KM Herbals Blog
Feet – our source of stability, of balance, of traction and propulsion. Too often overlooked and undervalued, they are our means of mobility and independence. They are also our consistent point of contact with the earth! ![]() Though our feet bear the brunt of gravity, our sensitive soles also allow us an intimate means of feeling our source, our home, our Pachamama beneath us. How often do you take your shoes off and walk barefoot in the grass or wiggle your toes in the sand? Most of us spend the majority of our lives with our feet encased - for support and for protection - but contemporary sciences and the recent rediscovery of ancient wisdom points to the importance and power of taking time within our busy lives to reunite our bare feet with nature. The process of ‘grounding’ or ‘earthing’ refers to our electrical connection with the earth, balancing our natural charge as individuals as well as reducing the voltages of electromagnetic radiation we experience daily through our use of technology. Earth Day acts as an annual reminder of the many ways in which our planet sustains us, as a people and as individuals. It’s a time of renewed appreciation and respect, but also an opportunity to assess the ways in which distance may have grown between us and our most original source…
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Sustainability in RelationshipsMost of us understand the value of living sustainably – for the planet and for ourselves. We understand that carpooling, shorter showers, and recycling can reduce our carbon footprint – lightening our impact and allowing valuable natural resources to thrive. Sustainability has become such a coveted and even commodified notion, in fact, that those harboring a keen eye and fierce social conscience have come to seek out brands in daily life that make ‘eco-friendliness’ a priority. We can all do our part to further conversations, contribute to the needed work of environmental programs, and vote with each and every dollar. But for most of us, our ability to manifest sustainable practices, choices, and partnerships will remain limited until we are first able to model each within ourselves and in our closest relationships…which can often prove to be the most difficult. Relationships are at the heart of sustainability. We, as human beings, continue to live as a part of a deeply interdependent ecosystem in both biological and emotional ways. Our actions (and even our existence) have an inevitable and tangible impact on those around us. ![]() This reality carries with it the opportunity to be intentional about the form that these impacts and impressions take, expanding our awareness to consider the well-being of the whole. The principles of biodynamics when applied to farming and agriculture, in many ways, parallel how we structure and navigate our relational world – placing this plant strategically in the shade of another or recognizing that it’s best not to store the cow manure next to your water source. Extending the wisdom and key philosophies of this practice to our daily lives may, in fact, offer insights into how to build a more sustainable world, beginning at the source. Interdependence Biodynamic gardening seeks to mirror the inevitable interdependence of the plant kingdom that exists in nature. It recognizes the ways in which each individual plant (and person) naturally offer one another unique and mutual support. The means of support might vary between species, but each meets a need of those around it. Applying this to our personal lives, we might take a moment to reflect on the ways that we as individuals most naturally support others. We might take inventory of all those we trust and on whom we’ve naturally come to rely. We can examine the ways that interdependence starkly differs from unhealthy reliance and attachment in our lives and embrace it in all its mutual glory! Avoidance of Chemicals & Artificial Fertilizers We all know what we’re talking about here. Chemicals and artificial fertilizers are used as mindless short-cuts in the agricultural process – sacrificing quality for quantity in the name of mass yield. Most of us need not look far to identify examples in our own lives where we might opt for the feel good that lacks substance, for the things and people that distract but ultimately leave us less fulfilled. The artificial can sometimes be difficult for us acknowledge and release, but harder still are the toxic presences in our lives. These are examples of interdependence morphing into co-dependence and can often be difficult to see until the runoff pools and becomes a greater problem. Though much easier said than done, we must be patient with ourselves. We must trust that our tendency to hold on to toxic connections longer than is sustainable points to a need we are hoping to fill, and that by having faith in the process of letting go we create room for powerful new shoots to grow. ![]() Diversification and Decentralization Diversification can be a challenge for those of us who prefer a tight circle of community that largely reflects our own values back to us – there is security in this. But for growth to occur, biodynamic gardeners recognize the value of planting diverse crops. They view the differences of each as potential complements to one another, assisting in building strong interdependent relationships. Decentralization refers to the ability to create a full and rich community rather than a purely an insular one. Consider what it is that you are ‘watering’ in your life – to what do you give the most attention and provide the most nourishment needed to grow? Perhaps it is all in one place, leaving other areas dry and barren. Perhaps it is a light mist over everything equally without taking the time to listen to each relationship’s unique needs.
