Freedom for Oscar López Rivera!

Oscar López Rivera and his artwork: clockwise from middle top - Katrina's Dome, Salvador Allende, Border Crossing, Mita with apron, Mita making morcilla

I'm writing today to ask that you take a few moments out of your day (especially since many of y'all in the Northeastern US are snowed in by this amazing storm!) to call the US Parole Commission on behalf of US Political Prisoner Oscar López Rivera. I've been writing to Oscar for many years, about gardens and history and our families' farms. He was offered an opportunity to be released from prison by the Clinton administration, but wouldn't agree to the terms of the release because two of his comrades were not included in the deal. Now three decades have passed since he was first incarcerated, his comrades have all been released, including the two that he denied release because of. Fellow Puerto rican US Political Prisoner Carlos Alberto Torres was released just this past July.

Oscar López Rivera has been in prison nearly as long as I've been alive not because he was convicted of killing or even harming anyone, but because of his political affiliations - his fierce love for his people and his island of Puerto Rico. He was drafted into the Vietnam War, where he received a Bronze Star for bravery, but like many other veterans, he returned to the States after risking his life for the US gov't and found his community devastated by the effects of racism, poverty, and chemical warfare (the US gov't destroying communities by implanting drugs into poor communities/communities of color). Oscar organized within the community to help create the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School, and the Latino Cultural Center at the University of Illinois-Chicago. He advocated for fair housing, bilingual education, and an end to police brutality and racist practices in public utilities, and supported the work of United Farm Workers. And he fought for the independence of Puerto Rico from the US's continued oppressive colonial rule.

Before and since his incarceration he's been dedicated to justice, and it's far time he be released! His daughter, who I met years ago, and grandchild, other family members, comrades, friends, politicians, celebrities, and other community-minded lovers of justice await the end of his incarceration, to have him home again. And I'm looking forward to corresponding with him not as an act of prison solidarity and support, but as two friends writing, and both of us sending photos of our gardens, instead of just dreaming and writing about this.

Truly, taking a few moments from your day this week to call the US Parole Board makes a difference. Please call, print out a letter and mail and/or fax it in, let your friends and family know. More details included below. Much appreciation...

For more general information on Oscar and the campaign for his release:

Boricua Human Rights
Paintings by Oscar López Rivera

Click here to see a short video by a relative of Oscar's.
Urgent Action Needed in Rivera Parole Decision

Please let me know if you have any questions about Oscar, his case, what to say to the parole board, etc. Please pass this info along. !Palante, siempre palante!

________________________________________________________

Forwarded message:

WEEK OF SOLIDARITY WITH OSCAR LOPEZ RIVERA

Organizers estimate that over 7,000 faxes and letters have been received by the US Parole Commission and people from the US, Puerto Rico, and around the world have been calling daily. The phone lines have been busy for 15-20 minutes at a time and the fax line has been jammed up to an hour at a time. The US Parole Comissioner has stated to the media that they have never had a case like this, with so much activity. Various people have been told that the only way to make their opinions heard is only through writing. PLEASE DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED. KEEP TRYING. KEEP CALLING, FAXING AND MAILING YOUR LETTERS TO THE US PAROLE BOARD. Spread the word on your personal and organizational Facebook account. WE WILL LET EVERYONE KNOW AS SOON AS WE HEAR WORD FROM THE PAROLE COMMISSION.

CALL IN TODAY!

The US Parole Commission has said they intend to make their decision to confirm or reject the negative recommendation by the US Parole Examiner 30 DAYS AFTER THE PAROLE HEARING OF JANUARY 5, 2011 on Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Oscar López Rivera, #87651-024, currently incarcerated at FCI Terre Haute. Oscar, 68 years old, is presently serving his 30th year of prison for struggling for Puerto Rican independence. The National Boricua Human Rights Network and the Puerto Rico-based Comité Pro-Derechos Humanos are urging the parole commissioners to reject the wrong-headed and politically punitive recommendation of the parole examiner. We intend to swamp the Parole Board with letters, faxes and calls until they respond positively.

