HERB OF THE MONTH…

*As with any herb – always consult your healthcare provider before taking or using any new herb, alternative treatment or herbal remedy. Proper plant identification is very important! “When in doubt – leave it out!” A Simpler Thyme ltd is NOT a healthcare facility.  Julia Brown – Certified Master Herbalist is NOT a healthcare provider.*

September 2020 – Lemon Verbena – (parts used: leaves)

In my opinion, lemon verbena is one of the most aromatic herbs in the herb garden!  Its’ fresh lemon scent is just delightful!  Just brushing up against it releases its’ lovely fragrance.  Lemon verbena is wonderful used fresh or dried in herbal tea blends.  It is also lovely added to desserts, like angel food or pound cakes, and fresh fruit salads.  The scent filled leaves are uplifting and refreshing, while adding a pop of lemon flavor. The dried leaves give a gentle reminder of summer time, during the long cold months of winter. 

August 2020- Sweet Summer Time!

Stingy Nettles – (Parts to use: young tender leaves)

Yes, I know, you are thinking “stingy nettles” NO WAY lady!  But, stingy nettles have been used since ancient times.  The Greeks and Romans  cultivated nettles on huge plots of land, their fibers where used for paper making and for cloth and rope production. Not to mention they are one of the highest calcium rich herbs out there. It is the formic acid found in the small hair like fibers on the leaves and stems that give the nettle it’s bite.  Once you have carefully harvested the young tender leave (while wearing gloves of course) – after the leaves have been dried, cooked, sauteed,  steamed or wilted they no longer can “sting’.  A nice cup of hot infused nettle tea does wonders for achy and tired joints, as well as being a great pick-me-up tea to give strength and vitality. Nettles are known to help with inflammation and help to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms due to its’ histamine properties. Remember one man’s “weed” is another man’s herb!  *Always consult your primary healthcare provider before trying any new herb or herbal remedy/treatment*

July 2020 – Happy Independence Day America!!

Cilantro – (leaves, stem, flowers and seed are edible)

The leaf is known as cilantro, as the seed is known as coriander. But they both come from the same plant. Cilantro is one of those herbs that you either love it or hate it!  I happen to love it especially in fresh guacamole! Yum! Most people that are not fans of cilantro, find that it has a mild soapy taste, that is unpleasant. Cilantro belongs to the same family as does celery, carrots and parsley.  It is known for helping to pull toxins such as heavy metals from ones system. Cilantro is very easy to grow from seed, but tends to quickly flower and go to seed.  At this point, you can then harvest the seeds (coriander) to use in your recipes.  A leaf is consider an herb, while a seed of said plant is considered a spice. Both cilantro leaf and coriander seeds are commonly found in many Mexican and Indian dishes. One can usually harvest several crops of this plant in one season.  

June 2020 – Happy Father’s Day!!

Herbal blessings and Happy Father’s Day to all Dad’s, Grandfathers, Uncles and the like!  Enjoy your special day!

Lemongrass – (parts use leaves)

Lemongrass is a very aromatic herb that is often used in Asian cooking. It has a bright lemony smell and taste as it’s name implies. Lemongrass is high in vitamin C, while blending well and bringing harmony as well as a little zest to dishes. It is a tall stately plant that does well in container gardens.  Lemongrass also works well to defer flying insects like gnats, flys and mosquitoes from your patios and porch areas. It can make a lovely addition to any herb garden or patio space. 

May 2020- HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!

First and foremost, Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms, love and light to ALL who wear this honorable title in any and ALL forms. 

Sweet Wild Violets – (parts to use flowers & young leaves)

The delicate little purple flowers of the wild violet are sweet, tender, soothing, calming and a lovely addition to teas and salads, as well as  candied with dusting sugar for desserts.  They also make a beautiful purple infused vinegar and violet jelly. Wild violets are high in vitamins A and C as well as other minerals.  DO NOT confuse the wild violet with the decorative African Violet houseplant, as these are NOT edible and will cause sickness. Violets are a personal favorite of mine, because they were one of my mother’s springtime delights, I always honor her when I gather these sweet little purple gems. The young tender heart shaped leaves can be added to salads fresh or dried to incorporate in herbal tea blends later in the fall or winter. Always be sure to forage or wildcraft violets in a chemical free and animal free zone. They usually grow in clumps of 3 or more in meadows, fields and backyards. You can identify them by their dark green heart shaped leaves and small cup like purple flowers. When foraging, identification is key! If you do not know what you are picking NOT pick it, make the proper selections and be knowledgeable when foraging.  Safety First!  Happy gathering!  Herbal Blessings! 

