Dear friends of Raven Hill Botanicals,
The holidays are upon us, and it will be like no other year in our lifetime because of the pandemic. During this unprecedented time of social isolation and the hardships that so many of us are enduring, I felt it essential to let you know the developments here at Raven Hill Botanicals. First, I'd like to explain my humble beginnings and why our products' integrity means so much to me, and why I feel the need to take a step back after the holidays for a bit until the economy begins to recover. I am very proud of my cottage industry, where I  am responsible for all aspects of my business, from wildcrafting the herbs and formulation of the products to production and marketing. I also formulate all of the unique proprietary essential oil blends. The products' integrity is my bottom line, so I will need to take the appropriate actions until the situation changes. Please feel free to contact me at info@ravenhillbotanicals.com with comments, questions, and feedback. 

Throughout the year, starting as early as February, I have already been experiencing a lower than usual sales volume due to the situation's general instability. However, I continue with my business's struggle to survive this crisis, but it has not been easy. Together we can get through this because with every purchase you make; you are given a choice, not only about what you want to put on or in your body, but who and what you want to support and what defines us as a community. Thank you for your on-going support of my cottage industry. Your purchase ensures its existence. 

Some changes in my life circumstances have proved challenging but manageable up to this point with the on-going rigors of the pandemic and dealing with family matters that include the full in-home care of my elderly parents in their home. I will try my best to continue to offer most of my Signature products but bear in mind that the turnaround time on shipping will be a little longer. Some products will be unavailable for a period, so order early if ordering Christmas or Hanukah gifts. 
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I have a fantastic selection of my Signature products, which include facial skincare, body care, healing salves and balms, essential oil blends, as well as goat milk soaps. I encourage my loyal customers to take advantage of the discount coupons that I have nearly every week through my newsletter. If you are not yet a member of the Raven Hill Botanicals family, please sign up for our weekly newsletters and look for news, new products to be launched there, as well as weekly discount codes and special sales. Raven Hill Botanicals products make wonderful gifts. 

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COMFREY, Topical Rescue from this skin-healing plant, comfrey has impressive wound healing properties due to the presence of allantoin, a chemical that stimulates cell proliferation. It is a demulcent mucilage making it a powerful healing agent.

WILD GERANIUM was used by early Native Americans for its many medicinal purposes including anti-hemorrhaging and anti-inflammatory properties.

COMMON GARDEN PLANTAIN also know as ‘Mother of Herbs’, offers many health benefits. It has traditionally been used for cuts, skin eruptions, rashes, hemorrhoids and for aiding the healing and recovery of skin.

CANNABIS - Numerous studies suggest that cannabis can help with pain management. What makes topicals so great is that you can apply the medication right on the areas causing pain. Skin irritation is one of the most dramatic reliefs topicals can provide. Patients who have struggled years with skin issues report feeling extremely quick relief through cannabis topicals. Reducing inflammation is at the core of topicals benefits, and the reason it helps relieve so many medical symptoms.
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GOLDENSEAL LEAF & ROOT  Goldenseal Root has natural antibiotic and antiseptic properties and is used for all inflammations. It is a natural herb that promotes healthy skin. Arnica is applied topically for pain and swelling associated with bruises, aches, and sprains. Arnica products are for external uses, including sore muscles, pain and inflammation. Native Americans referred to arnica as mountain tobacco and leopard’s bane and employed the plant for sprains, bruises and wounds.
ARNICA ​is applied to the skin for pain and swelling associated with bruises, aches, and sprains.

 The 10+ Benefits Of Cannabis Topicals

1. Localized Pain Management The ”benefits of cannabis topicals pain management" Numerous studies suggest that cannabis can help with pain management. Pain management is one of the leading reasons for patients to pursue medical marijuana cards.What makes topicals so great is that you can apply the medication right on the areas causing pain. For example, if you’re experiencing neck pain, a topical can be applied directly to the neck, and relief can be experienced within 20 minutes.

2. Non-psychoactive One of the biggest draws for cannabis topicals, are the fact that they do not enter the bloodstream. This means there is no psychoactivity, a major benefit when trying to exclusively experience pain/irritation relief. Patients can apply limitlessly, without the possible side effects of too much THC.

