An Earth Month Challenge - Can you Match me?

I am listening to the wind wildly howling outside of my home. Although we are done with snow, Winter is definitely still trying to intrude on my Spring plans.  We did not have much snow this winter and I dislike not having a blanket of snow on the ground when the wind howls, I worry about my lavender which can dry out in strong wind. I worry about my thyme whose tiny roots can freeze without a winter blanket.  And I get concerned that the water table will not be properly replenished without the moisture of snow.

Wind can be an inconvenience to me when it blows my mulch around the backyard, and can be a threat to me when it becomes a destructive force during weather events, many of which have happened recently. But I remind myself that this wind is a gift. This is the wind that blows fresh air into my lungs. This is the wind that disperses the seeds that will be this summer’s bounty. This is the wind that will bring in the warmer weather to come. This is the wind that shapes the landscapes that shape my life.  

Every minute of every day in every season we receive gifts from the earth.  That’s why, to celebrate Earth Month this year, I decided to give myself an Earth Challenge:

List 52 reasons why I am grateful for the earth.  One for each week of the year.  The theme for Earth Day this year is Our Power, Our Earth and in these days of budget cutting it becomes that much more important to recognize what we receive and make sure we are protecting it for the future.

At first it seemed like a tedious task, but about halfway through I noticed that the more gratitude I listed, the more gratitude I felt, and the rest of the list was done in a flash. That’s the way these things work. Fear leads to more fear. Gratitude leads to more gratitude. And more gratitude leads to more gifts.

By the time I reached the end, I had renewed my appreciation and commitment to giving back to the earth as best I can. Isn’t that what Earth Day is all about? Good luck, and remember to share your lists to spread the gratitude!

This Earth Day, I Am Grateful For:

1.   The wind’s power and presence.
2.   The beautiful sunset today.
3.  The fresh drinking water that comes into my faucet from an underground well.
4.  The trees around me. I always feel sheltered. Not to mention their gift of oxygen!
5.  The seasons. They encourage me to remember that change is good and necessary. 
6.  The smell of lavender, which is very calming to me.
7.  Bees. Besides the gifts of honey and wax, they pollinate plants so that humans can enjoy the fruits.
8.  Rocks. Many indigenous people call rocks the grandfathers of the earth. They hold the wisdom of the earth as they humbly hold up my home.
9.  The knowledge and wisdom that I have gained from watching my herbs grow.
10.  The reliability of earth’s cycles (daily, monthly, yearly, etc.) is very grounding.
11.  The song of frogs in the spring. It makes me want to sing, too!
12. The smell of the air after a rain, the freshness of the cleansing rain-soaked soil.
13.  The few inches that my shoulders drop when I go into nature.
14. Turtles. They teach me patience and persistence.
15.  The satisfaction of planting a seed in the spring and watching it grow all summer.
16.   Spring flowers, which bring hope after a long winter.
17. The experience of absolute stillness and peace that can be found in certain places on this earth. It reminds me to slow down and listen.
18.  Medicines I have created that have come directly from the earth.
19.  The feeling of my bare feet in grass. Aaahhhh!
20.  The freshness of the air in wintertime, especially after a snow.
21. The smell of fallen pine needles in the sunshine
22.  The changeability of nature. It’s very rare to see the same exact thing twice.
23.  The extremes in nature that collectively create balance. Our earth has darkest and lightest, highest and lowest, biggest and smallest, hottest and coldest.
24.  Eagles that amaze me in their strength and power.
25. The clouds in the sky that warn of upcoming weather and amuse me with their designs.
26. The ocean. It can be a very relaxing place, but also exhilarating!
27.  The end of a hot summer day when the cicadas start calling, the fireflies come out, and the relief of coolness is finally felt.
28. Resources from the earth such as sun, coal, oil and wind that provide me with heat and power.
29. The times I have seen the earth physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually heal people.
30. Wind power the natural spin of a windmill, be it for power or to bring up water from the well, this natural method provides me with resources I need.
31. Human beings. We are as much a part of the earth as the crow that calls and the leaves that fall.
32. The diversity on this planet in people, plants and animals. This keeps our ecosystems strong and resilient.
33.  The yearly emergence of butterflies reminds me to live within the natural stages of my life.
34. The adaptability of nature and people.  
35. The dead squirrel in the road, it reminds me to slow down.
36. The song of the chickadee.
37.  Water. It can take any form, can serve any purpose, and keeps us all alive.
38. The light of sun and moon that brightens the dark reaches.
39. Zinnias, an explosion of color that can last all summer.
40.  A gathering of birds in the trees in the evening, the cacophony of sound makes me appreciate the noise of nature, especially when it can drown out the traffic.
41.   A meal made with freshly harvested herbs that allows me to enjoy the variety the earth has to offer.
42. The smell of lemon herbs as I harvest them and the brightening of my mood as a result.
43.  Rain as it nourishes the earth, feeds the plants and cleans the air.
44. A thunderstorm, renewing the nitrogen and reminding me that weather is a cycle.
45.  Natural barriers, a slope, a thicket, a collection of thorny bushes, to remind me that not everything is easy to travel though and although there are hard times, you can come out on the other side.
46. Sunrise. The awakening of the day gives a new start every time.
47. Deer prancing through a field.  Not only do they provide food, their playfulness reminds us that sometimes you can just run around and enjoy what nature offers.
48.  The sudden release of scent when I brush against scented geraniums on my steps, it reminds me to pause and experience my day.
49.  Planting seeds.  It is a belief in tomorrow and I can use the seed I harvested last year from wild flowers and annuals in my garden attracting pollinators and my gaze.
50.  A lunar eclipse, several of which will happen this year, reminds me of the vastness of our universe and the importance of the moon to our tides and seasons,
51. Herbs, the scent, the properties, the uses, they are my life.
52. Snow in Winter.  It brings me full circle to the dormant times that I know will give birth to a Spring and new beginnings.

