​Peppermint is incredibly easy to grow; it is probably one of the easiest herbs to grow yourself.
*A word of caution – never plant any of the mint family directly into the ground unless you want it to spread everywhere. The mint family sends out runners and it will soon take over your garden like an invasive weed. If you don’t want this to happen, try planting in containers.

Peppermint is a beautiful plant with vibrant green leaves with tall purple scented flower towers. If you plan to harvest your own peppermint, you will want to harvest from the plant prior to flowers forming.

Peppermint can be used in three different ways. The leaves can be used in cooking or to make a tea. The essential oil can be used in a carrier oil, skin care products, or creams. And the peppermint capsules can be consumed like a vitamin.

*Caution:  Those who suffer from GERD – gastroesophageal reflex disease should avoid consuming peppermint. 
It is also suggested that you speak with your doctor before adding peppermint supplements to your diet. Some medicines or other supplements can have a negative reaction with the addition of peppermint.

Digestion
If you suffer from indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea, or irritable bowels; peppermint may be able to help ease your pains. Peppermint increases the flow of bile, thus reducing indigestion. It also contains antispasmodic properties which can reduce stomach spasms and pain associated with irritable bowels and diarrhea.

Sleep Issues
Peppermint soothes and relaxes the body and mind. It can help ease a troubled mind and relax you enough for you to sleep. To use peppermint at bedtime, you can diffuse peppermint oil in a diffuser near your bed. For extra relaxation try combining peppermint, lavender, and chamomile oils in the diffuser. Or, you can drink a combo of peppermint and chamomile tea just prior to bedtime.

Fresh Breath
Peppermint contains anti-microbial properties that fight the nasty bacteria that can grow in your mouth. Try gargling with a few drops of peppermint oil mixed in a small glass of water. You can also add a drop of peppermint oil to your toothbrush to brush the bacteria off your tongue after brushing your teeth. Or, if you want a quick breath freshener, you can always chew on the mint leaf itself.

Focus
There are some schools that provide peppermint candies during test taking. They do this for good reason. Peppermint helps the brain focus on the task at hand. Peppermint can help when you find yourself having a difficult time concentrating on an important project. Try peppermint tea, peppermint candies, or diffusing peppermint oil when you need to get something done.
I like to drink peppermint tea when I start to loose focus from staring at a computer all day.  Helps reign me back in and makes me stay away from mindless snacking.

Headaches
To reduce the affects of tension headaches or migraines you can either use an application of peppermint oil in a carrier oil to your forehead or neck, or you can diffuse peppermint oil near you. Peppermint can help sooth muscles and reduce tension.

Sore Muscles
As stated above, peppermint is good at reducing muscle soreness. You can apply a diluted peppermint oil in lotion or cream to your sore muscles to reduce the pain and discomfort. Because peppermint contains anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-spasmodic properties it is one of the best things to slather on your muscles.

Peppermint is also great for tired feet.  I have a nightly ritual of massaging Soothing Foot Balm, which contains Peppermint, into my feet before bed.  Works great to relive tired feet as well as making them soft. 

Energy
If you are feeling a little more sluggish than usual, try diffusing peppermint oil or drinking some peppermint tea. While peppermint does not contain any caffeine, it will energize and rejuvenate you. It even works well when applied or consumed before a workout.

Colds & Flu
Peppermint is a natural decongestant and expectorant. If you are suffering from a stuffy head, try peppermint tea or diffusing peppermint oil in your room. Its antiviral properties help clean the air of viruses. It is also a natural fever reducer. Try using a few drops of diluted peppermint oil to the back of your neck and to the bottoms of your feet.
 
Peppermint packs a powerful punch, no matter how you use it. It can ease colds, stomach issues, and muscle soreness. And it can help you sleep or wake you up and rejuvenate you. And it’s incredibly easy to grow yourself for use in cooking and to make your own tea. 

Tea Tree oil, also know as Melaleuca oil, contains many helpful and healing properties which include antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-fungal.  Experiencing  a skin issue? Reach for the Tea Tree oil.  Here are a few ways to use it. 

Acne
Tea Tree oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help clear up skin imperfections. You can put tea tree oil on a cotton swap and apply directly to acne, or you can use a face serum that utilizes the power or tea tree oil. Tea tree oil kills bacteria on the skin and under the skin’s surface so it’s a great option for acne and blemishes.

