A Beginner's Guide to Herbal Crafting

As you embark on the journey of herbal medicine making, it's vital to begin with intention and mindfulness. Before delving into the intricate processes of making herbal infusions, it's crucial to check in with ourselves and ensure that we are in a balanced state of being. Connecting with an intention for our herbal creations, be it to foster a deeper connection with nature or to aid in healing, sets the foundation for your journey into herbal medicine making.

The act of creating herbal infusions can be elevated by acknowledging and calling upon higher powers, ancestors, and the spirit of the plant. Seeking support from these allies not only infuses the process with positive energy but also aligns our intentions with the greater good for all.

Water Infusions and Herbal Teas

When making herbal teas through water infusions, understanding the nuances between using fresh and dry herbs is essential. Aromatic herbs often exhibit higher potency when dry due to their lower water content. By being mindful of the humidity in your environment and the water content of the herbs, you can choose whether to use fresh or dry herbs for your infusions.

Honey Infusions

Harnessing the medicinal qualities of honey to create potent immunity-boosting blends involves a careful selection of herbs such as garlic, oregano, rosemary, cinnamon, cayenne, Panamanian pepper, ginger, turmeric, and black pepper. Understanding the characteristics and benefits of each herb enables the creation of supercharged herbal honey infusions. These herbs for example boost the immune system, stimulate digestion, support cardiovascular function and more!

Oil Infusions

Utilizing carrier oils for infusing herbs offers a powerful method of connecting with herbal medicine. When selecting a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, it's essential to consider their permeability and absorption into the skin. Crafting a body oil with herbs like Curry leaf and Gotu kola can provide rejuvenating and antioxidant-rich properties, supporting skin health and circulation.

Timing and Intention

Aligning the process of herbal medicine making with the cosmic energies and cycles, such as the phases of the moon, adds another layer of intentionality. By syncing the infusion process with the lunar cycle and observing cosmic energies, we can further enhance the potency and intention of our herbal creations.

As we delve into the world of herbal medicine making, understanding the essentials of water infusions, honey infusions, and oil infusions empowers us to craft potent and purposeful remedies. Embracing mindfulness, intentionality, and a deep connection with nature, we embark on a journey of creating herbal medicines that nourish the body, mind, and spirit.

Flor de Jamaica

By integrating these principles and practices into our herbal medicine making, we can cultivate a transformative and holistic approach to wellness that resonates with the profound wisdom of nature.

If you want to learn more about

Herbal Medicine Making Join Amanda Luna June 15th

Mucho Amor & Green Blessings,

Amanda Luna

Beltane: A Celebration of Renewal and Fertility

In the wheel of the year, Beltane stands as a highlight, embracing the arrival of summer and celebrating fertility and abundance. This ancient Gaelic festival, observed on May 1st, is a joyous occasion where communities come together, honoring the earth's awakening beauty. Whether you're in the countryside or the heart of a bustling city, there are practices you can engage in to honor Beltane and connect with the spirit of renewal. Let's explore the significance of this special holiday and discover accessible ways to celebrate it from anywhere.

The Significance of Beltane

Beltane represents the shifting of seasons from spring to summer, a time of tremendous agricultural importance and the blossoming of new life. It is the time when the land becomes fertile, and nature seems to burst forth in vibrant abundance. Traditionally, Beltane was believed to be a liminal time when the veil between the human and spiritual realms was thinnest, making it a profound occasion for mystical experiences and rituals.

Practices to Honor Beltane Anywhere

Create a Maypole Dance: The Maypole dance is synonymous with Beltane and is a fun and lively way to celebrate the festival's spirit. Whether you have access to a traditional Maypole or not, you can still recreate the experience. Find a sturdy pole or tree branch and decorate it with ribbons. Invite friends or family to join in a dance around the pole, interweaving the ribbons as a symbol of unity and connection.

Kindle the Fires of Transformation: Beltane is often associated with bonfires, symbolizing purification and renewal. If you can safely have a fire in your backyard or have access to a fire pit, gather friends or loved ones to kindle a bonfire. Make heartfelt wishes and release the old, negative energies into the flames. You can also write down what you want to manifest in the coming months and cast them into the fire as offerings.

Plant Seeds of Intention: Beltane is an ideal time to connect with the earth's fertility by planting seeds. Even if you don't have a garden, you can sow seeds in small pots or containers. Choose seeds that align with your intentions for the future, and as you plant them, infuse them with your hopes and aspirations. Nurture these seeds as a symbol of new beginnings and watch as they grow and manifest along with your desires.

Craft Flower Crowns or Wreaths: Beltane is closely associated with flowers and blossoms, symbolizing beauty and the abundance of nature. Embrace this symbolism by crafting flower crowns or wreaths. Collect flowers or greenery from your surroundings, and with each stem you weave, imbue it with the energy of gratitude and appreciation for the earth's bountiful gifts.

Meditate in Nature: Find a natural setting, such as a park or garden, and spend time connecting with the environment. Sit in stillness, close your eyes, and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. Tune in to the vital energy surrounding you, feeling the warmth of the sun, the softness of the earth beneath you, and the gentle caress of the breeze. Offer your gratitude to the earth and invite her energy to rejuvenate your spirit.

Beltane serves as a beautiful reminder of the cycles of life and the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. Whether you participate in traditional rituals or create your own unique ceremonies, the intention behind these practices is to honor the earth's fertility and embrace the spirit of renewal. By observing Beltane from anywhere, you can tap into the profound energy of this festival and invite the abundance and growth of the coming season into your life. Embrace the celebration, express gratitude, and let the joy of Beltane fill your heart.