 

Spring to Summer Muscle Massage OIl - Bath Blend of the Month

I don't know about you, but even though the days are warmer and I can garden (almost) I tend to get achy. I don't drink enough water, the house is dry, my exercise falls off because it is wet outdoors.  This is the time of swollen ankles and sore muscles.  So I whip up this massage oil.  I can smooth it into my legs and have the hubby do my shoulders. The oils help rehydrate my skin and the essential oils work on the aches.

Spring to Summer Massage Oil

This relaxing massage oil increases circulation and helps the body eliminate lactic acid and other metabolic byproducts for instant muscle pain relief. Essential oils provide deep relaxation and help alleviate pain.

• 3 ounces almond oil
• 1 ounce jojoba oil
• 10 drops birch essential oil
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil

1. Mix ingredients together and store in a tightly capped glass bottle.
2. Use as desired for massage, keeping away from the eyes and mucous membranes.

Celebrate the Spring Equinox with Three Unique Herbs

As the days grow longer and nature awakens, the Spring Equinox is the perfect time to embrace renewal and balance. What better way to celebrate than with fresh, vibrant herbs? Here are a few ways to welcome the season with the power of nature’s green gifts.

Herbs of Renewal and Balance

Spring is a season of fresh starts, and certain herbs embody this energy beautifully:
🌿 Parsley – A symbol of cleansing and new beginnings, parsley is packed with nutrients and vitality.
🌼 Dandelion – This resilient herb supports detoxification and represents transformation, making it ideal for spring.
💜 Violet – Delicate yet strong, violets bring a sense of balance and harmony to the season.

Create an Herb-Inspired Centerpiece

Bring the freshness of spring indoors with an herb-inspired centerpiece. Fill a rustic basket or ceramic bowl with small pots of parsley, dandelion greens, and violets. Add sprigs of rosemary for a touch of fragrance, and tuck in a few bright flowers for color. This living arrangement not only looks beautiful but also provides fresh herbs to snip and use in seasonal dishes.

