Wellness is the foundation for beauty. When we prioritize our health, our inner state of being shines through to the outer body.

Science is finally catching up to the truth that health goes deeper than physical – it is interconnected and dependent on holistic mind, body and energetic wellness.

Because our physiology, biomechanics, and energetics are all intricately connected, so too must our approach to health be whole-istic. Wellness practices that are simply natural, and naturally simple, are most bio- and energetically available.

Before integrating allies like aloe, coconut, and calendula, or other delicious and divine plant or earthly elements, first focus on the foundational ones that will support health and beauty, are free and accessible and essential to our overall glow.

What are the key elements of natural beauty and health?

Rhythms:

Circadian + Infradian

Conscious Living:

Living in alignment with what lights you up and in alignment with nature

RELATED: Calibrate Your Circadian Rhythm

What to invest in for Natural and Clean Home, health, and Beauty?

Aloe vera, coconut oil and calendula have healing properties and support full body wellness. They are essential for any woman’s apothecary for herself, her family and her home.

All three are plant derived elements. Because they are natural, they are easily and safely integrated into the skin and through the living tissues within us. They protect and nourish us in ways no artificial products or pharmaceuticals can.

What are the benefits of Aloe Vera?

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a versatile plant with numerous health benefits, especially when used in its natural, raw form. Here are some of its key properties:

1. Anti-inflammatory: Aloe vera has compounds like acemannan that reduce inflammation, making it useful for soothing irritated skin or internal inflammation.

2. Antioxidant-rich: Packed with vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene, aloe vera helps neutralize free radicals, supporting overall skin health and the immune system.

3. Healing and Hydrating: The gel from aloe vera is renowned for its ability to hydrate and promote healing, especially for sunburns, wounds, and skin abrasions.

4. Antibacterial and Antiviral: Aloe vera has natural compounds that can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses, making it a great natural remedy for infections.

5. Digestive Support: Taken internally, aloe vera juice can help soothe the digestive tract, reduce acidity, and improve symptoms of acid reflux or constipation.

6. Detoxifying: Aloe vera aids the body in removing toxins, improving liver function and detoxifying the skin.

7. Immune-Boosting: Aloe vera stimulates the immune system, helping the body to fend off illness more effectively.

How can I Use Aloe Vera to hydrate and heal my skin?

I have been using Aloe Vera for over 12 years. It grows beautifully both here in california as well as in my little hometown in Mexico. My tias use aloe – it’s free, abundant, and potent.

By their guidance and recommendation, I began using aloe on my face as a mask – nightly. I have both the raw plant and my favorite bottled aloe.

I’ve nurtured my aloe vera plants for years (don’t be too impressed, it’s not hard. Aloe is adaptive and resilient and it will grow [period]). It lives in a terracotta pot on my front porch. Access. I love having it right outside the door so I can gratefully harvest a blade.

The mother was gifted to me by a maternal figure in my life and it nests among several other aloe plants that have been given to me by a few of the families I have supported in birth. close to my heart. even closer to my face.

My aloe ritual is one that takes place just before I prepare for sleep. I open a blade and tease the gel before applying it straight onto my skin. When I’m traveling or at a birth, I will use my bottled aloe.

I also use aloe as needed for cuts, dry lips, burns or blemishes.

In the childbirthing year, aloe is useful for raw, chapped lips, nipples, and skin needing added moisture during the hormonal shifts that come with pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

It’s a powerful plant ally for both internal and external use, supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

Mama Fav Aloe Vera

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is another goddess of a natural remedy with a wide range of health benefits. Here are its key properties:

1. Antibacterial and Antifungal: Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has potent antimicrobial properties. It’s excellent for fighting infections, whether applied topically or taken internally.

2. Moisturizing and Skin Healing: It deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin, making it a great remedy for dry, chapped skin, eczema, and even mild burns or rashes.

3. Anti-inflammatory: Coconut oil can help reduce inflammation, both on the skin and internally, making it beneficial for soothing irritated skin or inflammatory conditions.

4. Rich in Antioxidants: Packed with vitamin E and other antioxidants, coconut oil supports skin repair and can help protect the body from oxidative stress.

5. Hair Nourishment: It deeply conditions the scalp and hair, promoting shine, reducing dandruff, and preventing hair breakage.

6. Supports Digestion: Internally, coconut oil can promote healthy digestion, aid in nutrient absorption, and even support gut health by balancing gut bacteria.

7. Boosts Metabolism: The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are easily converted into energy by the liver, making it a natural way to support metabolism and energy levels.

8. Hormonal Balance: Coconut oil helps nourish the thyroid and adrenal glands, supporting a balanced hormone system, which is especially beneficial for women’s reproductive health.

Coconut oil is a beautiful addition to both skincare and wellness routines, offering nourishment and healing from the inside out.

If I am planning to cook in high heat, I will use coconut oil over olive knowing that it can has a higher heat capacity and stable fat molecules. Baking with coconut oil adds an earthy note and every now and then I love adding a teaspoon to quinoa, berry, cream oats.

I use coconut oil in its virgin form to make creams, balms, and salves. I use it on its own to remove debris and daily dust from my face. Oils in general bond with hydrophobic elements like dirt that has blended into face products or other oils, and bacteria.

I recommend coconut oil for balancing pH and stabilizing microflora on the face, skin, and vulva. Coconut oil is healing and resolving UTI or yeast infections.

