From the Herb Basket – 26

Beautiful basil — it’s packed with calcium, magnesium and vitamin C. These work together to help lower blood pressure and reduce stress. Basil is also rich in vitamin K, which boosts circulation and keeps arteries clear. Use fresh basil if possible in teas, pasta dishes, salads, or for making a wonderful pesto with oil and nuts. In addition to the familiar sweet Italian basil, consider adding a different variety of basil to new recipes. Lemon basil goes well with seafood, and Thai basil is delicious with Asian dishes. Be creative !

Place a whole cinnamon stick between the screen and window to deter ants from coming in through open windows. You can also sprinkle a little ground cinnamon if you prefer to use it instead of the cinnamon stick. Try rolling a bay leaf in ground cinnamon and placing it between the window and the screen or storm window. Natural pest control is always best.

For those who garden after the sun goes down, pesky gnats can be a problem. Crush fresh basil leaves between your fingers to release the oils. Run your basil-scented fingers through your hair. This will deter gnats and flies.

Before you pack away the winter clothes, tuck some bay leaves, lavender sprigs or eucalyptus leaves in the pockets. Or you can layer the herbs between the folded clothes. This will deter moths from making their summer home among the winter clothes. In addition to deterring insects, the fragrance of the herbs will keep the clothes fresh-smelling while packed away. These herbs also work well with stored winter blankets.

Most herbs are easy to grow and some can help reduce stress and anxiety. Herbs such as lemon balm, lavender, chamomile and calendula can be made into soothing teas and tinctures. Another way to use them is to create calming bath bags. All you’ll need is a simple cotton bag with a draw string top. Fill it with fresh or dried herbs and hang it under the running water as the bathtub fills to release a soothing scent.

Red flowers attract bees like no other color. Honey bees love red impatiens, roses, petunias and zinnias. Plant a large variety of these flowers in your garden. Also, add a few flowering herbs as well: monarda, dill, basil, thyme and lemon balm.

Herbs that are good for you- to name a few …

Mental alertness – sage, rosemary, turmeric

Heart healthy – garlic, fenugreek

Digestive herbs – mint, caraway, ginger

Antioxidant herbs – oregano, basil, parsley

Antimicrobial herbs – thyme, cilantro, garlic, lemon balm, cinnamon

 

Blessed be- sweet ones.

~Meadow Walker

 

Image courtesy of 29secrets.com.