PLEASE DO THE FOLLOWING 3 THINGS:

1) DAILY CALL-IN CAMPAIGN (Jan 31 onward until we receive word from the USPB): CALL the Parole Board in support of Oscar Lopez Rivera from 9:00am until 5:00 PM (EST) CALL and have others call. It only takes 5 minutes. The number is: 301-492-5990 hit 0 to speak to operator. They will tell you that you must send your opinion in writing. That is fine. KEEP CALLING ONCE A DAY UNTIL FRIDAY. PLEASE DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED. Sample script is below.

Hi, I'm calling for the release of Oscar Lopez and I live in Chicago [NY, VT, ME, etc.] The Parole Commission should parole Oscar López # 87651-024 immediately, in spite of the hearing examiner’s recommendation to deny parole.

IF YOU HAVE TIME, USE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

1) Oscar has the support of a broad sector of Puerto Rico’s civil society as well as Puerto Rican and Latino communities throughout the United States.

2) Oscar was not accused or convicted of causing injury or taking a life. He was never accused or convicted of participating in the 1975 Fraunces Tavern bombing or any other action that resulted in injury or death.

3) President Clinton’s determination that Mr. López Rivera’s sentence was disproportionately lengthy, and his offer that would have resulted in Mr. López Rivera’s release in September of 2009.

2) Download this letter and fax it right away. Fax Number: 301-492-5543, Alternative Fax Number: 202-492-5307 Remember the Parole Commission has stated their intention to make their decision by Feb. 4. Get as many of your friends, family, colleagues and forward to your Facebook and retweet.

3) MAIL Letters to:

Isaac Fulwood, Chairman

United States Parole Commission

5550 Friendship Boulevard, Suite 420

Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815

Re: Oscar López Rivera, #87651-024, FCI Terre Haute

Please keep close track of the letters sent/faxed to the Parole Board and let us know at alejandrom@boricuahumanrights.org.

LET'S FREE OSCAR!

thank you for all your work and solidarity,

Alejandro Luis Molina

alejandrom@boricuahumanrights.org

National Boricua Human Rights Network

2739 W. Division Street

Chicago IL 60622

twitter: olrcat

Comité Pro-Derechos Humanos

Love is a Verb: A Valentine's Post

The History of Valentine’s Day

"The story of St. Valentine has two different versions - the Protestant and the Catholic one. Both versions agree upon Saint Valentine being a bishop who held secret marriage ceremonies of soldiers in opposition to Claudius II who had prohibited marriage for young men and was executed by the latter. ... When Claudius became the emperor, he felt that married men were more emotionally attached to their families, and thus, will not make good soldiers. He believed that marriage made the men weak. So he issued an edict forbidding marriage to assure quality soldiers....The ban on marriage was a great shock for the Romans. But they dared not voice their protest against the mighty emperor. The kindly bishop Valentine also realized the injustice of the decree. He saw the trauma of young lovers who gave up all hopes of being united in marriage. He planned to counter the monarch's orders in secrecy. Whenever lovers thought of marrying, they went to Valentine who met them afterwards in a secret place, and joined them in the sacrament of matrimony. And thus he secretly performed many marriages for young lovers. But such things cannot remain hidden for long. It was only a matter of time before Claudius came to know of this "friend of lovers," and had him arrested." ~History Of Valentine's Day

There is much unknown about Saint Valentine (well, there were more than one), but I like this story of him taking great risk to marry lovers in secret. It makes me feel gratitude for those who have gone against convention to challenge our notions of who is "allowed" to marry. I like knowing the root of things - words, practices, things we've grown up with and never questioned. And doing a bit of research about Valentine's Day, I've found some bits and pieces I'd like to weave together and share with y'all. Such as St. Valentine signing a love letter just before his execution “From Your Valentine.” It's not clear whether it was a love letter of the romantic, religious, or another kind, but I don't think this is important. What I appreciate is the image of love letters that have been carried into and out of prisons for centuries, unbound by the walls and wire meant to keep us apart.

I like to take this day to make care packages for loved ones far away – sharing music, poems, herbal concoctions, etc. Valentine’s Day can be a celebration of love in its many forms, to take the time to express our love and appreciation for those who hold a meaningful place in our lives. Check out these sweet CARE (about you) PACKAGES my friends created!

