Gemini Zodiac Bath Blend - Bath Blend of the Month

Gemini is an Air sign ruled by Mercury, associated with communication, curiosity, and a light, energetic spirit. A bath blend for Gemini should be mentally refreshing, gently uplifting, and soothing to help ground their often-busy minds.

♊ Gemini Zodiac Bath Blend

Purpose: To refresh the mind, relax the body, and bring clarity and calm to Gemini's energetic spirit.

• 2 Tbsp Gemini Zodiac Herb Blend
  (Includes herbs lemon balm, lavender, dill, marjoram, and licorice root—aromatic, stimulating, and clarifying.)

• 1/4 cup Epsom salts
  (Relieves muscle tension and supports magnesium levels for relaxation.)

• 2 Tbsp baking soda
  (Softens water and soothes the skin.)

• 1 Tbsp dried chamomile flowers (optional)
  (To calm the nerves and enhance the soothing element.)

• 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
  (Balances Gemini’s energy and promotes peaceful thoughts.)

• Muslin bag or reusable tea sachet

Directions:

Combine the Gemini Zodiac Blend, Epsom salts, baking soda, and (if using) chamomile in a bowl. Add essential oil drops and mix well. Spoon 3 Tablspoons of mixture into a muslin bag or sachet. Store remaining in a tightly lidded jar. 

To Use: Hang the bag under the faucet as you fill the tub with warm water, allowing the herbs to steep and release their fragrance. Soak for 20–30 minutes. Breathe deeply, relax, and let your thoughts float like the air sign you are.

🌟 Introducing Zodiac Herb Blends: Herbs Written in the Stars 🌿

We have not created a whole line of products like this since the beginning of our herb catalog in 1994, so this launch of 12 new blends took some time and effort, but we are very excited to share a line of Zodiac Herb Blends -- one for each sign.

Ever wondered what herbs match your zodiac sign? Whether you’re a fiery Aries or a dreamy Pisces, the stars may have something to say about your herbal preferences—and your energetic needs. That’s exactly what inspired me to create Zodiac Herb Blends, a brand-new collection from Backyard Patch Herbs.

🔮 What Inspired Zodiac Herb Blends?
Astrology has always held a special fascination for me—not just as a fun personality guide, but as a system rich with symbolism and tradition. Pair that with my decades-long passion for herbs, and you’ve got a recipe for something magical. Herbs, like celestial bodies, have been revered for their energetic properties for centuries. Many plants are linked to specific planets and elements, echoing the same traits we find in the zodiac signs. I wanted to explore this connection deeply and create something that speaks to both the soul and the senses.

🌿 How I Chose the Herbs for Each Sign
Each zodiac sign carries its own flavor—energetically, emotionally, and sometimes even literally! I dug into classic herbal texts and cross-referenced planetary influences, ruling elements, and the core characteristics of each sign. Then came the fun part—blending. I selected herbs that harmonize with each sign’s vibe, whether that’s the invigorating warmth of rosemary for Aries or the calming sweetness of chamomile for Cancer. Each blend is carefully crafted not just for flavor, but for balance and energetic support.

🌟 More Than Just a Cooking Blend
These are not just seasoning mixes. They are deeply versatile blends meant to integrate into your life however you need them. Brew them into tea for reflection, stir them into soups and stews for nourishment, infuse them into oils for ritual or massage, or sprinkle into a bath for self-care. I wanted each blend to be an invitation—to savor your sign, connect to your nature, and maybe even discover a little stardust in your everyday.

♈ Example: Aries – Bold & Bright
Let’s take Aries as an example. This sign is ruled by Mars, the planet of action and energy, and is known for boldness, initiative, and a zest for life. The Aries blend reflects that spark with invigorating herbs like cayenne pepper and rosemary, balanced with thyme and basil to keep that fire from burning out. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for those born under Aries—or anyone needing a burst of courage.

♋ Cancer – Gentle & Nurturing
In contrast, Cancer, ruled by the Moon, is all about nurturing, emotional depth, and intuition. Its blend is soothing and restorative, with herbs like lemon balm and chamomile that promote calm, sleep, and heart-centered connection. It’s like a gentle hug in a cup of tea.

