Juniper has been used since ancient times for its cleansing properties. Used to purify temples and protect from witches, today the smoke from juniper branches is used in sweat lodges. It is said to cleanse the air of bad energy and make it easier to commune with the spirits. The berries are highly aromatic and […]
Sage is a savory seasoning for poultry, pork, winter squash, pear and apple dishes, cheeses, stews, and chowders. Antiviral and astringent, sage has long been used as a healing herb. Sage leaf rubbed on unhealthy gums will help tighten and disinfect. Sage tea is a delicious remedy for sore throats, will help with menopausal hot […]
Mint is one of those plants that enable a love/hate relationship. As a cook I love it, as a gardener, mint is usually pushing the boundaries. It is a great groundcover for cool, wet places. There are several different mints available these days. Lemon, lime, chocolate, peppermint, and spearmint to name a few. They all […]
Violets are some of the first flowers of spring and are both edible and medicinal along with being quite lovely with a delightful fragrance. There are many varieties, from pansies to perennial violets to the wild violets that like to infiltrate lawns and moist cool spaces. They will grow in sun to medium shade and […]
April is the month for dandelions. They are plentiful and at their peak flavor right now. Dandelions are one of the top five most nutritious vegetables, ahead of broccoli and spinach. It contains Vitamin A, calcium, iron, thiamine, riboflavin and trace minerals. Europeans have been eating dandelions for centuries and you can find them here […]
Herb of the Month – Parsley Parsley is a wonderful little plant. It is one of the most adaptable of the culinary herbs. Used with fish, meats, pasta, veggies, eggs or to garnish a plate, this little herb brightens up any dish. Parsley was held in high esteem by the Greeks, who crowned their top […]
Herb of the Month – Cayenne My first intimate encounter with cayenne came when, as a budding herbalist, I found an article that recommended sniffing a pinch of cayenne up the nose for congestion. I was having a dinner party and was quite congested so I gave it a snort. It did indeed clear up […]
Herb of the Month – Sage Sage is a savory seasoning for poultry, pork, winter squash, pear and apple dishes, cheeses, stews, and chowders. Antiviral and astringent, sage has long been used as a healing herb. Sage leaf rubbed on unhealthy gums will help tighten and disinfect. Sage tea is a delicious remedy for sore […]
Nasturtium Nasturtiums are one of my favorite edible flowers. This easy to grow, fragrant and tasty little plant is a must for every sunny garden. The flowers come in hot colors from red to orange to pinks and yellows. It likes a sunny, well-drained spot and moderate water. Nasturtiums are easy to start from seed […]
Basil, Ocimum basilicum, is an annual herb originally from India. Delicious with any cuisine it is usually affiliated with Italian cooking. There are dozens of different basil varieties, from citrus scented varieties to exotic flavors. They all grow easily in full sun with adequate water and do not tolerate cold temperatures. The leaves are used […]
Chickweed Salad Chickweed leaves and flowers are a tasty edible plant, full of B complex vitamins, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. It is a cooling herb, great for soothing both internal and external inflammation. Read More about in our March Herb Blurb. 1 cup mixed baby greens 1 cup washed Chickweed, loosely chopped […]