Now, I know that there are some folks out there who want nothing to do with Valentine’s Day. Who feel weighed down by the pressure to feel or act a certain way on this one day, or who don’t want any part of the consumerism that swallows up the holiday. Valentine’s Day can also alienate folks due to its obsession with heterosexual and/or monogamous relationships. It can make you feel incredibly lonely if you're single and don't want to be, or make you feel horrible if you're with someone and you're intuition is telling you something's not right. Well, you have options. A friend of mine once attended a “Pathetic Losers” party for singles on Valentine's Day, where they shared their romance horror stories. She said she’d never laughed so hard before in her life. You can also join the folks observing Singles Awareness Day on Valentines, or have an “Anti-Valentine’s Day Party,” aka “Anti-V.D. Day.” I didn’t make it up - you can do a search and find all kinds of ideas for throwing such a party. You can hole up and make some vinegar valentines, such as the ones at Be My Anti-Valentine (“This year, don't say it with flowers: say it with bile.”) 

Getting married is like saying “We're in love, let's call the cops!” http://stellamarrs.com, Vinegar Valentines past and present, and clear communication about boundaries via a nice cross-stitch.

But rather than hate on the day, why not reclaim it?! There’s plenty of hate and insecurity and worry in the world. Loved ones separated by distance and borders, the walls of prisons and detention centers, nursing homes and psych hospitals. Families separated by narrow-mindedness and judgment - not accepting each other based on who we are and who we love. Why not take Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to spread some l-o-v-e?! Who amongst us couldn't use a bit more love coming our way?! There’s no need to go buy mass-produced cards, chocolates, roses, diamonds, stuffed animals, and other products that thrive on exploitation (human rights abuses, slavery, environmental degradation, etc.). Make something with your own hands, write your own words.

The Secret to Finding the Perfect Valentine's Day Gift for the Person You Love has loads of ideas, and I'd add to their list of 76 Romantic Movies for Guys and Girls: Love and Basketball, Shortbus, Like Water for Chocolate/Como Agua Para Chocolate, Something New, and Easy (the one with Marguerite Moreau and Brían F. O'Byrne).  (Most of the films are uber-hetero, feel free to leave suggestions in the comments below!)  

What are you going to create, watch, do? I've also written the following blog posts filled with chocolatey, aphrodisiacy, Valentiney recipes: Chocolate Explosion and Valentine's Aphrodisiac Recipes.

This year I'm exploring love in its many forms, to see love as freedom and expansiveness. What does liberatory love look like to you? Feel like to you? 

I've been a part of communities that are completely dedicated to social justice, yet when "comrades" are betraying their partner's trust, cheating on them and drawing others into this deception, all of a sudden convictions about responsibility, accountability, and integrity somehow completely dissolve. If someone spoke or acted in a racist or homophobic way, then it was our place as friends to deal with it, break it down together. When someone was being abusive towards their partner, though, somehow that was perceived as a personal issue, completely unrelated to their other relationships and rest of our lives. Nope. That's just not how it works. And it's incredibly disappointing and disheartening to bear witness to all this. I want liberation and love in all the interconnected realms of my life, in all my relations. No exceptions, especially in intimate partnerships.

So...self-love, love of community, romantic love, faraway-friend-long-distance love, ancestral love, spiritual love, old-friend-from-way-back love, earth-connection love, family love (blood, adoptive, or chosen), puppy-cuddle love, fierce-protection-mother-lioness love... What kind of love is present in your life? What kind do you want to give more of and receive more of? Welcome it.

So, however you choose to celebrate, Happy Valentine's Day. Or "Día del Amor y la Amistad" (Day of Love and Friendship) in Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and others. Dia dos Namorados (lit. "Day of the Enamored", or "Boyfriends'/Girlfriends' Day") in Brasil, and "Día del Cariño"(Day of the Affection) in Guatemala....

Some of my favorite quotes about love:

Love is a verb: the will to nurture spiritual growth of others and self - inspired by All About Love
by bell hooks.

Absence makes the heart grow fungus.

