Sleep Improvement with Tea

Sleep Improvement with Tea

Is getting a good night’s sleep something you haven’t experienced very often lately? If so, don’t freak out. This problem is widespread. People all over the world have trouble sleeping. You should realize that help is available in many forms. No one has to live in a state of perpetual sleep deprivation. There are lots of things you can do to help yourself relax and fall asleep (and stay that way) each night. So let’s begin our discussion of these helpful tactics.

Get regular exercise during the day (not right before bed!) In addition to being necessary to keep your body healthy, getting regular exercise each day helps you sleep better at night. Since your muscles are tired from your workout, they’ll be more relaxed when you go to bed at night. It is important, however, not to try to do a full workout too close to your bedtime. Exercise pumps you up, gives you energy and enthusiasm and all of those things contradict your needing to relax and decompress to fall asleep. You can ask your doctor or a trainer at your gym for specific guidelines on the best type of exercises to do for sleeping better and your overall health.

Rest Easy Tea Leaves

Herbal tea can be very relaxing. You may be familiar with chamomile tea, which is great for helping you to relax and sleep. Valerian is an herb that’s often used to help people sleep, and this can be made into a tea, however it has a strong flavor not everyone can enjoy.  The Backyard Patch makes two blends specially formulated for sleep enhancement.  One I call Dreamtime which includes soothing combination of lavender and chamomile. The other is called Rest Easy.  This gently minty tea can settle the mind and the body for sleep.  Teas with Tulsi, Holy Basil, can be used to quiet the mind from dreams and worries.  A warm, non-caffeinated beverage at night, especially one made from selected herbs, can be great for helping you sleep.

Don’t be tempted by over-the-counter products to help you sleep. If you feel you have to get some kind of medication to get relief from your insomnia, it’s time to see a doctor. Many of the sleep aids you see advertised on TV and sold at the pharmacy are potent enough to make you dependent on them. In other words, you could soon be in a situation where you can’t sleep at all without taking this medication. Taking such a substance regularly can alter your brain chemistry. If you want to take something to help you sleep, you’re better off sticking to natural and herbal products, though you should research these as well for things like side effects.

There are a lot of things that you can do to help yourself get a better night’s sleep. If your insomnia is severe or there’s a medical reason for it, you have to consult with a physician. The strategies and remedies we’ve covered here can be effective most of the time, though. So make sure you include these suggestions in your efforts to sleep more soundly. In your efforts to overcome insomnia, it may be necessary to test out various remedies and practices, but eventually you’ll be able to figure out what it takes to get the sleep your body and mind requires.

Upcoming Programs and Advent Holiday Recipes

Holiday Decorations with herbs seems to be very popular this fall.  I am doing two programs this year on that subject.  One on Satuday December 3, from 10 to 12 noon, entitled Herbal Holiday Gifts at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL and the other for Decorating with Herbs for the Holidays, at the
Palos Park Library.

This fall I am updating those programs, not just because they are scheduled, but also because I am putting together a Advent Calendar of herbal recipes, gifts and ideas that will begin being posted on Sunday November 27.  As a result I have a long list of recipes to try and share so I placed a number of them in these upcoming programs.  The rest will be in the Advent Calendar.  To whet your appetite for the calender, here is a recipe of the style I will be sharing during November and December.

Basket of Light and Pine 

Materials

• 1 willow twig basket 
• Pine cones (You can use the scented cones recipe for these.)

·  6 fresh cedar branches or fresh pine sprays

• LED light strings (the ones that don’t get hot)
• a few poinsettia stems
• 1 1/2 yards of wire edges ribbon

Directions:

1.     Fill half the basket with pine cones.

2.     Place your string of LED lights in the basket.  Be sure to put the plugged end over the back of the basket so that you don't loose track of it later.

3.     Add more pine cones (pulling sections of your lights upward so that you don't cover them all with cones.)

4.     Add pine sprays to the basket.  Using them to camouflage the wires of the lights. 

5.     Tie on a ribbon bow. 

Lavender Shortbread Cookies

If you choose to use the sugar beads, you can edge these cookies to add fun holiday glitter.  But plain they are a wonderful thin tasty sweet. These cookies have great shelf-life.  You can make them ahead for holiday events or give them as gifts, because in an air-tight container at room temp. they will stay fresh for 1 to 2 weeks.  And Lavender is believed to be the herb used by Mary to gently scent Jesus drying clothes.