Go on a Spring Herb Foraging Walk

Take advantage of the season’s renewal by heading outdoors for a spring herb foraging walk. Look for young dandelion greens, violets, chickweed, or wild garlic along trails or in your own backyard. These fresh finds can be used in teas, salads, or homemade remedies. Foraging is a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the gifts of spring—just be sure to forage responsibly and avoid areas treated with pesticides.

Recipe: Violet Syrup

For a full step by step see this how to post from my herb freind Tina Sams of The Essential Herbal: Violet Syrup.

Here is a quick recipe:

Simple Violet Syrup (for treating coughs, colds and headaches)

• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 cup packed fresh violet flowers and leaves
• 2 lb. sugar

Pour boiling water over fresh crushed flowers and leaves cover and let stand for 12 hours. Strain and squeeze through cloth, add sugar and boil for 1 hour or until syrupy. Store in glass jars. 

Recipe: Dandelion and Parsley Pesto

Celebrate the equinox with a fresh, herbal pesto that’s perfect for spreading on bread, mixing into pasta, or drizzling over roasted veggies.

• 1 cup dandelion greens (washed and dried)
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
• ½ cup nuts (walnuts or pine nuts work well)
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Blend dandelion greens, parsley, nuts, and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped.
2. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth.
3. Add Parmesan (or nutritional yeast), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend again to combine.
4. Adjust seasoning as needed and enjoy!

This pesto is a perfect way to welcome the changing season with the bright flavors of spring. How do you celebrate the Spring Equinox? Let us know in the comments!

Fennel and Rosemary Healing Tea - Tea of the Month

This tea is created to help heal any ailments you may have in the waining days of winter.

Fennel has many medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.  There are some immunity boosting properties and germ fighting qualities. It's also a good source of potassium and vitamin C. As an anti-inflammatory is can help relax the colon and decrease respiratory tract secretions

Rosemary is long know for its cognitive and memory enhancing qualities, making it perfect for wintertime brain fog. Like many other herbs it also has polyphenols and flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation.  Rosemary also has digestive health attributes, assisting with digestion, cramps, bloating, as well as antibacterial properties to help us through cold and flu season.

Fennel and Rosemary Healing Tea

1 ½ cups water

½ tsp fennel seed, crushed

1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves

Bring water to a boil, and add fennel seed and simmer for 10 min.  Strain fennel water over the rosemary leaves in a heat-safe mug and step 5 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey.  Sip slowly while warm.

Spring Cleaning with Herbs: Natural Solutions for Your Home

That time of year again, weather is warming and you want to open up the house and refresh after being closed up for the winter.  I love using herbs to wake up my senses and  make my home feel extra clean for the new season.  I wanted to share a few recipes to help you do the same.

The natural ingredients used in these recipes are:

Baking Soda – A gentle abrasive that helps scrub surfaces, deodorizes odors, and neutralizes acids. Great for removing stains and freshening fabrics.

Vinegar – A natural disinfectant that cuts through grease, dissolves mineral buildup, and neutralizes odors. Works well for glass, countertops, and descaling. Herbal vinegar ups this ability and I have several posts on making vinegar.

Castile Soap – A plant-based soap that lifts dirt, grease, and grime without harsh chemicals. Safe for most surfaces and great for all-purpose cleaning.

Essential Oils – Provide antibacterial, antifungal, and deodorizing properties while adding a natural, pleasant scent. Common choices include lemon, tea tree, and lavender. I love Now Brands for my oils because they are local and Illinois, like I am.

Hydrosols – Milder than essential oils, hydrosols have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, making them great for gentle cleaning, refreshing fabrics, and surface sprays. I get my hydrosols from individual suppiers if I don't make it myself. Check out Mountain Rose Herbs

Now to the recipes:

Herby Soft Scrub

• 12-ounce glass jar with lid
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup castile soap
• 15 drops of antimicrobial essential oils, like rosemary, thyme and sage

Mix well until you have a nice consistency like cake frosting. If you have leftovers, add 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin to keep the blend nice and moist.