Apply tea tree to specific problem areas with a cotton swab, or add a few drops to your favorite toner to boost your toner’s overall effectiveness.

Skin Care
Tea Tree oil isn’t only great for clearing up acne from your skin, but can also be used to reduce the appearance of age spots and wrinkles. It also has a miraculous way of assisting with not only dry skin but oily skin as well. 

You can cleanse with a soap like Stormy Dayz or use a few drops of tea tree oil in your facial moisturizer to help with skin issues such as wrinkles, dark spots, and dry or oily skin.

Cuts and Scrapes
Tea Tree oil works really well as a natural antiseptic. Apply it to cuts and scrapes to clean and heal the wound. The antibacterial agents will fight off the germs, and the anti-inflammatory properties will keep the swelling and redness down.

Add a drop of tea tree oil to your wound cream, or carrier oil, and apply directly to the wound.

Sanitizer
Not only can you use tea tree oil as a hand sanitizer, but you can also use it to sanitize surfaces around your home. Again, with its antiseptic and antibacterial components it makes the best cleanser.

Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a spray bottle of water and spritz any areas that attract mold – such as in bathrooms and poorly insulated areas of your house.
You can also mix two cups of hot water with a half cup white vinegar, and then add 10 drops of tea tree oil. This works as an effective and mild-smelling cleaner that works just as good at fighting germs as a store-bought cleanser.

Athlete’s Foot
Tea Tree oil’s anti-fungal properties can help fight fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. And its anti-inflammatory properties can keep swelling and redness at a minimum.

Add tea tree oil to the carrier oil of your choice. You should apply this to the affected area twice a day to ease the discomfort from the fungus. It can take a while to see results, so keep with it for at least a month.

Scalp Care & Hair Loss
As we’ve seen through the past few articles, there are many essential oil solutions to a problematic scalp or hair loss, and tea tree oil is another great option. Tea tree oil removes harmful bacteria from the scalp, leaving a healthy base for strong vibrant hair and no flakes. Tea tree oil will also encourage new hair growth.
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You can purchase shampoo and conditioner that contains tea tree oil, or you can add the oil to your shampoo yourself. 
 
*Melaleuca is a potent oil and should be used with caution and care. If you use it properly it can cure or prevent some irritating skin conditions.
Never ingest it and keep it away from children and pets. You should only use tea tree oil topically – and always dilute it with a carrier oil.
It is also helpful to do a spot test to see if your skin has a negative reaction to this powerful oil. Add a little oil to a cotton swab and apply it to a small area of your skin. If your skin becomes irritated, don’t use it.

Chamomile is one of the most subtle and useful herbs. It is easy to grow and looks beautiful in any garden. It has delicate, daisy-like flowers. The most common use of chamomile is as a tea, but the essential oil can be used in a diffuser or in skin care products. It can help calm a restless mind, fight insomnia, and is great for the skin.

Chamomile contains many wonderful properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-aging, and anti-oxidants, to name a few. It also has a subtle floral and fruity taste that will please just about anyone.

The flowers are easy to grow, harvest, and preserve to make your own tea. Just prune the flowers as soon as the petals flatten out, and dry them to make your own tea. 

If gardening isn’t your forte, look for an organic tea at your local grocery store. Drinking chamomile tea can aid in digestion issues, boost your immune system, and is a perfect evening drink for combatting sleep troubles.

Most people may have seen calendula, but they may not know it's actually Calendula. Calendula is pronounced [kuh-len-juh-luh] and is part of the marigold family. They are easy to grow in your garden, and pretty too. They attract insects, are great cover crops, wonderful companion plants in your vegetable garden, and the calendula species of the marigold offers some absolutely amazing health benefits.

Why You Should Grow & Use Calendula:

Mouth Issues
Calendula’s anti-bacterial properties work really well for oral health. You can make your own mouthwash with calendula tea to kill nasty bacteria in your mouth. This helps reduce the chances of developing cavities and even gingivitis.

Acne 
Calendula contains anti-septic properties which help with acne and skin irritations. You can use a calendula oil, tea, or skin products that contain calendula to ease skin irritations.

Itchy Scalp/Dandruff
If you suffer from an itchy scalp and/or dandruff, try using a calendula tea rinse after using your normal hair cleansing routine. The calendula should ease and reduce the irritation on your scalp.

Athlete’s Foot
Calendula’s anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory nature can help relieve the itching and scaling that comes with athlete’s foot. Use calendula tea to soak your feet in, dry and apply a moisturizer like the Soothing Foot Balm and you should see improvements after a few soaks. 