3. Skin Irritation & Itching Skin irritation is one of the most dramatic reliefs topicals can provide. Patients who have struggled years with skin issues report feeling extremely quick relief through cannabis topicals. Those who experience rashes, eczema, and that of the like have had those issues severely or completely relieved. One patient was beaming with excitement after experiencing eczema relief through topicals. "I’ve been struggling with eczema on my hand my whole life. I’ve seen countless doctors and have been prescribed every steroid cream you can imagine. When I first heard of topicals, I was apprehensive if it could help with my pretty severe itching, swelling, and irritation. I tried topicals, and the next day it was almost completely cleared up. This made me a big believer."

4. Psoriasis Relief Psoriasis is the excessive buildup of skin cells, which causes itching, redness, and inflammation. There is no cure for this condition, and options to treat are very limited. A 2007 study suggested that cannabinoids help inhibit the buildup of skin cells. Although more research is needed for any conclusive evidence, patients are speaking out on how it is helping them. Numerous medical marijuana patients report feeling relief, and even a complete clear up of symptoms.

5. Reduces Inflammation Reducing inflammation is at the core of topicals benefits, and the reason it helps relieve so many medical symptoms. Cannabis helps by fighting inflammation through activating the CB2 receptors. Because cannabis topicals can be localized, specific bodily inflammation can be targeted more aggressively.

6. Helps With Arthritis There are many different forms of Arthritis, but the main theme it boils down to is a joint disease, leading to joint pain due to inflammation. The major symptoms include swelling, irritation, and stiffness. As mentioned before, the anti-inflammatory properties in cannabis help relieve these symptoms immensely. Cannabis topicals are showing to help patients struggling with arthritis dramatically.

7. Heals Burns Faster Because of cannabis’ pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, topicals have shown to help patients healing from burns dramatically. Patients are reporting healing faster, as well as experiencing a decrease in pain.
Below a patient shows their burn treatment of a cannabis topical versus an antibiotic cream. As you can see, the cannabis topical treatment is faster, and with less inflammation.

8. Fights Bacterial Skin Infections
Cannabinoids contain antibacterial properties. Cannabis topicals have been used by patients to help treat boils, cellulitis, folliculitis, impetigo, and more. A major benefit of cannabis topicals is that you will not experience any kind of bodily resistance to the treatment, like you may with antibiotics.
9. Therapeutic Massages
Using cannabis topicals bring a variety of benefits to therapeutic massages. This ties into the stimulation cannabis topicals have on CB2 receptors, reducing inflammation and pain. Many patients are seeing incredible results for sports injuries, neuropathy, and more through therapeutic massages.
10. Menstrual Pain
Many female patients have reported menstrual cramp relief through cannabis topicals. There are a variety of ways cannabis topicals have been applied to relieve pain. Most patients apply directly on the skin area where pain is coming from.
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11. Cancer
Thousands of cancer patients have found treatment through medical marijuana. Most famously, Rick Simpson Oil has been used for to treat skin cancers, and other variations of cancer alike. The oil is used as a topical on the skin growth, and patched for several days. Some patients note results in only a few days after initial contact.

​COVID-19 UPDATE: 
We are still open and carefully shipping orders, but there are delays in ingredient supply chains, and we are having some difficulties attaining some ingredients and supplies. Therefore to maintain the integrity of our product lines, we have limited quantities of some products in our skincare lines. We have had to discontinue the Luminous Skin Care line altogether, but we will continue with the SIRIUS Skincare line. We are still carrying soaps, salves, lip balms, and CBD healing salves are all in stock. Later this Spring, we will have a limited prodution of our Rose Day Creme and Immortelle Herbal Healing Creme. For further information, contact Evelyn at info@ravenhillbotanicals.com or contact us on our FaceBook business page. 

Inspired by the brightest star in the sky, the SIRIUS Collection was expertly formulated to let your natural beauty shine bright all year long. These cremes are packed full of the most potent ingredients available to make your skin look it’s naturally beautiful best as it ages. The stars in this line include CoQ10, Alpha Lipoid and Hyaluronic Acids, Vitamins C, A, B3 and pro-vitamin B5, and DMAE all in a delicate rosewater base.

