Fun With Herbs

Take an Herb Class This Summer

2010-06-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

Thinking of learning more about herbs? The following is a link I found to a farm called Wise Acres. They offer all sorts of classes about herbs, from identification to herbal medicine. If you have time this summer, these types of classes can be a lot of fun and you will learn a lot that can be applied to your life, and garden, back home!

Herb Class, Gardening Class, Herb Apprenticeship

Savor the Summer with Lavender

2010-06-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

Have you ever grown lavender? If you have you may know that you can also cook with this unique and fragrant herb. I've recently written an article about cooking with lavender for HubPages, and have included some tips for those adventurous enough to try it!

Cooking With Lavender Tips

You'll find other interesting articles on growing, harvesting, drying and cooking with lavender along with this article as well. Hope to see you there!

~Charlotte

FOXNews.com - Marine's Father Will Not Pay Court-Ordered Funeral Protesters' Fees

2010-03-30T15:45:00.001-07:00

FOXNews.com - Marine's Father Will Not Pay Court-Ordered Funeral Protesters' Fees

Posted using ShareThis

Herbal Remedies

2010-03-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

We've been busy on HealingHerbs4You.com adding articles of interest for our readers, including several articles on herbal remedies. If you're just easing into the herbal lifestyle, or simply want more information on what herbs can help to remedy a specific problem, check out our latest article additions including the following:

If you're looking for specific information on many of the herbs used in natural remedies, be sure to check out our extensive, and growing, herbal database on HealingHerbs4You.com.

Herbal Medicine Apprenticeships and Lectures

2010-02-18T17:13:00.000-08:00

Would you like to learn more about herbs, but with a hands-on approach? This spring consider learning through an apprenticeship or local lecture series. While most of these differ in their approach and teacher personality, there is much that can be learned in a short amount of time. Students can generally expect to learn how to identify a wide variety of local plants as well as what their medicinal uses are. These classes or apprenticeships are also a way to let students find out whether a career in herbal medicine is the direction they want to take, and invest in.

You can find out where these classes are located through colleges, universities and many times through historical societies.

I located one such apprenticeship simply by using a search engine. The website is called Herbal Bear, and they are currently accepting apprenticeship applications for their 2010 classes that begin in June. The information can be found on this link, Herbal Bear Botanical Medicine Program. This particular program is located in the Catskill Mountains of NY.

(HealingHerbs4You.com isn't affiliated with Herbal Bear).

Growing Horseradish or Armoracia

2010-02-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

If you're like most people, you enjoy the spicy-pungent taste of horseradish on foods, in moderation, of course! Many gardeners shy away from this herb because they think it is hard to grow or harvest. In actuality, it isn't much harder to grow or harvest than onions or garlic, and it makes an interesting addition to any herb garden. You won't need to plant much of it as a little can provide enough horseradish for a family, plus a few of their friends each year.

To learn more about this herb and its medicinal uses, read our short article on Armoracia, also known as Horseradish, on HealingHerbs4You.com.

PC Support with AntiVirus and Firewall Sale with Comodo

2010-02-12T07:55:00.000-08:00

If you surf the Internet as I do, you should have some good software to protect yourself while online. This weekend Comodo is having a Valentine's Day Sale with 25 percent off their software protection program, which includes live PC support - perfect if you're NOT a computer geek. Click on the offer below to take advantage of this discount for my blog followers:

Qigong for Better Health

2010-02-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

The ancient art of qigong has been used in Eastern medicine for centuries. It is considered one of the essential elements of healty living, which keeps the chi in balance. Western medicine still considers this ancient art alternative medicine, though some practitioners are open to the idea.

Learn more about this ancient art in the following article on our site- here's an excerpt from an article on qigong:

The word "Qigong" is made up of the two words "Qi" (meaning breath or gas in Mandarin) and "Gong" (meaning technique or work). Thus Qigong basically means "breath work". Qigong, therefore, is a technique of traditional Chinese medicine involving the regulation and coordination of breathing patterns to ensure good health. - Healing Through Qigong on HealingHerbs4You.com.

Benefits of Ayurveda

2010-02-04T16:41:00.000-08:00

Have you been thinking of leading a healthier lifestyle, but didn't know where to start? One of the more "popular" healthy lifestyles is that of Ayurveda. It isn't really as trendy as you may think though- it has been around for centuries. It is just "new" to some areas of the western world.