Super Surface Spray

• 16 ounces spray bottle
• 14 ounce - 1:1 solution of distilled white vinegar and water
• 7 drops tea tree essential oil
• 7 drops lavender essential oil
• 7 drops lemon essential oil

Use this aromatic and disinfecting solution for cleaning kitchen counters, cabinets, refrigerator shelves, blinds, painted wood surfaces, painted walls, molding, fan blades, and more.

Antibacterial Soap Spray

• 16-ounce spray bottle
• 14 ounces water or rosemary hydrosol
• 3 tablespoon castile soap
• 15 drops tea tree essential oil
• 15 drops oregano essential oil

Use this cleaning spray to disinfect your bathroom surfaces. You can use the Super Surface Spray to rinse away any residue left behind by the castile soap.

Natural Lemony Furniture Polish

• 16-ounce spray bottle
• 1 cup olive oil
• 25 drops pure lemon essential oil
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• Fill remainder of the bottle with purified water

Shake well and spray onto your rag or directly onto furniture. Buff dry immediately.

Lavender Dryer Sachet

•          1 3 x 3 inch muslin draw string bag
•          ½ cup lavender buds
•          Cotton balls

Place lavender buds in muslin bag, place 2 to 5 cotton balls in top of bag.  Pull draw string closed and tie in a knot.  The cotton balls keep the buds from slipping out of the tied bag during the tumbling.  Use multiple drier loads.  Spritz with a bit of water after three loads to rehydrate the lavender.  Stop using it when smell is gone.

Do you have favorite scents or cleaning agents that get you ready for the Spring season?  Share them with us.

Spring Awakening Bath Soak Recipe - Bath Blend of the Month

Benefits of Ingredients in this simple bath sachet:

Peppermint:

Peppermint is known for its invigorating and refreshing properties. It can help to relieve headaches, reduce muscle pain, and improve mental clarity. The cooling sensation it provides is perfect for awakening the senses.

Eucalyptus:

Eucalyptus has powerful anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties. It's excellent for soothing sore muscles, easing respiratory issues, and providing a sense of calm. The aromatic fragrance helps to clear the mind and revitalize the spirit.

Lemon Balm:

Lemon balm is celebrated for its calming and uplifting effects. It can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being. The gentle citrus aroma adds a delightful freshness, making it ideal for a spring-themed soak.

Embrace the energy of the new season and rejuvenate your spirit with this refreshing and revitalizing bath blend.

Spring Awakenings Bath Soak  

1 cup of dried peppermint leaves 

1 cup of dried eucalyptus leaves  

1/2 cup of dried lemon balm 

10 drops of peppermint essential oil

10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

Directions:

Mix the dried peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemon balm in a bowl.  Add the essential oils to the dried mix, and blend thoroughly. Store in a jar with a tight fitting lid.

·      TO USE: Fill muslin bags or rounds of cheesecloth with 2 to 4 TBLS of the mixture and tie securely. Place a bag in your warm bath water and let it steep for a few minutes before entering the tub. Relax and enjoy!

Rosemary-Infused Cooking Oil

My rosemary came in for the winter and because of the early season warm weather kept growing, so this week I trimmed it up so it will not be as stressed now that it has gotten very cold here.  I decided to make a fun winter staple here in our home, which we use to marinade meats and vegetables. This simple recipe for rosemary-infused cooking oil is perfect for adding a fragrant herbal touch to your dishes!

Rosemary-Infused Cooking Oil

Ingredients:

• 1 cup olive oil (or another neutral oil like grapeseed or sunflower oil)
• 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary (washed and thoroughly dried)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rosemary:
   Ensure your rosemary sprigs are completely dry to prevent any water from causing the oil to spoil. Let them air dry for several hours or pat them dry with a clean towel.
2. Heat the Oil:
   In a small saucepan, gently heat the oil over low heat until warm but not simmering or boiling. (Aim for about 180°F/82°C, if you have a thermometer.) This helps extract the rosemary flavor without cooking the oil.
3. Add the Rosemary:
   Add the rosemary sprigs to the warm oil. Let them steep in the oil over low heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the aroma of rosemary infusing into the oil.
4. Cool and Strain (Optional):
   Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the oil to cool completely. For a more refined look, strain the oil into a clean, dry glass bottle or jar using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, discarding the rosemary.
5. Store:
   Seal the bottle or jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator.  Use the oil within 7 to 10 days and discard left overs at that time.

