Rhododendron - (Rhododendron anthopogon) Region of Harvest: Nepal Part of plant used for distillation: Flowers Main chemical components from the aerial parts of the plant: monoterpenes; alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, limonene, and sesquiterpene; delta-cadinene. Benefits: Lightening for the heart and spirit. Warm, cheery, comforting, and nurturing. It is useful as a decongestion, excellent for strengthening the immune system, and helps to restore the adrenals during times of stres

The spring season is associated with the Wood element in the Five Element medicine. This element symbolizes the birth and fresh beginning stages of Yang energy. Wood represents new life and creation. The wood phase corresponds to the East, dawn, and springtime when the buds come out on the trees and turn into young green leaves when seeds lay dormant under the earth all winter push up through the ground as sprouts. Warmth and light begin to return; the soil is moist with the

March 20th welcomed the vernal or spring equinox for the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern Hemisphere's autumnal equinox. In the five-element theory, the spring season is associated with the Wood element. This element symbolizes the birth and fresh beginning stages of Yang energy. Wood represents new life and creation. Wood energy is expansive, moving out in all directions. It is the time when we are once again moved to spend more time outdoors in the freshness of a sprin

As we were preparing our botanical garden for the year, I started contemplating the majestic seed. All plants come from this basic life seed structure that is truly magnificent. I am amazed at the diversity in the seed individuality of different plants and the process they go through in becoming plants. The basics that seeds need to germinate and sprout in the ground: Nutrient-rich soil Water to sprout and grow Sun (warmth and light) to flourish To find out if seeds are viab

Hooray, springtime is here! March 20th welcomes the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere (autumn equinox for the Southern Hemisphere). This is a time of birth and fresh beginning stages of more outward expression of expansive energy, moving out in all directions. It is the time when we are moved to spend more time outdoors once again in the freshness of a spring morning. Warmth and light begin to return; the soil is moist with the winter melt; the days are now longe

Spring is the time to open the windows, clean out the closets and clean your home environment. Using essential oils in household cleaning is the safest and healthiest way to enhance your health and environment. Commercial cleaning products contain toxic ingredients and can pose many health hazards. Some commercial cleaning products can cause acute or immediate hazards such as skin or respiratory irritation, watery eyes, or chemical burns. In contrast, others are associated wi

The springtime environment naturally brings more rain and wind; this increases the pollen in the plants and trees, which is vital in nature’s cycle. The pollen needs to move to the female part (pistil) of the plant to create seeds and fruits. Unfortunately, this can increase allergies for humans and can make life uncomfortable. Fortunately, you can find relief from natural remedies. Tips for Reducing Allergies Naturally: 1) Strengthen your immune system; reduce your stress, g

Ever since my first cup of Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime tea in the late ’70s, I have been in love with chamomile! There are several chemotypes of chamomile that are used in aromatherapy. I would like to share my appreciation of three chamomiles with you: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), and Cape chamomile (Eriocephalus punctulatus). We have German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) growing abundantly in our botanical garden. It is