Supreme Facial Serum~The name says it all! This serum is packed full of the most potent ingredients available to make your skin look it’s naturally beautiful best as it ages. The stars in the serum include CoQ10, Alpha Lipoid and Hyaluronic Acids, Vitamins C, A, B3 and pro-vitamin B5, and DMAE all in a delicate rosewater base. Fruit extracts of bilberry, lemon, cranberry, orange and sugar maple add more vitamins and minerals for healthy, beautiful skin. A tiny pea sized amount of this serum will make a world of difference for your skin! 
Light and silky smooth, Daytime Moisturizer is perfect for locking in moisture, so your skin looks and feels absolutely fabulous! With Hyaluronic Acid for deep hydration and DMAE, OptiMSM, and extracts of rooibos and pomegranate this moisturizer is perfect for everyday use! Lightly scented with the Essential Oils of - Clary Sage, Jasmine, Bulgarian Rose, Ylang Ylang II, Neroli, Geranium, and Lavender—fabulous EOs that help balance and calm! Pumpkin, cranberry and pomegranate all come together to celebrate as a perfect blend for the face. These oils blended for their complex nutrient profile creating a galaxy of vitamins and nutrients. Your skin will exhibit an etherial brighter than a supernova!
Want to level the playing field? Our Luminous Line was designed for sensitive, aging, combination and normal skin types. This line is packed with moisturizing vitamins, soothing extracts and gentle oils to tone the skin. These exquisite crèmes are packed with moisturizing vitamins, soothing extracts and gentle oils to tone the skin. Ingredient Superstars  include Organic Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, Calendula Butter, Organic Olive Oil, Carrot Seed Oil, Vitamins and Antioxidants like Rosehip Seed Oil, Borage Oil and Evening Primrose. This serum/day crème combination is amazing! Organic Essential Oils: Lavender, German Chamomile, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Melaleuca and Wildcrafted Bulgarian Rose
Luminous Equalizer Creme Facial Cleanser  is a gentle, hydrating and replenishing cleanser for sensitive, normal and combination skin types. Your skin will reap the benefits of a generous concentration of Super Anti-Oxidants. This cleanser has a creme texture, which leaves your skin soft, smooth, clean and nourished. Organic Aloe Juice, Organic Olive Oil, Lavender, Calendula Extract, White Tea and Rooibos tea have a soothing effect on the skin. Rooibos and white tea are powerful players in the team of antioxidants this creme brings to your skin 

Lavender Facial Astringent is long on Organic Lavender and all it’s known calming, relaxing and harmonizing properties~with soothing Organic Aloe, toning DMAE and strengthening MSM. A toner or an astringent is an integral part of any serious skin care regime. Luminous Facial Astringent helps the skin by balancing the pH, minimizing the look of pores, removing residuals missed during cleansing and preparing the skin to receive the serums and moisturizers to come. 

Equalizer Facial Serum~Equal. Even. Balanced. That’s what Luminous Equalizer Facial Serum delivers, equal benefit for many skin types – Sensitive, mature, oily and combination – to soothe and nourish skin helping to recover from daily exposure to the elements.  Ingredient Superstars  include Organic Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, Calendula Butter, Organic Olive Oil, Carrot Seed Oil and of course, vitamins and antioxidants from Rosehip Seed Oil, Borage Oil and Evening Primrose. This serum is amazing!

Luminous Day Crème~designed for sensitive, aging, combination and normal skin types. This exquisite creme is packed with moisturizing vitamins, soothing extracts and gentle oils to tone the skin. Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils: Lavender, German Chamomile, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Melaleuca, Wildcrafted Bulgarian Rose

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I love autumn, my favorite season. Depending on your autumnal regimen, there are pagan rituals to partake in, football homecoming games, harvest gatherings of friends and neighbors, fruits and gourds to be picked, canning, pickling and preserving and making pies, seasonal homemade wines and beers to be racked, knits and flannels to be worn, harvesting crops, firewood gathering, putting the garden to bed for the winter, walks with dogs in the forest of subtle lights. Even the smell of the air has changed and we are alert to the changing season in our bodies and minds.  
There’s also something ineffable about the fleeting transition from summer to winter, making this time of year strange, sacred, and irresistible to poets. As Rilke put it, “At no other time (than autumn) does the earth let itself be inhaled in one smell, the ripe earth; in a smell that is in no way inferior to the smell of the sea, bitter where it borders on taste, and more honeysweet where you feel it touching the first sounds. Containing depth within itself, darkness, something of the grave almost.” Something of the grave, indeed. A time of culmination for plant life, preparation for the animals, and rumination for us humans, fall isn’t just pumpkin spice latte season and sweater weather — it’s the threshold between life and death. 

In 2008 our beautiful pine forest on the edge of the wilderness in the Garnet Range near Potomac Montana was invaded by the Western Pine Beetle. It devastated our forests. I built a log home in 2005 which was hidden from the road by the thick forest. We romped and played and had our gatherings. People camped out, we had a tipi set up year around for guests. This hasn't happened for years because we had to have our forest cut down to save the rest of the remaining trees especially around the house. What used to be a forest is now an open meadow. On this 10th year anniversary we celebrate what the Healing Hands of Time can do and how Mother Nature will heal all wounds.... Dedicated to all of those who helped with the project and all of my family and friends who have visited, camped, helped out and had good times here on the mountain!

