Joyful June

Summer has arrived! As the season envelops us with sunny days and longer evenings, there are many ways to help prepare for an active and bountiful summer! Some of our favorite summertime items include the Soothing Burn Spray, No Bug Bite Salve, Sweet Mint Tea and more. We are excited to introduce some new specialty oils with high SPF coverage for all your favorite homemade sunscreen recipes. Also be sure to check out some of our favorite summertime classes including the Hydrosol & Floral Waters class, spritz your way into a cool summer!

June is Men's Health Month and Father's Day. Join us in honoring the men in our lives and be sure to check out the men's health section at Rebecca's. We have great gifts and books for all the herb loving men in your life!

4th of July Holiday Hours
Closed Thursday, July 3rd
Closed Friday, July 4th
Closed Saturday, July 5th

Don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook for updates throughout the month.

New Products & Promotions

Neem Infused Oil

Neem infused oil is a perfect complement to many of your favorite summertime body care and garden recipes. Traditionally used for its antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, insecticidal, and antifungal properties, Neem is a valuable plant that can be applied in a variety of ways. A great way to use Neem infused oil is as a diluted insect repellant for your garden. Applied as a daily spray, a dilution of 1 oz Neem infused oil to 1 quart water is an effective way to keep bugs off your favorite plants. We are offering 10% off the Neem infused olive oil off for a limited time.

We have heard your requests and are very excited for some new additions to our line of specialty carrier oils!

Raspberry seed oil

Red Raspberry seed oil is a cold pressed, extra virgin carrier oil used in a variety of skin care recipes. High in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids in addition to many beneficial antioxidants, Red Raspberry seed oil has traditionally been used for skin repair, conditioning, and to aid in moisture retention. The anti-inflammatory properties of Red Raspberry seed oil make it a great choice to include in recipes for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Red Raspberry seed oil has been shown to have a range of 30-50 SPF and can be added to homemade sunblock recipes to increase protection from harmful UV rays.

Carrot seed oil

Cold pressed from the seeds of a plant known as Queen Anne's lace, Carrot seed oil has conventionally been used to rejuvenate and regenerate skin tissue. It is considered supportive for all skin types and especially for dry and mature skin. High in Vitamin A and beta-carotene, this oil has been used to balance skin complexion and to help retain moisture for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. With a lovely scent, this oil acts as a great conditioner for all hair types. Reputed to have a range of 30-40 SPF coverage, Carrot seed oil is an excellent addition to sunblock and a variety of other skin care recipes.

Vitamin E Oil

We are very happy to now carry a Vitamin E oil that is corn and soy free. The mixed tocopherols in our new Vitamin E oil are derived from 100% sunflower seeds and are considered non-allergenic. Naturally rich in lipids that act as emulsifiers and moisturizers, Vitamin E is an oil soluble antioxidant suitable for preventing oxidation and rancidity in oil-based formulas. Applied topically and diluted in a carrier oil, Vitamin E has traditionally been used to aid in the prevention and repair of scar tissue.

Staff Picks

Gina's Pick

Awesome Kid Tea
This gentle blend of Chamomile, Catnip, and Lemon Balm makes for a tasty and medicinally diverse combination. A great addition to any parent's bag of tricks, I have used Awesome Kid Tea to help relax an irritable child, soothe an upset tummy or assist in the transition to bedtime. I also enjoy this relaxing tea blend after a full day of motherhood! Perfect at almost any time, day or night, simply put this tea blend is Awesome!

Classes

Below is our class schedule, for full class descriptions please check our website at: http://www.rebeccasherbs.com/classes/. Your space in the class is reserved once payment is received. Payment for classes is made by cash or check payable to the instructor. Please be aware that classes fill up quickly, so sign up early. Pre-registration is required.

Hydrosols and Floral Waters

Monday, June 9th, 2014, 6:30-8:00pm
Instructor, Adriana Sugrue, certified clinical herbalist
Cost: $35.00
Hydrosols, also known as floral waters, are steam distillations that contain the whole essence of a plant. A wonderful addition to homemade body care products, culinary recipes, skin care, and a great way to reap the benefits of a plentiful herb garden.

