Welcome to your folk herbal map of the body. From mint-kissed feet to lavender temples, this guide brings you plant-powered rituals and teas that nurture every part of your being. Inspired by California’s natural abundance and gentle pace, each recipe invites you to turn everyday care into a grounding ritual. Whether you’re massaging calendula balm into your hands or sipping nettle tea for strong bones, you’re reconnecting with the wisdom of nature—one thoughtful step at a time.
👁 EYES
🌿 External: Soothing Chamomile Eye Compress
You’ll need:
- 1 tsp dried chamomile
- 1 cup hot water
To make: Steep chamomile 10 mins, strain and cool.
To use: Soak two cotton pads and place over closed eyes for 10–15 minutes.
🍵 Internal: Eye Bright Tea
You’ll need:
- 1 tsp eyebright
- 1 tsp calendula
- 1 tsp spearmint
- 8 oz hot water
To make: Steep 10 mins, strain, sip.
Helpful tip: Take regular breaks from screens and get morning sunlight on your face.
Seasonal note: In spring, when allergies flare, soothing teas and compresses are especially beneficial.
🦷 TEETH & GUMS
🌿 External: Herbal Tooth Powder
You’ll need:
- 2 tbsp bentonite clay
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp myrrh powder
- 1/2 tsp ground mint
To make: Mix all ingredients well and store in a small jar.
To use: Dip damp toothbrush and brush gently.
🍵 Internal: Mineralizing Herbal Tea
You’ll need:
- 1 tbsp nettle
- 1 tbsp horsetail
- 1 tsp alfalfa
- 8 oz hot water
To make: Steep 10–15 mins, strain, and sip.
Helpful tip: Oil pull with coconut oil 2–3 times weekly to reduce plaque and strengthen gums.
Seasonal note: In winter when indoor heat dries the mouth, remineralizing teas and oils offer deep support.
💇♀️ HAIR & SCALP
🌿 External: Coconut-Rosemary Scalp Oil
You’ll need:
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp castor oil
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
To make: Warm oils, infuse with rosemary for 15–30 mins or steep in sun for 3–5 days. Strain.
To use: Massage into scalp before shampooing. Leave 30 mins or overnight.
🍵 Internal: Silica-Rich Hair Tea
You’ll need:
- 1 tbsp horsetail
- 1 tbsp nettle
- 1 tsp peppermint
- 8 oz hot water
To make: Steep 10–15 mins, strain, and sip.
Helpful tip: Brush with a natural bristle brush and avoid hot styling tools daily.
Seasonal note: In summer, sun and salt dry out strands—use this blend weekly to replenish shine.
🧠 MIND & NERVOUS SYSTEM
🌿 External: Calming Temple Balm
You’ll need:
- 1 tbsp beeswax
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 drops vetiver essential oil
To make: Melt beeswax and oil, remove from heat, stir in essential oils. Pour into tin.
To use: Apply to temples, wrists, and behind ears when anxious.
🍵 Internal: Nervine Tea
You’ll need:
- 1 tbsp oat straw
- 1 tsp lemon balm
- 1 tsp skullcap
- 8 oz hot water
To make: Steep 10 mins, strain, sip slowly.
Helpful tip: Start your morning unplugged and practice breathwork for 5 minutes.
Seasonal note: Spring and fall transitions can increase nervous tension—this blend helps you center.
🌼 FACE
🌿 External: Oat-Honey Cleansing Mask
You’ll need:
- 2 tbsp oat flour
- 1 tbsp honey
- Warm water
To make: Mix into a paste.
To use: Apply to damp face, rest 10 mins, rinse with warm water.
🍵 Internal: Skin Clarity Tea
You’ll need:
- 1 tbsp burdock root
- 1 tsp red clover
- 1 tsp spearmint
- 8 oz hot water
To make: Steep 10–12 mins, strain and sip.
Helpful tip: Change your pillowcase weekly and cleanse skin after sweating.