Ingredients:

• 1⁄2 cup blanched whole almonds
• 3 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
•  2 cups bleached all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
• 1⁄4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• About 2 to 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, for sprinkling on cookie tops

• About 1⁄4 cup Royal Icing, optional
• 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup small (2mm) silver dragées (sugar beads), optional

In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, grind almonds with lavender and 2 tablespoons of flour until nuts are finely textured, but not pasty. Sift together remaining flour and salt and combine with ground nut mixture. Set aside. Place softened butter and sugars in a large bowl of an electric mixer. Cream mixture until light and fluffy. Turn mixer to low speed, and gradually add flour-nut mixture, blending until just combined. Stir in vanilla extract. Flatten dough into a disk and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Chill at least 3 hours, or until very firm.

Place a rack in center of oven and preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line two 15-by-10-inch cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to 1⁄4-inch thickness. Cut with 2-inch round or oval cookie cutter. Carefully transfer cookies to prepared cookie sheets, spacing cookies about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle cookie tops evenly with remaining sugar and bake about 30 minutes, or until the shortbread is firm to the touch and lightly browned on the bottom. Immediately transfer to cooling racks and cool completely before storing.

To add a sparkly border, pour silver dragées into a shallow bowl. Paint Royal Icing on cookie edges using a small craft brush and immediately roll edges in sugar beads to evenly coat. Set cookies on a parchment-lined cookie sheet to dry icing before stacking or moving cookies for storage.

Until the Advent calender is unveiled, check out the Christmas Decorating ideas I shared last year:

Holiday Decorating #1  (herb dough)

Holiday Decorating #2  (gift tags and door decorations)

Holiday Decorating #3  (cranberries)

Holiday Decorating #4  (Scented pine cones & rosemary walnuts)

Holiday Decorating #5  (yule logs)

Recipe for Potato Curls

I love potatoes.  I think I have said that before.  I try not to eat too many of them as they can cause other health issues for me, but I love them, so when I eat them I want to enjoy them. One of my favorite appetizers is potato skins.  But with bacon, cheese and sour cream they are a calorie nightmare.  So what I have instead is a recipe where you get the great flavor and texture of the skins but not the calories.

Fried Potato skin curls with Herbs

These crisp shards of potato skin are cooked in oil infused with the season’s freshest herbs. The longer you leave the oil to infuse, the more intense the flavors. You’ll need only the potato skins for this recipe; save the flesh for other recipes, like potato salad, or mashed potatoes. Yields about 7 cups.

Ingredients:

3 cups canola oil
1-3/4 cups coarsely chopped mixed fresh herbs, such as rosemary, parsley, cilantro, oregano, marjoram, and summer savory
5 lb. medium Yukon Gold potatoes, washed and dried well
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:
In a 4-quart saucepan, combine the oil and 3/4 cup of the herbs. Warm over low heat until the herbs begin to sizzle, 3 to 5 minutes. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes more, then remove the pan from the heat and let the oil cool completely.

Heat the oven to 200°F.

Using a paring knife, peel the potato skins about 1/4 inch thick and 3 inches long. (If working ahead, submerge the skins in water for up to 2 hours.)

Strain the herb oil through a fine sieve and discard the herbs. Return the oil to the pan, put a deep fat/candy thermometer in the oil, and set the pan over medium heat until it reaches 365°F. If the potato skins were soaked in water, drain and blot them dry. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, fry the peels until golden and puffed, 5 to 7 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the peels to a wire rack set on a large rimmed baking sheet; keep the curls warm in the oven. Repeat with the rest of the curls.

Carefully add the remaining 1 cup of herbs to the oil (the oil will splatter). Fry until crisp, 20 to 30 seconds. Drain the herbs, using either a wire mesh skimmer or a fine sieve set over a heatproof bowl and then transfer to the rack with the curls. (Discard the oil once cool.) Toss the herbs and potato curls and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

It is a fun recipe and frying herbs is an entirely different texture and flavor.

If you like potatoes, take a look at our SPUD CELEBRATION where we have our 5 best blends for cooking with potatoes .  In addition to the mixes and recipes you will receive a description of different potato types and what they are good for.

Herb of the Week - Companion Planting

In keeping with National Herb Week, I wanted to focus on not just one herb, but many, so I chose

Companion Planting as the Herb of the Week.

Companion planting is placing complementary plants together so they help each other.  When I first started gardening, I understood this concept from books and lectures I’d heard, but I do not think I was convinced it would really work.  However my first garden was only 10 by 7 feet so if I wanted to put in everything I wanted herbs and vegetables had to be interspersed, so I tried a few companion planting ideas to craft my pairings and to my surprise, what I had read about really worked!

