An Herbal Column By– Miss Jess

The change of seasons is briskly upon us. Isn’t it lovely especially this time of year?  As fall approaches we need to turn our attentions from planting to harvesting our gardens of herbs.  There are several ways to do just that and make the best use of our plants.  Some can be frozen and some are better dried.
     The most important thing in properly drying herbs is to provide the right drying environment.  Make sure that there is adequate air flow around the plant and that there is low light.  This is especially important for floral parts of a plant when preserving color. Depending on the plant, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to completely dry.  Once it is, store in an airtight container, glass is best because the herbs in a plastic container absorb the odors from a plastic and always keep them out of light once dry.
     Those herbs that get dried can be done one of two ways depending on the plant itself.  Herbs that have a hardy stem can best be dried upside down.  Plants like lavender, yarrow, thistle and chamomile are better for this method.  Cut the stems long enough to make a bundle with a rubber band. Hang them with a clothespin on a drying rack. Usually it is good to check them in two weeks or so. For long stems allow for storage in a plastic bag or box.

     The other way to dry herbs is on a flat screen like surface. This method can be used for plants that are harvested for only their leaves. Plants like oregano and thyme, which have small leaves and fine stems, can benefit from this type of drying. Other herbs, mainly those used for cooking are good for freezing.  This is important when  color and texture are big factors in a dish.   Before freezing make sure the leaves are clean and dry.  Leaves can be frozen whole or chopped.  Chopped herbs can be frozen in a container or in an ice cube tray.  Fill the cups of the tray half full of the herb and top off with water.  Then when it comes time to thaw, just take out as many as needed. Pesto is not the same if you use dried basil.  It has a better flavor if made with basil that is fresh but, if there is no fresh in the kitchen, the next best thing is to pull out some frozen leaves and proceed with the recipe. Please note, frozen herbs can darken over  time.  They will taste fresh, but may not look quite the same. Remember, fall doesn’t have to be an end to gardening.  It is a time to enjoy what we have worked so hard to grow and Mother Nature has nurtured all summer long.  With these preservation tips you can enjoy your herbs well into the winter and beyond

An Herbal Column By– Miss Jess

With the onset of summer, our attention turns toward being outside whenever we can.  This can pose a problem for those of us who have fair complexions.  We are the people who get burned by the strong rays of the sun,  or we are the people who are at high risk for skin cancer.  Whatever the case, there are ways to treat sunburns so that they heal quickly.  The number one item to have on hand is aloe vera.  It is used to rejuvenate the skin and relieve pain and inflammation. It is also great for cuts, abrasions and other skin conditions like eczema.  ( It is also recommended following radiation therapy.)  The other must have is chickweed.  It’s packed with vitamins A and C.  It 
acts as a strong anti-inflammatory.  Aloe is used to cool eczema and sunburn.  It can help speed up the healing process of both.

Your skin is your largest organ. As such, compresses and baths can help cool it down fast.  I might  apply the chickweed as a compress.  
To this you could add chamomile and lavender.  Both of these are good or calming skin conditions.  Peppermint could be added as well.  It 
has been shown to increase the flow of blood to the skin, thus it is cooling.  Rose hips, a natural source of vitamin C, has been proven to help reduce fevers and sooth the skin.  In addition to compresses for the affected area, drinking herbal tea can help speed up the healing of a sunburn.  I’ve read of a few “burn” teas.  Most consist of a combination of any of the following, rose, chamomile, lavender, mint, 
marigold and coriander.

Speaking of tea, remember to keep hydrated if you are going to be outside whether sunny or cloudy.   When we sweat, we can lose a lot  of fluids.  Kathy at Goddess Blessed, makes a great summer refresher 
of various types of mint.  Just snip of some leaves and add them to a carafe of water. I like to leave a pitcher full of assorted herbs out on the patio to make “sun” tea.

Get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather whenever you can.  You’ve  got a gardens worth of herbs to help you stay safe when playing out in the sun.

An Herbal Column By– Miss Jess

Have you been feeling a bit blue, run down, or just not quite yourself lately?  It could be a bout of seasonal depression.  It could also be a sign that you need to do a little self “house cleaning.”  in my last article i mention that the spring is a great time to do a cleanse to get rid of toxic buildup in your body.  Side effects from these toxins can include depression, lack of energy, illness and weight gain.  Often, even with a healthy diet, we cannot rid ourselves of environmental toxins. Here are a few herbs that can get us on our way to sunnier outlook. Herbs like lavender and chamomile are great for helping you get to sleep, but also can aid in relieving anxiety.  Along with peppermint, they can help clear the mind and ease muscle tension.  Often, you will find sleep and dream pillows that contain a combination of these herbs.  Another one to consider is vanilla.  This is considered a very comforting scent to most people.  I have a blend that i use to relax containing either lavender and chamomile or vanilla and chamomile. To boost your immune system and improve energy levels be sure to get enough vitamin C.  Both the natural form, being citrus fruits or the supplements are effective for this.  Vitamin D naturally comes from the sun, with winter, most of us stay inside.  Try to get a little sun each day, or check your foods to see if they are fortified with this vitamin.

Wild oats or hops can serve two purposes.  They both combat stress, easing tension and depression, and boost energy levels.  Often, we are not getting enough whole grains and therefore fiber in our diets.  The fiber helps to keep our blood sugar levels in check and clean out toxins from our digestive tract.  Please note, when increasing your fiber level drink plenty of water.  This helps flush everything out.  the spice cinnamon also has a dual purpose.  It improves circulation of the blood, warming and comforting the entire system.  It is also a stimulant, boosting immunity.  I think a great start to any day would be a bowl of oatmeal with a little cinnamon and vanilla in it. There are some great total body cleanses out there.  They are often a combination of herbs and fiber.  Some can target specific conditions and some are just an al over detox.  As with anything medicinal, check for any temporary side effects they may cause.  These side effects  are a sign that your body is clearing out what it doesn’t need. No matter what, know that spring is on the way, and we can enter that time of the year with a little herbal self care.  The sun will shine down again soon.

An Herbal Colunm By– Miss Jess

What to do when you get struck with one of those dreaded winter colds?

Extra rest and plenty of fluids are a must, but we can speed up the recovery process with a little help from mother nature.  There are many herbal remedies for those pesky colds.   Several are general remedies, but there are a few for more specific illnesses.   Across the board, Echinacea is reported as being important for raising the bodies immune
defenses.  for best results, get a blend of Echinacea and goldenseal. Citrus fruits are also another proven winner in this fight.  It’s suggested that taking 500 ml, several times a day is the most effective way to getting over a cold.  Elderberry can be effective in fighting off a flu virus.  If the cold heads south  into the lungs you may consider a tea with marshmallow root.  It acts as a demulcent to sooth the throat. Stinging nettle tea can also  relieve bronchitis and asthma.  My favorite remedy?  Garlic is one of nature’s best antibiotics. 

It is highly anti microbial, good for coughs, colds and flu, bowel infections and cystitis.  Onion acts in much the same way.   Dr James A. Duke, an authority on healing herbs gives this recipe for soup to fight colds.  “I heartily agree with the folkloric tradition that hot, spicy chicken soup is good for colds and flu.  Just make sure to use lots of garlic and onions.  And along with your vegetables, throw in some ginger and hot red pepper.  Good food–and good medicine.”