back to a boil before reducing the heat to a low simmer & letting cook (uncovered) for 20 minutes, or until water has absorbed into the lentils.

2. While lentils are cooking, add garlic, onion, bell pepper, tomato paste, tomato sauce, coconut sugar, sea salt, paprika, cumin, coriander, saffron, ginger, and lemon juice to a food processor or blender and mix thoroughly to combine.

3. Once your sauce has blended and there are no remnants of onion or peppers, taste to ensure that the flavor is to your liking. Don’t be afraid to add more spices or salt if you want a stronger flavor!

4. Once the lentils have cooked, drain any excess liquid and add your sauce & chopped parsley to the pot. Stir to combine.

5. Enjoy!

Check out more of my vegan recipes here

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As a former emergency medical technician and backpacking guide, Alex (they/them) is passionate about therapeutic bodywork. Using a combination of Esalen-inspired massage, table stretching, and deep tissue, Alex will customize your massage to meet individual needs from specific anatomical work to general stress relief. Alex’s hobbies are playing in the outdoors with their dog and astrology.

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When your body hurts, a massage and a little self care can make you feel brand new.

But you don’t always book a massage session right away. Maybe its your busy schedule, or maybe it is in the middle of the night, or maybe you just threw your back out. There are massage self care tools you can do easily at home to help ease your discomfort.

What does that really mean, anyway? To “throw your back out”.

Throwing out your back usually means you’ve deeply strained the muscles in your back.

Lifting heavy objects or bending forward in an awkward position are the most common muscle strain causes. Remember, lift with your legs and engage your core!

The first thing to try is the R.I.C.E method to relieve some of the intense pain and discomfort.

REST: Pain is your body’s signal that something is wrong. As soon as you’re hurt, stop your activity, and rest as much as possible.

ICE: Ice is a tried-and-true tool for reducing pain and swelling. Apply an ice pack (covered with a light, absorbent towel to help prevent frostbite) for 15-20 minutes every two to three hours during the first 24 to 48 hours after your injury. Don’t have an ice pack? A bag of frozen peas or corn will work just fine.

COMPRESSION: This means wrapping the injured area to prevent swelling. This may be a bit challenging to wrap parts of the back, but compression will help with inflammation.

ELEVATE: If the muscles of the back are the problem, lie on your back and prop your legs on top of a chair or bench.

This method should be repeated for the next 48 hours. Then you cans switch to heat. If the pain persists, please see your doctor.

Another way to release muscles, increase blood and lymph circulation and start feeling better are to use simple massage tools.

These can also be used as preventative care. Get creative with what you find in your home. I’ve even used a door knob or jam.

Self Massage Tools:

Have you heard of a foam roller?

  • Simply, lie with your back flat on the floor and your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Place a foam roller on the midsection of your back, just under your shoulder blades.
  • Rock your body up and down, towards and away from your feet, to massage your back and loosen up those pressure points. Keep breathing deeply and move slowly.

If you don’t have a foam roller, maybe you have a tennis ball you steal back from your pup.

Tennis balls are great massage tools. Using a tennis ball can reduce localized trigger point pain and can have an overall influence in relieving back pain.

  • Place tennis ball (not a golf ball, these can be to hard) on the floor or against a wall and gently press into the muscle group that is activated.
  • A good Idea is to move around the area of intensity to loosen those surrounding muscles and then gradually move into more intense spaces.
  • Go slow and keep breathing, use your breath to help let the tension go.

I hope some of these ideas give you some relief, and I highly recommend scheduling yourself some time for a professional massage as preventative care.