Herb Blurb - January 2024 - Chrysalis Herbs

Happy New Year to you! Another clean slate on which to record our adventures, aspirations, beginnings, and endings.
With the relentless carnage in Gaza, scary political outlook, and the hopelessness portrayed daily on the news, it can be difficult to look on the bright side.
The media loves to focus on all that is awry in the world, meanwhile all kinds of small miracles and dreams are being realized. The world awaits our attention and involvement.

Rather than the long list of New Year's resolutions that are usually discarded by February, consider looking ahead and thinking of a few things that would make a difference in your life, that are important to you, not your social media standing or your "should" list.

How are you progressing, learning, growing? What depletes you? What brings you joy? Start there. Consider one action that would improve your life. A yoga class, a business plan, a daily walk, a morning smoothie. No one but you can change your life and one small action daily can yield amazing rewards. Don’t resign yourself to a mediocre life. You deserve better.

Saturday, January 27, 2024 - 9:30 AM to noon. Denver Botanic Gardens, $76, $70 member https://catalog.botanicgardens.org/Selection.aspx?item=1707&sch=304533

Have you resolved to eat a healthier, more diverse diet this year? Discover the scrumptious side of international vegetarian cuisine. We’ll begin with a savory salad and move on to black bean and sweet potato tacos with avocado crema, a spicy butternut squash curry, a pesto and roasted veggie flatbread, and end with a sweet. Eat your veggies and love doing it! Recipes and full meal included.

Saturday, February 10, 9:30 AM to noon, Denver Botanic Gardens, $76, $70 member https://catalog.botanicgardens.org/Selection.aspx?item=2649&sch=304548

Can't wait for spring flowers? Spend an enjoyable morning creating your own masterpieces with gorgeous, pressed flowers. Create beautiful floral bookmarks, unique cards, and a lovely botanical dipped candle to take home. Learn the best flowers to grow for future projects, and how to press for optimal color, durability, and long life. Handout and all materials provided.

New Years – https://www.denver.org/things-to-do/fall-winter/festivals-events/new-years-eve-weekend/

National Western Stock Show, January 6-21, https://nationalwestern.com/

The Great Fruitcake Toss, Manitou Springs, Saturday, 1/27, 1-3pm, https://manitousprings.org/events/fruitcake-toss/

Free Days for January Be sure to make reservations.

Denver Art Museum, Tuesday, 1/9 and Saturday, 1/27
Denver Botanic Gardens, Monday, 1/15
Denver Zoo, Sunday, 1/21
Denver Museum of Nature and Science – Sunday– 1/28

Check out https://www.colorado.com/attractions for more ideas.

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 congestion, setting fire to my cranium, as fluid ran out of my nose, eyes, and mouth. It provided a good laugh for my husband and callous guests.

That said, cayenne is a very healing herb that helps with digestion and improves circulation.

It is high in Vitamins A, C, B complex, calcium and potassium. Capsaicin, an extract of cayenne and other peppers, is used topically to reduce nerve pain. It works by reducing substance P, the primary chemical used by nerves to transmit pain signals. I’ve read that if you apply the powdered herb to an open wound, it will stop the bleeding. But what will stop the screaming? I can only surmise this was written by the same sort of sadistic herbalist who recommended the sinus snuff. Use cayenne as a seasoning, as a supplement in capsules, or in a premade ointment.

Upcoming Classes!

Rooting for Growth - Crafting Your Own Herbal Tea

Delicious Vegetarian

Art of Pressed Flowers, Denver Botanic Gardens

What I’m Reading

Outlive, The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD

Everyday Fresh, Meals in Minutes by Donna Hay

Fun Things to Do!

Herbs of the Month – Cayenne

Recipes of the Month

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