Learn how to give yourself an inexpensive herbal facial at home.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Eczema
My two year old has eczema, do you have any advice for us?- Shauna Torres
Eczema is a common skin condition, and children show signs of it during an early age. Sixty percent of children who have eczema will show signs of it during the first year of life. There is a link between eczema, allergies and asthma. Children who have a mother with allergies or asthma are more likely to have eczema. Also, children with eczema at a young age are prone to develop allergies/ asthma later on in life, so it is important to protect young children's skin at the first sign!
Eczema can be identified by red, flaky, itchy skin.
Topically, herbs that stop itching such as plantain and oats are great to relieve some of the irritation.
Internally, herbs that help to purify the blood such as oregon grape root can be used. Anti-inflammatory herbs and anti-histmines such as nettles and chamomile will help to boost the immune system's response especially if allergies are involved!
And always remember, that skin conditions are indicators of what is happening inside the body. Proper support of the digestive system is key to overcoming eczema! A healthy diet free of caffeine, alcohol and excess sugar and full of vegetables, fruit and other whole foods is a great way to start protecting beautiful skin!
Here is a link to the Eczema Cream and Sweet Glycerine Tincture I make!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70854777/extra-strength-moisturizing-cream
http://www.etsy.com/listing/79847262/sweet-glycerine-tincture-for-eczema
Eczema is a common skin condition, and children show signs of it during an early age. Sixty percent of children who have eczema will show signs of it during the first year of life. There is a link between eczema, allergies and asthma. Children who have a mother with allergies or asthma are more likely to have eczema. Also, children with eczema at a young age are prone to develop allergies/ asthma later on in life, so it is important to protect young children's skin at the first sign!
Eczema can be identified by red, flaky, itchy skin.
Topically, herbs that stop itching such as plantain and oats are great to relieve some of the irritation.
Internally, herbs that help to purify the blood such as oregon grape root can be used. Anti-inflammatory herbs and anti-histmines such as nettles and chamomile will help to boost the immune system's response especially if allergies are involved!
And always remember, that skin conditions are indicators of what is happening inside the body. Proper support of the digestive system is key to overcoming eczema! A healthy diet free of caffeine, alcohol and excess sugar and full of vegetables, fruit and other whole foods is a great way to start protecting beautiful skin!
Here is a link to the Eczema Cream and Sweet Glycerine Tincture I make!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70854777/extra-strength-moisturizing-cream
http://www.etsy.com/listing/79847262/sweet-glycerine-tincture-for-eczema
Monday, September 5, 2011
Baking with the Moon
According to the Farmer's Almanac, Wednesday Sept. 7th will be a great day for baking based on the moon's phase. In honor of this day I would like to share with you a delicious recipe for Lavender Cinnamon Buns.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup soft butter
2 Tbsp. sugar
3 cups flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 egg
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Blend butter & sugar in a medium bowl. Then add in flour and baking powder until mixture is fine and crumbly. Whisk egg, milk, lemon juice and vanilla in a small bowl. Make a well in the flour mixture & using a fork, briefly mix in milk mixture to form a stiff dough. Do not over knead.
Prepare a floured surface and roll out dough 1/2 inch thick in a rectangle shape.
Filling:
1/4cup soft butter
2 Tbsp. dried Lavender OR 4 Tbsp. fresh Lavender flowers
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp cinnamon powder
"Butter" rolled out dough, then sprinkle with Lavender, brown sugar & cinnamon.
Starting at widest edge, tightly roll up dough into a "sausage shape", sealing the far edge with a brush of milk. Pinch edges together. Cut evenly into 12 rounds.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden.
Lavender Frosting
Add 1/2 tsp dried Lavender to 2 Tbsp boiling water. Let it steep until cool and then strain. Add the Lavender tea to 1 1/2 cups icing sugar and stir to form a smooth spreadable paste.
Ice the buns while still warm. Enjoy!
I found this recipe in my Cooking with Greenheart: A Celebration of Herbal Cooking cookbook. To order your copy email them at greenheartherbalsociety@yahoo.ca
Ingredients:
1/4 cup soft butter
2 Tbsp. sugar
3 cups flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 egg
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Blend butter & sugar in a medium bowl. Then add in flour and baking powder until mixture is fine and crumbly. Whisk egg, milk, lemon juice and vanilla in a small bowl. Make a well in the flour mixture & using a fork, briefly mix in milk mixture to form a stiff dough. Do not over knead.