​WHY WILDCRAFTED PRODUCTS?
A selection of the herbs used in our line are hand picked in the mountains where they grow wild, ideally without human intervention and harvested following wildcrafted guidelines. When we use wild-crafted herbs, we know that no commercial farming methods have been used, and that the plants are hearty, vibrant and full of skin-nourishing nutrients. These herbs are collected in areas where pesticides have not been sprayed and ready for use in our formulas.  Our Signature Herbal Healing Salves & Balms are Handcrafted in Small Batches of the Finest & Freshest of Ingredients...and Love!
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Our Signature Herbal Healing Salve and Lip Balms are made with the purest of ingredients starting with fresh herbs such as garden fresh comfrey root, leaf and flower, common garden plantain from our botanical gardens, organic goldenseal root & leaf, wild crafted herbs  such as wild geranium & yarrow from surrounding mountain woodland, meadows and valleys in a base of pure Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil,  Argan Oil, Golden Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil,  Montana Bees Wax - and now with Shea Butter and freshly pressed Organic Nicaraguan Coconut Oil straight from the source~to make this an exquisite Herbal First Aid All Purpose Ointment and your lips will smile all day with our succulent Herbal Healing Lip Balm!

So many uses!~ including natural first aid for wounds, burns, cuts, abrasions, skin rashes and irritations of all kinds. It is an excellent natural first aid cream for wind and sun burned skin, rough knees & elbows, chapped skin and lips, and not to forget diaper rash.  A wonderful hydrating and healing cream for hands and feet, cracks on fingers, cuticles, cracked heels and so much more. It has been used as a night cream, eye cream, and as an intensive skin moisturizer for everyone young and old, as well as your animal friends. I have heard some use it as a leather conditioner. Use as you may, but enjoy!
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Meet Your Herbs
Comfrey has impressive wound healing properties due to the presence of allantoin, a chemical that stimulates cell proliferation. It is a demulcent mucilage making it a powerful healing agent. For those familiar with natural medicine and chronic pain, comfrey is likely on your list of remedies. This herb has been used for centuries to treat a variety of pain- and inflammation-related issues.Among its clinical uses, comfrey can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation of muscles and joints, speed the healing of bruises and contusions and potentially aid in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
 
Goldenseal Root has natural antibiotic and antiseptic properties and is used for all inflammations. Goldenseal contains berberine, which has been proven to be antimicrobial, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory. Native Americans historically used goldenseal for various health concerns including skin diseases.
 
Common Garden Plantain, also know as ‘Mother of Herbs’,  offers many health benefits. It has traditionally been used for cuts, skin eruptions, rashes, hemorrhoids and for aiding the healing and recovery of skin. The astringent, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect of the plant makes it helpful in treating minor wounds, cuts, and scrapes.ts natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it great for speeding recover of wounds, and for itching or pain associated with skin problems. Plantains has traditionally been used in ointments for cuts, bruises, skin eruptions, hives, rashes of all kinds, hemorrhoids and so much more.
 
Wild Geranium was used by early Native Americans for its many medicinal purposes including anti-hemorrhaging and anti-inflammatory properties.Wild geranium medicinal uses. A poultice from the base or pounded roots of the plant was used to treat burns and hemorrhoids. The leaves and roots were used to treat sore throats, hemorrhages, gonorrhea, and cholera. Like many other tannin-containing substances, Native Americans also used Wild Geranium (Cranesbill)  as an anti-diarrhea treatment.

Red Clover The use of red clover as an herbal remedy goes back centuries, and the plant enjoys a history of both topical and internal applications. As a topical aid, red clover is often an ingredient in liniments and balms, for relieving the pain of both eczema and psoriasis, for sores, burns, and as an aid against skin cancer. The pain-relieving properties of red clover are likely due to the presence of the anti-inflammatory compounds eugenol, myricetin and salicylic acid in the flowers. Salicylic acid also demonstrates activity against eczema.

