Tag Archives: Teas

Blog Title: Final Stretch – Baby Coming, Bundles Brewing

With just two weeks left before I meet my baby boy, life feels like a soft swirl of endings and beginnings. I’m tired, grateful, busy, grounded—and most of all, present. There’s a sacred rhythm to these final days of pregnancy, and somehow, I’m managing to ride the wave while still preparing for a powerful season of growth and release.

This summer, while my children are home and the world is warm, I’ve been pouring the last bits of my energy into completing product launches for Seren & Tea, A Touch of Zaharah, and Osiris Amir Essentials.

Let’s start with the tea…

🍵 Seren & Tea – Bundles & Additions

Seren & Tea originally launched with 6 signature blends. Now, we’re preparing to release 9 new blends—some medicinal, some sweet and simple, all herbal, and all healing in their own way. Our Forest Fuel mushroom coffee is also being reformulated to include even more functional benefits to support energy, focus, and immune health.

To make your experience easier, I’ve created 8 unique bundles, plus the complete collection and a sample bundle:

🧘🏾‍♀️ Serenity Bundle

A full-body, mind, and spirit experience.

Chai Embrace Golden Milk Serenity Blend Eldermint Hibiscus Fusion Herbonel 4 oz Forest Fuel

🌅 Awakening Bundle

A warming, grounding way to start the day.

Chai Embrace Forest Fuel

✨ Golden Seren Bundle

Anti-inflammatory and energizing.

Golden Milk Forest Fuel

🧠 Soul Trio

Mind, mood, and movement.

Golden Milk Chai Embrace Forest Fuel

🩺 Health Bundle

Targeted wellness support for the body.

Herbonel – herbal pain & inflammation relief Elder Essence – immune system support Golden Milk – anti-inflammatory Plexus Ease – upset stomach, nausea, bloating Serenity Blend – calming support

🧊 Duplicity Bundle (Iced or Hot)

Refreshing blends that work hot or cold.

Hibiscus Fusion Mint & Black Citrus Radiance Green Zing

🫖 Complete Collection

All 13 tea blends + a larger coffee option.

Includes all available teas 8 oz Forest Fuel Optional add-on: Sacred Supply (+$20)

📦 Sample Bundle

Perfect for first-timers or gift sets.

Small samples of each tea Each sample makes 2–3 cups

These bundles are carefully crafted not just to taste good, but to serve a purpose—whether that’s calming nerves, easing pain, supporting digestion, or simply inviting a moment of stillness in your day. And of course… they’re beautiful.

🌿 A Touch of Zaharah – Initial Product Line

We’re also putting the finishing touches on the first collection of body care products from A Touch of Zaharah. This line was born from the needs of my own family—gentle, toxin-free products made with clean ingredients and real purpose.

Launching Products:

Melanin Revival Clay Mask Toothpaste Powder + Paste Magnesium Spray Colloidal Oatmeal Bath Heavy Metal Detox Bath Laundry Soap Spa Soap Bars Yoni Steam Bath Salts Deodorant

📘 Osiris Amir Essentials – Digital Tools for Natural Living

This brand is starting with three digital offerings that meet people right where they are—ready to live better, naturally, without breaking the bank.

Launching Products:

Plant Transit Cookbook – plant-based meals to nourish your family Parasite Cleanse Guide – clear, educational support for natural detox Frugal Mama’s DIY Guide – make your own home and body products on a budget

As a soon-to-be mama of three, digital products are doable—and this is just the beginning for Osiris Amir Essentials. More to come when the time is right.

So yes… I’m still busy.

Still dreaming.

Still producing in a methodical, soulful way.

Balancing household responsibilities, healing work, my children’s needs, and birthing life into these businesses… all while preparing to give birth in the most sacred way possible.

My honey has a saying I carry with me:

F.L.O.W. – Follow Life’s Outcomes Willingly.

And that’s where I’m at.

Following the divine rhythm, doing what I can each day, and allowing myself to rest in the knowledge that what’s for me won’t pass me by.

Thank you for flowing with me.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

New life is almost here—in more ways than one.

With love,

Daria Spenser

House of SZO – A Healer’s Legacy

Grace in the Growing: A Mid-Year Reflection from House of SZO

I’ve been meaning to sit down and write this post for a while. But the truth is—I’ve been in the thick of so many transitions, and I needed to pause, breathe, and realign before I could show up here honestly.

Since our last post on April 17th, life has been full. Not just in the way that business gets busy, but full in the deep, layered, and often overwhelming ways that come with being a mother, a maker, a founder—and a woman preparing to bring new life into the world.

The Balancing Act of Legacy and Life

Over the past several weeks, I’ve been doing my best to juggle all the moving pieces:

Managing orders Prepping products Finalizing packaging and inserts Restocking teas for Seren & Tea Preparing for the (delayed but beautiful) launch of A Touch of Zaharah Responding to messages And most importantly, staying present with my daughters while preparing for the arrival of my son.

