The blog
Herbal guides & the science behind the plants
How-tos for making your own remedies, plus the research, not the folklore, behind the herbs in every KBA & Co formula.
- Beef Tallow vs Plant Butters: What the Skin Barrier Science Actually Says
Beef tallow is having a moment. An honest look at how it compares to plant butters and oils for the skin barrier, and why I formulate with plants.
July 23, 2026 - Sleepmaxxing Without the Gadgets: A Wind-Down Routine With Real Research Behind It
Magnesium, lavender, lemon balm, a dark room. A research-backed look at the wind-down habits worth keeping, and the ritual I lean on at night.
July 18, 2026 - The Cortisol Conversation, Honestly: What Lowers It, What Doesn't, and Where Herbs Fit
Cortisol is everywhere online right now. Here is what the research shows about lowering it, and where herbs like holy basil honestly fit.
July 16, 2026 - The 'Co' in KBA & Co: Why I Am Building a Collective of Small Makers
KBA & Co is becoming a home for independent makers of natural and handmade goods. Here is the story behind the collective, and how to join it.
June 23, 2026 - What Calendula Actually Does for Irritated Skin (The Research, Not the Folklore)
What the published research says about calendula’s plant compounds for irritated skin, and why it is the heart of our Boo-Boo Butter.
June 9, 2026 - Lemon Balm and the Calm Before Sleep
Lemon balm has a gentle, lemony calm. The research on rosmarinic acid and GABA, and why this herb leads our Restful Night salve.
May 26, 2026 - Holy Basil (Tulsi): The Adaptogen in Our Stress Reset Salve
Holy basil has been called the queen of herbs. What the research says about tulsi as an adaptogen, and why it leads our Stress Reset salve.
May 12, 2026 - Turmeric for Tired Joints: What the Curcumin Research Shows
Curcumin is one of the most studied plant compounds in the world. What the research shows, and why turmeric anchors our Joint Comfort salve.
April 28, 2026 - The Science of Cayenne: How Capsaicin Talks to Your Nerves
Cayenne is the warmth in our Muscle Rub. What the research says about capsaicin, the TRPV1 receptor, and why warming herbs feel the way they do.
April 14, 2026 - Why I Build Our Face Moisturizer Around Spirulina
Spirulina is not just smoothie powder. The research on phycocyanin, its antioxidant activity on skin, and why it anchors our Face Moisturizer.
March 31, 2026 - Colloidal Oatmeal: The Most Underrated Skin Soother
Colloidal oatmeal is one of the few botanical skin ingredients the FDA recognizes. The research on avenanthramides and our Psoriasis Soothing salve.
March 17, 2026 - Thyme Is More Than a Kitchen Herb: The Science of Thymol
Thyme is in our Cough Rub for a reason. Here is the science of thymol, its aromatic compounds, and thyme’s long history during cough season.
March 3, 2026 - Mullein: The Quiet Lung Herb People Have Used for Centuries
Mullein has a long folk history with the lungs and throat. Here is the research on its mucilage and verbascoside, and how we use it.
February 17, 2026 - Do Natural Bug Sprays Actually Work? A Look at the Plant Science
DEET-free bug sprays are everywhere. What the research really says about lemon eucalyptus, citronella, and lemongrass, and how we built ours.
February 3, 2026 - How to Make Herbal Salves at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to make herbal salves at home with this simple step-by-step guide, including oils, ratios, infusing methods, and storage tips.
January 20, 2026 - How to Make Herbal Tinctures: Alcohol, Alcohol-Free, and Fresh vs. Dried
Make herbal tinctures at home: alcohol and alcohol-free methods, fresh vs. dried herb ratios, steeping time, and how to store them.
January 6, 2026 - How to Grow a Small Herb Garden: 3 Ways to Plan It, Plus Designs Beyond the Basic Bed
Plan a small herb garden three smart ways, then build it beautifully with spiral, keyhole, and tiered designs that go beyond a plain planter bed.
December 23, 2025 - Starting Your Own Apothecary: The Best Herbs to Begin With
A beginner's guide to starting a home herbal apothecary: the best first herbs, simple tools, how to store herbs, and what to make first.
December 9, 2025