After Back-to-School and Before the Hectic Holidays, Slow It Down with Pura Luna Apothecary

Another summer come and gone. And we survived back-to-school. 

Deep breath. 

Now that fall’s here, it’s time for some rest and nurturing before the chaos of the holidays sweeps us into another tornado. Now is the time to enjoy being home more, strengthen immune systems, and give your liver a break. 

Who better to guide us than herbalist and cofounder of Pura Luna Apothecary Ashe Brown? Part sanctuary, part salon, Pura Luna Apothecary is a holistic destination for wellness seekers, from doulas and midwives to tarot readers and tea drinkers. Ashe and her team mix their teas and tinctures in the back space of their Chapala Street building, and in addition to their apothecary line, they carry local and women-owned brands.  

I met with Ashe to talk fall vibes and the need for parents to rebalance after the outdoor fun of summer turns into a more inward time of year. Ashe suggests “micro-moments of wellness to avoid burnout.” When you have small, daily rituals that recharge you, there’s less buildup of stress and feeling like you need a vacation. Some of these rituals can be done with your family, and a few are just for you.

Kid Time 

For mornings, this Golden Sun Milk is a coffee alternative that guts appreciate. Both energizing and a digestion aid safe for kids, it kickstarts the day with herbal dopamine-booster Mucuna and adaptogenic herbs like ginger, turmeric, and cordyceps. Add some honey or frothy milk if your kiddo gives you the sideways glance. For after-school winding down, the Moon Child Herbal Tea provides nervous system support with spearmint and chamomile — this is also a good one for evening chill time.

After longer days spent outdoors, spending more time indoors may not be as exciting for the kiddos. That’s when affirmation mists come in. Pura Luna’s Clearing Affirmation Mist comes with the affirmation: “Clean me. Clear me. I am open. I have peace.” Whether it’s a tough day for you or a tantrum for them, when the mental load is too much, this soothing spray made with essential oils and intention lends itself to a micro-moment of peace. And if you haven’t yet introduced the power of mantras to your child, this is a sensorial way (let them spray it for more fun). 

[Click to enlarge] Pura Luna’s interior | Credit: Anika Duncan

Partner Time

Before Halloween candy and pumpkin everything, a detox is something you and your partner can do together going into the holidays feeling energetically stronger. Belly Love is a gut and liver detox formulated with anti-inflammatory cranberry juice extract, antioxidant mangosteen, and ginger. Mix the powder in liquid 30 minutes before meals to reduce gas and alkalize the body. Take it for 30 days and consider it a digestive cleanse.

Even if it’s just relaxing and watching TV together, lighting a Sacred Ritual Candle can create cozy ambiance. Poured with soy wax and high-quality essential oils, Copal is a relaxing, sexy blend made from tree resin.

Check out Pura Luna’s “Pleasure Center” cabinet, and you’ll find refined products like a rose quartz Crystal Yoni Wand for couples massage and mutual stimulation. Rose quartz is the crystal of unconditional love that speaks to the heart chakra, strengthening relationships. If massage is your love language, you’ll want some Sensual Herbal Massage Oil infused with rose petals to go with that Yoni wand.  

Credit: Anika Duncan

Me Time

This Happiness Tonic can provide a natural daily lift. To help balance hormones and serotonin/dopamine, this powerful tonic has adaptogens ashwagandha and rhodiola, plus happy herbs like St. John’s wort. Put a dropperful in your water bottle and sip throughout the day. In the evening, a warm cup of Anti-Anxietea Herbal Tea Blend can help frazzled nerves mellow with lemon balm and linden. When taking that first sip, say the affirmation (“My mind is clearing. I’m in control.”) and surrender to the present.

When my body and soul ache from stress, it’s time for a bath. This Grounding Body Oil with lavender, clove, and bergamot can be used for self-massage before bathing. Light a candle, cue the flute meditation playlist, and meditate for 10 minutes while the oil works its magic before bathing or showering.

We Time

Choose a beautiful sage bundle paired with crystal energy and suggest your family help cleanse your home for harvest season. This Sage Bundle Large Rose & Crystal comes with an info card listing the ingredients, healing properties, and burning instructions (safety first!). Ethically sourced Palo Santo is another sacred cleansing tool. When Ashe’s daughter, Quest, has a nightmare, they light it together to cleanse her bedroom, letting the fear go. 
Start getting in the habit of sipping immune-boosting broth and making broths for soups. While this can feel daunting, Pura Luna has an Herbal Broth Kit with all the medicinal herbs, minerals, and spices, from reishi and kombu to rosemary. A fun game could be identifying what’s what in the mystery bag and talking about the health benefits of each. Just add water and fire, and your home will overflow with therapeutic smells of fall wellness.

Credit: Anika Duncan