From Herbal Itches to Herbal Riches
How To Get Into Herbal Mousse Products (From a Maker's Perspective)
For years, I felt a persistent "herbal itch"--a craving to blend nature's finest ingredients into soothing, nourishing concoctions. It wasn't just about using herbal products; I wanted to make them. We had already been managing an historic herb farm of 16 acreas and we had a fully-functioning apiary, so that resource was in-mind, as well.
We had many of the herbal ingredients, on-hand, so what would be the “barriers to entry” on this potential new, but complementary, herbal product “side hustle”? This article attempts to take some of your guess-work out of the equation and tell you about my journey into the “herbal maker space”.
That itch became a full-blown passion when I discovered the art of crafting herbal products. The first issue… what product to start exploring. I went with mousse--a luxurious, whipped blend of oils, butters, and botanical infusions. But here's the thing: crafting a consistent, smooth herbal mousse at home isn't easy with basic kitchen tools. After much research and product envy, I set my sights on the holy grail for any serious herbal maker: the Cuisinart 7-Quart Stand Mixer.
Why the Cuisinart 7-Quart Stand Mixer?
This semi-pro beast isn't just for bread dough. With its powerful motor and large bowl, it whips up herbal mousse to perfection--fluffy, glossy, and evenly emulsified. It's large enough for batching, sturdy enough for thick butters, and beautiful enough to inspire you every time you use it.
Making a cake is fun. Making herbal mouses is profitable!
Taking It to the Next Level: Your Herbal Product Toolkit
Once you've got your mixer, it's time to build your herbal lab. Here's what you need:
Essential Equipment
- Cuisinart 7-Quart Stand Mixer - Your mousse magic-maker. I advise holding out for the 7 quart size. Nail this unit on Amazon Prime Day or some other major sale time.
- Double Boiler or Melting Pot - For gently heating oils and butters.
- Kitchen Scale - Accuracy is key in repeatable recipes.
2. Herbal Ingredients
- Carrier Oils (e.g., jojoba, sweet almond, grapeseed)
- Butters (e.g., shea, mango, cocoa)
- Essential Oils (e.g., lavender, rosemary, tea tree)
- Dried Herbs or Herbal Infusions
- Vitamin E or Natural Preservatives (for shelf stability)
3. Packaging Supplies
- Glass or PET Jars
- 4 oz or 8 oz sizes work great.
- Shrink Bands or Tamper Seals
For professional presentation:
- Custom Labels
- Use waterproof labels and design with Canva or Avery templates.
- Spatulas or Scoops - Mini versions for customer use.
4. Workspace Setup
- A clean, clutter-free counter or table
- Storage for ingredients and packaging
- Shelf or cart to hold your mixer and tools
Two Simple Herbal Mousse Recipes to Get You Started
Lavender-Calm Whipped Mousse
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shea butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 tbsp jojoba oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 tsp vitamin E
Instructions:
1. Melt shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler.
2. Remove from heat and stir in jojoba, lavender EO, and vitamin E.
3. Chill until semi-solid.
4. Whip using your stand mixer for 5-7 minutes until light and fluffy.
5. Spoon into jars, label, and store in a cool place.
Rosemary-Mint Muscle Soother
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cocoa butter
- 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
- 2 tbsp infused rosemary oil (optional)
- 10 drops peppermint EO
- 5 drops rosemary EO
Instructions:
1. Gently melt cocoa butter with grapeseed oil.
2. Add infused oil and essential oils.
3. Let cool until cloudy.
4. Whip until it reaches mousse consistency.
5. Fill jars and seal.
Herbal Mousse Maker's Checklist Tools & Supplies:
[ ] Cuisinart 7-Quart Mixer -
[ ] Double Boiler or Melting Pot
[ ] Kitchen Scale
[ ] Silicone Spatulas
[ ] Mixing Bowls
[ ] Thermometer Ingredients:
[ ] Carrier Oils
[ ] Plant Butters
[ ] Essential Oils
[ ] Dried Herbs
[ ] Vitamin E
Natural Preservatives Packaging:
[ ] Clean Glass or PET Jars
[ ] Labels
[ ] Tamper Seals
[ ] Mini Scoops
Workspace:
[ ] Clean Surface
[ ] Ingredient Storage
[ ] Tool Shelving
Ready to Start Your Herbal Making Journey?
Whether you're a cottage artisan, wellness shop dreamer, or DIY enthusiast, now's the time to channel your herbal itch into a purpose-driven practice. Start with the right tools--like your dream mixer--and surround yourself with beauty, function, and intention. Get mixing. Get making. And let your herbal legacy begin.
Until next time…
I am Phil Wilson…
And, here's to living an Herbal Lifestyle With You!