Some days I felt grounded and accomplished. Other days, just getting through was the victory. My body—beautifully and powerfully creating life—has made it clear that I need to slow down. That rest is not a reward but a requirement.

Pregnancy stretches more than your body. It stretches your emotions, your patience, your schedule, your limits—and your faith. In these final weeks before baby boy arrives, I’ve surrendered to a gentler rhythm. One that honors the divine timing of this journey. One that allows me to grow without rushing the process.

I’m learning to lead with grace, not guilt. To hold space for slowness without doubting my commitment to this work.

Behind the Scenes: What’s Still in Motion

Despite the slower pace, the legacy is still being built. Quietly, intentionally. Here’s a peek at what’s happening:

🌿 Seren & Tea

The Etsy store is officially live, and our first orders have shipped! It’s been an incredible feeling to see our teas and mushroom coffee bundles land in your hands. Thank you for every purchase, kind message, and word of encouragement. More products are being restocked as I’m physically able, including seasonal teas, bundles, and educational inserts.

🛁 A Touch of Zaharah

Though originally planned for an earlier launch, Zaharah’s natural body products line is although lovingly delayed still very much underway. I am doing my best to give it the full energy and attention it deserves. From the magnesium spray to the turmeric clay mask, everything is being made with intention. Zaharah has been my little helper in the kitchen, and we’re excited to share these beautiful creations with you soon.

🥣 Osiris Amir Essentials

Our third brand—honoring my soon-to-be-born son—is also blossoming. The first product, a vegan digital cookbook, is almost complete, offering a collection of plant-based recipes that reflect our family’s approach to nourishment and holistic living. I’m also already mapping out the second cookbook, filled with new dishes, tools, and conscious kitchen tips. This line will grow slowly, but with heart and purpose.

What’s Ahead: Rebranding, Revamping & Realigning

Over the next two months, every branch of House of SZO will undergo a soft rebranding and restructuring process. Including the House of SZO its self. That means:

New product listings Updated pricing Refined packaging Clearer brand identities for each business A deeper distinction between the educational work housed under House of SZO and the physical offerings through Seren & Tea, A Touch of Zaharah, and Osiris Amir Essentials. Also a formation of a co-op under House of SZO, which I’m so excited about!

This process is about alignment—not aesthetics alone. I want each brand to fully reflect its soul and intention, not just its products.

Patience, Preparation, and the Promise of Return

I know some of you have been patiently waiting for updates, restocks, and new offerings. Please know: I see you, I appreciate you, and your continued interest means the world.

This legacy work is still happening—quietly, steadily, behind the scenes.

Between school drop-offs, prenatal appointments, kitchen experiments, and moments of stillness. Even on days I don’t post, I’m still building.

This season is about allowing, not forcing. About honoring my body as it prepares to bring life forth. About letting things bloom in their own divine timing.

When I Return…

After baby Boy arrives and I’ve taken time to recover, I’ll return with:

More consistent blog and Instagram updates New products and bundles Educational downloads and tools Refined offerings across all brands A clearer path forward for those walking this wellness journey with us as well as information about our co-op!

This is still my calling. Still my passion. Still the legacy I’m pouring into.

Thank you for walking beside me with grace.

Thank you for understanding the seasons of creation.

Thank you for believing in what we’re building—not just for now, but for generations to come.

I’m still here. I’m still committed. I’m still rising.

And this is only the beginning.

With warmth and love,

Daria

Founder, House of SZO

A Healer’s Legacy

30 Thought Leaders Who Inspired My Wellness Journey

By Daria | April Blog Series – House of SZO

Welcome to the culmination of knowledge week!

Throughout this week, we’ve delved into transformative movies, books, articles, and websites that have reshaped my understanding of health and wellness. Today, I want to honor the individuals—the pioneers, healers, and advocates—who have been instrumental in challenging conventional narratives and promoting holistic well-being.

These are the voices that have guided, inspired, and sometimes provoked me to think differently. Some are celebrated, some controversial, but all have contributed uniquely to the tapestry of alternative health and wellness.

30 Influential Thought Leaders in Holistic Health and Wellness

Dr. Llaila O. Afrika – African Holistic Health author, master herbalist, and pioneer in nutritional education for Black communities.

Queen Afua – Author of Sacred Woman, guiding women to womb wellness and spiritual healing.

Dr. Sebi (Alfredo Bowman) – Renowned healer who promoted alkaline living and natural cellular regeneration.

Harriet A. Washington – Exposed medical racism in Medical Apartheid.

Yah’ki Awakened – Modern herbalist focusing on detox, cellular health, and vibrational healing. yahkiawakened.com

Krystal (The Alkaline Doula) – Birth worker and holistic guide behind The Goddess Collection.

Dr. Paul Hopkins – Philadelphia-based herbalist and founder of Dr. Paul’s Herbs. drpaulherbs.com

Dr. Paul Goss – Creator of New Body Products and champion of detox herbal formulas.