Hello Beauties,
This is Evelyn, owner and proprietor of Raven Hill Botanicals, a small Organic and Wildcrafted Body and Skin Care  Company. I wanted to share this wonderful article by Laura Babcock about Aging. It really struck a chord with me because of all the pressures we are put under in our society to be young and beautiful. I feel that I have earned every little wrinkle and grey hair! Embracing one's beauty at each stage of life is essential to accepting ourselves and being beautiful from the inside out will reflect on our exterior. Eating well, drinking plenty of pure water, meditating, exercise, yoga, and taking fresh air are just a few of the daily rituals and routines that help me feel joy and happiness on a daily basis. Find that inner glow in whatever way helps you.  
It may also help to use natural, organic skin care so you are not adding harmful chemicals to your skin (your largest organ).  Give the gift of glowing, healthy skin to yourself and indulge in our Luminous Skin Care Line, Our exquisite Body Butters and Immortelle Healing Cremes and Salves!

From all of us at Raven Hill Botanicals, we wish you a wonderful New Year!  
 
Aging Is Beautiful!
Written by: Laura Badcock | December 27, 2017 | 

As we enter the New Year and start to make New Year resolutions, I want to remind you all that confidence, self-love and self-acceptance are some of the most powerful beauty aids. Yes, we are in the business of selling cosmetics, but cosmetics should add to our feeling of confidence. Never forget that YOU are the beauty.
Anti Anti-Aging!

Many of you who know me, know how I feel about the term “anti-ageing” (or anti-aging, as we spell it here in the USA). You have no doubt heard me complain that if anti-aging products actually existed we would have the skin of a 2-year-old. You can imagine my delight when the industry finally started to shift and cosmetic sellers began to use the term maturing, rather than anti-aging. I especially applauded ALLURE magazine for banning the term in brilliant style on the cover of their September 2017 edition.

Stating that something is “anti-aging” is like stating that we are against aging like somehow living past a certain age is a bad thing. I remember watching my newborn nephew struggle for his life in 2001. Thank goodness he was able to fight and win the fight, but I kept thinking “oh my poor Theo, I hope you live.” I was very aware that some people don’t get the option to age, so why would we want to throw the term “AGAINST AGING” around? Anyway, I’ll now step down from my soapbox and talk about where we are heading in embracing and appreciating natural aging beauty.

Aging Skin Tells A Tale
Maturing skin care products are usually touted as being able to combat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But they should also be formulated to combat the appearance of enlarged pores in mature skin. When I worked as an esthetician, I had a client in her 60’s come in for a first-time treatment. She was somewhat upset. She “all of a sudden” had a very large pore that looked like a small hole in her forehead. She said she never had it before. Fortunately for her, she was lucky enough to have slower aging skin than many, as size expansion of pores tend to develop after the age of 30. This is related to biological aging and the accumulation of damage from UV rays. Both these factors weaken the skin’s natural collagen, leading to sagging skin and larger-looking facial pores. My first question to her after examining the “hole” in her forehead was “did you have chicken pox as a kid”? She had. Over time that elastin and collagen that had kept her skin taught, was breaking down. My skin would have shown my chicken pox scarring in my 30s. This is not to say every enlarged pore is caused by chicken pox, however, it does demonstrate that what our skin experienced when we were younger may not appear until we start to age. Her skin didn’t show it until her 60’s. Another common complaint is age spots appearing on more exposed areas of the body, such as the face, hands and décolleté.  These are caused by long-term exposure to sunshine which increases melanocyte activity in the skin causing an irregular amount of melanin to be produced. Dull skin tends to be a part of this aging process too.
Cosmetics Vs Drugs
In the US cosmetic market, unless a product line has gone through extensive testing to prove that using the product as instructed can result in certain physical changes to the skin, we are not allowed to make claims. The FDA says that cosmetics are solely products intended to cleanse or beautify. Some examples are skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, makeup, shampoos, perms, hair colors, toothpaste, and deodorants. They do not include sunscreens, Anti Acne, Anti Dandruff, Anti Perspirants, diaper ointments UNLESS these products have gone through strict laboratory testing to prove otherwise. If they have undergone testing, they also need to be manufactured by a facility that is registered and able to legally manufacture OTC (drugs). So even if you can prove your product is a viable sunscreen with a viable SPF rating, you cannot claim it to be so if the manufacturer who is producing it for you, isn’t an OTC manufacturer.
Here at Essential Wholesale, we are strictly cosmetic manufacturing, meaning we do not manufacture OTC drugs as defined by the FDA. However, we have a plethora of well studied and effective ingredients and skincare products that can help make your skin look and feel as beautiful as possible so you can age with confidence because aging is a beautiful thing! We are not anti-aging!
Happy New Year and may 2018 be the year of embracing our natural beauty!