🌿 Is Your Own Sign the only one for you? Not at All!
One of my favorite things about astrology is its depth. Your sun sign might be your anchor, but your moon, rising, and even Venus signs tell a bigger story. I encourage you to explore beyond your primary sign—let your intuition (or your taste buds!) guide you. Each blend was crafted to resonate, but they’re all grounded in flavor and wellness, so feel free to mix, match, and make them your own. We even made a post with detailed suggestions for other matching signs: Moon and Rising sign suggestions.

✨ My Personal Favorite?
That’s the hardest question of all! I truly love them all, but if I had to choose, I’d say I have a soft spot for my own sign, Virgo. The combination of parsley, basil, rosemary, chives, thyme, and fennel is so vibrant, grounding, and kitchen-ready—it’s a go-to in my own spice cabinet.

🛍️ Ready to Find Your Herbal Match?

I’m thrilled to announce that the Zodiac Herb Blends are now officially available! Visit the Zodiac Collection on the Backyard Patch Herbs website to discover the blend crafted for your sign—or the one that calls to you most. Whether you're drawn to astrology, herbalism, or just love a good kitchen experiment, there's something here for you.

Let the stars guide your herbs—and may every blend bring a little cosmic joy to your day!

Taurus Zodiac Blend - Bath Blend of the Month

On May 20, 2025 we will be launching a new line of herb seasoning blends with a blend for each sign of the zodiac.  Because we are in the middle of the time for Taurus, we decided to share a bit about this one blend that will be part of the series. (SEE BOTTOM FOR DETALS)

Zodiac Herb Blends: Spotlight on Taurus

Taurus season (April 20 – May 20) is a time of grounded energy, indulgence, and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. As an earth sign ruled by Venus, Taurus is drawn to comfort, beauty, and stability. In our Zodiac Herb Blend for Taurus, we’ve captured these qualities using a selection of herbs that align with the sign’s essence: mint, lavender, thyme, and basil.

The Taurus Herb Blend: A Harmony of Earthy Comfort

Each herb in this blend is chosen for its connection to Taurus’s traits—soothing, nourishing, and enhancing both relaxation and enjoyment. Let’s take a closer look at how each herb plays a role in supporting Taurus energy:

• Mint – Refreshing and invigorating, mint represents Taurus’s steady but sensual nature. It soothes digestion and promotes mental clarity, helping Taurus balance their love for indulgence with well-being.

• Lavender – Known for its calming and restorative properties, lavender is the perfect match for Taurus’s need for relaxation and tranquility. It promotes restful sleep and a sense of inner peace.

• Thyme – A grounding and protective herb, thyme embodies Taurus’s resilience and reliability. It supports respiratory health and adds warmth and depth to any dish or tea blend.

• Basil – Symbolizing prosperity and abundance, basil enhances Taurus’s love of luxury and good food. It’s uplifting and adds a fresh, aromatic quality to this blend.

  

Ways to Use the Taurus Blend

Taurus thrives on sensory experiences, so this blend is designed to be as versatile as the sign itself! Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• Aromatic Bath Soak: Add 2 Tbls of the Taurus Zodiac Blend to a muslin bag and let it steep in warm bathwater for a luxurious, stress-relieving soak.

Substitution: Combine equal amounts of mint, lavender, basil and thyme to create a bath sachet.

To Use: Place sachet under the faucet and fill the bath with warm water.  Use the bag as a scrubber to exfoliate and reguvinate the skin. If using in the shower, add a few small pieces of soap in the bag and rub until it lathers.

• Taurus Tea Ritual: Brew a soothing cup by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of the Taurus Zodiac blend in hot water for 5-7 minutes. The combination of mint and lavender will relax the body, while thyme and basil provide a comforting earthiness.

• Culinary Indulgence: Sprinkle the Taurus Zodiac blend over roasted vegetables, stir into soups, or infuse it into olive oil for a delicious Taurus-approved drizzle.

• Homemade Herbal Sachets: Place a couple Tablespoons the Taurus Zodiac blend in small cloth pouches to tuck into drawers or under pillows for a gentle, relaxing aroma.

Embracing Taurus Energy with Herbs

Taurus season invites us to slow down, savor the moment, and surround ourselves with things that bring comfort and joy. Whether you're a Taurus yourself or simply want to channel some of this earth sign’s steady, sensual energy, incorporating these herbs into your daily life can help cultivate a sense of peace, pleasure, and well-being.