Knowing when and what to water is a subtle science learned through experience and made stronger through reflection. Because relationships are at the root of it all. At KM Herbals, we are committed to inspiring action and embodying holistic business practices by serving our community and prioritizing sustainability at every stage of our manufacturing process. An inevitable consequence of the modern lifestyle is unrelenting extraction from our precious earth. We seek to revive, rebuild, and reinvest in a flourishing and vibrant planet for all...and for our future! Sustainability in Action...is creating:At KM Herbals, We Make Every Product Fresh to OrderThis means that only when we receive your order, via phone, email, or the web, does the process officially begin! Only then are the freshest of ingredients hand-crafted into our premiere formulations with care, and sent straight to you...without spending time on a shelf.
The weather outside may be frightful, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a little taste of the tropics at home or in the spa! Coconut oil offers many amazing benefits to the hair, skin, and whole entire body, making it a wonderful winter health ally. BONUS: Coconut palms, which produce a new bunch of coconuts every month, are harvested year round, ensuring that your personal care routine will always be in season. The coconut palm, or Cocos nucifera, is a tree that grows abundantly in most tropical and coastal regions and has a life span of up to 70 years. It has been traditionally valued in a multitude of ways within island communities, being used in everything from food to medicinal preparations. Indian Ayurvedic medicine has utilized it for thousands of years, often combining it with herbs to treat both internal and external afflictions. In the Philippines, coconut oil has even been traditionally applied to aid the healing of burns and broken bones! While it’s bone mending abilities may remain to be seen, coconut’s effect on skin health is a sure bet. High in medium-chain fatty acids like lauric, capric, and caprylic acid, this antioxidant-rich oil helps maintain skin moisture while supporting the skin texture and tone. Highly cleansing and soothing, coconut oil also contains Vitamin E, making it useful when fighting irritation and scarring. Our Organic Coconut Oil and Virgin de Coco Crème are carefully extracted without the use of heat, preserving all of their naturally nourishing and restorative constituents. These ingredients give you professional results that are good for your health, supportive to the environment, and useful for a variety of luxurious and therapeutic applications... ![]() Skincare: Coconut oil has chemical components similar to those in our own sebum, allowing it to protect us from irritation while still being very easy on our skin. Many have even found it to be effective against blemishes and congested skin conditions, and great for improving the look of discoloration. Coconut oil is gentle enough for babies, making it a great option for diaper rash. As an after bath body moisturizer, coconut oil smooths and repairs dry or damaged skin, and absorbs quickly without staining fabrics, making it wonderful for use during massage. Remove makeup: The smooth and emollient texture of coconut oil makes it a quick and easy way to remove even the most stubborn eye makeup. Not only will it give your skin a gentle cleanse, but you also get all of the healing and nourishing benefits in the same application. For a smooth shave: Its cleansing properties help heal nicks and cuts and protect your skin from razor burn. And it's so moisturizing and soothing, you can ditch your post-shave lotion and just shave and go! Deodorize: Not only does it quench and soften, but coconut oil freshens skin as well. Those who find traditional body powders too drying might want to take coconut oil for a spin. It's even effective for underarms! Don’t forget about your hair: Not only can it be used to address itchy scalp conditions, coconut oil adds softness and shine to even the most damaged hair, making it a perfect deep conditioning treatment after sun damage or intense chemical processing at the salon. Learn more: Here at KMH, one of our favorite books about coconut oil is The Coconut Oil Miracle by Bruce Fife, C.N., N.D. and is a must for anyone in the salon or natural health industry. Do you have a favorite way to use coconut oil? Let us know in the comment section! Through education and experience, we can strengthen our community knowledge of natural products and make beautifully multifaceted ingredients like coconut oil a favorite for every season.
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