#featured ingredient

~ Featured Ingredient ~

Lavender

Lavandula Angustifolia is a small perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean that now grows around the world. It’s been used in a variety of ways since 3150 BC; from a bath perfume in ancient Rome, to a laundry rinse in medieval England. It was in the purifying decoctions of ancient Africa, and an ingredient in ancient Egyptians healing balms. (10) This delightful purple herb is actually part of the mint family, with recent studies showing off potent medicinal and psychoactive properties such as being anti-inflammatory (2), anti-fungal (6), pain relieving (2), anti-microbial (1), anti-anxiety (4, 5), and anti-seizure (3). It’s been recognized as effective against two of the biggest antibiotic-resistant trouble makers: MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) and VRE (vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus) (6). The two active ingredients in Lavender that are under the most attention are Linalool (26%) and Caryophyllene (7.5%) (4). Caryophyllene displays anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects in lab tests, as well as being neuroprotective against cell damage caused by degenerative diseases like ALS, from drug withdrawal, and from Alzheimer’s. (7, 8) Studies on Linalool indicate that it is an anti-cancer agent on top of it’s well known mood boosting properties. (9) Whether you’re using the herb in cooking or oils in bath products, Lavandula Angustifolia is a natural treasure worth stopping to enjoy. Interested in adding some Lavender to your life? Here’s a few of the options that we enjoy: As a pure Essential Oil for use in mist diffusers, or sold in bulk if you like to craft. There are even little diffusers for your vehicle’s a/c vents. If you’d prefer something a little more passive, there are herb satchets that can be tucked under pillows and in drawers that leaves the light, floral scent of lavender hanging around to freshen things up. 

Our Etsy store offers Lavender Fields Bath Bombs.

I started using Agave Nectar as a sugar/sweetener replacement a couple of years ago whilst doing a 10 week cleanse. I found that it was very nice as a sugar substitute in things like coffee and tea.

Recently, I have used it more and more in baking as a sugar substitute and although I have to tweak the liquids within a recipe when using it, I find that it is well worth the little extra effort. Not only is it an unrefined sweetener it is also very low on the GI index, which is very handy if you are baking for diabetics.

I use Kamut Flour in a lot of my baking in place of Whole Wheat or All Purpose flour. It has  a slightly nutty flavour which I find very complimentary for baking muffins.