Category: Articles

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The Working Apothecary—and What’s Coming Next

Image by The Hilltop Group, LLC & OpenAI

An apothecary holds more than herbs and bottles. Behind every preparation is a story: where the ingredients came from, how a formula developed, and what happened when it was made.

Our latest article on Herbal Journal explores traceability in the working apothecary—the records that help connect those details. Whether you’re preparing a personal tea blend, creating something for a client, or developing products for sale, being able to retrace your work is valuable.

That everyday need is also at the heart of RhizoWorks™, an app coming soon from Hilltop Group, LLC. Born from my own working apothecary, it brings inventory, formulas, production batches, research, and supporting records into one connected workspace.

RhizoWorks is entering beta testing, where herbalists will help us refine it through real use. I’m excited to share more as we move toward release. We still need Beta Testers so contact me if you’re interested.

In the meantime, visit Herbal Journal to read the latest installment of The Working Apothecary Series.

Ancient Roots. Modern Practice.

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Herbalists DO get sick!

I have been fighting the mother of all viruses since Sunday, July 1st. And ordered to bed rest for the next few days. Not sure as an herbalist if I should have done it, but I posted it on Facebook about how sick I was. Low and behold, a private message comes to me asking how I can call myself an herbalist and still be sick.

Seriously? First, how is it ok to even question that in the first place, and second… Herbalists are people too and will – on occasion – get sick. Ugh! Plus, I’m no match for dehydration which landed me in the emergency room on Sunday afternoon.

So, I’m sitting here working from bed at virtual assisting (Thanking God every day for my wonderful clients!), writing, and studying. But I am following orders to take it easy and rest in bed for a few days. I’m loving my adaptogen and nervine tea with honey to sooth my agitated mind and calm my body so it can recover.

But here’s my public service tip of the day. It is not ok to trash people like that. Be kind people! Oh and, HYDRATE, HYDRATE, H Y D R A T E !

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About Essential Oils

Everyone knows that essential oils are the next new ‘big thing’ for all natural healing.  Its true that essential oils can improve your health, help your skin, and improve your mood. But with all the different essential oil companies, do we as consumers know the best companies to buy from? The number of companies and brands are staggering. I work with a select few:

Mountain Rose Herbs: excellent company, extremely dedicated to providing the best information possible, and affordable. And they have a huge selection.

NYR Organic offers some very good oils and blends, as well as wonderful skin care products.

Penn Herb Co. is a wonderful company with a long history of providing quality and good prices. My go to for bulk herbs.

In addition to these three, there are hundreds more, and I’m not going to list them here. There are numerous “Best” lists but please do your own research, and pay particular attention to whether the companies have paid to be on the list. For example, I have seen a number of such lists with Young Living Oils listed as their number one pick. Personally, I will not order Young Living Oils, for one thing they are extremely expensive, have been sanctioned several times by the Food and Drug Administration in the US, and do not cure all the diseases they claim. Be very wary and do your own research.

For the record, essential oils are not cure alls, they do not heal cancer, cure diabetes or blindness and so on. Any company that claims their essential oils CURE or somehow reverses conditions isn’t telling you the truth.  Always, ALWAYS dilute oils before using them on skin. If you do take them internally do so ONLY with a qualified practitioner.

Here’s an interesting site about Young Living and Doterra, as being the biggest frauds in the EO game. While I don’t agree with everything on the site, its still very informative about what each of the companies have been cited for previously and the sheer lack of research each company has to back up their claims. This is a big buyer beware!  At any rate, the site is below, enjoy!

 

Essential Oils Scam: NOT a Medical Treatment

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Holy Pine Needles!

Holy Pine Needles!

Pine needlesI LOVE PINE NEEDLES!  Ok, I confessed my secret…  I love the way they smell, and their many uses. I forage for pine needles for my Evergreen Balm which is fabulous for sore muscles and cramping muscles. Pine needles have self warming properties which make them especially useful in cramping muscles.  Read more about it and purchase it here. I originally created it for my husband who tends to get horrible leg cramps, then I developed a formula in a tube to take with you – especially for my mother who gets hand cramps – just carry it in your purse! Check it out at the Hilltop Arts Store (and take advantage of the current sale!)

Below is a wonderful article on Pine Needles and their uses:

11 Reasons You Should Go Out Foraging For Pine Needles

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Fake Essential Oils and How to Spot Them

Fake Essential Oils and How to Spot Them

Fake Essential Oils and How to Spot ThemEssential Oils are the newest ‘old’ health remedies and essential oils of all qualities – including fake – are flooding the market. Which is why its more important than ever to be sure you’re getting the real deal. As an herbalist, it is my passion to have the right information to give you, but its also my duty to the best of my ability. Please read this excellent article about how to know good essential oils from bad ones.

I personally use essential oils for aromatherapy, in my salves and lotions, in my baths and so on. I use the highest quality and most organic essential oils I can find. Yes, it can be expensive, but you get what you pay for in my opinion. Always read carefully and if you’re unsure about the oil, ask an expert, or move to a brand you’re more sure of.  As always, use common sense. Follow directions, for instance, many essential oils will cause damage to your skin if you don’t use a carrier oil.

I’m a big fan of Essential Oils from:
NYR Organic (Plus they have some other wonderful products!)
Mountain Rose Herbs

8 Unmistakable Signs Your Essential Oils Are FAKE