I love herbs, they are part of my every day. They are in my hand cream, shower soap, shampoo, breakfast tea, evening meal and scenting my home and patio. Now you do not need to go quite as far as I do to enjoy herbs in your garden. Here is a list of 12 tips that you can use to get you started including herbs in your garden. 1. Plant Perennials. Edible plants that come back year after year save planting time, and maintenance is usually limited to annual weeding, fertilizing and mulching. Hardy perennials like sage, lemon balm and mints will thrive where winters are cold, sorrel is a terrific pe ..read more

We are still getting used to our new house.  My last house had a seasonal ant infestation that I took care of with natural means and was able with a few modifications to keep them out of the house for the most part. Here I had to start over.  We had the usual spring infestation when the ground warmed and they came in looking for food.  With a bit of work. I was able to end that in quick order. Generally, I sprayed a vinegar mix in the areas they entered and sprinkled baking soda in the pathways to keep them from coming back. Recently I have a new one, in my office by the wind ..read more

This is a curative blend that should be taken in moderation and avoided if you are pregnant or nursing and if you are prone to epileptic seizures. Fennel and Rosemary Tea 1 ½ cups water ½ tsp fennel seed, crushed 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves Boil water add fennel seed and simmer for 10 min.  Pour fennel water over the rosemary leaves and step 5 minutes strain and sweeten with honey.  Sip slowly while warm. Have a cup of this tea a day for a week after your main meal, then give it a 7 day rest before taking it again.  You don’t want to overdo it with these herbs. Rosemary ..read more

 This blend of ingredients is a special little infusion that is great for your skin. Toners are a thin, water-like formula meant to be used in-between your face wash and other skincare steps to "prime" the skin for skincare. Previously, toners were heavy on the alcohol and were perfect for people with acne as they were very drying.  But these days they are not only for removing excess oil from the face, but contain a variety of soothing, brightening, and anti-aging ingredients. Angel Toner 1 cup apple cider vinegar 5 Tbls rose petals 4 Tbls sage leaves 3 Tbls raspberry leaves ..read more

Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting, growing your own herbs and vegetables can be a rewarding experience. Not only does it provide you with fresh, flavorful ingredients, but it also allows you to connect with nature and enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing plants from seed to harvest. In this post we'll explore the planting, growing, and culinary uses of six delicious plants: Rainbow Swiss Chard, Arugula, Sweet Pea, Strawberries, Parsley, and Chives. Arugula Planting: Arugula prefers cool weather and grows best in well-draining soil. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart ..read more

I like this recipe as it has rosehips for great vitamin C, lemongrass for germ fighting and raspberry leaf for lots of other ailments. With a strong hot of mint, it is cooling and sweet making it a great tea to enjoy when it is hot or when it is cold. Razzlemint Tea from Morning Sun Herb Farm (https://morningsunherbfarm.com/) 1 teaspoon dried spearmint 1 teaspoon dried peppermint 1 teaspoon crushed rosehips  1 teaspoon dried lemongrass 1/2 tsp orange peel 1/2 tsp raspberry leaf dash of cinnamon Mix ingredients together well.  Bring cool water to a boil.  Place 1 tsp ..read more

This blend of sea salt and baking soda is easy to make and the scent is great for helping with stress. The blend of these essential oils delivers reduced stress and anxiety, lifts mood and give you radient skin as well! Stress relief Aromatherapy salts  (Each packet separate)      1 Tbls Sea salt      1 Tbls Baking soda      5 drops lavender oil      3 drops sandalwood oil      2 drops clary sage oil Prepare theses salts in small bowl by adding salt and baking soda, then measuring in ..read more

Combat viruses, relieve congestion and stuffy nose, and add humidity to the air with this awesome stovetop simmer. The steam combined with the aromatic cleansing and health boosting properties of the herbs in this simmer makes it more than just an air freshener.  This all natural, gentle remedy, and it smells amazing. Winter Simmer 1/2 cup rosemary 1/2 cup eucalyptus 1/2 cup dried orange 2 Tbls. dried ginger pieces Combine the herbs into a container with a tight fitting lid. To Use: Fill a small saucepan with water.  Add 1/4 cup of the blend.  Bring the pot to a boil, then ..read more

This blend of herbs and citrus will help you beat back the winter blues from the dingy dark days and lack of sun, as well as boost your immunity against the germ fiesta that is happening all around you.  We are sharing information about the Curative Properties of Tea in a Zoom program on January 23, 2024.  Use this link to register and join us: Curative Properties of Tea - Mt. Prospect Library  Winter Blues Tea 1 tsp spearmint 1 tsp dried lemongrass ½ tsp elderberries ½ tsp rose buds ½ tsp lavender buds ½ tsp chamomile  ½ tsp raspberry leaf Pinch of orange peel &nb ..read more

This blend of herbs is designed to help you handle stress and the reactions your body takes to it. it contains three herbs which work together on stress issues in a variety of ways. Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi - helps to maintain the normal levels of the stress hormone, cortisol in the body. The leaf also has powerful adaptogen properties (also known as anti-stress agents). It helps sooth the nerves, regulates blood circulation and beats free radicals that are produced during an episode of stress Chamomile flowers - always popular for its ability to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms ..read more