Category: Flowers

Time for Lavender

8/1/2013

It's official. This July has been the hottest on record and I've spent much of it sipping ice tea from my back yard. BUT these last two weeks have been extra special. My lavender's in bloom and so I've been able to add a touch to my mints.
If you've a mind to do this, I highly recommend it. Lavender is known for it's relaxing effects. Did you know it is also an antibacterial? That means it good for you on several levels.
When you work with lavender, don't forget what a power this herb is! I've learned to add only a couple of dried sprigs to my six cup pot. Too much and Lavender can be extremely bitter. The fragrance is what I enjoy the most, and it doesn't take much to bring the aroma out.
BTW - This picture is just for show. Add your lavender to the hot water when you add your tea and/or mints. I also add sweetener, lately that's been stevia which I can also harvest from my garden. Did I say it was a wonderful summer?!!! It has been immensely enjoyable harvesting my own herbs and using them.

If you want to explore more recipes using Lavender I highly recommend "A Taste of Lavender" by Gloria Hander Lyons. My sister gave me this book and I've thoroughly enjoyed it. There's a wonderful collection of drinks, breads and pastries, appetizers, main dishes, soups and deserts. I had no idea you could use lavender is so many ways!

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Hyacinths Cautions

4/14/2013

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I love hyacinths. They're among the first to announce spring, their color is intense, and the fragrance puts me in the mood for spring weeding in my garden. Naturally, I wanted to research their historical significance.
Hyacinths were named after a Greek youth, Hyacinth, who threw the discus with with Apollo. The story reports that the discus was pulled off course and killed Hyacinth. Apollo created the flower from the slain youth's blood. It is a symbol of re-birth.
Hyacinths are not recommended for herbal home use. I had to go back to Culpepper's Herbal to find even a mention of their use. The slimy root juice was decocted to "promote the urine." Culpepper warns, however, that the fresh roots are poisonous and extreme caution is to be used when working with it.
Hyacinths, in Shakespeare's time, was a simple wild flower with a few blooms running up the stalk. Later, during the 18th century, the Dutch developed the flower we have today. It's known for the dense blooms that encircle the entire stalk.
The hyacinth is not assigned to any planet.
Today we the bulbs contain oxalic acid, which can irritate the skin. When handling the bulbs, gloves are recommended for those with sensitive skin. Never allow pets to eat the bulb, which will sicken and perhaps kill them.

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Jodee Steffensen
AKA
J.D. Steffensen

Jodee (J.D.) Steffensen

Historical and Romance Writer, Amateur Herbalist, and Seeker of adventure, new knowledge and all things good!

Hobbies? I've adored cats all my life. I came to love Shakespeare when I was introduced to him in college. I developed an interest in herbs when a dear friend was diagnosed with cancer. I learned about the complex politics of Shakespeare's world when another friend gave me a book, "Shadow Play," by Clare Asquith.

Time for Lavender

Hyacinths Cautions

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