The Herb Stop Blog

Roses are one of the most iconic symbols of Valentine’s Day. While most of us think of roses as just decorative flowers to display, they actually have a wide variety of health benefits. Today, we’re sharing the top five health benefits of rose petals and how you can incorporate rose petals into your day-to-day life beyond the Valentine’s Day holiday!  High in Antioxidants Rose tea and rose petals are rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that can combat free radicals released during oxidative stress. In return, this may reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as cancer, and help...

When we think of cacao beans, many of us immediately picture chocolate wrapped in sparkling silver foil. However, cacao actually comes from a tropical tree and was even used as currency in the Aztec empire.  Cacao is also considered an herb, which may strike you as strange because you’re so used to seeing it in a highly processed product heavy in sugar and light in cacao, such as chocolate.  However, cacao can support your health in many areas, including promoting improved neurological, heart, and skin health when consumed in its purer form. Consuming dark chocolate (70% cacao+) and incorporating cacao...

A common question we receive is, “What is the difference between basil and holy basil?” Many people don’t realize that there are over 150 varieties of basil. When we think of basil, most of us think of Genovese and sweet basil, which are frequent stars in Italian cooking.  However, holy basil is another favorite herb for its unique flavor, culinary uses, and medicinal properties. Both basil and holy basil are members of the mint family and have strong aromatics. Today, we’re sharing a breakdown of the differences between basil and holy basil, their health benefits, and other applications for these...

It’s that time of year. Holidays, festive parties, staying with family and friends, and more events run rampant. Many of us bring flowers or a bottle of wine to thank our hosts, but we can be far more creative and personalized with our gifts!  We hope today’s guide to creative herbal hostess gifts helps you create a custom gift sure to impress your friends, coworkers, and family.  Give Your Hostess the Gift of Self-Care Is your hostess someone who deserves a deeply relaxing at-home treatment or hot bath? Or, perhaps they are constantly trying new skincare or beauty products and...

Gift shopping can be tricky, especially when you want to give your loved ones something unique, helpful, and exciting.  If you’re looking for interesting herbal stocking stuffers and gift ideas for your loved ones, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for a breakdown of our stocking stuffer ideas categorized into different hobbies, interests, and lifestyles.  For the Professional, Student, or Artist Need a gift for someone in your life who is dedicated to their career, studies, or art? Try these focus-enhancing, supportive gift ideas:  Balance & Focus Essential Oil: Encourage your loved one’s work and studies by gifting...

Self-care is equally important for men and women, but the self-care industry often targets women. This is a shame because both men and women miss out when fantastic essential oil selections are ignored!  Our December AromaBox is filled with powerful, inspiring essential oils that are amazing for giving yourself a push!  We’ve included Patchouli Essential Oil, Ginger Essential Oil, Vetivert Essential Oil, and our Adonis Essential Oil Blend Roll-On in this box. Many of these essential oils are excellent for supporting your muscles and joints, inspiring your sensuality, and promoting a calmer, clearer state of mind.  Today, we’re sharing a...

Many of us know about sarsaparilla because it was the common name of a delicious soft drink that was popular in the 1800s. However, companies made these soft drinks from the plant sassafras, which tastes similar to birch or root beer. Today, this drink is no longer common in the United States. However, sarsaparilla root is still a popular supplement throughout the United States.  Sarsaparilla is an American perennial plant that thrives in tropical climates. It grows into a vine that starts on the ground and climbs upwards with paired tendrils. The root of the plant has many purported health...

Caffeine has many natural health benefits and may increase energy, alertness, and your ability to concentrate. However, according to John Hopkins Medicine, having too much of a good thing can result in unpleasant side effects like jitteriness, increased heart rate, insomnia, and higher blood pressure.  The amount of caffeine you can enjoy without unpleasant side effects will vary dramatically based on your health, genetics, and general caffeine sensitivity. As a result, it’s helpful for many of us to know how much caffeine is in the drinks we’re consuming.  Today, we’re sharing a breakdown of the many types of caffeinated coffee...

Nothing is more quintessentially autumn than a pumpkin. Whether you’re carving pumpkins for Halloween, decorating with pumpkins for fall, or making a scrumptious pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, pumpkins are the perfect autumn food and décor.  However, pumpkins also have a huge host of health benefits. Today, we’re sharing some of the most incredible pumpkin health benefits and fun ways to use pumpkins this autumn.  Pumpkin Health Benefits Pumpkin has so many health benefits that it definitely shouldn’t be relegated to just the autumn months. Fresh pumpkins and canned pumpkin offer similar health benefits. However, you must double-check that the canned...

Autumn is a time of change, harvest, abundance, and balance. The trees are changing, temperatures are dropping, and even the sun begins receding earlier in the day, creating shorter days and longer nights. As such, the autumn zodiac signs are more inwardly focused, often seeking increased balance, wisdom, and reflection. Autumn signs are also known to be highly concerned about the welfare of others and the community around them, making them versatile individuals.  The autumn zodiac signs are Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius. Even if your sun sign is a different zodiac sign, you likely have some of the autumn zodiac...