Dr. Paul Thomas – Co-author of The Vaccine-Friendly Plan, encouraging informed parental choice.

Dr. Rashid Buttar – Advocated detox therapies for chronic illnesses and vaccine injury awareness.

Ty & Charlene Bollinger – Creators of The Truth About Cancer and The Truth About Vaccines.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – Founder of Children’s Health Defense, focused on health freedom and environmental safety.

Dr. Andrew Wakefield – Co-creator of Vaxxed, raising questions about vaccine data integrity.

Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride – Developed the GAPS diet to heal gut-brain disorders.

Dr. Joseph Mercola – Prolific natural health researcher and author.

David Wolfe – Raw food advocate and superfood promoter.

Dr. Sherri Tenpenny – Osteopath and vaccine researcher.

Dr. Christiane Northrup – OB/GYN who teaches women to trust their bodies.

Robin Lim – Humanitarian midwife and founder of Bumi Sehat.

Ina May Gaskin – Pioneer of natural midwifery and author of Spiritual Midwifery.

Dr. Zach Bush – Environmentalist and regenerative health physician.

Dr. Joel Wallach – Mineral supplement advocate behind Dead Doctors Don’t Lie.

Dr. Marlene Merritt – Focuses on functional and Chinese medicine.

Dr. Leonard Horowitz – Explores public health corruption and holistic alternatives.

Jill Blakeway – Energy healer and acupuncturist known for blending East-West wellness.

Dr. Toni Bark – Pediatrician-turned-holistic practitioner and vaccine safety advocate.

Dr. Vandana Shiva – Environmental and food sovereignty advocate.

Lauren Ornelas – Founder of Food Empowerment Project, linking ethics with nourishment.

A.D. Dolphin – Founder of Dherbs, promoting body detox and plant-based healing.

Dr. Aris Latham – Raw food chef and holistic educator known as the “father of gourmet ethical raw foods cuisine.”

Final Thoughts

This list is meant to be a starting point, not a prescription. Not everyone here will resonate with you. And that’s okay. One person’s message may challenge your beliefs while another may be the voice you didn’t even know you were searching for.

Take your time. Do your own research.

Look these thought leaders up online. Explore their social media, interviews, books, documentaries, and public talks. Let your curiosity lead you.

Because healing is personal. And the people who spark it come in many forms.

With love and fierce inquiry,

Daria

House of SZO – A Healer’s Legacy

Connect With Us:
🛒Shop With Us: House of SZO Hub
📧Email: houseofszoinfo@gmail.com
Instagram: @houseofszo

30 Articles That Changed My Mind, Health & Life

By Daria | April Blog Series – House of SZO

⸻

Welcome back to our April Blog Series. This week is all about resources, awakenings, and the research that reshaped my worldview and wellness approach.

Today, I’m sharing 30 articles and websites that shifted the way I think, parent, heal, and advocate—not just for my family, but for my entire community. These aren’t just reads… they’re revelations.

⸻

Vaccine Awareness & Informed Consent

Vaccine Information Library (VacLib) Vaccine inserts, exemption info, and educational materials for informed consent.

National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) Dedicated to public education and informed consent protections in health policy.

Children’s Health Defense Led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., focusing on vaccine safety, environmental toxins, and health freedom.

The Truth About Vaccines Documentaries, expert interviews, and articles questioning vaccine safety.

VAERS – Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System Government database for reporting vaccine-related adverse events.

⸻

Food, Toxins & Environmental Safety

Monsanto: A Legacy of Controversy – NYT NYT investigation into Monsanto’s long history with GMOs and lawsuits.

The Impact of Glyphosate on Health – Scientific American Scientific American on Roundup and its cancer risks.

GMO Myths and Truths Detailed analysis separating fact from fiction in GMO safety.

Environmental Working Group (EWG) Consumer safety guides for food, personal care, and home products.

The Dangers of Food Dyes – CSPI How artificial dyes affect behavior and health, especially in kids.

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Nutrition & Autism

Gluten-Free Casein-Free Diets for Autism – Autism Speaks Evidence on how removing gluten and casein can support neurodivergent children.

The Role of Nutrition in Autism Spectrum Disorders – NIH A review of dietary interventions and their therapeutic potential in ASD.

The Gut-Brain Axis in Autism – Frontiers in Psychiatry Exploring the connection between gut health and neurodevelopmental symptoms.

Can Diet Help Autism? – Harvard Health A balanced article weighing research on nutrition and autism.

Heavy Metals and Their Link to Autism – SafeMinds A deeper dive into toxic exposure and neurological damage.

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Articles on the Central Nervous System

The Role of the Vagus Nerve in Mental Health – Psychology Today How regulating the vagus nerve improves mood, anxiety, digestion, and focus.

Healing the Nervous System: A Trauma-Informed Approach – NICABM Tools for calming and repairing the nervous system post-trauma.

