Our Story
B. Real Botanicals is the result of Brenda Bigelow’s 20 plus years of study, application, and love of herbs and all their many uses. With constant education and pulling from experience as a herbalist, certified massage therapist, aromatherapist and professional makeup artist, Brenda has a unique perspective of the human body; its ability to heal itself, ward off disease and its natural aesthetics. The power of the body to utilize plant power in the support of these efforts is an ongoing life’s passion of Brenda’s. The desire to utilize and share this passion is the purpose of B. Real Botanicals where health is beauty. Whether you buy directly from the site, contact us through email (b.realbotanicals@gmail.com) or book a consultation our hope is your life & health will benefit from the use of these herbs. We look forward to working with each one of you!
Our Soaps
Our natural, hand poured products are scented with only essential oils and are free from harmful chemicals such as synthetic fragrance oils, sodium laurel sulfate, parabens, phthalates, petroleum by-products and artificial coloring/preservatives. Creating soaps the old fashioned way means that the naturally occurring glycerin is not removed. This gentle ingredient formed in the soap making process is perfect for hydrating your skin.
Our soap is made in small batches with lots of love and attention to ensure the highest level of quality. We use the traditional cold process method. This allows the ingredients to stay at a low temperature to guarantee they keep their therapeutic properties.
Our handcrafted soap is slowly cured for 4-6 weeks with each bar being unique in nature and varying slightly in size, shape, and weight. We use oils known for their nourishing qualities such as Coconut oil, Olive oil, Castor oil, Cocoa butter, Shea butter, Avocado oil, Almond oil etc…
We do not use synthetic fragrances or colorants. We only use 100% essential oils.
What are Aromatherapy & Essential Oils?
Aromatherapy is an ancient holistic treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Sometimes it’s called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health.
Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. The oils capture the plant’s scent and flavor, or “essence.” Unique aromatic compounds give each essential oil its characteristic essence. Essential oils are obtained through distillation (via steam and/or water) or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing. Once the aromatic chemicals have been extracted, they are combined with a carrier oil to create a product that’s ready for use. The way the oils are made is important, as essential oils obtained through chemical processes are not considered true essential oils. B. Real Botanicals uses only 100% organic essential oils.
What is a Tincture?
Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts made by soaking the bark, berries, leaves, or roots (dried or fresh) from one or more plants in alcohol, glycerin or vinegar. The alcohol (which we use 100+ proof) pulls out the active properties in the plant parts, concentrating them as a liquid. Tinctures make it easy to consume the natural health-boosting chemicals found in some plants.
B. Real Botanicals has a series of pre-mixed tinctures available in the Shop or create your own custom blended tincture with the guidance of our in house Master Herbalist in the Apothecary.
How do I start to incorporate the benefits of herbs in my life?
The best steps are baby steps. Start with a little cinnamon sprinkled in your coffee grounds before you brew it as cinnamon has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Add a little extra pepper to make all the other things you eat more bioavailable. Want more of a therapeutic effect to support a specific health concern? Make an appointment with our Master Herbalist.
What is better: tea or tincture?
This all depends on you. Which is more appealing to you? You might prefer sipping on a tea two to three times a day or taking a quick shot under the tongue morning & night. Herbs are absorbed into the body in numerous ways. You can ingest them via teas & tinctures; apply them topically through balms, soaps, creams & body butters. It is all personal preference.