I wanted to share a few of the primary ingredients I use at Blair’s Herbals….and why.

My homegrown Garden and Backyard herbs are infused in organic oils and used as the base oil for salves and balms. Dried parts are also used in bath salts and my natural glycerin soaps.

Lavender (Lavender officinalis)

Sometimes called spike, elf lead, or nard. I like lavender and find it very relaxing. I know plenty of people who love it and yet there are as many that have had too much or have had reactions to a synthetic lavender and are not big fans. I find a little goes a long way, and it can create dust that can irritate my eyes and throat if I work with large amounts of the plant.

Lavender’s smell is powerful, peaceful and happy–its taste is potent. I love the pretty purple delicate buds. I think of lavender as a very versatile herb, although it is best known as a relaxant, good for calming the nervous system. It is also good for skin health–treating and soothing burns and acne acting as a moisturizer as well as a skin cell regenerator and toner. Some people add lavender to bathwater to treat circulation disorders and improve mental well being. It is also good for soothing headaches, easing flatulence, and treating insect bites, depression, insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety. I like using it in oil for muscle aches, hair loss, fluid retention and cellulite. It is a moth/mite repellent.

It is hardy and yet delicate at the same time; I was aggressive with pruning one year and lost a few plants!

Rose (Rosa rugosa)

Known for its gentle healing powers, I can’t say enough about this plant. It has a special place in my heart. It’s rich and warming smell is a balm for my soul and it has the capacity to open up my heart and chest center. The rose is sometimes called the queen of flowers. It is a hardy plant, sweet, slightly bitter, warming with an affinity for the liver and spleen, aromatic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory. Carminative (helps with gas and colic), emmenagogue (stimulates blood flow in pelvis and uterus), antimicrobial and mildly sedative (as an antidepressant).

Rose oil is good for circulation, cleansing the blood and toning capillaries. It soothes tension. For beauty and the fragrance/aromatherapy, it is one of the best. Sadly, it seems that some of the cultivated roses have had the smell bred out of them.

Rose can be used as a tea and a tincture. I infuse the oil for the salves, balms and scrubs with the petals, and I use the dried petals, of course, in bath salts and floral scrubs. Rose is associated with love, psychic powers, healing, love and protection. The beauty and invitation of the flower has the balance with the protection of thorns. I find it fragrant and infectious–heart opening and mood lifting!

Calendula (Calendual officinalis)

Sometimes called a marigold, calendula is a soothing antiseptic and skin healer–good for cracked skin and chapped lips. It is used in ointments for leg ulcers, varicose veins, bedsores and bruises. Its golden petals are cheery and offer a bit of sunshine. I use it as a rejuvenating herb.

Violet (viola odorata)

Known as heartsease or sweet violet, violet’s heart shaped leaves help me to remember that it is often used to treat grief and heart ache (often of unknown origin). It is the first flower of spring–giving me the strength to push through snow! Its flowers are considered cooling and its medicinal uses are for heated conditions of the skin and emotions. The delicate purple and white flowers are sweet and edible. Yum!

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemongrass is also known as fever grass or citronella. It is aromatic, anti viral, bacterial, fungal–anti oxidant, antiseptic, sedative and stimulant. And it smells so darn good and uplifting, clearing and invigorating. A great alternative for people who are tired of lavender and because citrus can be warming, it is great for folks who are cooler in their constitution.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is best known for strengthening the memory. It has a fresh and stimulating scent that is cleansing. It used to be burned to clear and purify areas after infections. Used in cosmetics, it stimulates circulation and eases pain by increasing blood supply where applied. Rosemary aids fat digestion, and is good for aching joints and rheumatic pains. It is a purifying and youthful herb– healing and protective.

Rue (Ruta graveolens)

Known for its metaphysical powers, rue is thought to improve inner vision. I use only a little as a spiritual protector. The herb is not advised to be taken without medical supervision and may irritate some skins, but I love the intention of this ally.

Stay tuned for more information on sleeping & dreaming herbs as well as essential healing body oils.