Uses:

• Drizzle over roasted vegetables or salads.
• Make a salad dressing with 2/3 cup oil, 1/4 cup vinegar and 2 Tbls water.
• Use as a dip for fresh bread sprinkled with parmesan cheese.
• Brush onto meats or vegetables before cooking.
• Enhance the flavor of marinades and pasta dishes.

Enjoy this fragrant and versatile oil! Let me know if you'd like tips for other herb infused items!

Chocolate Mint Dessert Tea - Tea Blend of the Month

I tried to refrain from creating another Valentine Tea for February, but I realized I never made up one with mint and chocolate, so here you are a dessert-inspired tea perfect for February evenings. This tea uses Rooibus as the main flavor, this caffeine-free plant from Africa has a taste similar to green tea.

Chocolate Mint Dessert Tea

• 1 part rooibos
• ½ part chopped pieces of dark chocolate
• ½ part peppermint
• a sprinkle of vanilla seed or powdered vanilla

Blend ingredients together and store in tight sealing lidded jar.

TO USE: Add one tsp per cup of hot water to a mug or teapot and steep for 5 minutes

Chicago Cocktail - Happy Hour

This weekend I am speaking at the PBS Wisconsin Gardening and Green Living Expo and one of my presentations is on Edible Flowers, so if you are stopping in from there, here are two edible Flower Mocktails to try!

I love to create Cocktails and Mocktails.  They use herbs in some of the greatest ways.  One of the coolest things to do is to use a ticture method (alcohol as an extraction method to obtain the best of the herb propeties) to create bitters that can be used to flavor and cut the sweet of cocktails.

We shared a recipe for herb citrus bitters previously, so check out this post.

This is a cocktail I found in a book called Danny's Bar Book -- Chicago Cocktail.  I like to play with this one in winter, becasue it uses curacao which is a blue liqure. I created a mocktail version of curacao last winter.  It takes a few weeks, but the flavor is citrus and wonderful and is fun to make drinks with, like the Jack Frost and other winter drinks, even though it is normally seen as a tropical drink additive.

Simulated Blue Curacao

Blue curaçao is a liqueur that’s made with laraha, an orange-like citrus fruit that grows on Curaçao (an island in the Caribbean). This liqueur is used as an ingredient in many alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails and drinks. Making non-alcoholic blue curaçao at home is relatively simple, but the process does take about three weeks. The juice and the vinegar replace the vodka and brandy used in the original recipe.

You will need:

1 ¼ cups white grape juice

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

¼ cup peach syrup or peach nectar

¼ cup apricot syrup or more grape juice

3 navel oranges (or 6 clementines)

1 T bitter orange peel, dried

4 whole cloves

2 cups sugar

1 ½ cups water

Blue food coloring

Peel the oranges, skin only, absolutely no pith at all. Combine juice and syrups with peel in a quart jar. Allow to steep in a cool dark place for three weeks, shaking or stirring once a week.  On the last day add the cloves and allow to steep 24 hours.  Then create a simple syrup with the water and sugar in a saucepan.  Allow the simple syrup to cool to room temp and while waiting strain the peels and cloves from the steeped liquid.  Combine the cooled simple syrup and the steeped liquid in a bowl and add blue food coloring in 5 drop intervals until you reach the desired shade.  Allow to rest at room temperature for 24 hours before you serve.  Will keep up to 2 months in the refrigerator.

Finally the Cocktail!

Chicago Cocktail

2 oz. Brandy (or red grape juice)

1 dash citrus (or other) bitters

1/4 teaspoon blue Curacao

"Frost the edge of a rocks glass with lemon juice dipped in powdered sugar.  The add ingredients to glass with cracked ice and stir to chill.  Garnish with a slice of lemon and sip to enjoy the chill of a Chicago Winter.

