The Herb Blurb – September 2020

Yep, the world is a strange place right now.

Yep, the world is a strange place right now. We’ll eventually get through this and looking back may see that this time of upheaval was a necessary evil. I’m leaving for my first real trip of the year, hitting the highway, so this is coming out a bit early.

With all the chaos and vitriol going on it helps to get out in nature and get some perspective. I spent time building a fort with the grandkids and it was way more fun than I anticipated. I went there this morning and just laid inside it on the ground looking up at the sky and treetops. Very restorative. Take a news fast and screen break for a day or two and go for a drive, a hike, a meal with a friend. We all need some comfort now.

I’m also volunteering at a farm that addresses food instability in the city and find it very rewarding. There is so much need out there now. Consider pitching in. You’ll meet interesting people, develop some new skills, and feel less helpless against world events. Google your states volunteer organizations. In Colorado try: https://helpcoloradonow.org.

It’s time to start stocking up for cooling months ahead. Collect the garden harvest and dry herbs for teas, seasoning blends, and kitchen remedies. Freeze, can or dehydrate that summer produce for your winter pantry. Enjoy peaches, plums, melons, beans, tomatoes, and all the other delicious fruits of summer. Visit farmers or produce markets for local produce that tastes nothing like the trucked in supermarket varieties.

 

Upcoming Classes

We're back in business, kind of. I'll be making my video debut with this fun class. Good price, good info. Register here.

*We'll be doing Folk Remedies and Kitchen Cures in October, more details in the October newsletter.

Gardens to Glass, Delicious Drinks and Cocktails from the Garden - Online

Herbalist's Happy HourGardens to Glass, Delicious Drinks and Cocktails from the Garden - Online, Denver Botanic Gardens, Friday, September 25, 2020, 4-5 PM. $25. $20 members
Grab your friends and discover how easy it is to create fresh, artisanal beverages from the garden with minimal effort and delicious results. Make captivating cocktails, infused liquors, non-alcoholic refreshers, herbal concentrates, healthy fruit shrubs, and more. Skip the chemicals, dyes, and corn syrup and bring in the nourishing clean tastes of fresh produce and herbs to create your own unique, flavorful libations

Class is taught by Susan Evans, herbalist, and author of The Herbalist’s Happy Hour, Crafted Cocktails, and Tapas from the Garden.

This session will be held streamed online through Vimeo. Details on how to join the class will be emailed the day-of the program. Recipes will be provided to registrants to make the beverages at home! Register here.

 

VOTE!

Are we just going to sit by as this administration destroys our postal service, voting rights, judicial system, environment, health and social programs, civil rights, economy, and dignity? Please vote, and vote early. Don’t numb out. We all need to do our part. Let’s work for a better “new normal.”

 

Health and Beauty

Dry Brushing

Try dry brushing before your shower to help stimulate your circulation and lymphatic drainage. Dry brushing is also great for exfoliation and breaking down cellulite. Before getting into your shower or bath, use a bath brush making circular motions on your skin. Start at the extremities and work towards the heart. Be gentle on your sensitive skin areas. This simple habit provides a great energy boost and soft skin.

 

Gardening

Along with continuing to harvest and preserve herbs and produce for your winter harvest, it might be time to give the garden a last boost with fertilizer. Make sure your mulch is still intact to help hold in water and limit weeds.

Spring bulbs will be coming into the nurseries along with pansies and decorative cabbage. Start your second seeding of cool weather crops if you haven’t already.
Garden centers will be having sales so it’s a good time to pick up some bargains for those bare areas.

 

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 throats, will help with menopausal hot flashes, and assist nursing Moms when weaning off breastfeeding. Sage is high in bio-available calcium and trace nutrients and helps the digestive system deal with fatty foods.

Legend has it that where a vigorous sage plant grew, the woman ruled the house. Go sage! It is an easy to grow perennial, a must for every herb garden. Put it in a sunny spot and don’t overwater and enjoy this useful, beautiful plant.

Now is the time to harvest your sage. Cut the stems, bind with a rubber band, and hang upside down until dry. Store the whole stem and leaves in a glass jar and keep in a cool, dark place and be ready for those winter nasties with a steaming cup of sage tea.

Sage Tea
Put 4 tbs of dried sage in a teapot and pour 4-5 cups boiling water over the sage. Steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain and add honey and lemon. Delicious and wonderful for colds, flu, and sore throats. Refrigerate the leftovers and reheat in a pot on the stove as needed.

Recipes of the Month

Panzanella – Italian Bread Salad

 

Melon and Avocado Salad

 

Zucchini Tomato Bruschetta with Basil

 

Peach, Goat Cheese, and Prosciutto Bruschetta

 

Lavender Lemonade Fizz

 

Lavender Syrup

 

The-Herbalists-Happy-Hour-Cover-V7Want more recipes? Check out the Herbalist’s Happy Hour for easy, delicious, creative ideas for all your summer harvest. Get it here.

Posted in 2020, The Herb Blurb and tagged , , , .

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