Sweetleaf- Our Herbal Teas make their debute at a well loved coffee shop in Queens

Sweetleaf is a coffee shop in my neighborhood known for single-handedly bringing quality coffee to Queens. In fact everything they do is quality. And so when the owner Freddy approached me to talk teas, I already had several ideas of what would add to their already incredible menu. In particular I wanted to reach out to the pregnant and nursing community- many of whom are my clients in LIC- and who don't have as many good options for a nice coffee shop treat during the childbearing year.

Four unique teas were blended just for Sweetleaf. They include- Mommy-to-Be, Bright Eyes Cleanse, Immune Boost, and Ginger Elderberry Brew. All are good warm or iced, and I like the Mommy Tea with milk and honey. The Immune Boost smells like After Eight mints, and the Bright Eyes Cleanse, designed for computer addicts, has been the biggest seller.

I've been so over joyed with the response from clients and locals for the teas. Look for more teas to come this summer!

Local Calendula- Rooftop Farming

Our first farming experience in NYC! The nettles were given a small plot on the Eagle Street Rooftop Farm to share some medicinal herbs with our community. Of all the plants we tried- Calendula was the star and despite a very hot summer we were able to a lovely harvest of blossom which sold at the farm stand.




Here are two of our favorite things to do with Calendula blossoms:

• Oil Infusion: I love calendula oil for its vulnerary properties. It soothes the skin and heals infections. The golden yellow color brings sunshine to any area that has experienced trauma. To make: Place dried flowers in a jar to fill half way. Cover with high quality oil (I use a blend of castor oil and olive oil for a scar cream) and place in the sun. Shake daily and strain once it has a golden yellow color, about 4-6weeks.
• Facial Mask: Blend 1-2 Tbsp calendula blossoms, 1-2 Tbsp of rolled oats, and 1 tsp of lavender blossoms in a coffee grinder until you get a fine powder. If you have oil skin you can stir in 1-2 tsp green or benonite clay (for oily skin). Then add enough water to make a paste- I like using rose water or other flower-waters. Voila! A great face mask to use up to once a week.
  

Calendula itself has anti-inflammatory, astringent, vulnerary, emollient, antifungal and antiseptic properties. It has traditionally been used for wounds, diaper rash, stings, warts, varicose veins, fungal infections,abscesses, cold sores, bruises, cuts, sprains, sores, scar tissue, muscle soreness and more.