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.

Seven Herbal Gift Ideas for Mom - to make and buy

There are many gift ideas for Mom that incorporate herbs. Here are a few perfect examples, several of which you can make yourself:

1. Herbal Tea Set: Give your mom a collection of her favorite herbal teas, along with a beautiful teapot and a set of tea cups. This gift is perfect for mothers who love to relax with a cup of tea after a long day. Teapot Gifts and Tea Gifts.

2. Herbal Bath Salts: Herbal bath salts are a great way to provide relaxation and rejuvenation. You can make your own bath salts using dried herbs such as lavender, rose petals, and chamomile, or you can purchase pre-made herbal bath salts.

We shared this recipe on the blog back in May 2023, but here is a quick blend of salts to pamper skin.

Pampering Bath Salts

• 1 1/2 cups Epsom salts
•  3/4 cup baking soda
• 3/4 cup herbs (finely ground)

Combine everything in a jar and shake well.  Add 2 to 4 Tablespoons directly to the bath or place in a mesh or organza bag and swish to dissolve the salts.

3. Herbal Soaps: Another great gift for mom is herbal soaps. Especially soaps made from natural ingredients and infused with essential oils and dried herbs, providing a pleasant aroma and gentle cleansing.  I get my herbal soaps from Soapy Roads here in Lombard and you can order online too!

4. Herbal Body Oils: Herbal body oils are a great way to nourish the skin and provide a relaxing massage. You can make your own body oils by infusing carrier oils with dried herbs such as lavender, rose petals, and chamomile or you can just use essential oils in a carrier oil.

Essential oils like lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus come with benefits. But other oils—like black pepper, clove, and peppermint—can irritate the skin, so choose carefully. To make a safe, DIY bath oil blend five to 20 drops of an essential oil with one tablespoon of a carrier oil (like grapeseed, jojoba, almond, or argan oil). Add the oil right before you're about to get into the bath to keep it from evaporating.

5. Herbal Sachets: Herbal sachets are small bags filled with dried herbs, which can be placed in drawers or closets to provide a pleasant aroma and natural pest control. You can make your own sachets using herbs such as lavender, rose petals, and chamomile. RECipe

Romantic Evening Dreams

• 1/2 cup rose petals
• 1/2 cup rosemary
• 1/4 cup lavender flowers
• 2 lemon verbena leaves, crushed
• 1 teaspoon mint
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 small piece of cinnamon stick, 1 inch long, broken up

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a large jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake to combine.  Allow to meld for at least 2 days before placing in a sachet.

For a simple pillow, fill a 3- to 5-inch drawstring bag with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chosen herbs; draw strings and tie closed.

TO USE: place the sachet inside the pillowcase or under the pillow and inhale deeply as you fall asleep.  Enjoy the dreams!

6. Herb Garden: Giving an herb garden can be a great gift for a mom who likes gardening, cooking or both. You can give her a small indoor herb garden or a larger outdoor one.  Try these seed papers or these plant seedlings.

7. Herbal Candles : Herbal candles are a great way to provide a pleasant aroma and relaxation. You can make your own candles using beeswax and essential oils, or purchase pre-made herbal candles or those with pressed flowers.

All these gifts are thoughtful and can be personalized to your mom's preferences and interests, and can be a great way to show her how much you care.

Chickweed Salad - Weekend Recipe

In my Curative Propertiesof Tea Herbs program we discuss using chickweed in tea.  Chickweed is an invasive weed very common here in Illinois.  There were a few gardeners who had never seen it.  I only wish that was my circumstance, but alas.  I recently stumbled across a recipe for using chickweed to make a salad.  I love that this give us another reason to harvest this weed from our garden and enjoy its medicinal properties.

Chickweed medicinal characteristics: 

• Historically, chickweed has been used as an expectorant to help loosen mucus and relieve coughs and congestion.  
  
• It may help soothe inflammation in the respiratory tract.  
  
• Chickweed is known as a demulcent, meaning it can help soothe irritated mucous membranes, which could be beneficial for digestive issues. 
• It may have a mild laxative effect, potentially aiding in relieving constipation.  
• Chickweed is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation throughout the body. 
• It is also considered a good source of vitamins (including Vitamin C) and minerals, and also contains antioxidants. 
• It may have a mild diuretic effect, helping to eliminate excess fluid from the body.  
• Studies in mice have shown that chickweed may have a positive impact on body weight and food consumption. 
• It's also believed to potentially aid in weight loss by delaying intestinal absorption of dietary fat and carbohydrates. 
  

