These are trying times we are enduring. Did you ever think we could get to this point so quickly? However, that is exactly how a true crisis works: FAST. Panicking during an emergency situation never helps. The truth of the matter is, if you are prepared, you are able to remain calm, help yourself and help others.

One of the reasons we moved to NH, and purchased the home we did, was to enable us to be independent. We have a wood stove, a generator, we garden, can, freeze and dehydrate foods. Of course, we picked up some things we were afraid we’d run out of (ice cream!), but we felt calm and assured that we could hunker down, for the amount of time necessary, to see the madness through.

When situations like this arise, it is a good time for people to re-evaluate their lives and situation. It is a time when individuals can learn a great deal. A crisis can become an experience that brings out the best in others, creating a positive, bonding experience for many. There’s a good chance you are seeing that now. I know we saw it during 9/11.

If you are considering how to be better prepared for the future, I’d like to encourage you to consider the use of natural foods and products for the health and well-being of your family. Plants and herbs can leave your body in a better position to fight off bacteria and viruses. Elderberry is particularly effective at keeping viruses from invading your system. (More info here.) Certain herbs, such as echinacea and goldenseal are powerful healers and support the immune system. Turmeric and Ashwaganda are great inflammation fighters. Wild cherry eases a cough. Yarrow could break a fever. Plants are an amazing gift from God, and I would urge you to learn more about their healing properties.

I have a supply of many items that may help see you through this. I make elderberry syrup and “Fire Cider” (mineral-laden tonic), handcrafted soaps (“Wash your hands!”), oils and salves. I carry dried herbs that could help with a wide range of issues you may be experiencing, such as headache, stress, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, sore throat, cough, inflammation, etc. For those of you needing a stronger, more medicinal way to take herbs, I also make herbal tinctures, which are alcohol extracts of herbs and a more potent form of ingesting them. I have tea blends specific to fighting viruses or cold and flu.

I have not yet opened my shop for the season. At this point, I am waiting out the current situation. However, I am still here, working, and just keeping close to home. I know many of you are doing the same. If you have a need for any of these items, please contact me. I am happy to work with you to figure out what may help get you through any discomfort you may be experiencing. You can shop by appointment, or let me know what you need, and I will have it available for pick-up. I also carry salts, spices, clays, soap nuts (laundry), essential oils and diffusers, salt lamps for purification of your home, as well as simple beauty and household products. As we are encouraged to avoid crowds, shopping small and local is the way to go. Perhaps, you’ll find a more natural style of living is better for the long haul. I would love to be your partner in this endeavor! Some of my products, including elderberry syrup, are also available at Treasure Trove, 185 Meadow Street in Sanbornville, NH. (Open Friday through Tuesday, 10-4.)

We are all in this together, and will get through it together. I am always amazed by the love and support that flow from people during a crisis. Wishing you all good health, safety and God’s blessings during this time and forward. Contact me if I can help you in any way.

With love, Karen