Digestive Issues
Use calendula tea for tummy troubles and more. This can help with urinary tract infections, sore throats, and gastric ulcers.

Burns/Stretch Marks/Scars 
Calendula oil can help reduce the pain and peeling associated with sunburns, and has been shown to make stretch marks and scars less visible.

Joint Pain
The anti-inflammatory assets in calendula make for a great relief for joint pain sufferers. You can add calendula to your diet by adding to soups or salads. You can drink calendula tea, or you can use a calendula oil rub topically on your inflamed areas. 

Menstrual Relief
You can use calendula oil, rubbed on the belly, or drink calendula tea to ease the symptoms of menstrual cramping. It has also been used to treat irregular periods. *Do not take calendula tea while pregnant.

For Dogs!

Ear Mites
Adding a few drops of calendula oil to your dog’s ears will kill the mites. Add the drops into the ear and use a gentle massaging motion to spread the oil within the ear.

Skin Hot Spots
Our dogs can suffer from skin irritations just like we do. You can use calendula tea or oil to treat irritated skin areas. With all of the anti-everything properties within calendula, your dog’s skin will look and feel much better after a few treatments.

To Make Calendula Tea: 
Pour boiling water (one cup water to 1 tablespoon flowers) on top of dried calendula flower heads, or individual petals, cover and let the flowers steep into the hot water for 15 minutes. You can drink one to four cups of tea per day.
 
*You should consult with your doctor before adding any herbs to your diet, and always avoid large doses.
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**Sources: https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2059009
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Whether you grow your own rosemary in your garden, purchase rosemary essential oils, products that include rosemary oil or purchase rosemary sprigs at the grocery store for cooking - you can’t go wrong. Rosemary has some amazing benefits, no matter what application method you use. From healing skin irritations to settling an unfocused mind, to re-growing hair – it is a simple, amazing plant.

1.  Stimulates hair growth
Not only does rosemary stimulate hair follicles to produce hair growth, but it can slow your grey hair production and reduces dry scalp and dandruff. If you use rosemary for only one thing in your life, it should be on your hair. You can mix a few drops of essential oil into your shampoo bottle, and reap all the benefits of this amazing plant. Rosemary will not dry out your hair like a dandruff shampoo will, and it doesn’t have any of the harmful chemicals that hair regrowth serums tend to have.

2.  Insect repellant
Rosemary can repel flies and mosquitos. You can add a few sprigs to your fire pit – the fragrant smoke will keep the pests at bay. Or you can add rosemary and citronella or lemongrass essential oils to a carrier liquid (such as witch hazel or olive oil). This can be applied via spray bottle to the exposed skin before going outside. I would suggest using 10 to 20 drops per two ounces of carrier liquid.

3.  Skin Care
Rosemary contains anti-aging compounds that are amazing for your skin. Rosemary can protect your skin from free-radicals that increase the effects of aging. It also contains antiseptic properties which work well at fighting acne and skin irritations. 
My favorite use for Rosemary is in a sugar scrub.   I use it in the shower it has a wonderful uplifting scent to get you going first thing in the morning.

4.  Mild pain reliever
Rosemary can be used topically for an analgesic pain reliever. It can also be used to reduce the pain caused by headaches by taking it orally, such as in a tea.

5.  Anti-inflammatory
Rosemary packs a load of anti-inflammatory compounds. This can help treat muscle and joint pain due to inflammation. If you suffer from inflammation, try cooking with rosemary a few times a week, or drink rosemary tea.

6.  Improves digestion
Rosemary works wonders for the gall-bladder function and increases the flow of bile to ensure your digestive tract is working its best. There are times when we could all use a little help in boosting our digestive system.

7.  Brain function
Rosemary naturally contains carnosic acid (it is also found in sage). This fights the free radicals that build up in your brain. Not only that, it can be used as a natural preservative. By inhaling rosemary scent, studies have shown that people are better able to focus and recall things that they have seen and read. Try using an essential oil diffuser in your room while you are working to see improvements in brain functionality.

8.  Stress reducer
Rosemary reduces cortisol levels in the brain. Much like what you would do to improve brain function, diffuse some rosemary essential oil in the room you are in, soak in the delicious smells, and relax. This can also be immensely helpful while working on a stressful project, or before bed.