Creating Sacred Space through Scent

Monday, June 23rd, 2014, 6:30-8:00pm
Instructor, Adriana Sugrue, certified clinical herbalist
Cost: $25.00
From the mystical powers of resins, to the antiseptic and energy shifting potential of sage we will delve into the world of scent through resins, grasses, barks, and much more. Learn how to create a sacred space and ritual for you, your home, and your surroundings.

Mid-Summer Herb Walk

Sunday, July 20th, 2014, 10:00-12:00pm
Instructors: Tzuria Malpica, certified clinical herbalist and Amber Brisson, certified clinical herbalist
Cost: $30.00
In the prime of summer, join two Colorado natives for an easy hike to learn about local medicinal plants.

Lotions & Creams

Monday, July 21st, 6:30-8:30pm
Instructor, Faith Goguen Rodgers, certified clinical herbalist
Cost: $35.00
Learn to make decadent lotions & creams in your very own kitchen. This hands on class will give you simple techniques, tips and easy to follow recipes for making lotions & creams.

Herb of the Month

Each month one of our staff members picks an herb that they are drawn to, and shares some experiences, thoughts, medicinal uses and a bit of traditional lore about their selected plant. As each plant is unique, each Herbalist and point of view is unique. We hope you enjoy this tradition!

Herb of the Month — June
Liz Phillbrick, certified clinical herbalist

Common Name
Lady's Mantle

Latin Name
Alchemilla vulgaris

Family
Rosaceae

Parts used
Leaves

Medicinal Properties
Summer has arrived and brought with it many of our herbal friends! As I walk into work every morning I pass a small patch of the beautiful herb, Lady's Mantle. Lady's Mantle has soft, pleated, cupped leaves that collect the morning's dew, preserving it throughout the day. When it flowers, sweet, pale yellow blossoms adorn the leaves. You'll often see this beauty as an ornamental in gardens.

The history of Lady's Mantle goes way back; it has been widely used as a folk medicine throughout Europe for many years. It acquired its Latin name Alchemilla (translated as "little alchemist" or "little magical one") because it was favored by Alchemists, who believed the plant to possess magical healing properties. Alchemists would collect the dew from the plant's leaves and use it in their formulas, believing that it could purify and cleanse any illness.

Folklore aside, Lady's Mantle has a wide variety of uses in herbal medicine. Most of its actions are due to the tannins and salicylates that are part of the plant's chemical makeup. The tannins contain astringent properties indicating the use of Lady's Mantle in conditions requiring toning of the tissues — diarrhea, hemorrhoids, ulcers, organ prolapse, hernias, sores and wounds. These astringent tannins have also historically been used to alleviate "oozing" infections like conjunctivitis, pus filled wounds and ear infection. The salicylates in the plant have anti-inflammatory actions suggesting the plant's use in inflammatory conditions such as rashes, rheumatism, digestive discomfort and muscular pain. Lady's mantle has been traditionally used to mend and connect torn tissues making it specifically helpful in conditions such as torn eardrums, hernias, muscles, tooth extractions and general wounds. Lady's mantle is also thought to have some nervine properties and has been used by herbalists for insomnia & anxiety.

Although Lady's Mantle has a wide variety of uses, it has become a highly valued "women's herb" due to its wide application for numerous gynecological problems. It seems to have an affinity for the female reproductive organs, restoring tone and vitality to the uterus. Lady's Mantle has traditionally been used for issues associated with the reproductive system such as painful periods, irregularity, lack of bleeding, excessive bleeding, headache, uterine prolapse, abnormal and excessive vaginal discharge, vaginal infections, fibroids, endometriosis, infertility, post-partum disorders and hot flashes. As you can see, Lady's Mantle makes a great herbal ally for most women of any age!

Preparations & Applications
Lady's Mantle is traditionally prepared as a tincture and/or tea. To make a tea, pour one cup of just boiled water over one tablespoon of herb. Cover the tea and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain and enjoy. A strong tea can also be used as an external wash or sitz bath.

Well Woman Tea
This tea provides gentle nourishment for a woman's cycle. It can be enjoyed hot or cold depending on your mood. 1 part Raspberry
1/2 part Lady's Mantle
1/2 part Linden
1/4 part Calendula
1/4 part Red Clover
1/4 part Burdock
A Touch of Rose Petals

Resources
Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary Gladstar
Women, Hormones & the Menstrual Cycle by Ruth Trickey
The Earthwise Herbal, A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants by Mathew Wood
Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman