Spring Letter

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Mystical Magical Herbs in Events, Growing Herbs, Legend and Lore // 1 Comment

Turmeric

[Natural News] “Turmeric has long been one of the most prized spices from the East, but its benefits extend far beyond the wonderful flavor and color it lends to many recipes. The health-promoting properties of turmeric have been known for millennia, but only recently has it been discovered that the bright orange spice is also a powerful ally in preventing and curing cancer…”

Valerian/Lemon Balm Combination Well Tolerated in Clinical Study…

Sedative herb formulas including combinations of Valeriana officinalis, L and Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, L, are widely used and have strong reputations for efficacy and safety.

For the full article click on the link below.

http://www.herbs.org/current/valerianmelissa.htm

Imbolc

Imbolc marks the beginning of spring. It is a time for spring cleaning. Many choose to clean their homes with herbs and ceremonies and declutter their spiritual lives. Imbolc is also called Brigid’s Day in honor of the Celtic Goddess of fire, fertility, midwifery and children.

Create a sacred space in your home for prayer, meditation and a closer connection with the Goddess. Have a small fire on the hearth or outdoors in the fire pit. Braid the green shucks from corn ears and let the braids dry naturally: “Blessed are thee in clover of three.”

Find a smooth white stone and write your name upon it. Leave it for the little ones who come to visit at dusk. For they will whisk it away to a place where you and your wishes will be honored.

Rosemary Hair Rinse

This is fantastic as a natural rinse for all hair types. Rosemary contains natural hair growth properties and can promote healthy growth when used daily. Simply pour over your scalp as a leave-in rinse; — or spritz freshly shampooed, towel-dried hair.

You’ll need a quart of water and six 3-inch fresh rosemary sprigs. In a medium sauce pan, bring the water to a boil, turn off the heat, add the rosemary, cover the pan and steep for 20 minutes. Allow the water to cool completely, then remove the rosemary and pour the water into a clean spray bottle. Refrigerate for up to ten days. Used daily, it promotes a healthy scalp and combats dandruff.

All-Natural Boost For Plant Cuttings

Make an all natural rooting hormone to increase your chances of successful plant cuttings. Prepare a mixture of honey and apple cider vinegar: the ratio should be half and half. Prepare several small pots with watered, light-weight potting soil. Using a pencil, make a half inch indentation in the center of the soil. Dip the plant cutting in the honey-vinegar mix and insert the cutting in the soil. Press down firmly so that the cutting makes contact with the soil. Place the cuttings in a warm and brightly lit area, keeping the soil moist as they root.

The natural sugars in the honey help feed the developing root system, and the vinegar prevents the stem from decaying. In about 6 weeks your cuttings should have rooted. Best choices for rooting are lavender, sage, thyme, rosemary — and other herbs with woody stems.

Time to Plant

Cool season vegetables include peas, lettuce, onions, kale, spinach, carrots, radishes, cabbage, and turnip greens. These can be planted anytime after March 20th.

Cool season herbs: parsley, chives, garlic, rosemary, lavender, lemon balm, sage , thyme, fennel and chamomile. These can be planted after April 15th.

Top Ten Herbs for Summer- 2016

Sweet Italian basil
Lemon basil
Tarragon
Dill
Garlic
Chives
Cilantro
Rosemary
Lemon balm
Parsley

These can be planted after May 1st.

Moon Phases

March 1, Last Quarter
March 8, New Moon
March 15, First Quarter
March 23 , Full Worm Moon
March 31, Last Quarter

Super Sipping

1/2 cup fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup raw or organic honey
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
6 cups water

Add the water and ginger to a 2 quart sauce pan, bring to a boil, remove from heat and let steep for 20 minutes. Strain out ginger and discard. Add the honey, apple cider vinegar and the lemon juice to the ginger water, stirring to blend. You can reheat this, or serve chilled. This combination of ginger, honey, lemon juice and vinegar acts as a natural antibiotic and can be used to combat nausea and mild dehydration. Excellent for colds and flu, and one of the best energy drinks ever !

Fresh and Flavorful

On weekends, shop the Farmers Market at the end of the day, before 4 pm. You will very likely find deals late in the afternoon. By shopping at the end of the market day you’ll save money on produce. Most sellers and vendors don’t want to pack up unsold items and would rather slash prices than take ripe produce home.

Buy vegetables and fruits in bulk, and freeze them. Berries can be made into freezer jam, and vegetables can be blanched and frozen for later meals. This also applies to breads and other baked goods.

Do a little bargaining. Approach the sellers and ask “ If I buy 3 flats of berries, could I have the 4th one free or at a reduced price?” Most vendors will be very happy to see late sales and will more than likely give you the 4th flat free. Most sellers also have herb plants “ready sold.” This means they are ready to be sold today, and they don’t want to take them home for another week. Ask, “If I buy 3, can I have a free one?” More than likely you’ll get a freebie. Have some one dollar bills on hand to pay for these late sales as most vendors are low on change.

Go Green

A house filled with 25 or more house plants has 50% fewer mold spores and bacteria. Houseplants emit substances called phytochemicals that suppress these microbes in indoor environments. Three common house plants, available just about everywhere are what I call the “terrific trio”. These are easy to care for and they also reduce the ozone levels indoors: snake plant, spider plant, and golden pothos. Other great choices are parlor fern and wandering jew. And don’t forget the aloes!

Incredible Edibles- drinks flavored with home grown herbs

Hot lemonade with lavender or thyme
Green tea with spearmint
Spring water with chopped cucumber and orange mint
Cranberry juice and lemon balm leaves
Hot herbal teas sweetened with stevia leaves
Sun tea brewed in the sun with loose leaf black tea and fresh peppermint

~ Azul and Meadow Walker

Image courtesy of https://herbsocietyuk.wordpress.com/