Neuroplasticity and Holistic Healing – Dr. Joe Dispenza How your brain can rewire through holistic care and new habits.

Environmental Toxicity and Cognitive Function – PubMed Studies on how heavy metals, air pollution, and toxins affect child development.

Environmental Toxins and Mental Health – American Psychological Association A look at how toxins increase risks for ADHD, autism, and anxiety.

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Autism Resources & Support

Autism Navigator Visual learning tool for families exploring early signs and next steps.

CDC: Learn the Signs. Act Early. Milestone checklists and developmental guidance for early childhood.

The Autism Society Family toolkits and inclusive programs for lifelong support.

Autism Speaks Toolkits Downloadable resources on sleep, school, behavior, and therapy.

Autism Research Institute Evidence-based interventions and cutting-edge research on autism.

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Medical Racism & Systemic Abuse

Medical Apartheid by Harriet Washington – Article Excerpt Overview of unethical medical experimentation on Black communities.

How Medical Bias Contributes to Health Disparities – AAMC An eye-opening look at racial bias in healthcare and its consequences.

Racism and the Roots of the American Gynecological Industry – NYT NYT deep-dive into the abuse of enslaved women and its legacy in OB/GYN.

Big Pharma, Big Lies: The Opioid Crisis – NPR How the pharmaceutical industry created and profited from addiction.

How Birth Became a Business – Harvard Public Health How modern birthing practices shifted from empowerment to industrialization.

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Final Thoughts

Whew. That’s a lot, I know.

But this week was never about keeping things surface level. It’s about offering substance—for the parents like me who were left with more questions than answers… and nowhere to turn but inward and upward.

Each of these articles challenged me to rethink what I was taught. To dig deeper. To research, experiment, and rebuild my own framework for what it means to be well—and what it means to fight for our children.

Take your time with this list. Bookmark it. Share it. Let it sit with you. Some of it may affirm what you already feel. Some may shake you to your core.

Either way, I honor your curiosity, your courage, and your commitment to growth.

With truth and tenacity,

Daria

Founder, House of SZO

A Family-Rooted Wellness Journey in Love, Healing, and Purpose

Connect With Us:
🛒Shop With Us: House of SZO Hub
📧Email: houseofszoinfo@gmail.com
Instagram: @houseofszo

30 Powerful Books That Changed the Way I Think About Healing

If yesterday’s documentary list gave you a new lens through which to view health and wellness, today’s post might just shift your foundation.

Books are portals—and these? These are sacred keys.

Some cracked me wide open. Others affirmed what I knew intuitively but hadn’t yet put into words. All of them have shaped the way I parent, heal, nourish, and resist.

Today, I’m sharing 30 powerful books that every conscious parent, herbal enthusiast, truth seeker, and holistic healer should know about—whether they’re on your shelf, in your library queue, or simply in your awareness.

These works explore vaccine injuries, food politics, herbal medicine, systemic oppression in healthcare, autism support, and the radical reclaiming of Black wellness, ancestral wisdom, and bodily sovereignty.

Books That Reshaped My Understanding of Healing, Health, and History

1. African Holistic Health by Dr. Llaila Afrika

A foundational guide to natural healing from an African-centered perspective. This classic covers everything from detoxification to disease prevention and mental health.

2. Nutricide: The Nutritional Destruction of the Black Race by Dr. Llaila Afrika

A powerful exposé on how the U.S. food system was weaponized against Black communities. Eye-opening and deeply affirming.

3. Holistic Self-Diagnosis by Dr. Llaila Afrika

Learn to assess your body, symptoms, and internal balance using ancient African healing techniques—reviving lost wisdom for today’s world.

4. Medical Apartheid by Harriet A. Washington

A chilling but essential account of medical experimentation on Black Americans. Required reading for understanding medical racism and informed consent.

5. The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies by Nicole Apelian

A visual herbal encyclopedia featuring 800+ plant remedies with full-color photos. Perfect for beginners and seasoned herbalists alike.

6. Sacred Woman by Queen Afua

A transformative journey into womb healing, spiritual alignment, and divine feminine wellness rooted in African traditions.

7. Heal Thyself for Health and Longevity by Queen Afua

A wellness blueprint for anyone seeking to eat, move, and live with intention, balance, and ancestral connection.

8. Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Dr. Barry Prizant

Reframes autism as a different—but not disordered—way of being. A compassionate guide for parents, educators, and allies.

9. The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan

Unpacks the journey of food from farm to table, exploring sustainability, factory farming, and our lost connection to the land.

10. The Vaccine-Friendly Plan by Dr. Paul Thomas

A pediatrician’s guide to a modified vaccine schedule, emphasizing transparency, informed consent, and holistic child wellness.

11. How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor by Dr. Robert Mendelsohn

A whistleblowing pediatrician challenges conventional medicine and empowers parents to trust their instincts.