April 2020 – Welcome Spring & Happy Easter!

Calendula – (part to use – flowers)

Calendula also known as the “pot marigold”, but not to be confused with the old French marigold used in flower beds and in landscaping. The calendula flower is a burst of yellow/orange  sunshine.   Calendula is rather easy to grow from seed and thrives in full sun! The more you pick her lovely flowers the more she will produce for you. Calendula flowers are delicate and gentle to the system, yet contain potent antiseptic properties. Hands down her flowers are one of the best for cleansing and nourishing the lymphatic system . It works alone or mixed with other lymph cleansers by stimulating lymphatic drainage and moves toxins out of the body. It can be taken in a lovely herbal infusion/tea or it can be used externally in a wash, salve or oil form. Adding Calendula flowers to your herb garden will sure to bring brightness and joy to both the garden and the gardener alike. 

March 2020 – Happy St. Patty’s Day & Herbal Blessings!!!

Parsley – (part to use – leaves & stems)

It’s not just for a restaurant plate garnish anymore!  There is an old Irish folklore that says “parsley seeds are so hard to grow that they have to travel down to the devil 3 times and back before they will grow”.  I’m not sure about that, but I am sure that parsley gives wonderful freshness to many dishes and is one of the best natural diuretics there is.  Meaning it increases urination and helps to eliminate toxins from the body.  There are two common varieties of parsley : curly and Italian flat leaf – both are equally beneficial, but I prefer the taste and look of flat leaf.  Fresh parsley can be eaten after a meal to freshen ones breath and cleanse ones mouth after a heavy meal. Which is why you will find it tucked off to the side of your dinner plate at a restaurant. 

February 2020 – Herbal Greetings!

Elder – (part to use – berries & flowers)

As her name suggests the Elder is the “wise one or elder” of the herb garden.  Often planted at the edge of the herb garden as the “protector” of the garden, it is said that one must ask her permission before picking her flowers or fruit.  Then and only then will she grant  you the herbal wisdom of her secrets. Rather you believe this folklore or not, good manners should be used at all times, in the herb garden or out. 

Elder flowers are very delicate and lace like, they are a wonderful remedy to help fight fevers, being they are an excellent diaphoretic – meaning they induce sweating, therefore helping to reduce and lower fevers.  Elderberries have  excellent immune enchancing properties and you will often see them paired with echinacea to help fight cold and flu like symptoms. Elderberries have powerful anti-viral properties and are beneficial in fighting viral infections like: flus, herpes, upper respiratory infections and even shingles. They can be taken in a syrup, tincture or tea form and of course they are very tasty in jelly and wine too.

It is important NOT to eat or consume raw elderberries in large amounts – as they can cause vomiting and diarrhea in some people. They may NOT be suitable for treating COVID-19 consult healthcare provider before taking!

Herbal Greeting to the New Year 2020!!!

January 2020 – Ginger Root – (part to use – root)

Ginger root can be used fresh or dried, in teas – tinctures – stir fries – soups and stews – in smoothies – salad dressings and marinades. Ginger is warming and energizing to the body. It is wonderful for settling upset stomachs and the digestive system. Ginger works quickly to help ease cramping and gives a warming sensation throughout the body. I will sometimes combine ginger with other “not so good” tasting herbs to help make bad tasting herbs taste better. Ginger root is the herb that is connected to the “Root” Chakra. 

Herbal Greetings – Month of September 2019

Thyme – (part to use – leaves & flowers)

In my opinion it is one the the most “over looked” herbs in the herb garden. It is wonderful used in stews, sauces, soups and with roasted meats. There are several different varieties of thyme (lemon thyme is a lovely addition to the herb garden) most of which are easy to grow, come back year and year, plus the honey bees and pollinators adore it’s delicate flowers. Thyme contains anti-viral and antiseptic properties, which makes thyme a go to herb for cold and flu symptoms. Thyme infused honey is super for treating sore throats and coughs (Never give honey to a child under the age of 2 years – their little system’s cannot break it down). Thyme can be difficult to dry for winter usage, but it does freeze very well. Most herbs that have a woody stem freeze nicely for future use. Simply pick fresh thyme and place in a zip lock freezer bag, once frozen you can easily remove the small leaves for use in soups, stew, herbal tea or your favor recipe.

