June 18 Open House Speaker: Ami Mautner

Ami Mautner of  Napa Valley Apothecary will be presenting at Our Open House on June 18 at 2 pm on The Many Healing Uses of Lavender.  The following is her guest blog. You can also visit her at the Napa Farmer’s Market this summer.

The local farmer’s market has begun its season, and for me, this is a welcomed reminder that summer is on its way.  Amongst the greens, nuts and root vegetables for sale, the farmer’s are already selling sweet cherries, apricots and peaches.   I am thankful to live in a place with so much warmth and fertile ground.  I am thankful for all the farmers who work so hard to care for their soil and tend to their crops.  I am especially thankful for our dear Mother Earth, who supports and sustains all of us.  She truly is like a mother, a good mother, who is always caring and preparing for the needs of her children.   Her work is never done.   Even during the winter when the earth is hard and cold on the surface, Mother Earth is still supporting and protecting all the roots and little seedlings below.  When, the rain finally stops and the spring sun shines warm again, Mother Nature’s winter blanket is lifted to reveal all of her children – plants and creatures, some waking up from a long winter’s nap and others sprouting new for the first time.  And when we all awake, we are hungry for the sun that warms us, hungry for the sweet fruits that nourish us and hungry for the fragrant flowers that make us smile and heal us.

Each spring and summer, I pack up my lotions and potions and head out to the local farmer’s market, where I am known as The Lavender Fairy.  Lavender is my favorite plant and is an essential part of my business and of my life.  The lavender essential oil I use in my potions is extracted from lavender flowers biodynamically grown on the western hills of Napa.  I often refer to this pure aromatic oil as “liquid gold,” as it is golden in color and radiates magnificent vibrations that can lift our spirits and heal our bodies on many levels.   Most people are naturally attracted to the scent of lavender.  Just like the bees, people are always “sniffing me out” at the farmer’s market, following the scent of lavender to its source.  And when they find me they say, “Here you are, I knew I smelled lavender.”  Then they push a sachet of lavender up to their nose and sigh, “Ahhhh!”  For some, it is a feeling of peace and comfort.  For others it is an emotional release and letting go.  For many, it invokes feelings of love.  For me, inhaling the heavenly scent of lavender is like a breath of fresh air that calms me and fills me with renewed energy.

The lavender stalks are now stretching tall, reaching for the sky, as if trying to meet the sun just as it comes to its closest point near the earth, marking the beginning of summer.  Soon the lavender will be in full bloom and I and the buzzing bees will be hovering around the fragrant flowers inhaling their heavenly scent.  Lavender is truly a gift from nature and I am grateful to work with this healing plant.  When you are at the Napa Farmer’s Market this summer buying peaches, watermelon and corn, be sure to visit The Lavender Fairy.  I am easy to find.  Just follow your nose….