12. Dissolving Illusions by Dr. Suzanne Humphries & Roman Bystrianyk

Reveals historical truths about vaccine efficacy, highlighting the role of sanitation and nutrition in disease prevention.

13. Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whitaker

Critiques the rise of psychiatric medications and asks: are we healing or creating chronic mental illness?

14. The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

A profound look at how trauma imprints on the body—and how true healing involves the nervous system.

15. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

A poetic and grounded call to live in reciprocity with nature. A balm for the soul and an ode to Indigenous plant wisdom.

16. Plants of the Gods by Richard Evans Schultes

Explore the sacred use of psychoactive plants across Indigenous cultures. Ethnobotany at its most magical.

17. Herbs for Children’s Health by Rosemary Gladstar

Gentle, safe, and effective herbal remedies for little ones. A must-have for any herbal mama.

18. Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary Gladstar

From menstruation to menopause, this guide offers nourishing plant allies for every stage of womanhood.

19. Botany in a Day by Thomas J. Elpel

An intuitive plant identification book that simplifies learning herbal families and wild foraging.

20. Vaccine Epidemic edited by Louise Kuo Habakus

An anthology exploring vaccination ethics, mandates, and the fight for medical freedom.

21. Waking the Tiger by Peter A. Levine

Introduces somatic trauma healing and the idea that we can heal without reliving our pain.

22. When the Body Says No by Dr. Gabor Maté

Explores the deep connection between suppressed emotions and chronic illness. Essential for trauma-informed healing.

23. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

A fictionalized but fact-based account of the horrors of the meatpacking industry and the exploitation of immigrant labor.

24. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier

A visually rich and comprehensive herbal reference guide—ideal for building your home apothecary.

25. Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss

A classic natural healing guide blending Christian values, whole food nutrition, and herbal medicine.

26. Pushed: The Painful Truth About Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care by Jennifer Block

Investigates how birthing has been medicalized and disempowered in Western healthcare.

27. Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage by Rachel Reed

A reclamation of birth as sacred, powerful, and intuitive—blending ancient tradition with modern midwifery.

28. Eugenic Nation by Alexandra Minna Stern

Uncovers how eugenics shaped American healthcare and public policy, with disturbing ties to reproductive injustice.

29. The Herbalist’s Healing Kitchen by Devon Young

Where food meets medicine. Herbal recipes, nourishing meals, and rituals for holistic home wellness.

30. Revolutionary Mothering edited by Alexis Pauline Gumbs

An inspiring anthology on radical love, parenting, survival, and mothering as resistance.

Your Invitation

Pick one.

Order it from a local bookstore, borrow it from a library, or find a used copy online.

Read one chapter.

Let it sit with you. Let it challenge you. Let it transform you.

Because every page you turn becomes part of your power.

Tomorrow, we go digital—exploring 30 websites, communities, and articles that can activate your healing journey even further.

You don’t have to agree with everything you read.

But you deserve to know what’s out there.

You deserve access.

With radical love and knowledge,

Daria

House of SZO

A family-rooted wellness journey in love, healing, and purpose.

Connect With Us:
🛒Shop With Us: House of SZO Hub
📧Email: houseofszoinfo@gmail.com
Instagram: @houseofszo

30 Must-Watch Wellness Films for Moms on a Holistic Journey

For the mama who’s awakening, questioning, and reclaiming her power

There comes a moment in every healing journey where you begin to question what you’ve always been told. When symptoms are dismissed, your instincts ignored, and your concerns brushed aside—you start looking elsewhere. For answers. For truth. For other mothers who have walked this road before you.

Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis, advocating for your child, detoxing your home, or just learning how powerful food really is—these films can be a turning point.

This list of 30 wellness-focused films is curated with mothers in mind. It’s not just entertainment—it’s education, empowerment, and exposure to truths that rarely make headlines. These documentaries explore topics like vaccine risks, food as medicine, natural healing, mental wellness, detoxing, birth, parenting, and more. You’ll find them across Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and even free platforms like Tubi.

They’re not always easy to watch—but they’re necessary. And once you know, you can never un-know.

Let’s dive in.

1. Vaccine Awareness & Medical Freedom

For the moms who want informed consent—not just permission slips. These films open up suppressed conversations around vaccine safety and the systems protecting pharmaceutical profits over people.

Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe (2016) – Dr. Wakefield’s deep dive into CDC whistleblowers and the autism link.

Vaxxed II: The People’s Truth (2019) – Powerful testimonies from parents across the nation.

The Truth About Vaccines (2017) – A docu-series featuring holistic doctors and researchers.

1986: The Act (2020) – Reveals how vaccine makers were granted legal immunity.

2. Food as Medicine & Healing Diets

These documentaries explore the idea that healing starts in the kitchen. From plant-based diets to gut health, you’ll witness real people reversing chronic illness with simple shifts.

The Magic Pill (2017) – How dietary changes support autism, diabetes, and more.

