Welcome to the Spring Decadence Share! We are thrilled to kickoff this season, and we hope you are too. We are equally excited to send out our first Decadence Shares. This share was inspired by the conviction that beauty itself is healing. Plants communicate with us through their vibrant appearance, flavor, and aroma. The herbal goodies you will receive in this share are designed to capture those magical characteristics and the healing properties that they impart. Your only job is to enjoy them to the fullest extent of the moment.

With gratitude,

Amanda, Jamie, & the Locust Light Family

Herbal Blossoms

Facial Cleansing Balm

A blend of coconut & jojoba oils infused with calendula, white yarrow, and lavender

It seems strange to “wash” your skin with oil, but give it a try! Your skin needs oil to be healthy. When the oil becomes dirty, pores can get clogged which causes acne. Washing with oil replaces dirty oil with clean oil, and this oil will nourish your skin with calendula, white yarrow, and lavender. This is safe and effective even for those who have “oily” skin.

TO USE

Massage into face. The balm is safe for use on eyelids and area around the eyes, and is great for removing makeup. After massaging, rinse with warm water, or hold a hot washcloth over the face to steam off excess oil. Pat dry.

This balm also makes an excellent moisturizer that is safe for all areas of the body.

Lavender & Lemon Balm Herbal Honey

Local honey infused with lavender and lemon balm

A delicious spread that imparts the healing properties of lavender and lemon balm. Flavor and healing in one adorable package: this is what the Decadence Share is all about.

TO USE

Spread on toast, stir into tea, or drizzle over yoghurt or ice cream. Enjoy.

Gilded Dreams Herbal Bath Salts

Epsom salts blended with calendula, lemon balm, lavender, and chamomile; scented with essential oils of lavender, rose geranium, atlas cedar, carrot seed, and eucalyptus

As the salts soothe your muscles, let the aroma of herbs carry your spirit to the realm of carefree dreams.

TO USE

Sprinkle a handful of the salts into bath water. Lightly stir to dissolve the salts before entering the bath.

November CSW Share

November 23, 2015 Amanda Midkiff

Winter Sunshine Herbal Blend

A blend of St. Johns Wort, Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Tulsi, and Lemon Basil designed to keep the spirits buoyed through the changing seasons. St. Johns Wort and Lemon Balm is a classic herbal combination for those affected by the time change and decreasing sunlight. St Johns Wort is commonly described by herbalists as the herb that “draws in the sunshine.” Let St Johns Wort fill your winter with brightness. Tulsi helps to keep emotions level and the mind clear. The lemony aroma is immediately uplifting. Enjoy as a tea or bath.

TO USE AS TEA

Steep 1 tsp. of herbs in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes.

TO USE AS A BATH

My favorite way to infuse herbs into bathwater is to make a strong infusion then add the infusion to the water. To do this, use 1 Tbsp. of herbs per cup of hot water for the infusion. Let steep as you draw your bath. After at least 15 minutes, strain out the herbs. Bring your infusion to the bath and pour it in. If the infusion is cool enough, I like to get in the bath and pour it over my head, letting it run into the bath water.

Another option is to put the herbs in a stocking or other infusing vessel and infuse the herbs directly into the bathwater. This can be pleasant but gives a less strong infusion.

Adding 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil to bathwater can add to the decadent (and healing!) experience. Essential oils of ginger, lemon, and sweet orange pair nicely with this herbal blend. Don’t go overboard on the ginger, though – it can be irritating to sensitive areas. To properly disperse oils into water, add the oil to an ounce or so of milk (or another dispersant), then add to the bath water.

NOTE: For those who cannot take St. Johns Wort (see your “Herbal Information” packet), I feel that the amount in 1 tsp., once a day, would be safe, and not interfere with pharmaceuticals. As always, use your intuition and check with your doctor. I would definitely not recommend consuming St. Johns Wort in tincture form if you are on daily pharmaceuticals.