Prepare a floured surface and roll out dough 1/2 inch thick in a rectangle shape.
Filling:
1/4cup soft butter
2 Tbsp. dried Lavender OR 4 Tbsp. fresh Lavender flowers
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp cinnamon powder
"Butter" rolled out dough, then sprinkle with Lavender, brown sugar & cinnamon.
Starting at widest edge, tightly roll up dough into a "sausage shape", sealing the far edge with a brush of milk. Pinch edges together. Cut evenly into 12 rounds.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden.
Lavender Frosting
Add 1/2 tsp dried Lavender to 2 Tbsp boiling water. Let it steep until cool and then strain. Add the Lavender tea to 1 1/2 cups icing sugar and stir to form a smooth spreadable paste.
Ice the buns while still warm. Enjoy!
I found this recipe in my Cooking with Greenheart: A Celebration of Herbal Cooking cookbook. To order your copy email them at greenheartherbalsociety@yahoo.ca
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Planning Your Herbal Garden!
Besides owning a business I also work full time at the local nursery and greenhouse. Now is the time of the year when we stay busy hanging signs that say, "20 and 30% off!" "Clearance!" "End of Season Sale!" and my personal favorite, "All herbs 50% off!"
Summer is ending and we are getting ready to bring in a whole new variety of plants, so we have to clear out our inventory! So for any bargain shoppers (like myself), now is the perfect time to plan your herb garden for next spring!
My husband and I are so blessed to have just moved in a beautiful home with a huge sun room in the back. When I first saw this room I really had no idea what to do with it, but as fall is approaching I am suddenly falling in love with my new "greenhouse". This is the perfect time to stock up on medicinal perennials. You can re-pot them now so they keep your house fresh all winter, and in the spring they will have strong roots and be ready to be outside! Of course you do not have to have a sun room, a windowsill will work perfectly!
Summer is ending and we are getting ready to bring in a whole new variety of plants, so we have to clear out our inventory! So for any bargain shoppers (like myself), now is the perfect time to plan your herb garden for next spring!
My husband and I are so blessed to have just moved in a beautiful home with a huge sun room in the back. When I first saw this room I really had no idea what to do with it, but as fall is approaching I am suddenly falling in love with my new "greenhouse". This is the perfect time to stock up on medicinal perennials. You can re-pot them now so they keep your house fresh all winter, and in the spring they will have strong roots and be ready to be outside! Of course you do not have to have a sun room, a windowsill will work perfectly!
A few herbs on the windowsill in my sun room.
Not only will plants help to keep the air fresh in your house, but anti-bacterial herbs will kill air borne pathogens! This makes having your herbs inside during the winter even better, since it is the time of the year that many people are trying to fight off the cold and flu! Thyme and Rosemary are just a couple examples of anti-bacterial herbs. I like to keep them growing in my kitchen window so they are handy for cooking as well!
Lemon Thyme is one of my favorite Anti-bacterial Herbs!
The most important thing to remember when keeping your plants inside, is that they can get messy! It is best to have holes in the bottom of your pots to insure proper drainage. A tray underneath your pots will catch the excess water, and keep your house clean all winter. Some pots even have built in trays!
My Aloe Vera with a built in tray to keep things from getting messy.
Well, I've been spending all this time typing and now I'm off to hit the bargain tables at the nursery. Happy indoor gardening everyone!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Welcome to my Blog!
I am so excited about the response I have had for my blog that I am offering a discount to my followers! The next next eight followers will receive a 10% off coupon to my store!
Send me an email if you are already a follower, or are one of the next eight, at muir-botancials@hotmail.com and I will send you your coupon!
Thanks so much for reading guys!
Send me an email if you are already a follower, or are one of the next eight, at muir-botancials@hotmail.com and I will send you your coupon!
Thanks so much for reading guys!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Time for Myself
I have often heard that when you have a business, "yours is the last one to get done!" Meaning that you take care of everyone else, but sometimes neglect taking care of yourself. I regret to inform you that I find this saying true for myself. For years I have suffered with dysmenorrhea and PMS, in fact this was one of the reasons I first became interested in natural medicine. Month after month I would reach for a bottle of Menstrual Cramp Relief medicine that in turn would only make me feel worse, and I knew that there had to be a better way. As I have learned about herbs I have tried a few things here and there, but never taken the time to actually go to the root of my problem and try to find a solution. This last month I promised myself I would not put it off any longer, and I am proud to say that I created a herbal formula for myself and my capsules are made!