“All loves have much in common, and any one will offer a useful, if not painless, education in the limitations and possibilities of being human. If you give your committed love to a person, an idea, or a cause, even should that person, idea, or cause be taken from you, or proven false, you will be a better lover – of anyone, of anything – for the experience.” Marriage and Other Acts of Charity: A Memoir By Kate Braestrup

From Blessing Manifesting

...From Your Valentine

More Valentine's-inspired blog posts:
Valentine's Aphrodisiac Recipes
Love & Migration: Migration is Beautiful & Natural. So is Solidarity.
V-Day: One Billion Rising and Man Prayer (Un Billón de Pie y Oración de un Hombre)

Dandelioness Herbals Product List

This is a list of remedies and bodycare products available through Dandelioness Herbals, depending on the season and availability.   Products are handmade in small batches.  Please inquire to see what's currently in stock.

Also, please see DandelionessHerbals etsy shop!

My herbal concoctions are all handmade in small batches, using primarily local and abundant plants grown and harvested by hand from my garden, the fields and woodlands of land in Vermont (U.S.), or at my family's farm in Central Maine. Most ingredients are local, organic, fair-trade, made by worker's collectives, or otherwise from the most ethical source I can find.
I am passionate about health justice and my ever-evolving product list, which changes from season to season, reflects my vision for accessible and empowering health care. Throughout the process of growing medicinal plants, harvesting herbs, washing roots, choosing ingredients, making remedies, and the bottling and labeling of my tinctures, elixirs, syrups, salves, flower essences, lip balms, and other herbal products, I reflect upon, learn about, and give thanks to those who've come before, those that are here now, and those that are to come that are a part of the ever-changing movements towards liberation. My hope is that my creations are a part of creating/supporting a culture of self-care and collective-care based on mutual care, collaboration, appreciation for our bodies, and taking the time to rejuvenate ourselves and each other. Whether we're organizing for migrant justice and universal health care, raising children, menstruating, taking exams and writing papers, and/or giving care to elders, may we find ways in our personal lives and within movements for social justice and the other circles/worlds that we move between to help nourish and sustain ourselves and each other so that we can be in it for the long haul!


If you're seeking a particular remedy that you don't see listed here, please be in touch, as I may have it in my apothecary. Certain products are available locally through:

-Nutty Steph's Chocolate Shop 961C US Route 2 Middlesex, VT 802-229-2090 sales@nuttystephs.com Tues-Sat 10am-6pm, Thurs night 6-12.-Onion River Exchange Timebank
-REACH Service Exchange Network
-Frances McManus, Reflexologist White River Junction, VT 802-299-5907
BodyAndSolesHealing.com

Plant medicine has always been the people's medicine! I have provided a sliding scale to make these herbal remedies accessible, where people pay what they are able on the scale. If the prices are out of your reach, please let me know and we can make an arrangement. Likewise, if you find these prices less than you're willing to pay for homegrown, homemade herbal remedies, feel free to pay a bit more to support my work. A portion of my garden and remedies will always be devoted to community health and donated to community health projects. To place an order, to inquire about shipping costs, or if you have any other questions, please email me at: dandelion778 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Free the Land!

Chocolate Spice Elixir at the Chocolate Ritual and Dessert Feast on Valentine's evening. Mugwort Elixir, Damiana Elixir, and Crampease. Making "Speak Truth! Throat Spray" during the Epyptian People's Uprising!

Blends and Elixirs 

Calm The Rage~ to cool hot emotions.  Fresh ME & VT Rosa Rugosa rose petals, fresh VT Violet leaf, fresh VT Milky Oat Tops, and fresh VT Skullcap leaf and flower, Brandy, VT Honey, and Hollyhock flower essence.

Chocolate Spice Elixir ~ a warming aphrodisiac, a warming blend to stir you up. Damiana, fresh Ginger, Cardamom, Cinnamon, local Cayenne, Brandy, Water, fair-trade Cocoa, fair-trade Sugar, and Vanilla extract.
Crampease Blend~ to ease menstrual cramps. Made with VT & ME Valerian root, Crampbark, VT Milky oat tops, VT Lady’s Mantle, ME & VT Rose petals, Ginger root, Alcohol, and local Maple syrup. (Please indicate if you prefer VT Skullcap rather than Valerian.)

Damiana Elixir ~ a relaxing aphrodisiac blend that heightens the senses. Damiana, Brandy, VT Spring water, and local Honey.

Elderberry Ginger Elixir ~ for immune support to prevent getting sick or to boost your immune system and speed recovery if you already are sick. VT Elderberries, fresh Ginger root, VT Honey, Brandy, Organic Grain Alcohol, and Yarrow flower essence.