CHOOSE THREE:

Winter Sunshine Balm

A healing balm to uplift the spirit and warm the body. This blend of St. Johns Wort, Lemon Balm, Cayenne, Ginger, Spearmint, Peppermint, Comfrey and Ashwagandha is designed to convey sunshine wherever you go. The herbs are uplifting, and the cayenne and ginger impart a mild warming sensation to the skin.

I like to apply this balm to wrists and soles of the feet. The cayenne and ginger can also be helpful for sore muscles, while the St. Johns Wort works topically for bruising and nerve pain.

TO USE

Apply to skin when uplift or warmth is desired. As the herbs are stimulating to the skin, be mindful to not touch the eyes after applying, and exercise caution with sensitive areas.

Winter Sunshine Tincture

A blend of St. Johns Wort, Lemon Balm, Milky Oats, Tulsi, and Cayenne

This is a portable, more concentrated version of the tea. For those who struggle to maintain lightness of spirit during the winter months, each of these herbs is an incredible ally. This blend is excellent for daily use throughout the entire winter season.

TO USE

Take 30-60 drops three times daily. Best if used for a period of at least six weeks.

Lemon Balm Tincture

Tincture of Lemon Balm

For those who cannot take St. Johns Wort (see your “Herbal Information” packet), Lemon Balm is an excellent ally through the winter months.

TO USE

Take 30-60 drops daily through the winter season.

The Enlivened Mind Tincture

A blend of rosemary, broadleaf sage, spearmint, and Tulsi

These herbs are stimulating to the mind, aid the memory, and help maintain mental clarity. They serve as an excellent tonic for brain health and impart immediate mental stimulation.

TO USE

Take 30-60 drops three times daily, or when in need of a mental boost.

NOTE: Neither rosemary nor sage should be taken in medicinal doses during pregnancy, or when trying to conceive.

Rosemary Tincture

Tincture of Rosemary

Rosemary is an excellent memory tonic, and is stimulating to many body systems.

TO USE

Take 30-60 drops three times daily.

NOTE: Rosemary should not be taken in medicinal doses during pregnancy, or when trying to conceive.

Deep Sleep Tincture

A blend of herbs to ease the body and mind into a deep, restful sleep:

Valerian, hops, chamomile, California Poppy, catnip

TO USE

Take 30-60 drops before bed, or upon waking in the night.

Herbal Smoking Blend

A blend of mugwort, motherwort, mullein, Mexican Tarragon, and broadleaf sage

This is my Classic Herbal Smoking Blend (i.e. the one I designed for myself when I began to craft smoking blends). It is blended for both a transportive experience as well as a bold flavor. Mugwort is smoked or burned as incense to ease one into a deep, meditative state. It is connected with the moon and lunar, divine feminine energy. Motherwort is smoked for astral projectioning; mullein is soothing to the lungs; Mexican Tarragon and Sage are yummy.

TO USE

Pack into a pipe or roll into a cigarette. Can be inhaled or not as suits your preference. Enjoy on its own or blended with any other smokeable herb.

For more information on the wonders of smoking herbs, see your “Herbal Information” packet.

October CSW Share

October 27, 2015 Amanda Midkiff

October Share

Let it Fade

Herbal Blend for Tea or Bath

This blend of chamomile and catnip is designed to bring calmness to the entire being. Both herbs are relaxing to the mind, easing you into a restful state after a stressful day. The herbs are also very soothing to the digestive system. This blend is perfect for drinking after a heavy meal. It is especially helpful for drinking before bed if troubled digestion gets in the way of sleeping (in such cases, it’s helpful to drink 20-25 minutes before bed rather than immediately). Both of these herbs are commonly used to ease children into bed. They are gentle and sweet in flavor.

Sip as tea or slip into an herbal bath and let your worries fade away.

TO USE AS TEA

Steep 1 tsp. of herbs in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Try the tea both with honey and without: honey brings out the sweetness of the chamomile, while the catnip flavor is more prominent if left unsweetened. This blend is intensely calming, and nice for sharing with a friend.

Note: Chamomile is, at its heart, a bitter herb. If left to steep for more than 15 minutes, the bitter flavor will be released, thus increasing the helpful digestive effects but potentially decreasing the palatability.

