From the Herb Basket

 

Before you pack away the winter clothes, tuck some dried lavender, bay leaves, or eucalyptus leaves in the jacket pockets. This will deter moths and other flying pests from making their summer home in your clothes.

For those who garden after the Sun goes down, pesky gnats can be a problem. Crush a few fresh basil leaves between the palms of hands to release the oils. Run your basil scented hands through your hair. This will deter gnats and flies from biting your scalp.

Nothing is more refreshing on a hot summer day than mint and fruit infused water. You’ll need a 1/2 gallon of spring or distilled water, several sprigs of fresh peppermint, or you can use spearmint or orange mint. 4 strawberries, cut in half, and 1/2 fresh orange, thinly sliced. Add the fruits and herbs to a glass pitcher. Slowly pour in the water. Refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve in frosted glasses.

Top Five Medicinal Honeys:

Lavender- promotes sleep

Ginger- encourages circulation in lower legs

Monarda -soothes a sore throat

Lemon balm – calms an upset stomach

Chamomile – relieves headache

Fast and easy herb and egg white facial:

Separate the white from the yolk and whisk with a fork. Add 1/8 teaspoon of finely pulverized dried mint. Dip a cotton ball or cosmetic pad in the egg white and apply to the face and neck area. Leave it on until completely dry. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry with soft paper towels. Your skin will feel smooth and fresh.

Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the brine of green olives. Insert the thyme in the brine and leave it there for a few days. The thyme will impart a delicious flavor to the olives.

~ Meadow Walker

 

Magic is Love

Without love, the magician is powerless. Love is the strongest emotion in the universe. All magic should be performed out of love for one’s self, family, friends, neighbors, country, planet, gods. It is the spark that sets the fuel of magic bursting forth.

In sum, magic is the natural, loving practice that taps the limitless powers of life to cause beneficial changes to ourselves, our friends and loved ones, our Earth, and even beyond.

~ Scott Cunningham [ Rest In Peace ]