FYI- follow us on Instagram as we share a mocktail or cocktail every Friday at 5 PM Central time for an herbal happy hour!

Rose Petal Relaxation Bath - Bath Blend of the Month

Give yourself some love this Valentine’s Day with this soothing, heart-opening bath for self-love and relaxation.

Rose Petal Relaxation Bath: Love Yourself This Valentine’s

• 1 cup Epsom salt
• ½ cup dried rose petals
• 2 tbsp baking soda
• 3 drops rose geranium or rose absolute essential oil.

Combine ingredients in a jar and shake well to blend.  

To Use: Add ¼ cup to warm bathwater swirl to dissolve salts, slip in and relax with a mug of rosehip tea.

NOTE: If you do not want to clean rose petals from the tub, wrap the salts in a wash cloth or place in a muslin bag. 

How to use Herbal Vinegars in Winter Cooking

Herbal vinegar is a summer activity generally, as it is best made with fresh herbs, but if you can get fresh herbs where you are, then follow the instructions in this previous blog post to create your own herb vinegar.

People often ask what to do with herb vinegar and I find it is the best ingredient to jazz up soups (add a couple teaspoons as cooking is finishing.) A splash will brighten up fresh steamed vegetable just before serving. Marinades are also a great way to use vinegar, to tenderize meats and add flavor to poultry. And at this time of year when salads and dieting are part of most meal conversations, a vinaigrette dressing made with herb vinegar will add a bunch of flavor and no calories.

Here are a couple recipes to try 

Herb Shallot Marinade

Great on pasta and vegetable salads. Tenderizes less expensive cuts of meat. Chicken breasts are delicious marinated 3 to 4 hours or overnight, then broiled or barbecued.

• 3/4 cup oil (olive)
• 3/4 cup of any Herbal Vinegar
• 3 Tbls. shallots, finely chopped (you can substitute finely chopped white onion)
• 1 Tbls. fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp. garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

Mix all ingredients in small shallow bowl, beating until well blended. Use to marinade any cut of beef or pork or chicken breasts or thighs.  Use enough to over the protein and allow to marinade overnight or at least 4 hours.  If using on fish, marinade only about 1 hour before cooking.

Vinaigrette Dressing

•  3/4 cup vegetable or olive oil
• 1/4 cup herb infused vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3 to 4 drops hot pepper sauce

In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the ingredients and shake well.  Chill and use over mixed salad greens or vegetables.  Makes 1 cup.

If you are looking for a few more creative ways to use your herb vinegars try these tips:

1. Make fluffier, great tasting rice add a teaspoon of vinegar the boiling water.  The rice will be easier to spoon and less sticky.
2. Revive vegetables that look tired and wilted, soak them in one quart cold water and a tablespoon of vinegar.
3. Prevent hard-cooked eggs from cracking by adding 2 tablespoons of herbal vinegar per quart of water before cooking.  This also helps shells peel off faster and easier.
4. Cut grease and absorb odors on your wood cutting board, wipe down with a lemon, thyme or basil vinegar.
5. Prevent cut fruits from darkening.  Apples, pears, peaches, avocadoes and potatoes all darken when the starches oxidize.  Drop the cut items into a bowl of water with 2 teaspoons of lemon vinegar.
6. Keep food from sticking to a new skillet.  Boil about 1 inch of any herb vinegar in the skillet before using.
   
   
   
7. Season your favorite meats.  You can use an herbal vinegar to moisten the meat before rubbing in a spice rub. 
8. Honeydew melon, cucumber, grapes, and celery make a beautiful green salad. But it's a simple dressing of honey, white wine vinegar, and mustard seeds (1 – 2 tsp) that can "pickle" and elevate these ordinary ingredients into a sweet-tart masterpiece.
9. Place chicken breasts in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with garlic powder and a pinch of salt, then pour vinegar over all. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 35 minutes or until chicken is browned and cooked through, and juices run clear.