9.  Cooking
Rosemary is high in dietary fiber and can help limit weight gain. Use it as a rub for meats. Add it to soups, stews, and sauces. Infuse some olive oil with a few sprigs of rosemary to use in your cooking. Or make a rosemary tea.

Even though Rosemary has several benefits, be cautious.  Too much of anything can cause issues.  High doses or prolonged use of rosemary can cause health issues. Be cautious when using it, as with all herbs.

Do not take rosemary essential oil orally.
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Use the herb to cook with or steep the leaves for a tea if you are looking to consume it orally.

​How to store beauty products is probably not something you stress about much. But how you choose to store them could have radicle effects on how long they last, and how well they work. There are a few basic principles to storing your beauty products, and it won’t take much to store them in the best possible places.

Keep it Dark
If you purchase any serums or creams that come to you in a see-through container, make sure you keep them in the dark. Better yet buy products that come in containers that light can’t easily penetrate. UV rays can end up altering the components of your products. This means your products could become useless, and that is not something you want in your beauty products. Colored or tinted glass are the best to keep products fresh. 

The Refrigerator
This may surprise you, but a few of your beauty products should be stored in the fridge. 

Eyecream is a great contender for fridge time. Keeping your non-oil-based creams cold will ensure they last longer.  Applying cold creams also helps your skin by tightening blood vessels. This assists in swelling reduction – especially nice after a rough night’s sleep.

Make sure you research your ingredients if making products yourself.  Some oils require refrigeration. Rose hip oil is a good example.  These oils can become rancid if not stored at the proper temperature.

Be sure to check the shelf life and temperature specs of any ingredients.  Any extremes can make an ingredient less effective.

Keep it out of the Bathroom
Ok this is a tough on for people including me.  It’s true, our bathrooms contain bacteria – whether you are diligent about cleaning or not. They are also humid little saunas at least once a day. All of those airborne bacteria and hot air particles can damage our skin care products. 

If you have the option, take your products out of your bathroom. If not, make sure products are put away in cabinets or drawers and be sure to close those lids tightly after each use. The last thing you want is cakey and gooey mascara, eyeshadow, and eyeliner. 

The exception for this is sugar scrubs and soap of course.  Those belong in the shower but remember to keep the lid closed on the scrubs after each use and make sure you place your soap on a slotted rack or dish.  This helps the soap dry out in between uses and makes it last longer.  You don’t want it sitting in a pool of water.

Perfumes & Fragrances
Fragrances should be kept dry and dark as well. Essential oils especially.  This keeps the scents from becoming altered by sunlight, humidity, and warm temperatures. Perfumes are expensive, you don’t want to ruin them before you’ve had a chance to use the entire bottle.
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How do you store your beauty products?

​Spring just can’t arrive soon enough. Is your skin cracked and dry from the incessant frigid temperatures? Have your lips been cracked and chapped since Fall? Then you should try one of my new products, Lip Scrubs to exfoliate and heal those painfully chapped lips.

Why do you need to use lip scrub? The sugar in lip scrubs exfoliate the dead, chapped skin off your lips and include oils that heal and moisturize.

Sugar is an exfoliator and naturally contains alpha hydroxy acid that breaks through the skin and encourages new skin cell generation. It doesn’t only remove dead skin, but it helps regrow healthy new skin. It is great at repairing aging and sun damaged skin.

After using a lip scrub, you will want to follow up with a lip balm to add extra moisture back into the lips. Each scrub includes a blend of olive oil and coconut oils to help moisturize, but you will want that extra layer to keep your lips from continued cracking.

Not only do these lip scrubs remove dead dry skin, but they also stimulate blood flow to the lips making them plumper and more luscious looking. Use a lip scrub before applying lipstick before a night out and rock those lips!

You can purchase the lip scrubs individually or as a set with the complimentary lip balm flavor. They make the perfect gift for a friend or yourself!

These lip scrubs come in six enticing flavors, and they pair with your favorite MB Botanicals lip balm.

To exfoliate the face and body, try MB Botanicals Sugar Scrubs.

Valentine’s Day is over – but that doesn’t mean you have a romance drought the rest of the year. I’m of the opinion that romance shouldn’t be celebrated one day a year, but we should focus on it all year long. This post is meant to showcase ways to be romantic and care for your skin at the same time – and this can be done whenever you feel the need for closeness with your partner. Don’t wait for an excuse to show your significant other what they mean to you.