♉Starting May 20, you can pick up the blends in person at the Lombard Farmer's Markets or preorder on our website beginning today.

CSA box or Subscription Box of herbs seasonings and teas

Need Herbs?  Can't get out? We have a new item to make your pantry items more tasty.

A Monthly Herb Box - we will include:

• 5 Herb Mixes (easy to use combinations of herbs with a purpose, like dressings, dips and rubs.)
• 1 Herb Seasoning (shaker mixes to stock your spice drawer where herbs are combined for flavor to enhance your main ingredient.)
• 1 Herbal Tea (100% caffeine-free, all herb blends designed to be tasty with a few medicinal attributes on the side.)
• 1 Recipe Combination folder (includes all the information you need to craft a tasty main dish with actually herbs, shopping list for other needs, and step-by-step recipe)
• And a fist-full of additional recipes to help you use the items included in the box.
• a special extra (we are always experimenting with new blends, teas or unique items and we will share our newest ideas with you.)  

Each box is only $19.95. You can order one or order them sent monthly.  We will choose the mixes and seasonings for variety and the teas for season of use.

If you want one to try we have a great $5.00 off coupon, which can be used through June 30, 2020, just use this code during checkout: CSABox1

Fast Recipe for a Busy Weekend - Salsa Meatloaf

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup prepared BYP Salsa made with fresh or canned tomatoes
• 1/2 cup unseasoned bread crumbs
• 1 to 2 Tbls. BYP Grilled Meat Rub or Meat Seasoning Blend
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 3 cloves garlic
• minced dried parsley, to taste
• salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 350 F. stir Meat Seasoning blend or Grilled Meat rub into bread crumbs.  In a large bowl combine beef, salsa, seasoned bread crumbs, cheese, egg and garlic. Add parsley, salt and pepper as desired. Bake in a 5 x 9-inch loaf pan for 45 minutes. Servings: 6 to 8.  You can pour extra salsa over the top as you bake for a bit of sweetness.

Herb of the Week - Lavender

This year I became more fascinated with lavender than ever before.  I have always loved the plant, grown it, babied it, and protected it through many a harsh Illinois winter, but this year I just plain started to love it.

So I chose Lavender as the Herb of the Week this week and will highlight other items on this wonderful herb this week as well.

“Lavender, if you are hunted, will protect you from evil forces. It will bless the house of the door it decorates.”  - Infinite Days by Rachel Maizel

Originating most probably in Persia, Egypt or Italy, Lavender loves a dry chalky ravine like those of the French Alps.  The two most common varieties around these days are English

Lavender Lavendula agustifolia officinalis and Lavendula intermedia ‘Provence’ which is a hybrid.  Both will tolerate hot dry summers and very cold snowy winters as long as the roots don’t stay wet for more than a few days.  I also find the raking wind we get in Illinois can dry the plant out in winter causing winter kill.  If you want to grow lavender for cooking I recommend the ‘Provence’ it has much lower camphor content to the taste.  ‘Grosso’ is a popular cooking lavender also because it has a higher oil content.

To Grow

Two elements are essential for growing lavender.  Lots of sun and good drainage.  That is often why the make a good hedge or edging plant because the soils drain best on the edges of a garden.  You can also plant them on hills or mounds to increase drainage.

Drip irrigation is preferred because lavender is prone to fungal disease.  They will bloom less when in competition with weeds, so be sure to keep the lavender bed well weeded. Each year after the plant has bloomed cut back 1/3 to ½ of the plant, about 1 inch above when the woody stems start.  This pruning is more drastic than you do with most herbs unless you are harvesting them, but it is essential for the care of a lavender plant.

Lavender is a disease resistant plant and the deer, moles and voles tend not to seek it out.  However, rabbits will dig up the young plants and nibble to roots.  They are very attractive to bees and can be used to produce a lavender pollen honey if you have a bee hive nearby.

