Lunar Herbs stocks potent body products
Lunar Herbs, a new herb and aromatherapy shop in Berkeley Springs, has opened at 51 Independence Street.
Owner Chesbet Edleblute makes nearly all of the products she sells — from creamy soothing skin lotion to invigorating bath salts.
Edleblute has been crafting body products for many years, and loves to harness the power of essential oils to help heal and soothe her customers' bodily complaints.
During her early years, Edleblute watched her Puerto Rican grandmother make herbal preparations for neighborhood families. She has carried on that tradition, with a mission of helping people take better care of themselves.
She has great faith in the power of nature's herbs and plants to help heal common ailments, and Edleblute approaches her work practically.
She prepares lotions, oils and soaps in designated areas in her home lab, and purchases base ingredients from well-established companies. All of those ingredients are certified organic and "wholesome," she said.
While her emphasis is on aromatherapy and essential oils, the Lunar Herbs shop is not filled with powerful smells.
Edleblute explains that overwhelming odors from some lotions or soaps is a result of artificial fragrances and additives. Since her products don't contain those additives, even the bottled essential oils have only a subtle fragrance, and one that stays close to the wearer.
"Almost everything is under $20. I'm here to help people," she said of the products she makes and carries.
Packaged in simple, but appealing bottles made of recycled materials, Lunar Herbs bath and body items have a clear mission.
"I'm trying to teach people to heal themselves with what Mother Earth has to offer," said Edleblute.
Headaches certainly drive many to the medicine cabinet, but herbs like lavender and mint can also treat the common ailment, she said.
Lunar Herbs, the shop's name, refers to a potent category of herbs whose growth cycle is connected to the cycle of the moon. They include plants like anise, jasmine, poppy, willow, lotus, sandalwood and moonwort.
Some of Edleblute's products even feature herbs from her own Mercersburg garden. Chunky castile soap sports dried rose petals from her yard, for example. Other plants make their way into her concoctions as the season allows, she said.
Lunar Herbs is in the bottom floor of the Awakenings Health Center on Independence Street. The shop is open Thursday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Customers can reach the store at 304-258-3111.