Food Matters (2008) – A classic intro to nutrition as preventive medicine.

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead (2010) – Juicing his way back to health, one meal at a time.

Forks Over Knives (2011) – A plant-based revolution in fighting disease.

Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut (2024) – Understanding the microbiome, especially in children.

3. Toxins, Big Pharma & Corruption

The products we use, the water we drink, the medications we trust—these films expose the environmental and systemic risks hiding in plain sight.

The Bleeding Edge (2018) – A disturbing look into the medical device industry.

Dying to Have Known (2006) – Suppressed cancer treatments that offer hope.

Cancer: The Forbidden Cures (2010) – Exploring natural healing options.

The Business of Birth Control (2022) – The dark side of hormonal interventions.

4. Mental Health & Spirituality

Healing is more than the physical. These documentaries explore the inner work—our emotions, beliefs, and consciousness.

Heal (2017) – Mind-body medicine and the science behind it.

The Secret (2006) – How thoughts and beliefs shape our reality.

Inner Worlds, Outer Worlds (2012) – Exploring meditation, vibration, and divine connection.

5. Natural Parenting & Birth

Birth is sacred. These films shine a light on how our system disrupts the natural process—and how women are reclaiming it.

The Business of Being Born (2008) – What hospitals don’t always tell you.

Microbirth (2014) – The impact of birth interventions on lifelong immunity.

Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin (2012) – A beautiful tribute to midwifery and home birth.

6. Detox & Environmental Health

From the makeup aisle to your laundry room, these films help you uncover everyday toxins and take control of your environment.

Stink! (2015) – The hidden chemicals in household products.

The Human Experiment (2013) – How everyday exposures are impacting our health.

The Devil We Know (2018) – The Teflon scandal and how it affects all of us.

7. Holistic Cancer & Chronic Illness

For families dealing with illness, these films offer alternatives. Stories of hope, global healing methods, and the power of the one-size-fits-all approach to treatment.

The Truth About Cancer (2015) – A 9-part docu-series exploring global healing protocols and the corruption of the cancer industry.

Cancer Can Be Killed (2015) – Following people who healed using natural and integrative therapies.

The Sunshine Solution (2020) – A powerful look into the role of Vitamin D in disease prevention and recovery.

8. YouTube Short Docs & Expert Lectures

Quick to watch and powerful in delivery, these free lectures and short films offer insight from doctors, scientists, and advocates in the medical freedom space.

RFK Jr. on Vaccine Safety – Children’s Health Defense – Eye-opening speeches and interviews from a leading advocate for medical transparency.

Dr. Suzanne Humphries: Vaccine Science – A former nephrologist breaks down vaccine ingredients, history, and health impacts.

The Dark Side of Prenatal Vitamins – Dr. Kelly Brogan – A holistic psychiatrist explores how synthetic vitamins can disrupt maternal health.

9. Bonus: Moms on a Mission

These films follow women—many of them mothers—who refused to stay silent, chose radical healing, and found peace by walking away from mainstream protocols.

The Connection (2014) – Exploring the mind-body link and how belief systems influence chronic illness.

Unrest (2017) – A mother’s raw, powerful story about living with chronic fatigue syndrome and reclaiming her identity.

Closing Thoughts: Your Healing, Your Way

These aren’t just documentaries—they are doorways.

Each of these films has the power to shift how you see your body, your home, your birth, your children, your choices, and your intuition. They offer not just facts, but fire—fuel to keep going when the world tells you you’re overreacting. You’re not. You’re awakening.

As a mama on the path of healing, you deserve resources that affirm your right to ask questions, to choose alternatives, and to lead your family with wisdom and love.

You are your child’s first healer.

You are your own best advocate.

You are allowed to choose differently.

Bookmark this list. Share it with a friend. Host a movie night. Journal your thoughts after each film. And most importantly—trust your gut. That inner nudge? It’s sacred.

If you’ve watched one of these films or have a documentary that’s impacted your journey, I’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment, send a message, or tag us on Instagram. Let’s grow and glow together.

With love, awareness, and action—

House of SZO

Daria-

Connect With Us:
🛒Shop With Us: House of SZO Hub
📧Email: houseofszoinfo@gmail.com
Instagram: @houseofszo

Herbonel: A Natural Alternative in a Time of Uncertainty

Tea & Herbal Wisdom | #Herbonel

Inspired by controversy. Grounded in wisdom. Powered by plants.

Herbonel: Our Gentle Wellness Warrior

Rounding out our launching teas in honor of Serenity and Autism Awareness Month is Herbonel. This blend was born from concern and curiosity—sparked by the controversy surrounding acetaminophen advisories and its potential links to autism. I wanted to create something that gave moms peace of mind. A tea that could support the body gently and naturally, without the harshness or risks of over-the-counter medications.

