Hello out there fellow herb lovers and wild ones. I certainly hope this time of year is finding you feeling calm and happy, wrapped in gratitude and sparkling greenery. Certain smells float around us more often to dust off musty memories that were stored away like sweaters during warmer months. Cinnamon and apples, citrus, crisp woodlands, and bonfire smoke – these are a few of my favorite things.
Another favorite of mine that would grace my lips during these cooler months is the Hot Toddy. I’m not a drinker these days, but I’ve had it on my mind for some time to infuse herbs into medicinal whisky blend, particularly using Mullein, due to it’s respiratory soothing properties. This year, I went for it and after a little tweaking the results are in. It’s fabulous. Welcome to the family, Toddy Tincture. Mullein, Lemon Balm, Lemon Peel and Cloves are infused into Makers Mark Bourbon Whisky. Reminiscent of the classic Hot Toddy when added to hot water with a touch of honey and fresh lemon, it’s also enjoyable and efficient on its own. The herbs included are known to be helpful for sticky or spasmodic coughs, as well as ones that are dry or lingering. It offers a soothing touch to an prickly throat, overworked lungs and irritated nervous system.
Another newbie that I am ready to introduce is Melt & Mend Salve, a topical infusion of hand-harvested herbs with warming and healing properties like Juniper, Goldenrod, Comfrey and Chili Pequin. This blend is meant to melt the most stubborn of your sore spots. This affinity towards warmth increases blood flow to the area, bringing with it oxygen as well as delivering herbal goodness and nutrients that assist with restoration and renewal.
UPCOMING MARKETS :
Bertram Country Christmas
Saturday December 4th 10am – 4pm in Historic Downtown Bertram
Winter Solstice Market
Sunday December 19th 11am – 4pm at Cultivate Holistic Homestead
I’ll have these new products available, as well as my classics and some super small batch specials like a Calendula + Salt Bath Soak, High Energy Chai Spiced Honey, and Lavender-Infused Raw Texas Honey. Classic babes, Queen of Hungary Water and Rose Water, will be available in smaller 2 ounce glass spray bottles, small enough to pop into a bag and join in on any upcoming Winter adventures. I’d love for you to swing by and see what else I might have up my sleeve. Connecting at markets, answering your questions and sharing what I’ve learned is my sweet spot – it’s what lights me up. If you’re a fan or have any questions, I’d love to meet you and hear what you’ve got to say!
UPCOMING CLASSES :
You can also find me leading a Fire Cider Making class with fellow Herbalist and dear friend Meghan Dwyer. What is Fire Cider? Well, it’s a traditional health tonic that supports digestion as well as the immune system. We’ll cover a bit of history and folklore as well as how it’s used, then you’ll brew up your own! You’ll combine roots like ginger & horseradish with citrus, peppers, garlic, and other potent herbs and spices, then we’ll cover it with Apple Cider Vinegar and discuss what happens next! Offered at Casa de Luz on Sunday, December 12th from 5pm – 6pm. Tickets are available through Third Eye Meditation Lounge.
SBBC NEWS
I’m hoping to make time for some sweet family crafts with my little – decorating brown paper for wrapping gifts. Did you know that most of that glittery, shiny paper is not recyclable and ends up in the landfill? Using old ribbon, stamps, markers, paint and dried fruit slices we’ll transform shopping bags into magnificent, unique wrapping paper that will also be recyclable. Now here’s to hoping it’s a smooth experience and fun is had by all. *My work through Small Business for Big Change includes a container reuse program, and I take back glass bottles and jars to sterilize and reuse. You are welcome to bring these to a market or class to return to me. Follow @sbbc_community for more eco-friendly holiday tips. You’ll also learn more about how we are building a community of small businesses that are taking real action and putting the dollars you spend towards following more sustainable and eco-conscious practices and giving back to the planet.
Follow EZ Herbs on Instagram or Facebook to keep up with the daily happenings over here in the plant magic space. I share even more with you there about herbal happenings around town, and how your products are grown, harvested and made. Please be sure, dear ones, that in this season when we focus on the care of so many others, that you take the time to also care for yourself.
With Gratitude and Many Green Blessings – Corey Gusnowski & EZ Herbs
