Each journey is filled with trials and triumphs, blood and tears. No matter the age, it doesn’t get easier, but we must keep moving forward. Continue to evolve and grow. Each phase of life holds change and the unknown.
I never saw myself as a home school mom, but God had other plans. Same went for my author career. Then the time came when my son, Logan, was graduating and moving on. The writing voices ceased. I felt lost. Disconnected from who I was. Being a home school mom was my life, ensuring Logan had a solid educational foundation, but now what? I struggled for months. Struggled to search for Andrea. Exhausted and emotionally shredded. In a breath, I stopped.
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I took herbalism and aromatherapy classes. I bought books upon
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My journey through Adenomyosis, eating disorder, outpatient recovery, IBS, and emotional turmoil brought me to this place. Through the pain and doubt, the shame and anxiety, I managed to dig out my path with dirt and grit.
The Rustic Woman allowed me to share homemade recipes, especially those with food allergies; I have soy and dairy allergies. Going out to eat can be a challenge. I wanted others to see there were delicious alternatives. I understand the cringe of alternatives, I do the same thing, and not everything is created equal. I promised I’d never post anything below my high taste standards. Also, my recipes will never be linear; it’s not who I am. I encourage people to make it their own. I know that’s not for everyone; however, creeping outside of the box can be a good thing.
A year and a half into The Rustic Woman I decided to create The Rustic Apothecary. It was important for me to share what I’ve learned and created through herbalism with my roll-on oil fragrances. Each fragrance is made to order through my knowledge of which essential oils and botanicals blend together. My kitchen most days looks like a mad scientist's lab, but I love creating these oils.
Logan jumped in on it and created a scent for Autism Acceptance/Awareness Month and named it Quirky Soul (he is on the Autism Spectrum). When your world is heavy, the mind is full, your soul stirs and reaches for comfort and grounding. Allow sage, lavender, and chamomile to calm and heal. Fragrance profile: ease, renew, and settle. Fragrance notes: amber woods, citrus whisper, and tender blossoms. Ingredients: Fractioned coconut oil, Vitamin E, and parabens, phthalates, alcohol-free essential oil blend.
Another favorite creation and one we use often is Tranquility.
Allow whispers of lavender, rose, and jasmine to calm your mind. The botanical blend will bloom within and bring forth divine dreams. Fragrance profile: peace, soft, and light. Fragrance notes: fields of lavender, sweet floral gardens, and fresh spring breeze.
Who knows where this new journey will take me, but I’m blessed to have been able to help others--whether it be a recipe for soy-free bread, home school guidance, or oil to ease anxiety.
The unknown doesn’t need to be terrifying. It’s about perspective. It’s about taking one step at a time. One breath at a time. Where we belong and who we are... messy and beautiful, bizarre and lovely.
The journey is worth it.
Here is a recipe from The Rustic Woman.
Before my hysterectomy, I had Adenomyosis, which is a condition in which the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) breaks through the muscle wall of the uterus. Adenomyosis causes extreme menstrual cramps, lower abdominal pressure, and bloating before menstrual periods and can result in heavy periods. This is a painful condition and would trigger IBS symptoms.
During my herbalist training, I learned much about different herbs that would aid in relief. I created different teas to calm my symptoms as much as possible. The four dried herbs I found most significant help from are red clover, burdock, lavender, and yarrow.
Red Clover - Delicate & sweet, studies have shown it lowers cholesterol, helps with indigestion, hot flashes, and PMS.
The Rustic Woman allowed me to share homemade recipes, especially those with food allergies; I have soy and dairy allergies. Going out to eat can be a challenge. I wanted others to see there were delicious alternatives. I understand the cringe of alternatives, I do the same thing, and not everything is created equal. I promised I’d never post anything below my high taste standards. Also, my recipes will never be linear; it’s not who I am. I encourage people to make it their own. I know that’s not for everyone; however, creeping outside of the box can be a good thing.
A year and a half into The Rustic Woman I decided to create The Rustic Apothecary. It was important for me to share what I’ve learned and created through herbalism with my roll-on oil fragrances. Each fragrance is made to order through my knowledge of which essential oils and botanicals blend together. My kitchen most days looks like a mad scientist's lab, but I love creating these oils.
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| Logan |
Another favorite creation and one we use often is Tranquility.
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| Tranquility |
Who knows where this new journey will take me, but I’m blessed to have been able to help others--whether it be a recipe for soy-free bread, home school guidance, or oil to ease anxiety.
The unknown doesn’t need to be terrifying. It’s about perspective. It’s about taking one step at a time. One breath at a time. Where we belong and who we are... messy and beautiful, bizarre and lovely.
The journey is worth it.
Here is a recipe from The Rustic Woman.
Before my hysterectomy, I had Adenomyosis, which is a condition in which the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) breaks through the muscle wall of the uterus. Adenomyosis causes extreme menstrual cramps, lower abdominal pressure, and bloating before menstrual periods and can result in heavy periods. This is a painful condition and would trigger IBS symptoms.
During my herbalist training, I learned much about different herbs that would aid in relief. I created different teas to calm my symptoms as much as possible. The four dried herbs I found most significant help from are red clover, burdock, lavender, and yarrow.
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| Red Clover |
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| Burdock |
Burdock - The root has a distinctive smell and is known to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, heal a damaged liver, and detox the blood.
Yarrow (a favorite of mine)- This is an anti-inflammatory, reliefs menstrual cramps and pain, heals, detoxes, and lessens stomach pain, gas, and diarrhea.
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| Lavender |
Lavender - Studies show the herb aids in digestive distress, nausea, and stomach cramps. It is an antispasmodic and reduces gas and bloating.
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| Yarrow |
All that is stated above is from my studies.
I was on many medications in the past for my IBS, Pelvic
Adhesive Disease, anxiety, and depression. Once I began my herbalist journey, my mind changed immediately. When I have an IBS flare-up this tea is the first thing I make. The lovely aroma alone calms me down. This beautiful and healing tea brings comfort, relief, and solace. I make a medium size batch that fills a mason jar. Equal parts of the above herbs. Mix. A little goes a long way. I use a stainless steel mesh tea infuser strainer, but any tea steeper will work. Steep for 10-15 minutes. Lemon or honey is optional.
Andrea Johnson-Beck is a veteran home school mama, bestselling author, and an Autism Spectrum advocate. She has successfully created a line of chemical-free fragrances for men and women. Along with her son, Logan, they are planning to create an aromatherapeutic rollerball fragrance for those on the Austism Spectrum. Her educational journey with herbalism has taught her much about homeopathic medicine, healing foods, and intuitive eating. You may contact Andrea at the following:
It is wonderful to have you as our guest today. Thank you so much for sharing your very personal story. It is true, if we are not our own medical advocates, we will get lost as modern medicine tries its hardest to push pharmaceuticals at us that just may not be what we need. I'm delighted to own several of your products and they are clean, pure fragrances that are timeless. So anxious to see where this adventure takes you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for allowing me share my journey!
DeleteThanks for the post and encouragement to be active in our own health care decisions.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your awesome words!
DeleteWelcome, Andrea! I too am a user of herbs, essential oils, and homeopaths. Holistic alternatives have played a large part in my life since 1995, when my Doberman, Misty presented with raised liver enzymes. It's amazing how they work.
ReplyDeleteIt is and I love what herbalism has brought to my life.
ReplyDeleteVery useful post. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. Really its great article. Keep it up.
ReplyDeletePaco Casal