The Lavender plants you pick depend on your climate. English Lavender, (Lavandula angustifolia), is the most hardy plant and grown the most widely. It is easy to mix in a perennial bed. This plant will endure subzero winters, but dislikes humid heat. If you live in a humid climate look for a LavanDIN instead of lavender. "Grosso and Provence" are the best lavandins. You can even chose your hue of lavender, but unless you get shoots from a "mother" plant, you will not have a consistent color or flower. Lavender prefers a sloping bed in a sunny spot. A solution to that would be to heap soil in a pile about 12 to 18 inches high before planting the lavender. If your soil is mostly clay soil, dig out your hole and mix the clay with sand. Lavender plants cannot compete with aggressive weeds, so ensure your chosen spot is weed free.

When planting lavender place the plants at least 2 feet apart. Start with 4-inch-pot sized plants. Leave plenty of room between plants for air circulation. If planting in pots, make sure to repot every spring into a larger container with fresh soil to allow the plant to continue to mature. A good, coarse, sterile potting soil with organic fertilizers work best.

To Use

Timing is everything when cutting lavender.  Plants are ready for harvesting when the bottom third of the flower stem (known as a spike) is blooming.  The magic window of time varies from garden to garden, depending on the rainfall, temperature variations, and ratio of sunny to cloudy days.  You will need to check the plant daily because the spikes will not all be ready to harvest on the same day.  I have only a half dozen plants and this small amount of plants makes selective harvesting possible.

Lavender will stay fresh in water once cut for about 3 days if you change the water and trim the stems daily.  This gives you a chance to decide how you want to use them.  Striped from the spike the flowers will dry quickly when spread on a screen or you can tie bundles of spikes together and hang them in a cool dark place.

The uses of lavender are a broad as its popularity.  Beyond aroma therapy, bathing and perfume it was used in mummification by ancient Egyptians; as a Biblical ointment used by Mary to anoint the feet of Jesus; and placed under the bed of newlyweds for passion in medieval times.  Historically it has been used as a treatment for common ailments such as flatulence, insomnia, bacterial and fungal infections; brewed as a tea for young women hoping to learn the identity of their true love; kept under pillows for sleep improvement and even rubbed on the skin as an insect repellent.

Lavender recipes are more common than one would think, with many people choosing to use the flowers for both sweet and savory dishes. Lavender tea is the more refined lavender recipe but is no less enjoyable.

Lavender is well known for its calming and stress-relieving properties. Drinking lavender tea is known to help reduce anxiety and lift the mood.  It can also calm an upset stomach as well as reduce the discomfort of trapped wind and/or flatulence in a more natural way.  Due to its well-known calming properties, lavender can be used to aid sleep.  When inhaled as opposed to being taken internally it can be an effective treatment for the relief of the symptoms of colds, coughs and other similar ailments.  Some advocates of lavender suggest that using it can help with depression and can alleviate or reduce the risk of migraines.  Lavender tea can also be used as a natural mouthwash for those who suffer from halitosis.

Recipes

 

Delicious Lavender-Mint Tea Recipe

This delicious mint-lavender tea recipe is incredible! It’s the perfect drink for a warm or hot summer day. It’s cool, refreshing and rejuvenating. It’s also incredibly healing and loaded with antioxidants and nutrients from the mint and lavender!  I make a number of herbal teas with lavender in them for the relaxing and sleep inducing properties that lavender contains.



Backyard Patch Dreamtime Tea



1 Tbls. fresh lavender flowers

1 Tbls. fresh mint leaves

Honey (preferably local and raw)

Boiling Water

Directions:

Add the lavender flowers and mint leaves to 3 to 4 cups of boiling water and let steep for 5-10 minutes. Add honey, stir and enjoy.  This tea is delicious iced.  Add a bunch of ice cubes immediately after it’s steeped and you’ve stirred in the honey. You can drink it immediately for best taste, or let it sit in the fridge for a few hours.

Lavender Aioli (A cooking sauce)

1 cup olive oil

6 cloves garlic, unpeeled and crushed

2 fresh sprigs lavender (leaves and flowers), bruised

3 eggs

1 Tbls. lemon juice

Directions:

In a small saucepan, gently heat the oil with the garlic and lavender over low heat for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat just before it starts to bubble.  Allow to cool to room temperature.  With a sieve over a small bowl, strain the lavender oil, pressing with a spoon to extract soft solids from the garlic and lavender.  Discard herbs.  In a food processor or blender, process the eggs and lemon juice until well blended.  With the motor running, add the lavender oil a few drops at a time, then in a thin, steady stream until all the oil is absorbed and the mixture is thickened.  Season to taste with salt and black pepper.  Refrigerate for up to 2 days or use immediately.  Aioli thickens on chilling.

