Hong Kong Medicinal Tea Stalls

Walking through the crowded streets of Hong Kong, you can’t help but notice the herbal medicine shops when you pass by.  Why?  Because they smell.  A really strong,

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Thai Butterfly Pea Shampoo

What was life like before pharmacies and grocery stores in every town?  So many simple things we take for granted – like handsoap.  Or bandaids.  Or ibuprofen.  Or

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Thanaka Wood the Burmese Beauty Secret

I smiled at the woman sweeping the sidewalk.  What WAS that yellow stuff on her face?  Trying not to stare, and unable to communicate, but also ridiculously curious,

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Kitchen science experiments: Violets and pH

Let me tell you a story about a sunny afternoon walk… that turned into a major research project. Oh what a sunny, gorgeous day in early March.  Dragging myself

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Violet Syrup

That gentle, spring, powdery scent of fresh violets.  It’s an old-fashioned smell.  It reminds me of powdery old-lady kisses and victorian valentines and heavily-curtained, doily-covered sitting rooms. But

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Foraging for Beauty

Sometimes, what you’re meant to do just finds you. It turns out that I’m The Beauty Forager.  Who knew? I never intended that to happen.  In fact, when I first

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6 Natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids for Smoother Skin

“Is it supposed to tingle quite this much?” I remember asking the esthetician. Reclining in the treatment chair for my supposedly relaxing pre-flight facial, I wasn’t feeling very relaxed.

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Clear Thinking Balm (for stress + headaches)

Sometimes product ideas can sit with you for months – years even – before you get around to making them.  You need a little push.  At least, I

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Dandelion & Rooibos Well-Rooted Chai

Do you ever have those days when thoughts are swirling in your head?  You feel a bit spacey and scattered – too much to do, not enough time.

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Soothing oatmeal bath for irritated skin

I’ve been studying herbal medicine for almost 5 years now. About 2 years into my studying, I thought “wow, I know a lot!” … and now I’ve hit

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