From the Blog of Pure Wellness

Herbalism Posts

Plants Through the Signs

Posted on: April 8, 2019 in Aromatherapy, Blog, Energy Work, Herbalism, Latest News, Self-Care, Uncategorized


As my Astrothecary line has started moving forward, I wanted to start to share a little of the process with everyone. Each small batch is blended on full moons, but I also take into consideration what sign the moon is in, as well as the sun and sometimes other major planetary actions. From my studies in traditional herbalism and astrology and aromatherapy too, I have gathered lists of plants and aromas that correspond with each planet and sign. Here is a very basic rundown of signs and plants or aromas that correlate with them.

The best time to use these would be when you aren’t “feeling yourself” or need to get back in touch with your purpose. You can also use the opposite of your sign when you need to balance energies out.

Aries – Mars: Rosemary
Taurus – Venus: Rose
Gemini – Mercury: Basil
Cancer – Moon: Mugwort
Leo – Sun: Frankincense
Virgo -Mercury: Lavender
Libra- Venus: Geranium
Scorpio – Pluto: Patchouli
Sagittarius – Jupiter: Nutmeg
Capricorn – Saturn: Cypress
Aquarius – Uranus: Benzoin
Pisces – Neptune: Myrrh

The Language of the Skies & The Feeding of the Soul: The Astrothecary

Posted on: February 8, 2019 in Aromatherapy, Blog, Energy Work, Herbalism, Latest News, Reiki, Self-Care, Stress

The first time I picked up an astrology book was when I was 15. Connecting to my sun sign of Aquarius was like opening up a book and reading about my life. From then on, astrology flitted in and out of my life. About 6 years ago, I started really delving into it, reading as much as I could and pulling up charts to try to decipher them. A year ago I made the leap to start studying with a teacher and mentor who has been doing astrology for almost 40 years.

You may ask “what the heck does this all have to do with wellness, Cathy?” It took me this long to realize what an important, historical, life art that astrology is and how it has woven itself in and out of my own wellness path, but it kept showing up in sessions with clients, my classes and life in general. And isn’t wellness the overall arc of life?

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Cathy Finishes Her Master Aromatherapy Certification!

Posted on: October 25, 2018 in Aromatherapy, Blog, Herbalism, Latest News, Pure Wellness

In 2013, I spent a half a year working on becoming a certified Aromatherapist. I felt it was overdue since I had already been spending over 10 years using essential oils. I graduated with 250 hours under my belt… but I didn’t feel that was enough. I then decided to go back and start another 250 hour program, this time in clinical herbalism. I graduated the following year…a couple years went by and again, I didn’t feel that was enough so this time I decided to buckle down and study Master Aromatherapy.

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Learning Life Beyond the Physical

Posted on: September 26, 2018 in Aromatherapy, Blog, Herbalism, Latest News, Self-Care

I am currently finishing my Master Aromatherapy Certification and recently had to do a research paper on anything pertaining to Aromatherapy. My first thought was to write it on ethical and safe practices, as that is what I am a large advocate for in the world of aromatherapy. But soon, my brain started realizing I had done a ton of research and a few articles on that and I was ready to expand into something that isn’t a mainstream topic. So I began digging into the combination of Astrology and Aromatherapy.

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A New Resolution: Taking Care of Yourself

Posted on: May 12, 2017 in Aromatherapy, Blog, Classes & Events, Energy Work, Herbalism, Massage Therapy, Meditation, Pain, Reiki, Self-Care, Stress

Whether or not you make resolutions, it’s become more important than ever to take care of yourself. Besides living a long life and being around for your loved ones (including children), don’t you want your long life to be as stress-free as possible? Many people are probably laughing at that last thought, but of all the things you can  control: How to relieve your body of unwanted stress.

Have you heard of 21st Century Stress? Yes, it’s a real thing. Whether we want to admit it or not, our lives are a constant buzzing around, checking emails, posting on facebook, tweeting this and texting that. We’ve actually somehow added to the day to day stress of just living, working, and even playing.

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A Red Tent Series: Women’s Self-Care Part 2

Posted on: April 21, 2016 in Blog, Herbalism, Red Tent, Self-Care

Now that we are grounded and present, the next step is to do some Cleansing. This can mean your body, mind, and even space. I will give you a great cleansing foot bath recipe, but also a few other ideas as well. The recipe  does not have to be exact. It may sound strange, but you can find many of these items in your kitchen or a grocery store.

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Herbalism Education: Linden Blossom

Posted on: June 23, 2014 in Blog, Herbalism, Stress

The Linden flower comes from the Tilia tree family. Some common names you might recognize are Basswood trees or Linden tree or Lime Flower Tree.

Linden flowers may be used fresh or dried in infusions, teas, tinctures, infused oils and essential oil. It has a sweet taste and aroma. Suggested uses: uplifting, calming, expectorant, anti-inflammation, anti-spasmodic, sedative.

Quick Tip: Use the light green straight leaf attached to the flowers in a tea for a cheerful treat, served hot or iced.

Herbalism Education: Herbs in Massage

Posted on: March 9, 2014 in Blog, Herbalism, Pain, Stress

Did you know you can add food into the mix without being messy?
Did you know you can make massage oils without buying expensive essential oils?

Making your own herbal infused massage oil is actually very easy! You only need 3 supplies and a good 6 weeks to make it happen.
Read below to see which type of massage oil you would like to make.

Pick an herb
Lavender – relaxing
Chamomile – relaxing
Comfrey – soothing
Ginger – warming
Calendula – hydrating
Rosemary – muscle rub
or pick an herb to experiment with. There are SO many!
Pick a carrier oil
Almond Oil
Grapeseed Oil
Olive Oil
Jojoba Oil
or pick another carrier oil that you love.
Mason Jar with Lid

Directions: You can use dried or fresh herbs (make sure you leave no space for any bacteria to grow if you are using fresh). Fill the jar with chopped herb, cover completely with your carrier oil, cap the jar tight and set in a sunny area in the house. You will notice infusion with some herbs with the oil changes color (depending on the herb) or just wait 6 weeks until it’s ready. Strain the oil through cheesecloth and bottle your lovely, new herbal massage oil and keep it in a dark, cool cabinet when not in use.

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Herbalism Education: Cayenne

Posted on: January 26, 2014 in Blog, Herbalism

Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum frutescens)

Essential Oil: none

Uses: antiseptic, stimulant, diaphoretic, warming. Fresh or dried pods with seeds can be used in teas, tinctures, washes and infused oils.

Quick Tip: Add a teaspoon of powdered cayenne to a meal or tea at the beginning of a cold or with inflamed throats. If you do not consume Cayenne regularly, work up to a teaspoon slowly.

Herb of the week is to give you a brief overview of the many plants that grace our Earth. Please research further into herbs before using these on yourself and loved ones. Especially if you are pregnant.

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