Heart Elixir~ to open, heal, and protect the heart. VT & ME Rosa Rugosa petals, local Hawthorn berries, Brandy, local Maple syrup, and Flower essences of Hawthorn from Ireland, Johnny Jump-up/Heartsease Pansy, Magenta Lotus, and Yarrow. Please click here for more info.

Mugwort Elixir~ -to invoke vivid dreams and a connection with the moon. VT Mugwort, Brandy, VT Spring water, local Honey, and Mugwort flower essence.

Relaxing Bitters ~ to take before meals to promote good digestion. VT Dandelion root, VT Skullcap, VT & ME Lavender, alcohol, and water.

Roots Tonic ~ to support the liver. VT Dandelion, Burdock and Yellowdock roots, Alcohol, and Dandelion flower essence.

Tulsi Elixir ~ a delicious and sacred herb with immune enhancing properties that also helps us adapt to stress. Fresh VT Tulsi leaf and flowers infused in Brandy and local Honey.

The Daytime Coughing Hacking Chest Congestion Get This Stuff Out of My Lungs So I Can Function Medicine ~ a soothing expectorant blend. VT Mullein, VT Coltsfoot, VT Plantain, and VT Lungwort leaves in Brandy.

Speak Truth! Throat Spray ~ mist this spray as needed to soothe a dry, irritated, and/or sore throat. Egyptian Licorice root, VT Sage leaf, VT Oregano, VT Thyme, VT Hyssop leaf, alcohol, water, and local Honey. Made during the people's uprising in Egypt with gratitude for Amy Goodman of Democracy Now!, Mumia Abu-Jamal of Prison Radio, Ida B. Wells, and the many other whistleblowers and truth tellers who’ve taken great risk to raise their voice against injustices and have created space for others' voices to be heard. Please see Americans Who Tell the Truth: A Collection of Portraits and Quotes.

Volcán de la Pasión {Volcano of Passion} ~ aphrodisiac elixir.  Fresh Vermont Rose petals, special Cinnamon sent from Mexico, Brandy, Vermont Honey, Fair trade Cocoa, Fair trade Sugar, and Vanilla bean.
Whole Echinacea Immune Boost ~ strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and lymph-mover for immune strength.  Fresh Vermont Echinacea root, leaf, flower, seed, and bud, Alcohol, and Water. 

A Mullein stalk near blooming, Usnea lichen (a symbiotic relationship
between a fungus and algae), Hops strobiles, and Echinacea in winter.

Single Tinctures

Please inquire for current list of available single tincture. Custom blends are also available. Please let me know the list of herbs you'd like, including proportions if you have a preference.

Ashwaghanda root, Black haw, Blue vervain, Burdock root, Burdock seed, California poppy (see note below), Chaga mushroom, Chickweed, Cleavers, Coltsfoot, Crampbark, Dandelion root, Dandelion flower, Dandelion whole plant (root, leaf, and flower) Dong quai,* Echinacea whole plant (leaf, flower, root, bud & seed), Elderflower, Elecampane root, Feverfew, Ginger root,* Goldenrod, Gotu kola, Hawthorne berries, Hops, Hyssop, Kava kava root* (with coconut milk), Lady’s mantle, Lavender bee balm (Monarda fistulosa), Lemon balm, Licorice root,* Lobelia, Nettle, Meadowsweet, Milky oats, Motherwort, Mugwort, Oregano, Plantain, Poke root, Queen Anne’s Lace (aka Wild Carrot, seed +/or flower), Reishi mushroom, Shepard’s purse, Skullcap, Spilanthes, St. Johnswort buds, Sweet Annie, Thyme, Tulsi (aka Holy Basil or Sacred Basil), Usnea, Vitex berry*, Wild lettuce, Wood betony (Staychys), Yarrow, and Yellow dock root.

All above tinctures can be blended according to your wishes. I have limited quantities of other tinctures as well. Please ask if you're looking for a particular one that you don't see listed. The California poppy tincture is made in honor of former US Political Prisoner Marilyn Buck, who recently passed away, and comes with a copy of her poem "Wild Poppies."

Freshly harvested Coltsfoot, Mullein, Plantain, and Lungwort leaves for the "Daytime Hacking..." Blend, Double headed Dandelion blossom, and Burdock in bloom.

