Still Moment

Jesca Hoop is the voice of the little adobe corner-market house on Franklin, in a burning-sky desert in autumn. She is the first days of sweater on the front stoop, of glowing windows, and a dirt drive, and starlight obscured by branches. Oh, that sweet certain spot. Nothing but aged wood floors and adobe smells like aged wood floors and adobe. Breathing in the world's expansive and varied fortunes, and out my uncertain intention - it was the house of waiting, and I, at the mercy of absolute contingency.

Herbs to Share with Your Sweetheart, Be They of the Human or Animal Kingdom.

As I write this, I am waiting to pick up my first ever cat companion, “Mr. Meow-gi,” also called “Tommy the cat,” from the veterinary clinic. I always thought of myself as a dog person through and through but then, one fateful eve about a month ago, I more or less fell into the role of a cat owner. I adore their independence and ability to turn grown men into bumbling, baby-talking idiots with a coy and calculated look (such coveted gifts!). So, with felines on the mind, I want to share the all too overlooked wonders of Catnip with you!

Most of us think of catnip purely as a kitty cocktail, something to entertain and intoxicate our furry friends of the feline persuasion. However, to stop there would be selling short this incredibly multifaceted herb. Common catnip, Nepeta cataria, is a member of the mint (or Lamiaceae) family. It has been long used by humans as a tea, infusion, tincture, and even smoked for its calming effects, to ease upset stomachs, reduce fevers, chills, aches and pains, and to help relieve joint pain and rheumatism. I like to drink catnip as a tea, in a blend with chamomile (Matricaria recutita) , oatstraw (Avena sative), and passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) to alleviate anxiety and promote rest and relaxation. Considering these characteristics, it might not be surprising to learn that catnip shares a similar chemical structure with the Valarian plant.

…but those are just reasons why us humans love catnip. Your cats love it because it contains a terpene called nepetalactone. When cats inhale this fragrance, they begin to exhibit the range of actions associated with kitty intoxication, purring, rolling on the floor, etc, likely reacting to similar “feel good” pharamones. Interestingly, only cats over the age of eight months usually respond to the herb, and even after those eight months, 10%-30% of cats will not become susceptive to the nepetalactone in catnip’s stimulating effects. That same terpene, nepetalactone, is also a potent insect repellant, and has been tested and reported to be more effective than DEET against flies, mosquitoes, and even roaches.

This Valentines Day, consider showing love to yourself and your furry soul mate by sharing in some catnip and a candlelit salmon dinner.

Head Banger's Balm : Newest Complete Product to the Nomadica Apothecary Line!

I completed the newest product to the line yesterday on a mad herbal spree which included the design of the label (all of my product labels are hand drawn and designed by myself). What a wonderful way to spend a rainy day! I sold seven of them that night and have enough left over to fill the other existing orders for the product. By the end of the night however I got two more orders for Head Banger's Balm so I guess I'll be making a new batch this week along with the others that are on que in the apothecary!

Head Banger's Balm is a salve infused with oils of feverfew, skullcap, and meadowsweet and combined with aromatherapy oils of lavender, peppermint, and rosemary - intended for cranial massage for relief of tension headaches. We could all use a little tension taming, I'm sure - especially around the holiday season. I hope all of you who have already or will be receiving one of these new balms really enjoy them and finds relief from pain and tension built up in the head, neck, and shoulders! Plus its a great excuse to get someone to give your gourd a good rub down, or motivate you to take some quiet time to do it yourself! Happy holidays, and keep your eyes peeled for all the wonderful new products coming out of the Nomadica Apothecary this week!