This June edit is a favorite one of mine as I am currently traveling overseas, finishing up a Summer Solstice Botanical Perfumery Retreat in Provence, France. I have so much to share with you all about this transformative experience, but that is for another time.
I used to live overseas when my oldest child was an infant, and I traveled with so many herbs, tinctures and teas that I have become passionate about what is essential. As most people travel during the summer months, this is a perfect share for our second Verse Edit.
Staying healthy while traveling is everything. I have been using my essential oils and teas while I'm here, and the access to tinctures and herbs is limited. I am reminded how lucky I am to be a herbalist and have the companies I know and love so easily found in my journey.
If you're interested in becoming a herbalist, our 2025 courses are opening next Monday, June 25! Stay tuned. :)
Farmacopia B-Cooler Tincture $24
During the heat of the summer and stress of travel, staying cool (literally and figuratively) is the primary focus of many folks while going on vacation. Farmacopeia's website says it best: "This formula is made for what we call in herbalism, a “hot” or “stagnant” liver, energetically speaking. Infused with cooling nerve soothers–like skullcap, lemon balm, and lavender–then spiked with flavonoid-rich blueberry extract.* This elixir is great straight or dropped into fizzy water."
These bitters are everything. I can't believe how many times I have needed to grab these bitters to help with stagnant/upset digestion on this trip! I could have sold these out of my suitcase to multiple folks eating new things while journeying. An easy thing to keep in your bag and something you will use 3x/day.
This lip balm could not have been called any other name. This is the most emollient lip balm I have ever used! With seaweed and buckthorn oil, you're giving your lips a hydration worthy of the sea gods. With organic vanilla added, you will also get that luxurious scent without any of the nasty chemicals. Worth every penny. This also comes in Mint and Chocolate. I have them in every flavor.
Tulsi is one of the most delicious Adaptogens I know of. According to Donald Yance, author of Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism, Tulsi is a secondary adaptogen, which is defined as bringing balance back to the body after stress without directly affecting the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Axis. Foster Farms website shares more about Tulsti; "What we know is that Tulsi has been used for time immemorial for bringing balance back to the body: In Ayurveda, tulsi is referred to as the 'Great Protector,' and believed to support immune health, strengthen digestion, and decrease inflammation. This herb can promote overall wellbeing and longevity by helping us feel more hopeful and more in tune with the world around us."
I recommend drinking 1-2 cups per day of tulsi tea if you're needing a little bit of a chill out. 1 tsp/8 ounces of hot water. Steep for 15 minutes. Drink!
When I traveled with my infant son, I always had a salve packed in my purse or baby bag to put on his scrapes, rashes, and bum. I love this salve - the clean and efficacious ingredients, all grown at Oshala Farm, and with a tiny bit of lavender essential oil/ For those adults who are highly sensitive to scent, this is a great option.
Staying cool as a cucumber is not in our lexicon only because cucumbers are refrigerated and served cold, cucumbers are also cooling in nature and very high in water. This hydrosol (which is a by-product of essential oil distillation) is very hydrating for the face after you wash. This is a great option to keep in the fridge for hot days (or hot flashes!) and lightly mist on your face and décolleté as desired.
I am obsessed with traveling with my own tea wherever I go, and I love this cute TM Travel Tea Tumbler. It is double insulated so it keeps my tea hot all day. I love it's simple design, making it easy to pack on a long trip.
The trend is real for a reason. Coffee alternatives with adaptogens are hip right now due to the fact that stress is out of fashion. It's about time! Wooden Spoon's herbal coffee is sans coffee (thank goddess) but has all of the tasty herbs and mushrooms that you want in an alternative. Drink hot or cold. YUM.
Sleep is the most talked about topic while traveling. During this last trip to France, I forgot my most essential tincture and could have shared it with many folks who were suffering from jet lag and general insomnia. This tincture is efficacious, helping quiet the mind and relax the body, giving a sense of safety and calm before knocking out. It's an easy one to travel with due to it's size and you can pop it in a cuppa chamomile tea if you want to add a little more of a kick.
Having two children, I constantly need this spray around during summer nights. Whether needing to cool down a sunburn or reduce an itch from a bug bite, this spray is a lovely welcome.
This is for the bites that are extra intense itch, and need a stronger essential oil blend. This is a small product which makes it easy to pack. All organic essential oils.
https://www.buddhateas.com/hibiscus-tea.html
Hibiscus flower has always been known to support the heart, and a summer addition to many agua frescas. Hibiscus is used traditionally in many cultures to promote self-love and inner peace. Hibiscus is sour, cooling, and very high in Vitamin C.