TO USE AS A BATH

Another option is to put the herbs in a stocking or other infusing vessel and infuse the herbs directly into the bathwater. This can be pleasant but gives a less strong infusion.

For more information on the benefits and magic of herbal baths, see the “Herbal Information” packet.

CHOOSE THREE:

Herbal Facial Spray

Witch Hazel infused with White Yarrow

This is an astringent facial spray to keep your skin clear and healthy.

As we move into colder weather, washing the face with soap can be too harsh for those with sensitive skin. This spray removes dirt and excess oil from the face without being drying.

TO USE

Close eyes and spray over face. Dab with cotton ball. Alternatively, moisten the cotton ball with the spray and dab onto face.

Immune-Boost Tincture

Tincture of Echinacea Root and Flower blended with Hyssop

Echinacea effectively works to stimulate the immune system, while hyssop has strong anti-septic and cough suppressant properties.

TO USE

Echinacea tincture is most effective if taken in high amounts for a few days, then paused. Also, it is less effective if taken with water, so take the tincture directly, undiluted. This will feel strong on the throat, but will be very effective against any illness that is settling in the throat.

Take 60 drops 3-4 times a day for 5 days, then stop for 2 days. Repeat for up to four weeks if desired.

Spearmint Tincture

Tincture of Spearmint Leaf

To calm the stomach and lift the spirit.

TO USE

Take 20-30 drops in a little water after a meal or when in need of a lift.

Let it Fade Tincture

Tincture of Catnip and Chamomile

Like the herbal blend, this tincture is calming for both the mind and the digestive system. The tincture can give you a stronger dose; and it is portable, which is nice for travel, when the potential for stomach troubles, stress, and sleeping troubles is high.

TO USE

Take 30-60 drops in a bit of water as needed.

Chamomile Tincture

Tincture of Chamomile

Chamomile is an incredible herb for a wide varieties of wellness challenges. See the attached info and be awed.

TO USE

Take 30-60 drops in a little water as needed.

Catnip Tincture

Tincture of Catnip

This is also a helpful multi-purpose herb to have in your apothecary. I use it if I wake feeling anxious in the night, when I’ve allowed someone to stress me out, or if I feel stressed soon after eating.

TO USE

Take 30-60 drops in a little water as needed.

Radiance Moisturizing Oil

Olive oil infused with comfrey, lavender, nettle, plantain, calendula, white yarrow; essential oils of lavender, rose geranium, atlas cedar

As the weather becomes cold and dry, it is important to keep your skin glowing and healthy. Olive oil is extremely moisturizing, and these herbs are nourishing to the skin.

TO USE

Apply the oil all over your body after you shower or bathe. This is a lovely ritual to practice caring for yourself and your body. Self-care, self-love, and compassion are crucial tools to keep our spirits joyful as the seasons change.

August CSW Share

September 10, 2015 Amanda Midkiff

Easy Breathing Tea

A blend of mullein, marshmallow, goldenrod, calendula, and thyme

These herbs are blended to soothe and open your upper respiratory system. Drink at the onset of an upper respiratory cold or late summer allergies. Helpful also for sore throat, a difficult cough, asthma, and bronchitis.

In an interesting coincidence, many herbs (such as mullein, marshmallow, and goldenrod) that are supportive to the lungs and respiratory system are also very supportive and healing to the urinary tract. This tea can be enjoyed as a tonic for the urinary system, or taken at the onset of an infection.

Just one more thing…

Each of these herbs is excellent for external use on swelling. This herb blend would make an excellent compress for swollen tonsils, lymphatic swelling or musculoskeletal swelling.

TO USE

Infuse one tablespoon of herbs into just-boiled water. Let steep for 15 minutes to 12 hours. The tea is savory and will become stronger as it steeps longer. For additional throat healing, sweeten with honey after the tea has cooled somewhat.

This blend is also great for gargling.