To learn more about the benefits of Ayurveda, and what it is all about, check out our new article on HealingHerbs4You.com written by Dr. Tarun Sachdeva.

Don't forget to check out our expanding herbal database for herbs that you may want to grow and enjoy this spring!

Tips for Planting an Herb Garden

2010-01-29T18:11:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to do each winter is to plan my spring herb garden. If you're like most people, you've been receiving lots of seed catalogs this month and will get even more in February. I enjoy pouring over these catalogs, especially the catalogs that feature herb seeds.

Herbs are plants that can easily be grown indoors or out. They can take up as little or as much room as you want, making them perfect for the small farmer or city dweller. Herbs are varied in color and size and some have wonderful fragrant blooms, such as lavender.

Thinking of planting herbs this year? Check out our article, Planting an Herb Garden.

If you'd like to learn more about herbs and their uses, check out our website, HealingHerbs4You.com!

Concrete Block Herb Garden

2010-01-24T07:35:00.000-08:00

Looking for an interesting way to keep your herb garden neat and tidy? A concrete block herb garden may be just what you're looking for. All you need for this project is one or more concrete blocks (the kind with the holes), a small bag of gravel (such as pea gravel), screen mesh, rich potting soil (a mix of manure, sand and soil is best) and your choice of herbs.

To start, dig the ground for the blocks - you'll be setting them in the ground approximately two inches. The size of the holes should be the same length and width of the blocks you'll be using.

Once you've dug the holes, line the holes with the screen. The screen will help deter moles and will keep the dirt and pebbles within the holes of the concrete blocks. Add the concrete blocks in the design you've chosen for them. You may even stagger them up a hillside or create several tiers, depending upon the number of herbs you wish to use.

Fill each hole 1/3 full with the pea gravel. Then, place a small amount of rich potting soil on top of the pea gravel. Select the herb for the hole, then gently add more soil around the plant, making sure it is filled to the top rim.

Water your plants. Afterwards, you may notice settling of the soil, so add more so that the soil level is flush with the top of the concrete block.

Your concrete garden should last for years, depending upon location. The concrete blocks are virtually indestructible and can be moved to create new designs in the future, if desired.

Get more info at HealingHerbs4You.com!

The Spa Deck

2010-01-23T13:32:00.000-08:00

For those that like to create spa experiences in the comfort of their own homes, I'd like to introduce you to The Spa Deck. It is like a deck of cards, only they're the size of large index cards. They feature photos and recipes for 50 different spa treatments that are easy to make and will rejuvenate you. They're available through RelaxTheBack and are on sale today for $10.99 USD:

Editorial and Advertising Policies

2010-01-18T08:34:00.000-08:00

With the new FTC regulations, writers and bloggers have to disclose their advertising policies. You can find mine on my companion website, HealingHerbs4you.com or go directly to view them at:
Advertising Policy
Editorial Policy

Scented Geraniums

2010-01-18T07:55:00.000-08:00

With the winter thaw in full swing here in NY, I'm enjoying perusing the seed catalogs that fill my mailbox. One of my favorite herbs that I love to plant are perfumed geraniums. These plants are prized for their variations in foliage as opposed to the blooms, and their incredible range of scents. If you have a green thumb, now is the time to start these wonderful plants indoors. If you have a "black" thumb, don't despair; these plants are readily available in nurseries and at herb sales that spring up around the country in the early spring.

This year, consider planting some of the following and tempt your senses when they unfurl their leaves in late spring!

Pelargonium - Prince Albert Variegated - lemon scented
P. Jatrophaefolium - wood scented
P. Radens - Dr. Livingstone - lemon-rose scented
P. Denticulatum filicifolium - pine scented
P. Tomentosum - peppermint scented
P. Capitatum - Snowflake - minty-rose scented
P. Graveolens Variegatum - minty-rose scented
P. Crispum Variegatum - Gooseberry - lemon scented
P. Fragrans - Snowy Nutmeg - nutmeg scented
P. Schottesham's Pet - filbert scented
P. Clorinda - eucalyptus scented
P. Mrs. Kingsley - mint scented
P. Staghorn oak leaf - wood scented
P. Denticulatum tomentosum - peppermint scented
P. Vitifolium Grapeleaf - balsam scented
P. Blandfordianum - musky scent
P. Nervosum - lime scented
P. Graveolens - rose scented
P. Scarboroviae - strawberry scented

Looking for a new way to plant your geraniums? Try portable herb bags, currently on sale at Gardener's Supply:
Herb Planting Bag

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

2010-01-17T11:46:00.000-08:00

You can now follow us on Facebook and Twitter! Just click on our editor's badge to join us and get all the info on Fun With Herbs or HealingHerbs4you.com when we update our status!