A picture of the beautiful herbs I used. Some of which I have growing in my backyard!
I used herbs that are specifics to the female reproductive system. One of my favorites is the Vitex berry, not only does it help with hormone imbalances, but it is also anti-inflammatory and helps relieve pain. In fact, in her book Herbal Defense-Positioning Yourself to Triumph Over Illness and Aging, Robyn Landis says, "It may be the most effective single PMS remedy for nearly every type of symptom." I love this plant so much I planted it in my back yard this summer!
The capsules ready to be capped off!
I then decided to make myself capsules because, to be honest, they are easy to take and these particular herbs did not seem like they would make a nice tasting tea!
The finished product!
With these capsules, good diet, exercise and relaxation techniques I hope that next month will be stress and pain free! I will keep you posted!
Please email me at muir-botanicals@hotmail.com if you have any questions you would like answered on this blog! Thanks for reading!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Migraine Relief
Tell me about herbs that can be used for migraine relief.- Rhealeen Thrasher
Well, Rhealeen, the most important thing to take into consideration when addressing migraines, is what is causing them. Migraines can be triggered by a number of different factors including, food allergies, imbalanced hormone levels, stress, bright lights, weather, and spinal misalignment. To achieve lasting results, these things must be treated! A change in diet, massage, natural hormone therapy, and meditation are all great ways to start treating migraines.
There are many herbs that can be used to help with the symptoms of these headaches. Since migraines have to do with a change of blood flow to the brain, caffeine in small amounts will help by altering the amount of blood pushed though the blood vessels. One ounce of quality dark chocolate, or half a cup of coffee can be taken at the onset of a migraine, but more caffeine than that will have adverse effects and worsen the headache.
There a two other herbs that are specific for migraines, feverfew and gingko biloba. Depending on what type of migraine a person has, determines which herb to use. If the person feels a migraine can be treated using heat, then they should use gingko biloba for treatment. On the other hand, if the migraine would do better by applying cold, then feverfew would be the correct herb for that person.
Along with these and other herbs there can be relief for migraines using "natural" means. Thanks for the question!
Well, Rhealeen, the most important thing to take into consideration when addressing migraines, is what is causing them. Migraines can be triggered by a number of different factors including, food allergies, imbalanced hormone levels, stress, bright lights, weather, and spinal misalignment. To achieve lasting results, these things must be treated! A change in diet, massage, natural hormone therapy, and meditation are all great ways to start treating migraines.
There are many herbs that can be used to help with the symptoms of these headaches. Since migraines have to do with a change of blood flow to the brain, caffeine in small amounts will help by altering the amount of blood pushed though the blood vessels. One ounce of quality dark chocolate, or half a cup of coffee can be taken at the onset of a migraine, but more caffeine than that will have adverse effects and worsen the headache.
There a two other herbs that are specific for migraines, feverfew and gingko biloba. Depending on what type of migraine a person has, determines which herb to use. If the person feels a migraine can be treated using heat, then they should use gingko biloba for treatment. On the other hand, if the migraine would do better by applying cold, then feverfew would be the correct herb for that person.
Along with these and other herbs there can be relief for migraines using "natural" means. Thanks for the question!
Reviews
Extra Strength Moisturizing Cream Review by Crazy4Fluff
"I love this cream!
I adore that the bottle is small enough that
I can take along in my purse.
It doesn't leave my hands feeling greasy like
some moisturizers do, It simply leaves
my skins silky soft."
For complete review click here:
http://crazy4fluff.blogspot.com/2011/07/muir-botanicals-review-giveaway.html
Tea for Two- Breastfeeding Tea Review by TailorMadeMamma
I am a HUGE herbal tea fan, and this tea is delicious! It is subtle and slightly sweet without any honey or sugar. I can't speak for the effectiveness yet but I am hoping that it will help our problems!
Baby Booty Cream Review by TailorMadeMamma
I have to start by saying that any chocolate lover will LOVE this! It smells like CHOCOLATE!!!
"I love this cream!
I adore that the bottle is small enough that
I can take along in my purse.
It doesn't leave my hands feeling greasy like
some moisturizers do, It simply leaves
my skins silky soft."
For complete review click here:
http://crazy4fluff.blogspot.com/2011/07/muir-botanicals-review-giveaway.html
Tea for Two- Breastfeeding Tea Review by TailorMadeMamma
I am a HUGE herbal tea fan, and this tea is delicious! It is subtle and slightly sweet without any honey or sugar. I can't speak for the effectiveness yet but I am hoping that it will help our problems!