Herbal Greetings – Month of August 2019

Borage – (part to use leaves & flowers)

Borage also known as the “star flower” symbolizes courage. And don’t we all need some of that!! During the crusades, soldiers would infuse their mead and/or wine with borage flowers to give them “courage” in battle. I’m sure the wine or mead didn’t hurt either!! During the Civil War, WWI and WWII ladies would embroidery borage flowers onto handkerchiefs scented with their perfume to send with their soldiers into battle for “courage”. Borage leaves are very hairy and can be irritating to skin, so take caution when harvesting. They leaves have a faint cucumber scent and young leaves can be added to soups, stews and salads. The delicate blue flowers are edible and can be used to decorate salads and desserts. Borage can be easily grown from seed and are a good self seeder from year to year in the herb garden.

Herbal Greetings! Week of July 8th

Garlic – (part to use – cloves/bulb)

Known as the “stinking rose” with some good reasoning, but it is one of the best tasting and helpful kitchen herbs! But the best way to hide or fight the smell of bad breath, is to have everyone in the house eat the same thing! Garlic is nature’s antibiotic, it increases your white blood cells, which in turn fights infection and disease, by creating antigens in the body. Garlic is a natural ward against intestinal parasites and can be used to worm animals as well as we humans. Garlic adds wonderful spice to many dishes and gives wonderful depth of flavor, used in pasta sauces, meats, salad dressings and so many of your recipes. Whole roasted garlic bulbs are sweet and creamy and full of flavor, spread on bread, toast or crackers. And so good for you too! A great way to add flavor to a salad is to rub the bowl with a clove of garlic before for tossing a salad. Garlic is very easy to grow and you can usually get two crops out of one garlic bed, in an Ohio growing season. So, hats off to the “stinking rose”….. after all a rose by any other name still bares thorns…. or smelly breath!

Herbal Greetings! Week of July 1st HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

Basil – (part to use – leaves & flowers)

Know as the “kingly or royal herb” it was once so highly valued that it was used as currency and only persons of royal or kingly stature could use or grow basil. An old proverb states that if a man takes a basil plant from a woman, he will marry her and she will be his one and only true love. There are over 150 varieties of basil, from sweet common, lemon, cinnamon to global bush, opal/purple and Thai. Basil is a classic Italian culinary herb that is found in pesto, pasta sauces and pizza. But it is much more than that! It is wonderful for stress headaches, anxiety and calming to nervous disorders. Basil is delicious in herbal tea blends and gives a bright note to eggs, fish and salads. Basil is an annual and grows very easily from seeds. If you are out in the garden and get stung or bit by a bug or bee, you can crush a basil leaf and apply it to the area, to help relieve the swelling and pain from the bite. Basil is an all around classic herb and should be celebrated in the herb garden.

Herbal Greetings! Week of June 24th

Mint – (parts to use – leaves & flowers)

There is an old English proverb that sums up the herb mint in a nut shell “For a man to name all the types and uses of mint; he’s better to name all the fish in the sea”. Being that there are over 600 varieties of mint and more being created yearly, I’d say this statement rings true still today. Any herb that grows on and has a square stem is considered to be from the mint family, hence why the number is so high. In Greek and Roman times mint was used as currency and was highly prized. In my opinion, it is still a valuable herb to include in the herb garden. Medicinally, mint (peppermint) is wonderful for digestive complaints, colds, flu and head aches. Using mint in the kitchen gives a nice cooling and refreshing twist to desserts, teas and is a classic herb to pare with roasted lamb. The leaves and the flowers are both usable and the pollinators adore the delicate flowers. Honey made from peppermint flowers is fabulous! Mint is a “traveling” herb and needs wide open spaces. It can be somewhat controlled when planted in containers. But, is a must have for any “medicine chest” herb garden. Plant and enjoy this valuable herb!!