Glycerites 
Small amounts of the glycerites (non-alcoholic extracts) available.  Please inquire for list. 

Liniments (intended for external use) 

Woodsman Liniment~ to bring relief to those with tendonitis and pain from repetitive motion. Dried Solomon Seal root, fresh VT & ME St.Johnswort buds, fresh VT Gotu Kola leaf, fresh Turmeric root, and Alcohol.

Comfrey Liniment~ to relieve joint inflammation and help heal bone injuries. Fresh VT Comfrey root and brandy. Liniment’s consistency is more like oil than alcohol.

The roots and leaves of Iron Building Syrup. Juicing elderberries for

a batch of "All Power to the People! Eldercampane Syrup."

Syrups (please keep refrigerated)  Inquire for current list of available syrups. 

Iron Building Syrup~ nourishing herbs to build your blood’s iron level, important for those with menstrual cycles. ME Dandelion root, ME & VT Burdock root, VT Yellow dock root, VT Dandelion leaf, ME & VT Raspberry leaf, VT and Irish Nettle leaf, water, local Honey, fair-trade black strap Molasses, Black cherry concentrate, VT Hawthorne berry tincture (contains alcohol).

All Power to the People! Eldercampane Syrup~ a delicious, anti-viral syrup to speed recovery during cold and flu season. Fresh VT Elderberries, dried ME Elecampane root, fresh Ginger, Cinnamon, water, local Honey, VT Apple Cider Vinegar, and whole Echinacea tincture (root, leaf, flower, and seed, contains alcohol), fresh squeezed Lime juice, and Self-Heal flower essence. This recipe was created on the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton and made with gratitude in honor of all those who’ve organized for community health!

Elecampane Deep Lung Syrup~ a decongesting syrup, especially for deep lung conditions. ME Elecampane root, local Honey, water, ME Elecampane tincture (contains alcohol).

Yarrow for protection in many manifestations, St. Johnswort with its affinity for the sun, and a "Lip Balms for Social Justice" workshop (more info coming soon!) - the lip balms we make together travel from Vermont down to No More Deaths/No Mas Muertes in Arizona.

Salves and Balms 

Global Citizen Salve ~ an all-purpose first aid salve for cuts, burns, scrapes, and dry skin. VT Calendula flowers, VT & ME Yarrow flower and leaf, fair-trade Palestinian and organic Olive oils, local beeswax, and Self-Heal flower essence. Formulated especially for No More Deaths/No Más Muertes, a humanitarian aid organization that provides emergency 1st aid care for those crossing the border from Mexico into AZ.

Tigress Balm~ a warming balm to soothe sore, strained muscles. VT Arnica blossoms, VT Dandelion blossom, Ginger root, VT Lobelia leaf and seedpod, ME & VT St. Johnswort buds infused in Olive and Sesame oils, fair-trade Shea butter, VT beeswax, Dandelion flower essence, and a blend of Essential oils.

Comfrey Salve~ a rich, thick salve for dry, chapped skin. VT Comfrey leaf and root, fair-trade Palestinian and organic Olive oils, Jojoba Oil, fair-trade Shea butter, and VT beeswax. Also available as a lip balm.

Lemon Rosemary Cuticle Balm~ for gardeners, carpenters, athletes, crafters, farmers, sailors, and others who work with their hands. Massage this anti-bacterial balm into cuticles and nails to soften dry, cracked skin. VT & ME Calendula flowers, fair-trade Palestinian Olive oil, Jojoba oil, fair-trade Shea Butter from Burkina Faso, VT Beeswax, and essential oils of Lemon and Rosemary.

Blending the oils for Tigress Balm, red St. Johnswortoil bleeding into the amber-colored oils.

Lip Balms

Around the World Lip Balm ~ a smooth blend to soothe dry lips made with ingredients from near and afar. ME & VT & Irish herbs infused in fair-trade Palestinian and organic Olive oils, fair-trade Shea butter from Burkina Faso, Cocoa Butter from Jamaica and Mexico, VT beeswax, and Essential oils. Please indicate flavor: Sweet Orange, Peppermint, Lavender, Rose, and Unscented (Cocoa Butter).