The reason this concept actually results in better gardens and plants is simple science:

• Some plants give off odors or chemicals that repel insects
• Some plants attract beneficial insects
• Some pants attract insect that will pollinate other pants.
• And some plants lure harmful insects away from valued plants

Here are some herbs that have companionship properties:

• Nasturtium repels aphids, squash bugs and striped pumpkin beetles, meaning it is great in a vegetable garden and mice in containers to keep other plants healthy.
• Catnip repels ants and flea beetles.  I like it out in large garden patches that are away from the house in sandy soil which ants love.
• Chives is another plant that discourages aphids.  It is also good at suppressing fungus.  Perfect addition to containers.
• Feverfew will attract aphids, so you can place it near flowering plants aphids normally enjoy so they bother it instead.
• Yarrow attracts hoverflies lady bugs and wasps, all of which prey on aphids.

Experimentation is the only way to find the best companion herbs for your gardening needs, but here are some general guidelines to get you started.

          Plant                          Goes well with                    Harmful to                     Benefited by

Basil	Petunias, tomatoes, asparagus, peppers, oregano	Common rue, sage & rosemary (deadly to rosemary)	Chamomile or anise
Borage	Tomatoes, cabbage (repels tomato hornworms & cabbage worms) strawberries, squash, fruits	nothing
Chamomile	Basil, wheat, onions, cabbage, cucumber
Chives	Tomatoes, carrots, apple trees, roses, mums, sunflowers (repel aphids)
Cilantro	Anise, caraway, spinach, dill (repels spider mites, you can even make a tea with the seed for a treatment)
Dill	Lettuce, cabbage, sweet corn, cucumbers,	Carrots, caraway, lavender, tomatoes (attracts hornworm) will cross pollinate with fennel
Garlic	Deters rabbits and Japanese beetles fruits trees (apple pear and peach), roses, cucumbers, lettuce, celery
Mints	Cuttings and mulch made from mint are great around turnips, cabbage, broccoli, and mustard.  Even works with mice.	parsley
Rosemary	Sage, cabbage, beans, carrots by deterring cabbage moths and bean beetles	basil
Sage	Beans, broccoli, cauliflower,  cabbage and carrots	Rue, cucumbers, onions	rosemary
Tarragon	Especially eggplant, but good anywhere in the garden for it repelling qualities
Chervil	carrots
Gopher Purge	Spread 20 feet of roots whose smell repels moles and gophers.
Lovage	Health improver for almost all plants
Rue	Deters Japanese beetles in roses and raspberries	sage
Tansy	Deters flying insect especially those attacking fruit trees, roses and raspberries
Wormwood	Dogs and other animals avoid this and stay away from your garden
Marigolds	Nematodes in the ground around any plants
Hyssop	Cabbage, grapes	radishes
Catnip	cucumber
Summer Savory	Bean plants

This is a bit of information to get you thinking about Companion planting as you plan your garden for 2011.  And if you want to learn more here are some of the places I used when doing my research.

Resources:
Companion Plants by Professor Stuart B. Hill Department of Entomology Macdonald College
Down Garden Services: Companion Planting
Gardening Know-How: Companion Planting in your Herb Garden

Great Garden Companions by Sally Jean Cunningham (Rodale Press, 1998)
Rodale’s Successful Organic Gardening: Companion Planting by Susan McClure and Sally Roth (Rodale Press, 1994)
Carrots Love Tomatoes: Secrets of Companion Planting for Successful Gardening by Louise Riotte (Storey Publishing, 1998

Your Backyard Herb Garden by Miranda Smith (Rodale Press, 1997)

The Ultimate Book of Herbs and Herb Gardening by Jessica Houdret (Hermes House, 2002)

~Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh

copyright 2011

Lectures and programs

I just had to share what a marvelous time I had today doing a program for the Hinsdale (IL) Garden Study Group today.  They had about 40 members there and I did my program "INFUSIONS" which is about making vinegars, oils, water, sugar and salts infused with herbs.  I passed items around and demonstrated some techniques and shared the way to make each of the infused items.  The women were wonderfully attentive, even though I ran long and had extraordinary questions.  Overall it was a great experience and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

Tomorrow I will be presenting and selling my wares at the Oakbrook, IL chapter of the Salvation Army women's group.  I am looking forward to this group and its educational theme.  I will be doing my program "Beginning Herbs"  where I speak about how to grow and use herbs.

