Scent matters because for years I have been allergic to scents.  As a matter of fact my sense of smell is more heightened than most people. This can be a blessing or a nightmare.  Growing up I never wore perfume
or anything with a scent because I would get a migraine headache. Going out in public was not easy.  So other than going to school or anything that was necessary, I stayed home.

     This was a long time ago when 'all-natural' was not what people were concerned with.  It's only been the last 18 years or so that we've even heard about natural.  As books about herbs and all-natural medicine became available, I decided to find out what this was all about.  It has taken time to do research, which was limited at that time, but knowledge is power, so I've read all that I could on the subject.  For the last ten years I've felt comfortable making products and scenting them because I've found sources that have provided me with quality ingredients.  As long as I use pure essential oils to scent a product, I can finally wear a scent.

     I proved this to myself by scenting bath powder, one with a pure essential oil of lavender and the other with a good fragrance oil of lavender.  What resulted was that the fragrance oil brought on a migraine headache, while the essential oil did not.  Lavender has a calming and relaxing effect on the mind, so I should get the benefit of smelling nice and staying relaxed.  I found that  the fragrance oil was not capable of this.

     I still have a problem in public when people wear too much scent.  I always know when someone's scent is store bought and fake.  I guess my nose knows. I often wonder how many other people have this problem and don't know it.
 

     Basically I started my business because people were showing an interest in using less chemicals.  I believe that people are beginning to realize that we depend on too many chemicals and preservatives without knowing the long term effects on the environment and our health.  Sure we can't go back to living off the land the way our ancestors did, but eliminating what we can will help.

     Some of my neighbors (younger than myself) were quite surprised to "discover" you could actually use herbal products for cuts, scrapes, bruises (everyday kid problems) and they actually worked.  Their children were happy because there was no burning sensation when applying them.  When I told them what certain chemicals in cosmetics were used for it scared them.  I made some of my natural products for them.  They used them for a few weeks and were amazed at how well they worked (and without the usual harsh side effects).  They are still a bit hesitant to use everything natural as far as cosmetics and first aid go, but I think that in time they will come around.  It takes a bit of learning and getting use to.  As they get comfortable, I know that  they will slowly make the switch.

     I started on the internet with a web site.  I basically checked some things out, web sites, advertising, etc...   I had no clue, but tried to decide what I thought was the right thing to do.  My web site developer was fairly new in business and was willing to work with me.  Both of us have learned by trial and error.  I did what is required by New York State to set up my business legally.  I got my business license and had an inspection of my premises.  This is necessary because I have a home business.  Of course I checked zoning laws first.  These laws are all set up by the FDA  for those that sell beauty and body care products. I was amazed to find out that small businesses have more rules and regulations than the larger companies.  But it is worth the time that it takes because I know I am protecting my customers.

     I take Jeanne Roses Herbal Studies Course and Aromatherapy Course. I have a large collection of books which I read and refer to. There is so much to learn about herbs that you cannot remember everything, nor can you learn everything.  Herbalists like Jeanne Rose, Christopher Hobbs, Rosemary Gladstar are a few that I learn from along with native American medicine.  I find it a fascinating subject.

     It amazes me that some plant growing in a field (which a lot of people would call a weed) can actually stop bleeding or ease a cough.  One example is Bouncing Bett, which grows abundantly along our roadsides.  The stem can be boiled and made into soap.  It whitens lace beautifully (the lace your Grandmother had).  Another name for this herb is Soapwort.

     Yes I do grow my own herbs.  I feel that if you raise them yourself, your nurturing, caring, and showing them love and respect through your efforts will help the plants to respond.  I talk to my plants and tell them what I will be using them for, tinctures, lotions ..etc..  I believe they respond by giving me strong medicine to make good products.  As the saying goes with United Plant Savers - "If you listen, they will teach".  You can learn a lot when you plant a seed.
 