Herbal Lip Gloss ~ an herbal red-tinted lip gloss with your choice of aphrodisiac scents. Alkanet root and local Calendula, fair-trade Palestinian Olive oil, Coconut oil, local Beeswax, and Essential oil. Choose flavor: Rose or Ylang Ylang 

Infused Oils

Please inquire about the current list of limited quantities of infused oils, such as Calendula-Yarrow and Comfrey.

Flower Essences 
These flower essences are available as remedy bottles.  If you prefer a stock bottles, which you can further dilute into remedy bottles, please let me know.  Directions included upon request.

Yarrow Flower Essence ­– Yarrow flower essence (in a water and brandy base) helps strengthen our boundaries. Especially good for those who are quite sensitive and absorb the stress around them. This remedy can help support teachers, health practitioners/healers, counselors, caregivers, and others who work in emotionally/energetically intimate situations. And a must for those who work on the computer and for Facebook addicts. 

The following homemade flower essences can be bottled on their own (preserved with brandy), or added to single tinctures or blends: Blue Vervain, Cayenne, Corn, Dandelion, Furze/Gorse (from Ireland), Johnny Jump-up/Heartsease Pansy, Hawthorn (from Ireland), Hollyhock (pink), Lady’s Mantle dew, Magenta Lotus, Milkweed, Mugwort, Sunflower, Yarrow. Please let me know if you'd like to know more about these flowers.

Fresh summertime Rose petal harvest at the farm, creating Heart Elixir,

and infusing Rose petals in Coconut oil for the Love It Up Rose Salt Scrub.

Herbal Bodycare

Love It Up Rose Salt Scrub~ A gorgeously smooth rose-scented body scrub to massage in before bathing - exfoliates and softens skin, great for re*connecting with your skin in winter! Sea salt, Rose petals infused in Coconut oil, Jojoba oil, Almond oil, and Rose otto (essential oil in Jojoba oil), and Flower essences. 

Flax Lube Finally! A slippery, fun, and truly lubricant! (Note: Though this is a water-based extract, it has not yet been scientifically proven to be latex-friendly. This product is free of preservatives, it keeps for a couple weeks in the fridge or can be frozen in ice cube trays and used when desired) Organic Flax seed, Spring water, (optional: Cinnamon). Choose flavor: Original or light Cinnamon. 

ROSE LOVE! Heart Healing Gift Basket One 1oz Heart elixir; One 4 oz Love It Up Rose Salt Scrub; and One Lip Balm or Lip Gloss (specify type & flavor). 

SELF-CARE KIT: For Emotional First Aid One 1oz Heart Elixir, One 10z Tulsi Elixir, One ½ oz Yarrow flower essence, Two Rose Relaxation Bath Fizzies (Ingredients: Baking soda, Non-GMO Cornstarch, Citric acid, ME & VT Rose petals infused in Coconut oil, homemade Tulsi hydrosol, Rose petals, Flower essences and Essential oils.)  Yes, substitutions are definitely allowed! You can choose any two 1oz Elixirs/Blends and any ½ oz Flower Essence to go with your Bath Fizzies.

Zines are self-published photo-copied booklets created to share information, price includes shipping.

Mana Culture: Self-Care for Menstrual Health by Dana L Woodruff $3-5

Trans~Care: What to Eat and Supplements & Herbs to Help Prepare and Heal You Around Surgery Times by Jacoby Ballard $5-10

Holistic Care Through Gender Transition: A Nutrition and Herbal Guide to Transgender Care Jacoby Ballard $5-10

Ask First!: Resources for Supporters, Survivors, and Perpetrators of Sexual Assault by Cheyenne of the Wench Collective $3-5

Empower Yr Sexy Self: A Workbook by Cheyenne of the Wench Collectives $3-5

HPV by The Down There Health Collective (also available free online here) $3-5

Nourishing Endometriosis by Alhena Katsoff $5-7

The classic Hot Pantz: Do It Yourself Gynecology and Herbal Remedies $3-5

_________________________________________________________________

Please be in touch about Gift Certificates, Herbal & Health Workshops, and additional herbal products, such as custom-made Gift Baskets (Menstrual Health, Heart Remedy, Dreamtime Basket, Rest & Relaxation/Tension Relief), and more.

*These products have not been evaluated by the FDA. Seek advice of an experienced practitioner.