Baby Booty Cream Review by TailorMadeMamma
I have to start by saying that any chocolate lover will LOVE this! It smells like CHOCOLATE!!!
The consistency is a little bit oilier then I usually prefer but it left Colton's bum feeling super soft and smooth. And to top it off no rash!!
For complete review click here:
http://tailormademomma.blogspot.com/2011/08/wahw-spotlight-muir-botanicals.html
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Bug Bite Season
"This time of year my family is always ready to jump in the lake to keep cool, but I hate seeing my kids with itchy mosquito bites! Is there anyway to treat bug bites without using harmful chemicals or antihistamines that will make us drowsy?" - Tina Bowens
Great question Tina! Nobody likes those pesty biters but luckily there are lots of ways to deal with the itch herbally.
It is best to treat bites and stings by taking something internally so that we can help our bodies defend themselves. Herbs such as Nettles and Licorice are great in this situation because they are antihistamines and help prevent allergic reactions, but will not make you drowsy. Teas or capsules made with these herbs would be optimal after getting bit, or before enjoying your water outing!
To calm the itch, herbs such as Plantain and Lavender are great to use topically. Many of us know that Lavender helps to relax the nerves which is often necessary in this situation for kiddos! It is also one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly on the skin.
Finally, chamomile can be applied to those nasty bumps to reduce inflammation and redness.
For my Buh-By Bug Bite Gel visit http://www.etsy.com/listing/78792715/buh-bye-bug-bite-gel
For questions on how to keep mosquitoes away naturally, or any other herbal concerns contact me at muir-botanicals@hotmail.com
Great question Tina! Nobody likes those pesty biters but luckily there are lots of ways to deal with the itch herbally.
It is best to treat bites and stings by taking something internally so that we can help our bodies defend themselves. Herbs such as Nettles and Licorice are great in this situation because they are antihistamines and help prevent allergic reactions, but will not make you drowsy. Teas or capsules made with these herbs would be optimal after getting bit, or before enjoying your water outing!
To calm the itch, herbs such as Plantain and Lavender are great to use topically. Many of us know that Lavender helps to relax the nerves which is often necessary in this situation for kiddos! It is also one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly on the skin.
Finally, chamomile can be applied to those nasty bumps to reduce inflammation and redness.
For my Buh-By Bug Bite Gel visit http://www.etsy.com/listing/78792715/buh-bye-bug-bite-gel
For questions on how to keep mosquitoes away naturally, or any other herbal concerns contact me at muir-botanicals@hotmail.com
Friday, July 29, 2011
Stretch Marks
Interested in learning how to prevent and help heal stretch marks? Check out this video for more information!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Rumblies in the Tummies
This morning a good friend of mine called and said that her two year old had a horrible diaper rash and diarrhea with cramping for the last three days. I could hear her little boy crying in the background and was so glad that I had just what he needed in my cabinets.
While diarrhea should sometimes be allowed to run its course in order to rid the body of toxins, it should be treated if it persists more than twelve hours. My first major concern was that he had become dehydrated. I chose to make him a herbal tea using raspberry leaves which will actually help the intestines absorb fluids. For his cramps I added relaxing chamomile to his tea, and had Momma rub a soothing lavender oil on his tummy. Finally for his rash we slathered on some Baby Booty Cream (luckily, I had recently made a batch).
By the time Momma and toddler were back in the car, he was able to sit down on his booty (which he could not do earlier), and all the tears had stopped!
There is no better feeling than when he told me, "thank you" this morning. This is why I love my job!
While diarrhea should sometimes be allowed to run its course in order to rid the body of toxins, it should be treated if it persists more than twelve hours. My first major concern was that he had become dehydrated. I chose to make him a herbal tea using raspberry leaves which will actually help the intestines absorb fluids. For his cramps I added relaxing chamomile to his tea, and had Momma rub a soothing lavender oil on his tummy. Finally for his rash we slathered on some Baby Booty Cream (luckily, I had recently made a batch).
By the time Momma and toddler were back in the car, he was able to sit down on his booty (which he could not do earlier), and all the tears had stopped!
There is no better feeling than when he told me, "thank you" this morning. This is why I love my job!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Making Your Own Green Cleaning Products
This is a demonstration I did at our Home and Garden Show! In this video I show you how to make an All-Purpose Disinfecting Spray, a Window Cleaner and Fly Repellent, and a Carpet Cleaner and Deodorizer! I hope you enjoy and learn a lot!
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