Lavender Laden Seasoning Mix

Many people know that Herbs de Provence is a robust seasoning blend that uses lavender, but this blend has a stronger lavender flavor than that.  

1 Tbls. Lavender buds

1 tsp. lemon thyme or garden thyme leaves

1 tsp. minced chives

1 tsp. parsley (Italian flat leaf if best)

1 tsp. mint leaves

Black pepper

Directions:

Blend together and place in a sealed jar for storage use to marinade eggplant, chicken and pork by blending 2 Tbls. with a 1/3 cup of oil and 1 Tbls. vinegar.

Peppered Lavender Beef

2 tablespoons whole mixed color peppercorns (you can use all black)
2 tablespoons fennel seeds
2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers

1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
Pinch of savory

3 to 4 pound tenderloin or rolled roast or even round steak.  Can use London Broil as well.

In a small spice or coffee grinder, coarsely grind the peppercorns, fennel seeds, thyme, and lavender flowers; rub mixture all over the meat. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight (preferably).  Once you have marinated, sear the meat then broil, roast or place in a crock pot until fully cooked.

I also shared a recipe for lavender hand cream back in in a blog post of July 2011. 

Celebrate National More Herbs, Less Salt Day 2011!

Today is National More Herbs, Less Salt Day so I thought this was a great time to remind you of the Backyard Patch Salt-Substitute Grinder Jars and the fact that most of our Herb Mixes and all of our Herb Seasonings are salt-free.

Salt Substitute Grinder Jars

Our classic salt substitute blends with a new "twist."  They come in a grinder topped jar.  You receive a great combination of flavorful herbs that can grind right into dishes as you cook, or onto a completed meal just like salt or pepper grinders.  You also receive the nice long shelf-life associated with Backyard Patch herb blends.  These grinders also release the wonderful aroma of the herbs as they work! 

1.  Herby Salt Substitute
2. Savory Salt Substitute
3. Oniony Salt Substitute
4. Spicy Salt Substitute (NEWEST!)

Each Grinder Jar is re-fillable, so you can save the jar and help the environment.  They sell for $4.75 with refills priced at $3.50

Get yours today on our website.

Salt Free Herb Mixes

Most, but not all of our Herb mixes are salt-free.  When you use nice fresh herbs you can eliminate salt and don’t really miss it.  So here is a short list of our most popular salt free herb mixes for sauces, dips, cheese spreads and rubs.  We thought it might be a bit much to list all 27 salt-free blends, but you can check them all out on our Website.

• NEWEST – Salt-free Lemon Chive Dressing
• Beauy-Monde (a salt-free version of the original Spice Island blend)
• Marcy’s Dill Dip
• Salsa Mixes (all three heats!)
• Garlic and Herb Combination
• Fiesta Dip
• Boursin Cheese Spread (the Butter N Cheese, Herbal Spread and Cilantro Spread don’t have any salt either)
• Potato Topper
• Lemon-Sage Marinade
• Grilled Meat Rub & 4-Spice Meat Rub

Each of our mixes are available in a zip-seal pouch for just $2.35. You can find them all in this listing on eBay, or individually on our Website.

Herbal Seasonings (Always have been and always will be salt-free!)

Herbal Seasonings are blends of herbs you can shake into any dish or meal.  We serve them up in a glass jar ($4.50) or a refill pack ($3.50).  They can substitute for a large collection of single herbs by giving you a tasty blends formulated to spice up your cooking with just a shake.

Here is a list of the blends currently available.

• DO-IT-ALL Seasoning

• 
  Fines Herbes

• Italian Seasoning

• Meat Seasoning

• Pickling Spice

• Pizza Pie Shaker Blend

• Poultry Seasoning

• 
  Rainbow Soup Blend Seasoning

• Seafood Seasoning

• Soup & Salad Seasoning

• Vegetable Seasoning

All of them can be found in this etsy listing, or individually on our Website. 

Have fun and enjoy you National More Herbs, Less Salt Day!

For some recipes to use with Salt Substitute blends, check out this blog post from last August!