Herbonel was originally formulated for my own personal use—especially during cold and flu season. I’ve used it to ease fevers, stomach bugs, body aches, and general inflammation. I often blended it with our Eldermint tea for improved taste and extra immune support. It became a staple in my self-care routine—especially during recovery periods or when I felt like I was coming down with something.

In its original version, Herbonel included white willow bark for its pain-relieving properties. I often paired it with Golden Milk to ease joint pain and inflammation. But over time, I realized I wanted to make the formula safer and gentler for children, should other parents want to use it for their little ones too.

So I removed the white willow bark and feverfew, replacing them with calming and child-friendly herbs that still offer solid support. The current Herbonel blend includes:

Yarrow Leaf

A powerful yet gentle herb known for its ability to support fevers and circulation. Yarrow helps regulate body temperature through sweating, making it ideal during colds and flus. It also supports the immune system and soothes inflammation.

Elderflower

Light, floral, and immune-boosting, elderflower is a classic herb for fevers, congestion, and respiratory issues. It helps open the pores to promote sweating and supports healthy sinus and respiratory function.

Lemon Balm

A gentle nervine that calms the nervous system and promotes restful sleep. It’s known for soothing anxiety and stress, as well as supporting digestion. Safe for most children and often used in herbal blends for toddlers.

Ginger

Warming and stimulating, ginger supports digestion, reduces nausea, and encourages circulation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a perfect addition for immune support and comfort during illness.

Chamomile

A soothing herb used for centuries with children and adults alike. Chamomile eases digestive upset, calms irritability, supports rest, and offers gentle anti-inflammatory action. A wonderful herb for both internal use and baths.

Personally, I only use this tea in very small amounts in a bath for Zaharah, since she’s still a toddler. For Serenity, I prepare it as a tea occasionally, using about ½ teaspoon of dried herb per cup. Sometimes I blend it with a couple herbs from our Eldermint blend, or I’ll use the full blend depending on the need—whether it’s calming the nervous system, clearing congestion, or supporting rest and recovery.

Please exercise caution when using herbs with children.

Always start with small amounts, observe your child, and when in doubt—consult your doctor or an experienced herbalist. Each child is unique, and what’s gentle for one may not be suitable for another.

Disclaimer:

I am not a doctor. This blend is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your healthcare provider, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications. Always trust your body and do what feels best for you and your family.

You can keep this tea on hand for the days when your family needs support—and you want to turn to Mother Nature first.

It’s versatile, effective, and made from the earth.

Sip. Soak. Support. Naturally.

Daria

Founder of House of SZO

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Golden Milk: A Comforting Cup of Relief

Tea & Herbal Wisdom | #GoldenMilk

A healing blend crafted from pain, purpose, and a mother’s intuition.

Our Golden Milk is a classic favorite here at Seren & Tea. I created this blend because I wanted a more enjoyable and nourishing way to drink turmeric tea. At the time, I was struggling with joint pain and backaches from an old work injury—when I was a certified nursing assistant, I developed a disc bulge in my back. I carried that injury with me into my next job as a housekeeper, and the long days on my feet only made the pain worse.

I was never a fan of ibuprofen, Tylenol, or prescription pain meds. So, my healing came from herbs and hot baths filled with magnesium flakes and Epsom salt. That’s when Golden Milk became my go-to.

The Herbs Packing the Punch

Turmeric

Turmeric has long been praised for its ability to reduce inflammation and support joint health. Its golden color comes from curcumin, the powerful compound responsible for many of turmeric’s healing benefits. Curcumin has been studied for its potential to ease pain, reduce swelling, and support the body’s natural inflammatory response.

Black Pepper

Curcumin alone doesn’t absorb well into the body—but that’s where black pepper makes all the difference. Black pepper contains piperine, a natural compound that dramatically enhances the body’s ability to absorb curcumin. When paired together, black pepper and turmeric form a potent, synergistic duo that helps your body fully access the healing potential of this ancient root.

Ginger is another powerful root in this blend. It contains shogaols and gingerols, compounds that help reduce inflammation by gently calming the body’s inflammatory response and supporting circulation and digestion.

Cinnamon brings warmth and helps stimulate blood flow, which is essential when addressing pain and inflammation. Improved circulation helps get healing blood to the places that need it most.

Clove rounds out the blend as a natural pain reliever. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and numbing properties, making it a comforting addition to this healing cup.

So as you can see… this was the perfect tea for me! I prefer it warmed with a little coconut milk and a dash of coconut oil to help the turmeric absorb even better.

These are kitchen herbs, mind you. You can cook with them, you can sip them. You might be surprised at what’s already in your kitchen that could support your wellness. Sometimes healing starts with a simple cup of tea.

I invite you to steam up a cozy latte, grab your phone, and explore what these herbs can do. There’s so much information at your fingertips—and so many ways to reclaim your health, one sip at a time.

Sip. Relax. Enjoy.