Charlotte Gerber
~Editor, TheSite4You Group

Herbal Database - Photos Needed

2010-01-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I'm currently working on a herbal database for the Healing Herbs 4 You website. We're listing the common, magick and medicinal uses of herbs. What we need is more photos to go along with all of the listings. If you'd like to help, please send your herb photos to: admin@healingherbs4you.com. I can't pay you, but I'll give you credit on the webpage and link to your website, if you have one. If you have free photos of herbs on any of the stock photo sites, please let me know as well.

If you're interested to see how the project is coming along, please visit us at healingherbs4you.com.

I'll be back tomorrow with more crafts and information on herbal living!

Charlotte
~Editor

Make a Herb Trivet or Hotpad

2010-01-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

Have you ever gone to a restaurant that uses herb trivets or hotpads underneath the hot dishes that they place on your table? If you haven't, you've missed an aromatic treat! These simple trivets or hotpads are very simple to make. All you need is some pre-made quilting material (there is an outer layer of material, with thin padding sewn to the other side), thread and the following trivet herbal mix:

6 cups of whole Corriander

2 cups of cinnamon chips

1 cup of whole Allspice

1 cup of whole cloves

1 cup of ginger root pieces

2 cups of cellulose fixative

Oil - cinnamon or cider spice

(All of these suggested spices and oils can be purchased wholesale at the San Francisco Herb Company)

To make the trivet pads (before stuffing), cut out 6x6 inch or 8x8 inch squares in the material. Take two of the cut out squares and place together, right side in. While this trivet can be sewn by hand, using a sewing machine is much quicker! Sew only three of the sides and then half of the fourth side. Once you've completed the sewing, turn the trivet inside out, so that right sides are now on the outside.

Stuff the trivet with about cup or so of the mix (depending upon the size you've chosen. Finally, sew the trivet shut, making sure that the edges are carefully sewn inside, leaving a smooth outside hem.

These trivets make great gifts and are also fun crafts for the family (especially the younger ones learning to sew!)

Check out my website for more information on herbs and herbal living! HealingHerbs4You.com

Basic Herb Jelly Recipe

2010-01-04T19:09:00.000-08:00

Want to use your herbs year 'round? Try making jellies out of them. Most of these jellies are used as glazes or flavorings for meat dishes. The ingredients are few and the processing time from steeping herbs to jelly is about 35 minutes.

3 cups fruit juice (apple is a good choice) or water
1 cup fresh herbs or 1/2 cup of dried herbs
2 tbsp. lemon juice or vinegar
4 cups sugar
1 pkg. powdered pectin (such as Certo or SureGel)
1/2 tsp. butter or margarine
1 fresh herb sprig for each jar (optional)

Boil the fruit juice or water, remove from heat and add herbs. Let steep for 20 minutes.

Pour liquid through cheesecloth, jelly bag or coffee filter. In a saucepan, add the herb infusion, lemon juice or vinegar and sugar. Mix well. Bring mixture to rolling boil, stirring constantly. Mix in pectin all at once, add butter and then return to a rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and pour into sterilized jelly jars then cap them. Turn upside down for 8 hours or place in a hot water bath for 20 minutes.

Christmas Herbs and Spices

2009-12-14T19:18:00.000-08:00

The holidays often evoke fond memories of Christmas past, and many memories are stirred by the smell of specific herbs. Remember the smell of certain cookies baking in the oven? Perhaps it was the smell of evergreen trees or wreaths in your home. For some, the smell of bayberry candles burning stir fond memories of the holidays.

This year, create some memories of your own for yourself, family members and children. Roast turkey with sage and/or rosemary. Give some lavender sachets away or perhaps purchase small quantities of frankincense and myrrh to distribute to those deserving souls on your holiday gift list.

