About thirteen years ago, I found myself at a small spa in Illinois, nervous system out of sync and in need of respite while redeeming a Christmas gift card Nathan had given me. I had crazy melasma from being a few months postpartum, my skin no longer had the pregnant glow, and there were dark circles under my eyes from sleepless nights.
This was a few years before I ever started formulating facial products. The esthetician cleansed my face, did multiple masks, and when she got to the serum part, I’ll never forget her talking about pumpkin oil with its vitamin K and zinc content. I left that place so happy with my skin!
This was a few years before I ever started formulating facial products. The esthetician cleansed my face, did multiple masks, and when she got to the serum part, I’ll never forget her talking about pumpkin oil with its vitamin K and zinc content. I left that place so happy with my skin!
Of course, I went home and started studying cold-pressed pumpkin oil and all its benefits - testing texture, aroma, and results.
Here’s what I found:
In addition to being a silky, lightweight oil that absorbs quickly, pumpkin is abundant in Zinc. A powerhouse for the skin, known for balancing oil production, calming inflammation, and speeding up healing. It helps prevent breakouts, soothes redness and irritation, and supports the skin’s natural barrier by boosting immunity and repair. Its antioxidant properties protect against environmental stress, while its ability to fade discoloration and scars makes it especially effective for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
In addition to being a silky, lightweight oil that absorbs quickly, pumpkin is abundant in Zinc. A powerhouse for the skin, known for balancing oil production, calming inflammation, and speeding up healing. It helps prevent breakouts, soothes redness and irritation, and supports the skin’s natural barrier by boosting immunity and repair. Its antioxidant properties protect against environmental stress, while its ability to fade discoloration and scars makes it especially effective for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Vitamin K supports circulation and helps fade dark circles and discoloration.
Omega-6 fatty acids deeply hydrate and strengthen elasticity.
Antioxidants combat free radicals and support youthful firmness.
Pumpkin oil is like food for tired, dull skin, balancing, brightening, and rebuilding from the inside out. It’s the reason I chose it for the primary ingredient in Blackberry Leaf Serum, and it’s been a staple ingredient in my Remedy blends ever since.
Antioxidants combat free radicals and support youthful firmness.
Pumpkin oil is like food for tired, dull skin, balancing, brightening, and rebuilding from the inside out. It’s the reason I chose it for the primary ingredient in Blackberry Leaf Serum, and it’s been a staple ingredient in my Remedy blends ever since.
Healthy Living Tip: Nervous System Health
Speaking of zinc, eating foods high in zinc helps to regulate your nervous system, which isn’t built for constant input….bright screens, endless scrolling, notifications pinging like a ticking clock. This kind of sensory overload creates silent stress that drains your energy, muddles your thoughts, and keeps your body in a low-grade fight-or-flight mode.
Some plant foods you can eat to get your daily zinc intake:
Pumpkin seeds
Hemp seeds
Chia seeds
Cashews
Almonds
Chickpeas
Lentils
Quinoa
Oats
Spinach
Mushrooms (especially shiitake and cremini)
Some plant foods you can eat to get your daily zinc intake:
Pumpkin seeds
Hemp seeds
Chia seeds
Cashews
Almonds
Chickpeas
Lentils
Quinoa
Oats
Spinach
Mushrooms (especially shiitake and cremini)
Recipe I'm Loving: Evening Glow Golden Milk
This warm, calming elixir soothes your senses, grounds your nervous system, and helps your body unwind.
Evening Glow Golden Milk
Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened cashew milk (best to make your own)
½ tsp organic turmeric
¼ tsp cinnamon
Pinch of black pepper
¼ tsp ashwagandha powder (optional, for deep stress support)
1 tsp raw honey or maple syrup
½ tsp coconut oil or ghee Tiny pinch of celtic salt
Pepper in a bit of pumpkin seed, ground up for some texture and crunch and a pop of zinc..
Instructions:
In a small saucepan, gently warm the cashew milk over low heat.
Whisk in turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and ashwagandha if using.
Add coconut oil and a tiny pinch of sea salt. Let it warm gently for 5–7 minutes, stirring often—don’t boil.
Remove from heat, stir in raw honey or maple syrup.
Pour into your favorite mug. Sit somewhere quiet. No screens. Just sip and breathe.
Natural Living: Herbal Eye Pillow
Calm overstimulated senses, support rest, and bring peace back to your body with this simple DIY that is perfect for everyone in your family to use..
Herbal Eye Pillow
What You’ll Need:
A soft, natural fabric (cotton, linen, or silk – about 8” x 10”)
1 cup organic flaxseed (adds gentle weight)
2–3 tbsp dried herbs (lavender, chamomile, and rose are beautiful for nervous system support)
A few drops of essential oil (optional: lavender, frankincense, or Roman chamomile)
Needle & thread or a sewing machine
Instructions:
Cut and fold your fabric in half lengthwise. Sew the two sides together to create a pouch, leaving one end open.
In a bowl, mix flaxseed with dried herbs and 1–2 drops of essential oil.
Fill your pouch with the blend (don’t overfill—you want it soft and moldable).
Sew the open end shut securely.
Store in a drawer with a sachet of herbs, or keep by your bed for nighttime unwinding.
To Use:
Place the pillow over your eyes while lying down in a quiet space. Breathe deeply. Let your body settle. Use during digital detox moments, before sleep, or whenever you feel sensory overload.
Something I'm Pondering: Clear The Noise
As we discuss all things detox, it’s important to remember that we have to detox the hurry in our lives, and make time for rest.
We were never meant to consume more than we create. Yet we often find ourselves eyes glued to glowing screens, scrolling through a thousand voices, forgetting the sound of our own.
When we clear the noise, we begin to truly hear again:
I’ve learned that some of the deepest healing doesn’t come in the doing, but in the being.
So tonight, I’ll put the phone away. I’ll light a candle. And I’ll listen, not to the world, but to the still, small voice within.
Will you join me?