Romance is a very important part of any relationship. It can bring you closer and help you appreciate the bond and love you have for each other. Romance isn’t just “Netflix and Chill” – it’s taking time to be alone and quiet together without TV, phones or other interruptions.
Here are some ideas for bringing more romance into your relationships, and using great skincare to boost the romantic feelings.

Baths
If you are lucky enough to have a bathtub that fits two people comfortably, great! Taking a bath with your partner is a great way to bring you closer together (especially if you only have a tiny tub). Add a bath bomb or bath salts in the water to create a more sensual experience. Scents can calm the over-stressed mind and create a feeling of peace and love.

MB Botanicals Bath Salts come in four different scents, so there is something for whatever mood you are in. These contain Epsom, Sea and Himalayan Pink salts blended with essential oils and botanicals to comfort your body and mind and spark those romantic thoughts.

Massage 
Massage can be one of the best ways to get closer to your partner. The act of gentle touching is rewarding for both people. Taking time to massage each other creates an intimate bond that will last for days.
Remember to communicate with your partner what feels good and what to avoid doing and be open to hearing the same from them. A massage is meant to feel good and to increase trust between you and your partner.

You don’t have to lie down to give a massage either – you can do it seated or standing, whichever way you are both comfortable and close to each other. This is meant to create an intense connection between two loved ones, so get into it and make sure your companion is comfortable and relaxed.

Try one of the three different scents of MB Botanicals Body Oil as your massage oil. They absorb into the skin quickly and do not leave a greasy feeling behind. They will make your skin feel as good as that massage did!  

Another great massage option is the Moisturizing Body Bar. It warms up with your skin and doesn't dry out as quickly so you're not constantly adding oil.  It also leaves your skin extra soft. 

Foot Rubs 
While feet tend to get a bad rap for being nasty – you should feel good enough about your significant other to suck it up and rub their feet for them. And don’t stop at the feet – give the ankles and calves a massage while you are at it. It feels divine and much like the massage, it will build trust and create a greater feeling of intimacy.

With a foot massage, you will want to use massage oil or lotion. Start with gentle rubs in a circular motion – beginning with at the toes and working toward the ankles. Once your partner has started to relax into the rub, you can increase pressure. Just make sure you are both communicating as to what type of pressure they are comfortable with.
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Try using Body Butter for sensual foot rubs. It is soft and creamy and will leave the feet silky and moisturized.
 
It doesn’t matter what type of thing you do to add more romance into your relationship, as long as you add it to your routine more than just on Valentine’s Day. Surprise your significant other with a bath or massage and I guarantee you will feel closer to them afterward. Keeping the spark takes time and attention to both partners. Enjoy each other!

I’m beyond excited to announce a new line of MB Botanicals products. I have quite a few runner friends and after listening to them complain about a myriad of ailments, I got the idea that I could help them with at least a few. Introducing MB Botanicals products for the runner!
Out of the complaints of runners comes the new product line for athletes. There are two new products that have been added to the online store. They have been tested by runners and the feedback was excellent.

This balm works great for preventing nasty chaffing. It can be used on any part of the body that is susceptible to rubbing and irritation. 

This balm also works well to prevent blisters. Just roll onto feet right before you put on your socks. 
Made with coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, vitamin E, tea tree and lavender essential oils.  It not only smells amazing, but it moisturizes and protects the skin anywhere its applied.

Even if you aren’t a runner, this balm works wonders for keeping chaffing and blisters away.
The Ultra Body Balm comes in two sizes – a 2oz and a 0.5oz stick. It’s easy to apply and it holds up to sweating. The 0.5oz stick is perfect for your purse, gym bag or car. Have new work shoes? You can use it to prevent blisters from those as well.

​This salt scrub came about when a friend mentioned she was too sore to walk after an intense trail run. She wanted something that would ease her muscles but didn’t require her to spend a lot of time in the bath. 

This salt scrub is meant to be used in the shower to reduce muscle soreness and body aches when you are pressed for time, or even if you’re not. Simply rub the scrub into the sore areas with massaging fingers and let it sit without washing it off for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse lightly, leaving the oils on your skin – do not wash off with soap.

Relief Salt Scrub is made with Epsom, Sea and Himalayan Pink salts, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, and grapefruit essential oils to pull toxins from the body and ease muscle soreness and body aches. It also contains coconut and olive oil to moisturize your skin while it calms the pain.
Both of these new products can be found at the MB Botanicals online store. Give them a try and let me know how they work!