If you are living in Costa Rica we love for you to

🌱Join us May 25th at the Tinamastes Feria for the 8th annual Seed Festival 9am-3pm

The Power of Infusing Love & Intention into Your Own Herbal Remedies

Herbal Oil Making

You may have an "inner-standing" of the tremendous power of intention. Perhaps you’ve learned about its effect on water in your own personal experience and or with 

 Dr. Masaru Emoto’s experiments.   Now let’s apply what we know about water to making herbal infused oils. Oils are actually seen as another way of “hydrating” the body.

For more amazing herbal blog posts! 

We can take in oils both internally and externally through our skin. Sometimes we forget that the skin is a vital organ that we absorb and release; nutrients, toxins and water from. 

Herbal oils are a gentle way to receive the healing power of plants. It also can be a more direct way as the medicine doesn’t need to be digested. It travels through the dermis layers and the tiny molecules are then absorbed into your bloodstream, pretty cool right?

How we absorb essential oils: the skin — MANONGI

Let's dive into the process of making herbal oil infusions and discover how to infuse love and intention into each step. However, before embarking on this journey, it's important to align your energy, emotions, and intentions.

Centered Energy: A Key Ingredient

Just like any creative process, making herbal medicine requires an alignment of energies. Take a moment to check your emotional state. If stress or negative emotions loom over you, it might not be the right time to embark on this journey. Find a moment of calm, center yourself, and let love and inspiration guide your steps.

Intention: Weaving a Purposeful Tapestry

Every creation thrives with intention, and herbal oil infusions are no exception. Get clear on your "why." What is the purpose behind your herbal oil infusion? Perhaps it's to promote healthy skin for yourself and your community. By setting a clear intention, you infuse each drop with purpose, making your creation even more potent.

Connecting with Herbs: A Sacred Bond

Ideally, you want to connect with the herbs you already have an established connection. The stronger the relationship you have with the herb the more healing it will be for you. If you have the means, consider growing them yourself. Introduce yourself and share your intentions with the plants, seeking their permission. Offering gratitude is a beautiful gesture, acknowledging the reciprocal relationship between humans and nature. If you don't have access to growing your own herbs, opt for organic, fair trade options that ethically source their plant materials.

The beloved Gotu Kola

Harvesting with Cosmic Guidance

Timing is everything, even in the herbal world. Consider checking the astrological calendar before harvesting your herbs. For instance, if you are making a massage oil for connection with your partner, you might choose to harvest when the moon is in Virgo. Exploring the influence of cosmic energy on your herbal creations can open up a fascinating dimension of herbal medicine making.

Great Resource for Astrology Forecast:

Rising Woman 

The Perfect Oil: Choosing Your Base

Selecting the right oil is crucial to create an optimal herbal oil infusion. Different oils have different qualities, and the choice depends on your intended purpose. Jojoba and almond oils penetrate deeply into the skin, while coconut oil provides protective properties. Delve into the unique characteristics of various oils and choose the one that aligns best with your objectives.

Complete Guide to Face Oils & Their Benefits 

Setting the Stage for Success: Preparing Your Space

A well-prepared space sets the foundation for successful herbal medicine making. Gather all the necessary materials, ensuring your herbs are clean and dry. Clear your workspace, allowing uninterrupted focus and energy flow. When everything is organized and in place, the journey of creating herbal oil infusions becomes even more enjoyable.

Unveiling the Infusion Techniques

There are various methods to infuse herbs into oil, each with its own nuances. Heat infusions involve cooking the herbs and then straining the material off. For a more gentle approach, blending or macerating the material and leaving it in oil to extract the medicinal qualities over time is an option. This is best to do with already dry herbs. Be mindful to avoid plants with high water content, such as aloe, which are more prone to mold. Alternatively, you can infuse herbs without blending, simply allowing them to steep in oil. Whichever method you choose, ensuring clean glass jars and storing them in a cool, dry, dark place are vital for preserving the potency of your creations.

The Power of Documentation: Keeping Herbal Journals

As you embark on this herbal medicine making journey, keeping a detailed herbal medicine journal is invaluable. Take careful notes of the proportions of herbs you use, the dates, and any observations you make throughout the process. If you find scales helpful, incorporate them into your practice to maintain consistency and precision. Your journal becomes a treasure trove of wisdom and guidance for future creations.

Use a journal I mean it

Labels and Time: Tracking the Journey

To avoid confusion and maintain organization, label your jars with clear descriptions, including the date of creation, and note when to check the infusion's progress (typically around the two-week mark). Your oils will be ready between the 4th-6th week mark. The longer the time the stronger the infusion. Also consider where you live warmer climate will speed up the process, colder will slow things down. Identifying the anticipated ready-to-use date ensures you capture the optimal potency of your herbal oil infusion.

Embrace the Magic: Herbal Medicine Making Unleashed

With love, intention, and a dash of magic, you are now equipped to embark on the enchanting journey of making your own herbal oil infusions. Embrace the wisdom of nature, connect to the healing powers of plants, and nurture your well-being and that of your community. 

Let's embark together on this journey of herbal medicine making magic!

Remember, each drop of your herbal oil infusion is infused with intention, love, and the remarkable healing essence of nature. Enjoy the process, embrace the artistry, and witness the transformative power of your very own herbal creations.

Happy herbal medicine making, fellow seekers of wellness and heartfelt connection!