Self-Love Potions
An Herbalist's Perspective on Love and Self Healing
by Cynthia Hartson

~A Glimpse~

Last night, something in the air caught my attention. I can’t say for sure, but it was as if I could feel God’s reassuring breath upon my neck as I typed pages into my book. I sat quiet for a moment, my balcony doors open to the sound of the ocean’s evening routine.

The curtains danced to the flicker a of dozen peppermint candles, which lined my open window’s sill. I caught a glimpse of the sun’s trailing children, chasing her over the horizon, as she called out her amber-colored curfew. I drew in a deep breath and smiled to myself.

“Take a moment,” my heart spoke to me.

     I followed these words out onto the balcony, where I was greeted by the demanding droop of abundance from an unattended herb basket. I obliged with necessary pruning, while enjoying the playful sprinkling from my Guardian Angel fountain, her constant flow of water soothing my evening dreams. As the aroma of cut herbs filled the air, once again I felt it:

     “Take a moment.”

 There was a warm kiss of ocean in the air. As if drawn by a familiar potion, my head was guided toward the starlit sky. I gave my trusting body to the down pillows that lined the lounge chair, Falling safely and contentedly into that moment. I blew the hair from my eyes, with hopes that the picture my heart was pounding into the night would reveal itself more clearly. With each breath I was filled; in each blink I became more aware; each pulse pushed the feeling closer to the surface of my tingling skin; and, suddenly, I understood the message the night air was pouring over me. I took a “moment” and this was revealed: 

“It is the honest interest in life’s ‘moments’ that keep the Spirit and mind in harmony. It is within these moments that we under-stand the emotionally healing nature of faith, the physically destructive nature of fear, and the curative value of family and friendship. Powerful ingredients necessary to create a Self _Loving Potion are found within these faith-filled moments. Take this moment in time to discover them!”

        Giggling, I pulled my knees, along with a pillow, closer in to my chest. I felt full of life, full in the moment, full with inspiration.

I have a need to share my perspective of life’s “moments,” to the best of my ability to do so, with all who will listen.

So my friends, in my honest attempt to share a few of my moments with you, may I ask that you “take a moment,” too. A moment for your God, for your family, for your friends, and for yourself. I pray that, in these moments, your own unique Self-Love Potion will be revealed to you.

  ~ Warmly,

Cynthia_Hartson~

Laguna Niguel, California.

  buy it now.

Contents

A Glimpse ........................................................................................ix

Acknowledgments ..........................................................................xiii

Chapter One ......................................................................................3

Self~Love Potion Ingredients # 1 ..................19

Chapter Two ....................................................................................23

Self~Love Potion Ingredients # 2 ......................31

Self~Love Potion Ingredients # 3 ......................49

Chapter Three ..................................................................................53

Self~Love Potion Ingredients # 4 .......................63

Self~Love Potion Ingredients # 5 .....................68

Chapter Four ....................................................................................72

Self~Love Potion Ingredients # 6 ..........................77

Self~Love Potion Ingredients # 7 ..........................82

Self~Love Potion Ingredients # 8 ........................89

Chapter Five ....................................................................................94

Self~Love Potion Ingredients # 9 ........................110

Chapter Six ....................................................................................131

Self~Love Potion Ingredients # 10...........................152

Chapter Seven ................................................................................157

Self~Love Potion Ingredients # 11 .............................160

Self Help and Homework Section ..................................................193

Self~Love Potion Ingredient #1: ......................................................195

Self~Love Potion Ingredient #2: ......................................................197

Self~Love Potion Ingredient #3: ......................................................199

Self~Love Potion Ingredient #4: ......................................................201

Self~Love Potion Ingredient #5: ......................................................203

Self~Love Potion Ingredient #6: ......................................................205

Self~Love Potion Ingredient #7: ......................................................211

Self~Love Potion Ingredient #8 ......................................................213

Symbols of Self~Love

Self~Love Potion Ingredient# 9 ......................................................215

Self~Love Potion Ingredient #10: ....................................................217

Self~Love Potion Ingredient #11 ....................................................219

The Blending of Romantic and Self~Love

Nutrition ........................................................................................223

The Basics ......................................................................................250

Self~Loving the Outside, Too: ........................................................269

Essential Oils and Aromatherapy ..................................................279

Safe Ingredient Handling Tips 

This Herbalist’s Library. ................................................................303

One Final Thought ........................................................................319

Resources: ......................................................................................321