I prefer to use coconut oil in place of synthetic lubricant for pregnant belly massage, vaginal/cervical exams, although evening primrose oil is appropriate at times, (when waters are intact, not recommended when waters have released), for perineal massage or intimate play and penetration.

Fresh and Natural Coconut Toothpaste:

tablespoon of virgin unrefined coconut oil

tablespoon of baking soda

2-4 drops of peppermint essential oil

optional: activated charcoal and/or aloe vera

Beloved Coconut Face Cleanser and Moisturizer

tablespoon of virgin unrefined coconut oil

2-4 drops of lavender or rose + geranium essential oil

cleanser: add sea salt and a teaspoon or two of raw honey

moisturizer: add a touch of aloe vera

Mama Fav Coconut Oil

Calendula

Calendula, often referred to as pot marigold, is a powerful healing herb that has been honored for centuries, particularly for skin health. Here are its key properties:

1. Anti-inflammatory: Calendula is rich in flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation both internally and externally, making it ideal for soothing irritated or inflamed skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and rashes.

2. Wound Healing: Known for its ability to accelerate skin repair, calendula promotes tissue regeneration and is excellent for treating cuts, scrapes, minor burns, and insect bites.

3. Antimicrobial: Calendula has natural antimicrobial and antiviral properties, making it effective for treating minor infections and protecting the skin from harmful bacteria.

4. Skin Soothing and Moisturizing: It’s deeply nourishing for dry, sensitive, or damaged skin, helping to soothe irritation, reduce redness, and enhance overall skin hydration.

5. Antioxidant-rich: The vibrant yellow and orange petals of calendula are full of antioxidants, which protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage, supporting long-term skin health.

6. Digestive Support: Internally, calendula can support digestion by soothing the digestive tract, reducing inflammation, and promoting the healing of ulcers or gastritis.

7. Lymphatic Support: Calendula gently stimulates the lymphatic system, helping the body to clear toxins and reduce swelling or lymphatic congestion.

8. Menstrual Relief: Calendula is often used in herbal remedies to ease menstrual discomfort, reduce cramping, and support a balanced menstrual cycle due to its mild estrogenic effects.

Sweet sweet calendula.

Calendula is quietly potent. There is also something so magical and dreamy about petal plucking. I infuse the calendula petals in olive oil before I make a balm or salve. Because calendula is as soothing as it is healing, I love adding it to both my rescue salves for cuts, burns, and even bruises and to my face creams.

Calendula Salve

pluck petals and let dry

add dry petals to olive oil, let sit for 14days

This gentle yet potent herb is a must-have in natural skincare and wellness, promoting healing from the skin to the deeper tissues of the body.

Women’s Health

Aloe vera, coconut oil, and calendula each play significant roles in supporting women’s health through their healing, soothing, and restorative properties, particularly when addressing issues related to skin, digestion, hormonal balance, and reproductive health. Here’s how they relate specifically to women’s health >>>

Aloe Vera:

Reproductive Health: Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory and soothing properties can help reduce pelvic inflammation and discomfort related to conditions like endometriosis or painful menstruation. Its hydrating nature is also beneficial for vaginal dryness, supporting overall vaginal health.

Skin Health: For women, particularly during hormonal shifts (such as pregnancy, menopause, or menstruation), aloe vera helps soothe skin irritation, balance breakouts, and support hydration.

Digestive Support: Aloe vera juice is often used to alleviate digestive discomfort, including bloating and constipation, which many women experience during PMS or hormonal fluctuations.

Coconut Oil:

Hormonal Balance: Coconut oil supports the thyroid and adrenal glands, essential for maintaining balanced hormones, which is crucial for women’s reproductive health. It can help ease symptoms related to PMS, menopause, and hormonal imbalances by providing healthy fats.

Skin and Hair Care: Women, particularly during pregnancy or menopause, may experience dry skin or hair. Coconut oil provides deep moisture and supports skin elasticity, reducing stretch marks during pregnancy and giving luster to hair.

Antifungal and Vaginal Health: Its antifungal properties make it effective in preventing or treating yeast infections, a common concern for many women. Coconut oil can be used as a natural lubricant, balancing vaginal pH while also offering moisture.

Calendula:

Menstrual Support: Calendula has gentle estrogenic properties, helping to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce menstrual cramps. Its anti-inflammatory properties help ease pelvic discomfort associated with conditions like PCOS or endometriosis.

Skin Healing: Many women experience sensitive skin due to hormonal shifts, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Calendula is a go-to for soothing irritated or sensitive skin, promoting healing after childbirth, or easing conditions like eczema or dermatitis.

Postpartum Care: Calendula can be used topically to soothe perineal tears, C-section scars, and cracked nipples from breastfeeding, accelerating healing while being safe for sensitive areas.

Lymphatic Health: Calendula’s ability to gently stimulate the lymphatic system can support detoxification, which is especially helpful for women dealing with fluid retention or swelling during the menstrual cycle or postpartum.

These plants are holistic allies for women throughout different life stages—whether dealing with menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, or general hormonal imbalances.

LEARN MORE: Simple and Natural Ways to Balance Hormones Naturally

They provide both external and internal nourishment, help regulate inflammation, balance skin issues, and support reproductive and emotional well-being naturally.

Whether used in skincare rituals, internal tonics, or menstrual care, these plants offer gentle yet profound healing that aligns with the rhythms of the female body.

Thank you for investing your time to learning more about plant medicine and how to support your well-being naturally.