Seasonal note: Spring is ideal for skin detox—support your liver and lymph with this blend.
👂 EARS
🌿 External: Garlic-Mullein Ear Oil
You’ll need:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tbsp dried mullein flowers
To make: Warm gently, infuse 1–2 hours on low heat or several days in sun. Strain well.
To use: Drop 1–2 warm drops in ear canal if not perforated (consult herbalist or practitioner).
🍵 Internal: Immune Ear Support Tea
You’ll need:
- 1 tsp elderflower
- 1 tsp yarrow
- 1 tsp peppermint
- 8 oz hot water
To make: Steep 10 mins, strain, and sip.
Helpful tip: Keep ears dry after swimming and avoid using cotton swabs.
Seasonal note: Winter and early spring bring congestion—this is the time to guard ear health.
🧖♀️ BODY
🌿 External: Citrus-Clay Detox Body Mask
You’ll need:
- 1/4 cup bentonite clay
- 1 tbsp powdered orange peel
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
To make: Mix ingredients into a smooth paste.
To use: Apply to damp skin, leave on 5–10 minutes, rinse off in warm shower.
🍵 Internal: Lymph Flow Tea
You’ll need:
- 1 tbsp cleavers
- 1 tbsp red clover
- 1 tsp spearmint
- 8 oz hot water
To make: Steep 10 mins, strain and sip.
Helpful tip: Practice dry brushing before showering and wear loose, breathable clothing.
Seasonal note: In spring and early summer, lymphatic movement supports skin, immunity, and mood.
💗 BREAST
🌿 External: Nurturing Breast Massage Oil
You’ll need:
- 2 tbsp calendula oil
- 1 tbsp jojoba oil
- 3 drops geranium essential oil
To make: Combine and store in amber bottle.
To use: Massage gently in circular motions daily after bathing.
🍵 Internal: Hormonal Support Tea
You’ll need:
- 1 tbsp red clover
- 1 tsp violet leaf
- 1 tsp dandelion leaf
- 8 oz hot water
To make: Steep 10–12 mins, strain and sip.
Helpful tip: Do monthly self-exams and wear non-constricting bras when resting.
Seasonal note: In spring and summer, hormone shifts can intensify—support detox and lymph movement gently.
🧍♀️ BACK & SPINE
🌿 External: Warming Cayenne-Sesame Back Rub
You’ll need:
- 1/4 tsp cayenne powder
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
To make: Warm gently on low heat, let cool, and store in a small bottle.
To use: Rub into lower back or shoulders for warmth and circulation.
🍵 Internal: Adaptogen Support Tea
You’ll need:
- 1 tsp ashwagandha
- 1 tsp tulsi
- 1/2 tsp licorice root
- 8 oz hot water
To make: Steep 10 mins, strain, sip warm.
Helpful tip: Practice spine-friendly movements like cat-cow stretch or short daily walks to stay limber.
Seasonal note: In autumn, the spine and nervous system crave grounding—adaptogens offer internal support as the wind rises.
🦶 FEET
🌿 External: Cooling Mint Foot Scrub
You’ll need:
- 2 tbsp coarse sea salt
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp dried mint
To make: Mix into a coarse paste.
To use: Scrub onto clean, damp feet. Rinse and pat dry.
🍵 Internal: Fungal Defense Tea
You’ll need:
- 1 tbsp pau d’arco bark
- 1 tsp calendula
- 1 tsp cinnamon bark
- 8 oz hot water
To make: Simmer 15 mins, strain and sip.
Helpful tip: Let feet air out and use cotton socks during hot, humid seasons.
Seasonal note: Summer is peak time for foot issues—this combo cools and protects.
🌾 Let these rituals be your way of tending the garden that is your body—season by season, sip by sip. In the stillness of a canyon breeze, the hush of wild sage at dusk, or the warmth of sun-warmed citrus on your skin, may you remember: healing is not rushed, it’s rooted. And here in California, we bloom by listening. 🌞