Happy New Year and here we go — out of the Oughts and into the Teens! We know teens can be trying, but we're confident that with love and nurturing, the years will pass in a haze of love and joy. Speaking of years passing, we're dedicating this newsletter to some of our more seasoned mamas; see below for information on ways to use Earth Mama Angel Baby even if you aren't new to this mothering thing! We've also got some great Herbal News You Can Use, as well as a reminder about our Specials of the Week, an invitation to play in our new contest, and information about our next Twitter Party.

One for the Ladies: Lady's Mantle

It's wintertime, and the perennial herbs lie dormant, gathering their strength to burst forth in all their glory come spring. Lady's Mantle is one of those herbs, collecting itself to dependably reappear, to be used as powerful protector for women during all stages of their adult lives, from menarche to menopause. Read More

Specials of the Month are now Specials of the Week! Check our home page every Wednesday to see what Mama has bundled together to make a super deal for you. These are seriously special prices that Mama has wrassled for you during trying times, so stock up now, before the Money Mama finds a way to untie herself!

Not Pregnant? You Can Still Use EMAB!

You know who you are, the mamas who buy Earth Mama Angel Baby for every pregnant person and baby you meet. Well, do you know that Earth Mama Angel Baby products are great for long-past or not-quite pregnant people too. Yep, whether you’re not a mama yet, have a little angel who just hit her terrible twos or are just experiencing those glorious hot flashes, you too can use an EMAB product to help you through!

"Female troubles?" Organic Monthly Comfort Tea! Sure, its Lady's Mantle-rich blend is great for postpartum bleeding and cramping, but those same herbs are traditionally used for "female troubles" during menstruation, after pregnancy and even during perimenopause. So brew up a cuppa when you have monthly cramps, need some comforting balance, or are dallying with That Time of Life.

Grumpy? Pukey? Happy Mama Spray! We know it's a terrific pick-me-up for those baby blues, and eases pregnancy nausea with its gingery kick, but it's also great for calming and uplifting mamas who are facing the post-baby battles, from two to teen. It's also a safe, comforting spray for pukey, fluey or carsick kids, or nausea any time.

Urpy, stomach flu? Organic Morning Wellness Tea! It's a natural for pregnancy nausea, and soothing for anyone's upset tummy. A perfect companion with Happy Mama Spray, and of course if it's safe for pregnant women so it's safe for kids too!

Stinky, itchy feet? Organic Happy Feet! It's great for pregnancy's expanding ankles, but was formulated with antifungal herbs and oils that are great for the stinkiest feet any athlete ever had, and it's also super for anyone who just needs a good, relaxing soak.

Hemorrhoids? Earth Mama Bottom Balm! Not just for pregnancy and postpartum hemorrhoids and bruising, and not just for women. Who couldn't use a cool sit-down when hemorrhoids flare up?

Indigestion? Milkmaid Tea! Well known for helping to increase milk supply during breastfeeding, the same herbs help bring relief for gas and indigestion for mamas and papas too.

Too much holiday cheer? Organic Heartburn Tea! Not just for the fire that pregnancy brings, but for heartburn from overindulging too.

Itchy skin? Earth Mama Body Butter! Any mama deserves pure and natural luxury, not just when her skin is stretching with baby bulk. Earth Mama Body Butter's sumptuous scent and rich, pure ingredients make a lotion worthy of all mamas!

We're having another Twitter Party!

This month, Wednesday, January 20 at 10 pm EST (7 pm PST), we'll be talking about That Time of the Month, your monthly visitor, your period. Yup, that magical monthly menses that lets us bring forth life, and also gives us cramps and headaches and later on hot flashes… here's the place to let it flow! Gather your questions and let's tweet about it. Use hashtag #ecowed.

If you're new to Twitter and curious about what all the tweeting is about, check out our easy Join the Twitter Party guide, here.

Twitter: @mamamelinda
Blog: Mama's Herb Garden

Congratulations Laurie, Kristen and Desirae

Last month we asked how many "cheater brands" are using the word "organic" incorrectly without a seal or certifier? Laurie says, "I was truly shocked at a number of these companies, as I had purchased several of their products in the past. It is disturbing that the USDA is asleep at the wheel while companies are allowed throw around the organic name as they wish." And Kristen says, "I am shocked [that] one of the "top" "most well known" baby care companies can ethically put the immunotoxin formaldehyde in a product for our most precious people, babies and children. I am so disgusted right now, but I am glad I found this out." And Desirae found six "cheater brands" to make a mama furious!

Laurie wins one each of our helpful herbal pregnancy teas: Morning Wellness Tea, Peaceful Mama Tea, Heartburn Tea, and Third Trimester Tea. Kristen wins one Organic Happy Feet and one Angel Baby Bath Blossoms. And Desirae wins one Mama To Be Tea .

Here's an easy one! What is YOUR favorite herb? We'd love to know, so email us by January 27, 2009 for a chance to win one of three great prizes! We'll choose winners at random. Feel free to make comments; we'd love to hear what you have to say. Winners' names and comments will be posted in the February newsletter. One entry per person, please!

1. One box USDA Certified 100% Organic Monthly Comfort Tea and One Happy Mama Spray, and One 4 oz. Earth Mama Body Butter
2. One A Little Something for Mama-to-Be Kit (good for seasoned mamas too!)
3. One box USDA Certified 100% Organic Peaceful Mama Tea and Mama-To-Be-Tea Sampler