     My health care line that I sell is small, only 8 products. These are for everyday mishaps, cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns and rashes.  All of my products are made to help cut down on the consumption of chemicals and preservatives that we use.
     Through my studies I've learned that 60% of ingredients rubbed on your skin are absorbed into the blood system. Our world and way of life has changed, we breath, eat, drink and wear chemicals, so this is one way to lessen our exposure to these things.  We can only have control over certain areas of our life.  Certain things can not be changed, but what you use to take care of yourself and your home you can control.  This is why I have the personal care and health line.

     The impact on my life - Being in business keeps me busy.  People will ask me questions about products that I don't sell.  They may be interested in a certain product and I will need to see if it is possible to make.  I also check to see if the herbs that I need to use will not interfere with any health conditions.  Both the customer and I both learn from this. 

     So by doing the things we all need to do daily, taking care of business and working, keep me active physically and mentally and always thinking.  It's a great  way to stay young.

     The most difficult part- The business is challenging. There never seems to be enough time.  Also, people need some education as to what is in the products they use and the impact that it has on them and the environment. I know our food lasts longer with preservatives.  People rarely die of food poisoning.  Advances in the medical field are helping people to live longer and certainly all of these things are good.  But people don't seem to put much thought into a better, more natural way.  So it can be trying at times.

     Most fun part - I enjoy being outside. I always have new herbs that I want to grow. This summer I plan on growing Orange Thyme. I eat, drink and wear herbs. I am starting to run short of yard space for planting.  But it won't stop me.  I will find a way. I enjoy a challenge, I like trying different formulas to see if something different will work better, and sometimes I don't know to leave well enough alone.

     Most rewarding - Knowing people are becoming interested in natural products.  A lot of people are surprised when I take the time to answer questions and help them.  I do this even if they never become customers. They are surprised to find someone willing to help them out.  They say that they can't do this with the big companies. They will remember us little guys when they are ready to buy their natural products, we will be more helpful. This will build trust and do the all-natural business a lot of good, no matter which company they use.  I find this to be very rewarding.

 

     Ah, just starting out - my best advice is patience.  People are just starting to get back to natural.  People realize that our chemical addiction to make things last longer, easier to clean etc. is a bit out of hand.  So the tide is starting to turn to eliminate some of these chemicals.  People are turning to all-natural slowly as they learn more.  Also, keep learning yourself.  Read herb books.  Learn about the plants you are using on a regular basis.  Learn how to grow, harvest, store them, as well as their uses.  Also be aware of the medical uses, internal, external as well as which ones can be combined with which others.  Learn everything you can possibly find out, good or bad.  Grow a couple of plants from seed.  This is the best way to learn about a plant.  Get personal with them.

     We need to educate people even though our knowledge is limited and we continually our learning ourselves. One thing I feel in our business we need to know is our limitations. If you do not know the answer, say so, don't mislead people.  Herbs are medicine, just like what the doctor gives.  Know your limitations and keep learning.

    Dig in the earth, it keeps you connected. It is winter but what I need to do is walk in the garden barefooted, feel the earth under my feet, and talk to my plants while they're sleeping.  This may sound silly to some, but this is what I do in the spring, summer and early fall.
 

     I'd like to see changes in the medical profession. Our modern medicine is great. People are living longer and are able to live more productively with diseases that years ago would have shortened their lives.  But we have gotten away from nature.  I feel that using modern medicine in conjunction with herbs would be a far better solution to our healthcare practices.

     One problem that I see with the modern system is it's lack of herbal recommendations.  Because the healing herbs were put here on earth by God, no one person or company can patent them. Therefore no one person or company can become rich by selling an herb exclusively.  Pharmaceutical companies run the HMO'S, which in turn run the doctors. Because of this control that's in place, doctors will seldom recommend herbs.

     The National Cancer Institute has been testing  Astragalus for 10 years. Clinical evidence shows that cancer patients given Astragalus during chemotherapy and radiation, both of which reduce the body's immunity while attacking the cancer, recover significantly and live longer. Astragalus promotes adrenal cortical function, enhances T-cell production and bolsters white blood cell count.  But you won't find a cancer Doctor recommending this herb to any of his patients!  So hopefully some day herbs will be used along with our traditional medicine. Hopefully we as humans will use more natural products in the near future for medicine, personal care and cleaning.  It will be better for us and the environment.