With summer finally here, it’s easy to get excited about the warm weather and seemingly endless days.

However – with all of the “fun in the sun” activities – it can be an absolute drag to suffer from many of the maladies this season brings.

While stopping in at Happy Rainbows – a local shop and gentle healing center in Sherman – one can sense that owner and herbalist of 30 years, Barrie Sachs, has it all covered.

“There’s nothing worse than a nasty case of poison ivy, a sunburn that scorches the skin, or a bad allergy attack,” she said.

When it comes to natural and organic remedies for battling and preventing these conditions, Sachs makes many of the products herself, often using herbs and plants from her own organic garden. She also offers a plethora of hard-to-find products and raw ingredients, many made locally by artisans from around the Lake.

For poison ivy, Happy Rainbows carries special soaps and sprays that include Jewel Weed, an indigenous plant. “Jewel Weed normally grows near poison ivy. The liquid inside the stem negates the poison ivy oil,” shared Sachs, who also grows it in her garden.

As for allergies, Stinging Nettle is recommended for treating general hay fever. Sachs grows the plant herself and makes an organic loose, dry tea with it.

“If you take Stinging Nettle earlier in the season, then it lessens the severity. It grows everywhere. Stinging Nettle is also full of calcium, trace minerals, and iron,” she said.

For warding off pesky bugs, Sachs carries Bug-Be-Gone from North Star Botanicals, based in Kent. “Flea-Be-Gone and Tick-Be-Gone sprays also work well. The organic sunburn cream is great, too,” said Sachs.

For insect bites, a Calendula ointment does the trick. Plantain is good for all kinds of bites, stings, and scratches. “A homeopathic remedy for stings is Apis. Taking three to five pellets helps with swelling when stung,” she said.

Happy Rainbows offers heavy-duty incense and essential oils to burn outside as well.

As for fun seasonal items, Sachs said that Goatboy Soaps, made in New Milford, enlivens the senses and is soothing to the skin. Tropical Vacation, A Latte Vanilla, and Raspberry Oatmeal are favorites.

Bella Alpacas Farm, also a New Milford-based company, offers a wide range of organic salves and sprays. “The spray for treating Eczema always sells well in my store,” said Sachs.

Summertime fragrances – like Lavender, Rose, Jasmine, Sandalwood, and Chamomile – are used in relaxing sprays, loose teas, salves, and candles.

“We carry bracelets, necklaces, and earrings that you can put essential oils in to release fragrance. Some of the oils are bug repellents. The jewelry is handmade,” added Sachs.

SUMMER EVENTS

June 28: Community Sound Healing w/ Khem – 6 p.m.

July 2: Drum Making w/ Barrie Kavasch, Tues. – 11 a.m.

July 7: Drum Making w/ Barrie Kavasch, Sun. – 11:30 a.m.

July 19: Shamanism 101 w/ Peggy Bice, Fri. – 6 p.m.

Weekly Crystal Readings with Kathy:  Fri. & Sat. – 12:30 p.m.

Call Happy Rainbows at 860.355.4959 to Register (Drop-ins Welcome) and to Learn Details, including Pricing.

For Event Updates, visit Happy Rainbows on Facebook.

SUMMER HOURS

Wed. through Sat. – 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Starting in July: Sun. & Mon. hours – 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

BY APPOINTMENT

Readings w/ Wendy, Melissa, and Pina. Reiki with Wendy and Helene. Massage with Peg. 

ADDRESS: 11 Route 39 North (Sherman Green Marketplace), Sherman, CT, 06784

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Article and photos are by Alicia Sakal, who’s passionate about helping local non-profits and small business owners with promoting their special events and products / services.