Herbal Sprigs - tips, recipes, etc.
Check here every month for a new plant to know, seasonal garden and growing ideas, plus recipes for using and enjoying herbs.
Plant of the Month
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
In England this plant is referred to as pot marigold, but it's not a marigold
at all. The name calendula arose from the growing habits of this plant in
regions with cool summers and mild winters - it appears along with the calendar
in these areas. The pot designation refers to its use in the kitchen. The
petals were dried for simmering in broths and soups where they added a salty
flavor and also substituted for saffron. They were also used as food coloring
in butter, cheese, and cake. (From
Family Circle Easy Gardening)
Calendula grows best in full sun or light shade with light, dry soil that has not been enriched with fertilizer. Sow seeds in the early spring. Here at Herban Gardens, I allow several flowers to seed and each year I have an abundant crop. They usually bloom in late July and August. In Zones 8-10 treat calendula as a cool-weather annual.
Remember to continue to pick the flowers and dry them or make an infused oil (see recipe below) which can be used as a bath oil for irritated skin or made into an herbal salve. The flowers can also be used in a bath or shower sachet along with other skin soothing herbs such as comfrey, lavender, or rose petals.
Calendula Infused Oil
Combine one ounce of fresh calendula flowers with 6 ounces of extra-virgin oil oil (or another cosmetic oil such as sunflower, jojoba or apricot kernel) in the top of a non-reactive double boiler. Crush the flowers slightly. Let mixture sit in a warm location for up to 24 hours.
Then place double-boiler on stovetop and bring water (in bottom pot) to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer mixture for at least 3 hours. Be careful not to boil the oil (it will burn).
Cool oil and strain through a fine filter or cheesecloth into a clean glass jar. A vitamin E capsule (400 IU) may be added for each ounce of oil (6 capsules total for this recipe).
Store oil in refrigerator until needed.
Use it as a base for salves, as a bath oil (combine with essential oils if you prefer), or as a massage oil.
End of Summer Potpourri
Gather all the herb flowers and leaves that you've been drying all
summer and create the following fragrant room freshener.
Combine in a glass jar, 1 1/2 tablespoon of orris root (or other fixative such as oakmoss) with 25 drops total of geranium and lemon essential oils. If you want this blend to be relaxing use more rose geranium essential oil. Using more lemon essential oil will make it a refreshing blending. Place lid on jar and shake well to distribute oils and leave for 24 hours.
Combine handfuls (approximately 1/2 cup) of dried fairy roses, lavender flowers, German chamomile flowers, hops flowers, and lemon verbena leaves. For a touch of spice add 1 tablespoon of slightly crushed cloves (optional). Use in the bedroom to create a relaxing and calming environment.