If you’re in the northern hemisphere, chances are it’s starting to feel a lot like fall: cooler, crisp, a little blustery; if you’re eating intuitively you’re probably beginning to crave more warm, comforting foods. Sweet, hearty root vegetables fit the bill perfectly this time of year.
Scarlet sage is a member of the family Lamiaceae or Mint family of the genus Salvia L. or sage P containing the species Salvia splendens Sellow ex Roem. & Schult. or scarlet sage. The plant is native to Brazil and is considered a warm weather annual in cooler climates but is classified as a perennial.
Many folks get gardening on the brain as spring kicks in, but did you know that fall is a fantastic time to start or add to your medicinal plant garden? Growing your own medicine is one of the more empowering things you can do while also adding a bit of beauty to your life.
If you’re not sure where to start, no worries! Here are a few considerations on what to put in your medicinal plant garden…
Mints are easy-to-grow perennials that are a beautiful and (usually) lovely-smelling addition to your garden—even if your garden is limited to a balcony, like mine is. They do well at sea level. They do well at mountainous elevations. They can hack cool, damp summers or hot, intense summers. They are fine being buried in snow and will be there waiting for you in the spring. While mints generally prefer rich and well-drained soil, I’ve grown them in heavy clay soils.
Most people use herbs to add a little flavor to their dishes and then forget all about them in their fridge. We often get a bunch but never use the entire thing. This is such a waste! Get the most bang out of your buck by using up your herbs in unconventional ways. Here are three creative ways to put your herbs to work.
Menopause can trigger uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, anxiety, insomnia, and irritability. The following recipes contain essential oils to provide some relief in balancing emotional stress, surges of heat, and sleep deprivation.
You may have heard of using lemon balm for preventing and treating cold sores. And it’s great. We know it’s helpful from a long history of traditional use as well as from research studies. But lemon balm’s not the only game in town.
So, I have a problem: I’m a bit of a spices junkie. I didn’t realize this until someone recently pointed out to me how all the recipes I share with them require so many different herbs and spices (hi, Grandma!). I thought for a moment, and realized it’s true—I probably have 40 different spices in my cabinet, and I frequently online-window shop at herbs and spices stores, reading about exotic spices I’ve never heard of and imagining how they might taste. Perhaps it’s because
I don't take too many baths, but when I do, it's usually because I'm stressed. Baths have powerful healing properties that enable us to pretty much soak our troubles away. They're great for relaxing muscles, reducing inflammation, and putting us in a sleepy-time mood. That said, simply hopping into a tub filled with hot water won't always do the trick. There are several ways to make bath time extra special, and I advise you try one of them out.
What essential oils are in your medicine cabinet? Being commercially available doesn’t mean that an essential oil is safe to have around the house.