From the Herb Basket – 30

Storing Herbal Medicine: Pharmaceutical manufacturers use bottles with dark colored glass for many of their products. Light tends to speed up the degradation of such things as medicines and dried herbs. Keep them in a cool, dark place — ideally where the temperature does not exceed 80 F.

When you’re using a dried herb such as thyme, along with a fresh one, such as parsley, place the dried herb on your cutting board and chop the fresh with it. The flavor of the dried herb will be revived as the juices from the fresh herb help re-hydrate it.

In ancient Rome, citizens paid their taxes in anise seed.

Rosemary is one of the few herbs that tolerates salt spray, so it can be grown near the beach. It fact, its genus name Rosemarinus, is derived from Latin words meaning “dew of the sea.”

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been shown to help eliminate bad gut bacteria so the good kind can thrive. Some studies even suggest that this compound can help reduce body fat ! This spice can also ease inflammation and reduce muscle stiffness.

The winter “blahs” can lower the production of calming theta brain waves. This in turn produces a restless sleep. Try adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to a crumpled tissue and place it on the nightstand by your bed. The scent of this oil helps kick start those theta waves.

Hot Herbal Tea to Speed Healing: You’ll need a large crock pot or slow cooker, 8 cups of water, 8 green tea bags, 1 sliced lemon, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 1 small chunk of fresh ginger. You can also add 1/4 cup of honey. Simmer on low for a few hours, and ladle out the tea in cups or mugs. This is a wonderful tea to prepare during cold and flu season.

During the Middle Ages, people feared illnesses that began with chills and fever. They stuffed dried rosemary into their shoes, believing this would prevent such symptoms.

Add 1/4 cup each of chopped rosemary and sage to 3 cups boiling water. Let it stand until cool. Strain out the herbs, and use this herb infused water for wiping cutting boards and kitchen counters.

Blessed be, Sweet Ones.

~ Meadow Walker