Feighner Farm Natural Products

The chicks l transitioned to the outdoor run Oct. 8th. They seem to be acclimating well and will remain in the see-but-don’t-touch crate for another week.
The other hens and Merv are curious, for sure.

🌿 HERBAL ALLIES FOR COLD & FLU SEASON

As we move into the colder months, I find
myself thinking about the plants that have traditionally supported us through the discomforts of the season. Some soothe irritated tissues, some support the respiratory tract, and others help us settle and rest when we're under the weather.

Here are a few worth getting to know beyond the familiar names.

•Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) — Best known for its affinity for the respiratory system, mullein has traditionally been used to soothe irritated airways and support comfortable coughing. Its traditional use is particularly interesting when the respiratory passages feel dry and irritated.

•Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) — This modest little plant has a rich history in traditional herbalism. Its astringent properties have made it a traditional ally for the mouth and throat, while its constituents have attracted scientific interest for potential antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity.

•Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare) — More than a culinary herb, oregano contains aromatic compounds such as carvacrol and thymol that have demonstrated antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies.

•Common mallow (Malva sylvestris) — This gentle plant is rich in mucilage, a substance that becomes slippery when mixed with water. That quality makes mallow especially interesting for soothing irritated mucous membranes, including a dry, scratchy throat. Sometimes, supporting the tissues affected by an illness is just as important as addressing the illness itself.

•Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) — Known for its calming properties, lemon balm can be a welcome ally when feeling unwell leaves us restless or tense. Its constituents have also attracted interest in laboratory research on antiviral activity, though this should not be confused with proven treatment of respiratory infections.

A few more herbs worth knowing:

•Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) — Traditionally used during feverish states and valued for its diaphoretic action, meaning its traditional use to encourage sweating.

•Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) — Much more than a bedtime tea! Its traditional calming, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory actions make it a thoughtful choice when illness brings tension, restlessness, digestive unease, or general discomfort.

•Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) — These deep purple berries are rich in anthocyanins, antioxidant pigments that have attracted scientific interest. Elderberry has a long history of seasonal use, and some clinical research has explored its potential to ease respiratory symptoms.

•Linden (Tilia species) — Often appreciated as a gentle, comforting tea, linden flowers have traditionally been used during colds and feverish states. Their demulcent properties sooth mucosal lining. They are also valued for their calming qualities, making linden an interesting ally when restlessness and tension accompany seasonal illness.

How we use our herbs matters, too.

Herbal teas provide fluids, warmth, and soothing comfort for an irritated throat. The steam may temporarily ease the sensation of nasal congestion, while the warmth can help us relax. Different plants benefit from different preparation methods, so how we prepare an herb matters as much as which herb we choose.

Tinctures offer a convenient, measured way to take herbs without preparing a cup of tea. Their constituents depend on the plant and extraction method, and they aren't automatically more effective or faster acting than tea.

Herbal blends bring together complementary actions. A thoughtfully chosen blend can combine soothing, aromatic, and calming herbs to offer a broader approach to seasonal comfort.

Each plant has its own character and strengths. Learning those differences helps us appreciate not only which herbs we use, but why.

As always, herbs are not a substitute for appropriate medical care, and laboratory findings do not necessarily translate into benefits in people.

🌿 Which plants do you reach for when a cold or flu hits?

Behind Feighner Farm 🌿

There is someone behind the scenes at Feighner Farm Natural Products who deserves a little recognition.

My husband, Ryan, is the one who gets up early on Saturday mornings to help me get set up at most outdoor farmers markets. In the beginning, he did more than unload the vehicle and set up the canopy—something I cannot manage on my own. He also helped design my booth display.

He has an eye for where things belong: how to make the most of the space, keep things from feeling cluttered, and create a booth that feels welcoming and inviting while encouraging conversation. These days, I have that part down, so after setting up the canopy, he often takes the opportunity to explore the market, discover other vendors, and, more often than not, find someone who makes baked goods.

