After my new book, Simple & Natural Soapmaking, came out, I started getting a lot of questions asking where I bought the variety of molds used to make the soaps in the book. So this week, I rounded up a list of 15+ soap molds that I’ve personally purchased, used, and found to be both pretty and practical. (As I find and try out new molds in the future, I’ll keep adding to this list, … Continue reading
These honey caramels were inspired by a jug of freshly pressed apple cider from our local orchard. I loosely based them on a family favorite honey cream caramels recipe, but instead of using heavy cream, I used half as much apple cider. They were so delicious that they were eaten up within 24 hours! If you do have leftovers though, you can keep them in the refrigerator for a week, or freeze for longer storage. … Continue reading
This soap recipe was inspired by a trip to my local apple orchard on a beautiful fall day. It features freshly pressed apple cider (unsweetened apple juice could work well too), along with the subtle warm spicy scent of essential oils. While the scent of the apple cider won’t make it through to the final soap, try using essential oil option 2 (below) to regain a hint of fruitiness in the finished soap. Some … Continue reading
St. John’s wort is a pretty yellow flowering plant that’s considered a noxious weed in several states, but is well-loved by herbalists! Besides using it for tinctures and liniments (like THIS RECIPE), it’s also wonderful to infuse into oil for salves and lotions. Today, I’m going to share an herbal salve recipe that’s great for tired legs and back muscles – if you’re on your feet a lot, or if you have to spend a … Continue reading
This vinegar based liniment, or rub, can help relieve some of the pesky itchiness that chiggers and mosquitoes can inflict. Roses are included for their anti-inflammatory properties, plantain for its skin-soothing benefits and yarrow for its antiseptic action. Vinegar and witch hazel act as the solvents that extract and carry the benefits onto your skin. If you don’t have fresh herbs available, you can use dried instead, see directions below for more details. Rose Plantain … Continue reading
** Thanks for your interest in this course! It’s currently closed to new students, but keep an eye out for my newsletter notification for when it re-opens this fall! (NOTE: The free price was a limited time offer specifically for those who pre-ordered the book before the August 8 release date & is now expired. When the class returns in the fall it will be open to everyone at regular price.) The course dives deeper into … Continue reading
This salve is made from the leaves and flowers of purple coneflower (Echinacea pupurea). It’s super simple to make and handy to keep around in your first aid kit and while hiking and camping. In his excellent book, Making Plant Medicine, herbalist Richo Cech mentions that a salve made with dried echinacea flowers and leaves is good for treating wounds, stings and venomous bites. I like using it on bug bites and chapped irritated skin. The … Continue reading
