On September 12, 2015, I took part of my first adventure into herbs. A local herb garden was offering classes so I jumped at the chance. I visited the garden on a beautiful Saturday and joined about 5 other herb enthusiasts. I took as many notes as I could while also trying to take in all the sights and smells. You can find out what I learned below!

HOPS (like what they put in beer!)

looks like a little pineapple, opens like a flower

tastes bitter

uses: yellow powder helps with insomnia

could put it into a tea (add honey)

dry it out and put into pillowcase to stay asleep longer

create a tincture using alcohol (this is the method i chose to try)

PECANS

open the pecan and get the black “stuff” out. 

uses: black stuff can be used as a stain for wood

LAVENDER (smells so good)

anti-viral, anti-fungal -- basically anti-everything!

put into vinegar to make a cleaning product

ROSEMARY

insect repellent

possibly a conditioner for hair (tingles like tea tree)

BEE BALM

plant to attract bees to garden

SIDE NOTE: Plants in the mint family all have a square stem!

SAGE

put in tea to help with sore throat

looks bumpy

FENNEL

every part is edible (try with apple dish or fish)

eat the seeds to help with farts and digestive health

tastes and smells like licorice (i tried some!)

LEMON BALM

plant it around the porch to keep insects away (citronella)

could use it to create jelly (tasted lemon balm jelly at it was AH-MAZING!)

RUE

expels intestinal worms (for animals)

could be a skin irritant to some

in the past, was chewed to help with with headaches, nervousness, and anxiety

WORMWOOD

can be used to make a tea that INCREASES appetite

SPEARMINT (or any mint really)

used to help with upset stomach

HORSE RADISH

the finer you shred it, the hotter it tastes

good for allergy treatments

opens the sinuses (clears congestion)

OTHER HERBS

dill - yummy

horehound - use in tea to expel mucus

lamb’s ear - super soft (used as toilet paper in the olden days)

fish pepper - similar to habanero

pole beans - black lima beans

OTHER NOTES:

Richmond, VA is Zone 7 climate

Tiger Swallowtail (butterfly) loves fennel

Create a cold frame to start seeds growing then move to field

Yummy drink recipe - 1/2 gallon water, 1 oz sage, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 lime (juice)

At the end of the class we all made a batch of Four Thieves Vinegar. It’s actually been sitting out on my porch in the sun for the last four weeks. I’m bringing it inside today (along with my hops tincture) to put it to use! I’ll post about that later!!!!

I reallyyyyyyy wish i could show you all my amazing sketches that i drew next to each herb lol. I’m sure you’ll be able to google better pictures though!

Until next time -