Hello!

My interest in herbs began over twenty years ago when I bought a paperback at a local bookstore called ‘The Herb Book’, by John Lust. I later discovered this book is considered one of the most widely-read and respected books on herbs around the globe. Sort of like the herb bible. Then, several years ago, I started two herb magazine subscriptions, and planted a small herb garden.

A few years ago I became a lifetime member of Herbal Healer Academy through which I enrolled in a correspondence course to become a certified Herbologist. During the course of my studies, and after thousands of hours of Internet research on herbal medicine and recipes, I decided it was time to put my homework to practical use in the kitchen.

In 2004 I broke out the crock pot and made my first batch of salve using my own homegrown calendula and beeswax produced by local bees. I gave away a lot of salve in hopes that folks would discover first hand that herbal preparations really do heal. Those same folks told me how well my salve worked on a wide range of conditions, and strongly suggested I market it. Because the FDA is very strict about such things, I cannot tell you all the medical conditions my salve has healed. But, I will say my salve is made from only natural products and is safe on much more than minor cuts, burns, and insect bites.

In 2005 I began experimenting with several combinations of essential oils in a grape seed oil base that led to the creation of my insect repellent. It has been tested locally from the Sacramento delta to the forests of the Sierra Nevada, and as far away as Tennessee. I have received no negative feedback. They all agree that it works great, and appreciate that it is all natural; no DEET!

In 2006 I made my first lip balm. This, too, has been well-received by all those who have tried it. The base contains all natural ingredients, including sweet almond oil, which could be harmful to those who have allergies to nuts. Besides good old unflavored, I currently have 15 flavors available, and will gladly custom blend any combination thereof. Even though they are called ‘flavor oils’, they don’t actually have a taste. It’s more of a ‘scent-sation’ of being flavored. I don’t add sweetener like lots of lip balm makers do because sweeteners make people want to lick their lips, which dries them out, which defeats the purpose of using a lip balm. My lip balm has a nice smooth texture, and glides on without the waxy feel of some lip balms, and no nasty aftertaste. Try putting some on at bedtime, and wake up with soft lips.

For years I attended the annual Harvest Festival in my hometown of Placerville, California, where I have lived since October 1985. My favorite booth was the Gold Country Herb Society. I finally became a member of the GCHS last year. The annual Harvest Festival is no more, but, the GCHS now has its own annual event called the Gold Country Herb Faire. I have attended each year, and learned much.

In 2007, with the encouragement and support of my husband, Gary, my family and friends, I made the decision to market my healing salve, insect repellent and lip balm. More ideas, inspired by the Faire and from other sources, will eventually find their way to my website. I trust you will enjoy them as much as any or all of what you will find here today!

Thank you so much for stopping by!