But his part in Feighner Farm goes well beyond market mornings.

He gives wild plants room to flourish on our property. When he discovers a new plant growing here, he lets me know and sometimes identifies something beneficial that I might otherwise have overlooked. He makes space for the things I love to grow, gather, learn about, and turn into botanical skincare and wellness products.

The truth is, there would be no Feighner Farm—or Feighner Farm Natural Products as it is today—without his hard work and the sacrifice of his Saturday mornings.

We love working together to make Feighner Farm what it is. So much of what happens here begins long before a product finds its way into someone's hands, and much of that work happens quietly, behind the scenes.

Today, I'm grateful to share a little of the story of the man who helps make it all possible. ❤️

From our series on changing skin and thoughtful skincare…

Over the last couple of weeks, we've talked about how skin can change with age, why products that once worked may no longer feel the same, and why a simpler approach to skincare can sometimes be worth considering.

Today, I want to talk about one question that often comes up about Feighner Farm:

Why don't you use essential oils?

It's a fair question, especially when essential oils are so commonly associated with natural skincare.

The truth is, essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. And while they are natural, natural doesn't always mean gentle.

For some people, essential oils can irritate or sensitize the skin. Their concentrated aromatic compounds can be particularly difficult for skin that has already become reactive or easily irritated. And for some, strong fragrances can be difficult to tolerate as well.

This is something I wish more women knew.

Because I've heard from women who quietly tell me, “I can't use natural products.” Or, “Why does my skin react to natural products?”

They've tried the beautiful, botanical products they thought would be gentler, only to find that their skin doesn't agree with them.

And sometimes they don't realize that essential oils or fragrance may be part of the reason.

If that's you, I want you to know something:

You are not alone. And you don't have to give up on plants.

Plants offer us so much more than their aromatic oils. We choose to work with the plant itself, allowing its botanical constituents to become part of our infusions.

At Feighner Farm, we use whole-plant botanical infusions rather than adding essential oils to our facial care. We work with the plants themselves, many grown or gathered here on the farm, and allow their botanical constituents to become part of our oils, toners and balms.

It's a different approach to plant-based skincare.

A quieter one.

And for some women, it may be the difference between thinking “natural products aren't for me” and finding a simpler approach that feels more comfortable for their skin.

100% Essential-Oil-Free · Whole-Plant Infusions

Farm-to-skin botanical care without essential oils. 🌿

Last Saturday’s Fall Harvest Festival at Salomon Farm Park was a full day of family fun and shopping.

Nearly 50 amazing small business participated (not including several local food trucks).

Thank you to the local sponsors and staff at Salomon Park Farm for making this great event happen.

And a big “Thank you” to those who showed up, stopped by to browse and took home your favorite products. As always, we met so many great people struggling to find skincare & wellness products that work for them.

Thank you for trusting Feighner Farm Natural Products to be a part of your journey. We look forward to hearing from you online or seeing you at our next event.

Cassie S. | Feighner Farm Natural Products

P.S. If you tried something new or for the first time, drop a comment or text through the website and let us know what you think.

Financial Federal Credit Union

Are you wondering where you can find your favorite small business at the Fall Harvest Festival at Salomon Farm Park today?

I’ve included pictures of which vendors are in which buildings.

*Psst* Vendor #14 is in the Wolfe Family Learning Center

See you there!

Where to find Feighner Farm Natural Products this weekend:

We will be at the Salomon Farm Park Fall Harvest Festival this weekend.

Saturday 10am-5pm. You can find us in the Learning Center building.

The festivities begin this morning, Friday October 9th at 10am with activities for kids and fun for the whole family! Come check it out!

*Note: we will only be there Saturday*

The chicks l transitioned to the outdoor run today! They seem to be acclimating well.
The other hens and Merv are curious, for sure.

Cows.

These are not our cows.

We don’t have cows.

These cows live near us.