The Salvation Army is one of Chas and my favorite charities and this year I know donations were down, so I am virtually donating my program tomorrow so they don't have to dig into their coffers to pay my fee.  In exchange they are letting me set out a few things to sell which should cover my gas expenses, if the cost of gas does not go up again!!

If you have a local Illinois, southern Wisconsin or western Indiana organization and would like me to come share about herbs, you can see a list of all my available programs, by visiting www.backyardpatch.com

Have a great day!

Soapwort - Herb of the Week

Just in time for Spring Cleaning --

I thought I would detail Soapwort as Herb of the Week.

Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis), also known as Bouncing Bet and Wild Sweet William, is a lovely plant that makes a great border in any ornamental or herb garden.  The narrow, bright green, oval leaves grow to 4 inches long.  It bears pale pink flowers in clusters form mid-summer to fall.  The plant can get between 12 and 36 inches tall with a spread of 24 inches.  Cultivars including ‘Dazzler’ have creamy splotches on the leaves and ‘Rura Plena’ with double, deep pink flowers are also available.

The stems and roots of this plant contain high concentrations of Saponins which when extracted works just as commercial soap does.  This is where the name comes from.  Historically it was what early settlers used prior to the production of commercial soap in the 1800s.  It is still popular to use for washing in the Middle East.  Museums use it to clean tapestries, wood furniture and pictures.  You can us it to wash delicate items too!

History

The use of Soapwort goes back perhaps as early as the 8^th century B.C.  The name comes from the fact roots produce a foamy lather when mixed with water.   Historically it was used for washing woolens and for washing sheep when shearing.  In Medieval times fullers used it to finish or size cloth.  It was once used to treat a number of ailments from rheumatism to syphilis, but is no longer recommended as large quantities are capable of destroying red blood cells if taken internally.

To Grow

Hardy in zones 2 to 8 the plant is a perennial that prefers full sun, but will tolerate part shade.  It likes a neutral to alkaline loamy soil that is well drained and a bit moist.  It can be propagates by softwood cutting, division and seed.  Always set seed or started plants after the soil has warmed and threat of frost has passed.  Avoid planting by ponds as saponins are poisonous to fish.

To Use

The leafy stem should be harvested in summer throughout the growing season.  Wait until late fall to harvest the rhizomes or roots.  All can be dried for later use.  Soapwort is generally upsetting to the digestive system and should not be taken internally.  Although the Saponins make it less than tasty, as a soap substitute it is wonderful.  You can use it to make shampoos, laundry soaps and other cleaning products.  You generally add a scent to these products because soapwort on its own does not smell that great.

Recipes

Soapwort Washing Solution

½ oz. dried crushed soapwort root (1 oz. fresh root)

    Or 2 large handfuls of roughly chopped fresh stems

1 ½ pints of water (3 cups)

A bit of rose or lavender water or Eau de Cologne (to cover the smell of soapwort)

Directions:

Soak the soapwort in water overnight.  Bring water and soapwort to a boil in an enamel pot and simmer 20 minutes.  Allow to cool and strain.  Will keep for a week in an airtight container.  Can also be used as a rinse to relieve itchy skin.

Use this to wash your hair (just remember to keep it out of eyes), your clothing or even your pet. Rinse with clear water.

Soapwort & Herb Shampoo

This is a very fragrant and stimulating for your scalp. It prevents dandruff and promotes hair growth.

1 cup soapwort
1 cup Nettle
1 cup Spearmint
1 cup Rosemary
and for a rich chestnut appearance cloves

about 4 cups water, distilled

Directions:

Place soapwort in a glass or enameled pan pour over it 1-1 1/2 cups water. Bring this to a boil and lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Cover it and let it steep until cool strain it into a bottle that closes tightly.  Take the three other herbs and cloves and place them in a glass or enamel pan and pour 2 cups of water over them.  Simmer them after bringing to a boil the same way.  Let them steep for at least 2 hours, then strain.  The liquid left will be very dark brown. Mix this with the soapwort mixture at a 1:1 combination.

When you add the nettle, rosemary, spearmint and cloves let it infuse for at least 60 minutes but overnight is better. In the morning you can add a couple drops of your favorite Essential Oil to add fragrance. Pour into bottles.  Shake well before using.  This won't give you a head full of suds as commercial ones will but the cleansing is undeniable.

This blend is essentially for brunettes.  If you have lighter hair, substitute chamomile for the rosemary and lemon or lemongrass for the cloves.  If you want deeper conditioning you can add fennel to it as well.