Monday, June 28, 2010

From the Garden...



I've succeeded in growing a plentiful herb garden this year.  This is second year I've planted herbs.  I must say that having an herb garden is now an essential part of my life.  I love herbal teas and having a garden of them has really expanded my pallet.  If you love teas and you like to spice your meals, growing an herb garden is the way to go.  There's nothing that compares to using fresh herbs that have grown right alongside you.

In my garden this year:  Basil, Lemonbalm, Lemongrass, Angelica, Lovage, Dill, Cilantro, Echinacia, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Stevia, Fuzzy Mint, Peppermint, Spearmint, Chocolate Mint and Pineapple Mint.  I also have a few blueberry plants in my herb garden, as well as swiss chard and romaine lettuce.

I recently discovered Anne McIntyre's book called 'The Top 100 Herbal Remedies.'  It is one of my favorite books regarding herbal remedies.  Very easy read, and a very quick reference when needing a cure on the spot.

Her report on Basil, "If you are feeling stressed...(headaches, indigestion, muscle tension, nerve pain...)...concentration or memory need a boost...is both antiseptic and cleansing, helping the body to overcome all manor of infection.  Hot basil tea reduces fevers and clears phlem...eases symptoms of colds, coughs, flu, catarrh, & sore throats.  It's relaxant properties extend to both the digestive and respiratory tracts and can relieve colic, constipation, nausea, and ease conditions such as asthma and tight coughs."   Wow, Basil, you are amazing!!


I was feeling a bit out of sorts yesterday and went for a pick-me-up in the garden and came up with this fabulous tea...

Soothing Basil-Mint Tea

2 TBSP. Chocolate Mint Leaves
1 TBSP. Peppermint Leaves
1 1/2 - 3 TBSP. Stevia Leaves (to taste)
3 TBSP. Basil Leaves
1/2 TBSP. Lemonbalm
2 Chamomile Tea Bags
2 TBSP. Rice Milk

Boil Water.  Pour over all washed leaves and tea bags.  Add milk.  Let cool.

This makes a very smoothe, cooling, soothing tea.  Enjoy!

3 comments:

  1. mmm...gonna go pick the herbs for this recipe right now!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Glad you tried *and liked!* this Carrie. It's really helping clear up my cough right now. Hope you're well & hope to see you soon! <3 LOVE <3

    ReplyDelete
  3. You should add sassafrass to the garden. Someone told me today that a tea made of that is very good for surviving the heat. It's also supposed to lower the blood pressure and/or thin the blood. Don't know about it, but that's what I was told!

    ReplyDelete