When we talk about self-care with herbs, certain times in our busy scheduled lives call for a few extra steps to make oneself feel really cared for. A hot bath enjoyed with a cup of herbal tea and a good book, a long run followed by a good rub down with an infused herbal body oil, or pairing herbal extracts with aromatherapy for a comprehensive herbal solution to any situation life throws at you.
We all know the feeling when we smell or taste something pleasing—it’s instant enjoyment, and grounds you into the present moment. This is the reason why herbalists love aromatic plants; they offer an instant reset button to your mood and spirit and are profoundly calming to the nervous system.
We are big fans of sage smudging, burning palo santo, and using our essential oil diffusers before the start to our day, yoga or meditation, when winding down for bed, or during an overwhelming day.
How we care for the everyday spaces we spend time in can impact our well-being and learning to use aromatherapy is a great way to create the desired ambiance or supportive atmosphere. The realm of aromatherapy is itself a relaxing, grounding and enjoyable subject, and there are some great resources out there. We encourage you to learn more!
See our pairings below for a few simple suggestions with noticeable effects on our moods and spaces!
For tension, worry, occasional stress, or emotional upset
Take: Urban Moonshine JOY TONIC
Joy Tonic reduces occasional acute stress, keeps the mood light, and promotes a positive mental attitude.
A formula that includes all of our favorite aromatic and uplifting herbs for supporting the nervous system—herbs like lemon balm, linden and rose. Its focus is, in fact, entirely on the nervous system. The aromatics in this formula are fast-acting and reliable. Mindfully let go of tension, making room for love and gratitude!
Enjoy 1 teaspoon (5 mL) 1-3 times a day.
Diffuse: Ylang Ylang essential oil
Sensually sweet and calming, Ylang Ylang is very relaxing and helps one to experience pleasure, joy and keep the mood light.
Jasmine essential oil
Warm and floral, Jasmine is uplifting to our mood, and helps support a positive outlook while inspiring inspiration.
Clary Sage essential oil
Its sweet and herbaceous aroma provide calming and soothing effects to the nervous and hormonal systems. A lovely herb for women.
For energy boost, productivity, mental alertness or workout motivation
Take: Urban Moonshine ENERGY TONIC
Energy Tonic energizes (without jitters), fights fatigue, and increases mental clarity. It is one of our favorite adaptogenic formulas to protect your body from the depleting effects of stress. Used as a daily tonic, the formula can help energize, support healthy athletic performance, boost stamina, and help to restore mental alertness when experiencing fatigue.
Take 1/2 teaspoon (2.5mL) 2-3 times a day, straight or in a bit of water.
Diffuse: Eucalyptus essential oil
Cleansing & clearing, uplifting to any work, car or home space.
Peppermint essential oil
Revitalizing, energizing and refreshing to the body mind and soul.
For deep relaxing sleep, soothing mind chatter at bedtime or comforting sleeplessness
Take: Urban Moonshine HIT THE HAY
Hit The Hay is a traditional formula used to soothe away the tension of the day and help you fall asleep quickly for a full night's rest. The herbs in our formula promote relaxation, and soothe a racing mind on occasional sleepless nights.
Take 5 ml (1 tsp) at bedtime. Can repeat a second time one hour later if necessary.
Diffuse: Lavender essential oil
Gentle, calming, and perfect for winding down at the end of a busy day.
Chamomile essential oil
Dreamy and euphoric, chamomile helps us transition our nervous system to relaxation mode.
For digestive support for after meals, dinner parties or cocktail hour
Take: Urban Moonshine Digestive Bitters
Bitters are our #1 best-selling digestive support, a plant-based alternative to digestive enzymes, digestive bitters are your ally in gas and bloating, occasional heartburn or nausea, sugar or carb cravings. By taking them before you eat to ignite the digestive fire, support the production of hydrochloric acid, pancreatic enzymes and bile, and help ensure normal bowel habits.
To stimulate healthy digestion, enjoy approximately ¼ teaspoon (1.2 mL) of our bitters before or after meals.
Diffuse: Lemon/ grapefruit, orange or tangerine essential oil
Citrus essential oils are some of the most enjoyed because of their bright revitalizing effect which lifts irritability, brightens the spirit, soothes and aids digestion.
Ginger essential oil
A pungent aromatic, spicy, warming, and enlivening, the aromatic aroma of ginger fills the home with comforting smells is the perfect pairing to digestive bitters, to soothe, or promote digestion.