For this and other reasons it is great to enjoy chickweed in tea and in this case in a salad.

Chickweed Salad

• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 handful of chickweed, chopped
• 14/4 cup sunflower seeds, toasted
• 1 tsp fresh chives, chopped
• Dressing – I suggest a vinegar and oil dressing made with BYP Italian Dressing and Marinade, Greek Blend, or Curry Spice Dressing.

Combine all the items in a bowl, toss with dressing and serve immediately.  Enjoy!

                                       

 

 

Easter & Spring Entertaining with Herbal Dips & Spreads

Spring is the perfect time to gather with friends and family, enjoying fresh flavors and vibrant colors inspired by the season. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, a casual garden party, or simply looking for new ways to incorporate herbs into your entertaining, these herbal dips and spreads are sure to impress. Featuring a mix of Backyard Patch Herbs blends and fresh individual herbs, these recipes are easy to prepare and bursting with seasonal flavor.

Garden Fresh Herb & Lemon Goat Cheese Spread

A bright and creamy spread that pairs perfectly with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.

• 8 oz goat cheese, softened
• 2 Tbls olive oil
• 1 Tbls fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 Tbls Backyard Patch Herbs Fine Herbs Seasoning or a mix of fresh thyme, parsley, and chives
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl, mix the softened goat cheese with olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. Stir in the BYP Fine Herbs Seasoning or fresh herbs, blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with crackers, bread, or sliced veggies.

 

Spring Pea & Mint Hummus

A fresh twist on classic hummus, this recipe incorporates the sweetness of peas and the brightness of mint.

• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas (thawed)
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 Tbls tahini
• 2 Tbls lemon juice
• 2 Tbls olive oil
• 1 Tbls fresh mint, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a food processor, blend the peas and chickpeas until smooth. Add tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic, pulsing until combined. Stir in the fresh mint and season with salt and pepper. Serve with pita chips or fresh cut pita, or fresh vegetables.

Dill & Chive Yogurt Dip

A creamy, herbaceous dip perfect for spring vegetables or as a topping for roasted potatoes.

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbls Backyard Patch Herbs Marcy’s Dill Dip Mix or a mix of fresh dill and chives
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled with vegetables, chips, or use as a sauce for grilled meats.

 

Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Cream Cheese Spread

A rich and flavorful spread that pairs well with bagels, crackers, or sandwiches.

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 Tbls sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 Tbls Backyard Patch Herbs Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Mix or fresh basil, chopped
• 1 Tbls olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with olive oil until smooth. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and BYP Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Mix or basil. Season with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature for easy spreading.

 

Herbal Entertaining Tips

• Pair your dips with fresh spring vegetables like radishes, snap peas, carrots, and cucumbers.

• Use a variety of crackers, breads, and pita chips to offer different textures and flavors.

• Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful and festive presentation.

• Make the dips ahead of time so flavors can develop and you can focus on enjoying your gathering.

These herbal dips and spreads are simple yet flavorful additions to any Easter or springtime gathering. Whether using Backyard Patch Herbs blends or fresh garden herbs, you’ll bring fresh, seasonal flavors to the table with ease. Happy spring entertaining!

 

Relaxation Tea Blend - Tea Blend of the Month

Today I am speaking to the Village Garden Club of Hinsdale, Illinois. They asked me to speak on my favorite subject, herbal tea!  The program is called the Curative Properties of Tea, where I review and explain the medicinal properties of various herbs used in healing teas.

I became an herb grower because of my love of herb tea, and back in the 90's there just was not much selection, so I needed to grow a few herbs to make my own.

When making tea, you have to consider several flavors: sweet, savory, pungent and floral.  Floral flavors can be savory or sweet, but we separate them out when making tea because they are so commonly used.

Here are the rules for blending teas:

• 1 pungent, 1 savory, 1 sweet, 1 floral
• 1 pungent, 1 savory, 2 sweets, 1 floral
• 1 pungent, 2 savory
• 2 savory, 3 floral
• 1 savory, 1 sweet, 1-2 floral
• 1 sweet, 2-3 floral

And here is a tea recipe using those rules that my lecture participants will be creating today.

Relaxation Tea Blend

• 1 part lemon balm (sweet - helps relaxation and reduces stress)
• 2 parts hops (floral - increases restfulness and calm)
• 1 part mexican oregano (savory - reduces cold symptoms)

Mix together and store in a jar with a tight fitting lid.  

To Use: Use 1 tsp per cup of hot water and allow to steep 7 to 10 minutes before enjoying.

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.