Purposefully… unapologetically,

Daria

Founder of House of SZO

Connect With Us:
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📧Email: houseofszoinfo@gmail.com
Instagram: @houseofszo

Hibiscus Fusion: Bold, Beautiful, and Beneficial🌺

Tea & Herbal Wisdom | #HibiscusFusion

A heart-loving blend with the power to refresh and restore.

I created Hibiscus Fusion as a refreshing alternative to our usual iced spearmint tea. There isn’t a long story behind its inception other than wanting a different flavor. Something I could offer as an alternative to juice, water or coconut water. At first, we added dehydrated strawberries, but eventually I wanted something with more purpose—something citrusy and functional. So I replaced the strawberries with orange peel and added lemongrass to support digestion, especially since we often drank it around dinnertime.

It was a hit.

My girls loved it, especially sweetened with a bit of agave and served cold. It quickly became our go-to on hot, humid Philly summer days, but it’s just as comforting on cooler afternoons. Simple, citrusy, light—and loved by many—it’s now a favorite at local vending events.

Let’s take a look at the herbal stars of this blend:

Hibiscus

Known for its vibrant red color and tart, cranberry-like flavor, hibiscus is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It supports heart health, helps regulate blood pressure, and gently cools the body—making it an excellent herb for warm weather or times of inflammation. It’s also naturally cleansing and hydrating.

Lemongrass

This bright, citrusy herb helps balance hibiscus with a fresh, clean flavor. Lemongrass supports digestion, reduces bloating, and has gentle antimicrobial properties. It’s the perfect complement to evening meals and soothing enough to drink any time of day.

Orange Peel

Replacing our original strawberry idea, orange peel brings natural sweetness, vitamin C, and a soft citrus aroma that ties the whole blend together. It boosts the immune system and improves flavor harmony, making every cup smooth and satisfying.

Hibiscus Fusion is light enough to sip daily, tasty enough to share with the kids, and healing enough to become your new favorite. Whether you serve it over ice or sip it warm, it’s a cup of love—made with herbs that care for your body and uplift your spirit.

Brew. Sweeten. Chill. Enjoy.

Purposefully… unapologetically,

Daria

Founder of House of SZO

Connect With Us:
🛒Shop With Us: House of SZO Hub
📧Email: houseofszoinfo@gmail.com
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Introducing Eldermint Tea: A Respiratory Remedy from Our Home to Yours

Category: Tea & Herbal Wisdom | #EldermintTea

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There’s a story behind every cup—and this one starts with a mama, a pandemic, and a prayer for protection.

Eldermint Tea was the third blend I created for Seren & Tea, and like everything in our line, it was born out of lived experience, necessity, and deep love. In the early days of the pandemic, when uncertainty clouded everything and shelves were bare, I leaned on the knowledge I had gathered over the years about herbs, healing, and the body’s ability to restore itself.

I needed a tea that would:

• Help clear mucus from our systems,

• Soothe the respiratory tract, and

• Strengthen our immune defenses without over-stimulating young bodies.

And most importantly—I needed something my girls would actually drink.

That’s when Eldermint came to life.

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The Power Behind the Blend

Each herb in this tea was chosen with intention, tradition, and taste in mind:

Elderberries

These deep purple gems have been used for centuries to ward off colds and flu. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and antiviral compounds, elderberries are a trusted ally in building immune resilience—especially during seasonal shifts or high exposure periods.

Mullein Leaf

Known as one of the best herbal supports for the lungs, mullein helps the body clear congestion, soothe inflammation, and repair irritated respiratory tissue. It’s particularly helpful during bouts of coughing or after exposure to environmental toxins or illness.

Marshmallow Root

A naturally mucilaginous root, marshmallow coats and protects delicate tissues in the throat and lungs. It brings comfort to dry, scratchy coughs and helps the body retain hydration while healing.

Peppermint

Not just for taste—though that was definitely part of the plan. Peppermint is cooling, aromatic, and helps relax the respiratory muscles. It opens the airways, calms digestion, and creates a tea experience that even little ones can enjoy with ease.

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How We Use It

We keep Eldermint stocked in our home year-round. It’s our go-to when anyone in the house has a sniffle, cough, or just needs a little immune love. I serve it warm with a drizzle of local honey, sometimes with a splash of lemon. It’s part of our wellness rhythm—a cup in the morning, a pause in the afternoon, or a soothing ritual before bed.

This isn’t a trendy tea. It’s a trusted remedy. A staple. A mama-formulated blend that turned into a family favorite.

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From Our Family to Yours

Every Seren & Tea blend holds a story—and Eldermint is one I’m proud to share. It was created not just for healing, but for ease, safety, and comfort. It’s herbal care you can trust, packaged with love, and always rooted in purpose.

Whether you’re supporting your family through the seasons, working on your wellness journey, or simply love a tea that feels like a warm hug—Eldermint is for you.

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Stay rooted. Sip with intention.

Daria | Seren & Tea

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📧Email: houseofszoinfo@gmail.com
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