Herbal Greetings! Week of June 17th

Chamomile – (part to use – flowers)

Greek for “on the ground”, Chamomile also known by: “pineapple weed”and “ground apple” is a gentle and refreshing herb, that spreads when walked upon. So, the more you try to “stomp” it out the more it grows! As, Mrs. Rabbit gave to Peter, it is calming to an upset tummy and settling to the nerves. In the language of flowers, Chamomile stands for humility. As a companion plant in the garden, it helps to strengthen and revive it’s neighboring plants, giving it the name “plants’ physician” as well. It can be used fresh or dried, the flowers can be added to desserts and salads, as well as herbal tea blends. Chamomile is mild and for the most part safe, it is however a member of the ragweed family, so if you have high ragweed allergens, it may be best to avoid chamomile in large quantities. It makes a lovely night time tea, to relax and melt the days’ stresses away, especially when blended with rose petals, cat-mint and lavender. Chamomile adds a sweet and delicate display to the herb garden.

Herbal Greetings! Week of June 10th

Lemon Balm – Melissa officinalis – (part to use – leaves)

Lemon Balm is a very mild and gentle herb. It’s name comes from the Greek – Melissa meaning “honey bee”. And rightly, so, bees adore lemon balm. Beekeepers of old would rub the insides of their bee-skeeps with lemon balm to attract bees to their hives. Lemon Balm makes a lovely and simple infusion, on it’s own. It’s mild lemon taste is very pleasant , while it’s properties are soothing, calming and relaxing. Lemon Balm is a member of the mint family, so gardener “beware” it will spread like wild fire and take over an herb bed quickly! So, make sure to give it either wide open spaces or contain it to a patio planter. The leaves can be used fresh in salads for a mild lemon twist and it also dries very nicely for use in herbal tea blends in the winter months. Lemon Balm is a delightful addition to the garden.

Herbal Greetings! Week of June 3rd – Hello June!!

I not sure where the month of May slipped to? But here we are celebrating the month of June already!

Sage – Salvia officinalis – (part to use – leaves)

Sage is Latin for “heal” and is known as the herb of wisdom and long life. Hence the phrase “good sage advice” ! Sage is NOT just for your Thanksgiving bird! No, on the contrary, it is not only a fabulous culinary herb, but a wonderful medicinal herb that has been honored for centuries. Actually, American sage is highly revered and China has imported American sage in mass quantities for years. Sage is one of my top go to herbs for sore throats! It is one of the best remedies to sooth and relieve a dry & scratchy sore throat, a cup of sage tea sweetened with honey (never give honey to children under the age of 2 yrs.) and a slice of lemon does wonders! Sage is know for its’ drying and anti-bacterial properties. Nursing mothers, should avoid large amounts of sage, for it can dry up breast milk, unless that is the goal you are trying to achieve as you wean your child. Sage tea, is also helpful for “night sweats” for women that are beyond child bearing years and dealing with menopause. Sage is full of nutrients and antioxidants that help tone and rejuvenate the entire body. Fresh sage leaves fried or browned to just crisp in butter are excellent with fish or roasted chicken! Yum! So, the next time you reach into the pantry or wildcraft from your own herb garden – pick sage for more than just your holiday stuffing!

Herbal Greetings! Week of May 27th – Happy Memorial Day!!

I thought it would be fun to start a “herb of the week” to give insight and information on a featured herb. So, we will begin with one of my favorites, you’ll hear that word “favorite” a lot from me! Because, honestly they all are!

Rosemary – Rosemarinus officinalis – (part to use – leaves)

Rosemary has long been valued for it’s memory enhancing qualities. In the language of flowers and herbs it is know as the herb of remembrance. During Victorian times ladies would slip a sprig of rosemary in their quests’ pocket as they were leaving their homes. When their quest would find the hidden treasure, they would touch it releasing the vital oils and aroma. As a remembrance of their hostess and their visit. By simply smelling it’s lovely fragrance, it brings an up take of oxygen to the brain, thus clearing the “cob webs” and giving mental clarity. Rosemary is wonderful in an herbal blend infusion used as a brain tonic, to help with mental clarity and focus. Rosemary has long been used in cooking and as a preservative of roasted meats. During Roman times and before refrigeration, large quantities of this strong smelling and tasting herb were used, to hide the smell and taste of spoiled meat. Little did they know that in fact, the anti-bacterial properties found in the rosemary, were aiding in their well being . Rosemary is a classic herb used with roasted lamb and beef, along with roasted vegetables, infused in oils and vinegar and pares lovely with garlic and lemon in sauces, cheese, short breads and compound butter. Rosemary is a true favorite and widely purposeful herb. I believe that it should be included in every kitchen herb garden and used with delight. ande& rsIt i