TO MAKE A COMPRESS

Make a strong infusion: ¼ cup of herbs for one cup of water. You can strain the infusion, or strain it and retain the herbs in a cloth. Dip a cloth, or the cloth bundle of herbs, in the infusion and apply to the swollen area. Refresh the compress with another dip in the infusion every few minutes. If possible, you can attach the compress to yourself by wrapping the area (compress included) in plastic wrap and wear overnight or for a few hours.

White Yarrow Tincture

Tincture of white yarrow

TO USE

Take 30-60 drops as needed.

Choose two:

Lip Balm Set

Scarborough Fair Lip Balm and Lemongrass Lip Balm

Scarborough Fair Lip Balm: The classic combination of parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme to nourish and heal your lips

Lemongrass Lip Balm: A blend of lemongrass and lemon basil to add some pep in your step throughout the day

TO USE

Apply to lips throughout the day, then smile vigorously.

Sunburn Oil

A blend of St. Johns Wort oil and calendula oil to heal the skin after a sunburn

TO USE

Gently apply to affected areas.

Herbal Iced Tea Blend

A refreshing blend of spearmint, anise hyssop, lemongrass, lemon basil, and catnip. Perfect for a hot summer afternoon.

TO USE

Infuse 1 tablespoon of tea in hot water for 15 minutes. For larger batches, use ¼ cup for one quart. If desired, sweeten while still warm. Pour over ice.

NOTE:

This blend also makes a delicious simple syrup, which can be added to cocktails or club soda.

TO MAKE SIMPLE SYRUP:

Make a very strong infusion – 2 tablespoons for one cup of water. Let the infusion steep for 15 minutes, then strain. Pour the infusion into a saucepan and turn the heat on medium. Add sugar in a 1:1 ratio with the infusion (1 cup of sugar for 1 cup of liquid). Stir until the sugar dissolves. You now have a tasty herbal simple syrup. Add 1-2 tablespoons to a gin and tonic, vodka tonic, etc. Added to plain club soda, you now have an herbal soda!

St. Johns Wort Tincture

Extract of St. Johns Wort

TO USE

Take 30-60 drops as needed.

July CSW Share

September 10, 2015 Amanda Midkiff

July Share

Daily Brightness Tea

An uplifting blend of St. John’s Wort, Lemon Balm, and Lemon Basil

These herbs are blended to lift your spirit. Drink when feeling down, overwhelmed, or low energy.

TO USE

Infuse one tablespoon of herbs into one cup of just-boiled water. Let steep for 10-15 minutes. Enjoy.

First Aid Salve

A blend of plantain, comfrey, white yarrow, calendula, and California Poppy

These herbs are healing to the skin. Use on cuts, scrapes, burns (once cooled), insect bites, etc.

TO USE

Rub salve onto damaged skin. Cover with a bandage.

Choose two of the following:

Moontime Massage Oil

A blend of mugwort, lavender, hops and valerian oil; essential oils of ginger and rose geranium

Use this massage oil for general loveliness in the evening. The mugwort is magical in its lunar, dreamy way; the other herbs are calming before bed.

TO USE

Pour a tablespoon of oil into the hands and massage into the skin.

Springtime Cleansing Tincture

A blend of Dandelion root and leaf extract, violet leaf and flower, dock extract, poke extract

These herbs are blended to support liver and kidney function, helping the body to detoxify.

TO USE

Take 30-60 drops three times daily, at least before bed

Motherwort Tincture

Motherwort Extract

TO USE AS A TONIC

Take 30-60 drops three times daily.

TO USE IN ACUTE SITUATIONS

If experiencing an abnormal heartbeat, highly disruptive stress, or sudden abnormal menstrual bleeding, take 60 drops every two hours for three hours.

Valerian Tincture

Valerian Root Extract

TO USE
Take 30-60 drops before bed.

Nervous System Tonic Tincture

Milky Oats and St. Johns Wort Extract

Both herbs are supportive to the nervous system. Milky oats is restorative, supporting frazzled nerves, depletion, and exhaustion due to stress. St. Johns Wort is uplifting to the spirit.

TO USE

Take 30-60 drops three times daily.

Welcome to the Garden