To learn more about herbs and their holiday connection, check out my new article on HubPages:
Top 10 Christmas Herbs and Spices

Learn more about herbs in general at: HealingHerbs4You.com

Cinnamon Spice Holiday Ornaments

2009-12-09T06:45:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tried your hand at making cinnamon spice holiday ornaments? They're very easy to make, and perhaps just the craft to do when you have bored youngsters at home when school is closed. To make these fun and festive ornaments, you'll need:

1 cup Cinnamon
1 Tbsp. Cloves
1 Tbsp. Nutmeg
1 Tbsp. Orris Root
1/2 cup Applesauce
2 Tbsp. Elmer's or other white glue
Assorted holiday cookie cutters
Several plastic straws
Waxed paper

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly. Turn dough out onto waxed paper. Roll out with a rolling pin until the dough is about 1/4 inch thick. Then use cookie cutters to create various shapes. Use a straw to create a hole at the top of each ornament, at least a 1/4 inch in from the edge of the shape, so that string can be run through for hanging once dry.

The ornaments will take 4-5 days to dry completely. During this time, the ornaments should be turned over and placed on fresh waxed paper each day. Once completely dry, run pretty ribbon through the holes and hang on a tree, in a window or anywhere else you'd like to enjoy a cinnamon spice aroma!

Enjoy!
Visit HealingHerbs4You.com for more herbal info

Drying Herbs

2009-10-04T09:20:00.000-07:00

This time of year many gardeners are harvesting their herbs and drying them to use throughout the winter. If you've never done this before, the process is surprisingly simple, and few tools are needed.

Herbs that have been properly dried when fresh will provide you with flavorful seasonings for your food, delicious and fragrant teas and colorful ingredients for your potpourri.

Learn the proper way to dry your herbs this year with our article, Tips for Drying Herbs, written by Joy J. Fine at HealingHerbs4You.com.

One tip for the novice- do not dry your herbs in the microwave. It will cook your herbs and evaporate the natural oils in the plants. Drying them slowly and naturally will help to preserve the flavor, potency and color of your herbs.

Make Real Rose Beads

2009-10-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, I hope you enjoy herbs as much as I do. I've always enjoyed growing them, using them in cooking and incorporating them in decorations in my home. If this sounds like you, you've found a blog to follow!

I will be posting this blog several times a week and offering readers tips, tricks, gift ideas and recipes that I've amassed over the years. I'll even include how-to videos as I go along. In addition, I'll be providing information on herbal living and homeopathy for those that really want to incorporate herbs into their daily lives.

In keeping with the "fun" theme of this blog, I'm including a craft - Making Real Rose Beads- and a few craft links for my readers today:

Rose Beads Directions

If you've ever had a necklace or rosary beads made of real rose petals, you know how wonderful these smell, year after year, even decades later! For those who are truly crafty, making your own rose beads is a fun, though a little time consuming. However, it is the perfect weekend craft, even if you're going it alone. To get started, this is what you'll need:

A hand food-grinder
A cast-iron skillet or pot - there should be no rust on the inside anywhere
1/2 Bushel of rose petals (1 plastic shopping bag full)- the really fragrant kind; pink or red in color
1 package (100) 1" pins (for sewing)
A square of styrofoam - about 1 foot x 1 foot or larger
String for your necklace or rosary

To begin, simply run the petals in bunches through the hand grinder. You may do this once or twice, and the result will be something like loose modeling clay. Place the "clay" in the cast iron pot or skillet. Re-grind the petals every day for 14 days. By the 14th day, the petals will have become a thick paste that will be smooth.

Once the paste is ready, it can be rolled into small, marble sized balls. After the ball is formed, push a sewing pin through the center until it is mid-way on the pin, then push the pin slightly into the styrofoam square so the bead can dry. Space the beads about a 1/2 inch apart. Allow the beads at least 2 weeks to dry. In humid weather, it may take longer for them to dry. Note: It will take approximately 60-70 of these beads to make an adult length necklace.

When the beads are completely dry, they'll be half of their original size. Gently remove the pins and polish the beads with a piece of flannel or other soft polishing cloth. They may then be strung on a length of strong cotton thread or filament, which can be found at any craft or sewing store. As you wear the necklace, the beads will become a darker, mahogany color.

Links to more herbal craft ideas:

Blossom Hill's Dream Pillow
Gardener's Paradise Herbal Bath Ball

Visit my herbal living website at: HealingHerbs4You.com

Photo of the rose by Zeddicus80 at Dreamstime.com