Man in the Moon Herbs

Bee balm is a pretty flower with several names. It is often called bergamot because its scent resembles the Italian bergamot orange which is used in Earl Gray tea. The name monarda comes from Dr Nicholas Monardes of Seville who wrote an herbal on North American flora in 1569. Traditional medicainal uses for bee balm are for relief of nausea, gas, insomnia and menstrual pain. Another name is Oswego tea which com es from the fact that it was used by Native Americans to treat colds. Bee balm became a popular tea substitute after the Boston Tea Party of 1773. A delicious tea is easily made by infusing ( pour boiling water over the bee balm and cover with a tight fitting lid) or simmering the leaves and flowers for about 10 minutes. Harvest the when the flowers form and the flowers when they are fully open. To dry for future use, simply hang small bunches upside down in a warm, dry, dark place. Store in an airtight container to preserve the fabulous scent and flavor. Bee balm is easily gro...

Tussie mussies were a method of communicating using the language of flowers during Victorian times. Before that, they were used to ward off disease and cover the smell of the streets. The phrase " tussie mussie " comes from a medieval word meaning sweet posie . They are a thoughtful little gift to one you care for regardless whether you incorporate meaning into them or compose them for beauty only. It doesn't take long to put one of these little bouquets together. Just use what you have on hand as far as flowers and herbs go and let your eye guide the composition. In general, it is best to use flowers in groups of odd numbers to create a balanced bouquet. Decide whether you want to create a meaning or not, and gather your flowers. To maintain their freshness, keep them in water as you work Start with a focal flower. This bouquet is for a sick friend so I chose a rose to represent love, added some marjoram for joy and happiness, lemon balm for sympathy and lavender for...

Simple tip- burn a candle when chopping onions to keep from crying! Put your lit candle near your cutting board so the flame burns off the fumes from the onion that irritates your eyes and makes you cry.

Here is a quick tip to get the stubborn smell of onions and garlic off your hands! Simply wet your hands and soap up as usual. Then rub yor hands on something stainless steel (like your sink) and rinse as usual. Stubborn scent is gone like magic!

This is the next segment in my series dealing with the traditional meanings of flowers. Later this week I'll post the instructions for making a tussie mussie that sends a message- or just looks pretty! Bee Balm- Compassion Veronica- Fidelity Marjoram- Joy and Happiness Tulips- Love Lavender- Protection, Devotion, Silence

A long soak in the tub is one of life's most underrated pleasures! It doesn't cost a lot. It doesn't make you fat or unhealthy. Add some scented soap or bath salts and it becomes a simple way to unwind and pamper yourself after a stressful day. Old Fashioned Lavender Fizzing Bath Salts Blend 2 cups of baking soda, 1 cup of cornstarch and 1 cup of citric acid in a non -reactive bowl- glass works fine. In a separate small bowl mix 2 teaspoons of lavender essential with 1 teaspoon of rosemary oil then add a drop at a time to the dry ingredients mixing well after each addition. Put into a glass jar with a tight fitting lid and let the mixture age for 2 weeks to blend and mellow the scent. Use 1/2- 1/2 cup of your salts in each warm bath. They will fizz and smell wonderful!

A sugar scrub is a yummy way to exfoliate and soften your skin. They are easily made at home and best when used within a month. Feel free to substitute whatever scent you like best for what I have suggested! Brown Sugar Body Buff 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup fine sea salt 2 tablespoons of sunflower, jojoba, or sweet almond oil 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons of honey 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E 1/2 teaspoon of sweet orange essential oil In a medium sized bowl, combine the sugar and salt and mix well. In a small bowl, mix all your wet ingredients together. Pour the oil and honey mixture over your dry ingredients and thoroughly mix. Store in a jar with a tight fitting lid until ready to use. Use your delicious smelling scrub once or twice a week. Simply scoop a small amount into your hand and gently scrub using a circular motion, starting at your feet and working your way up. Avoid using on irritated or broken skin. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, use something other than...

The common bond for today's flowers is that they are all white in my photos! The lilies and dianthus also look beautiful in their other colors and forms in a tussie mussie. Use what you have on hand. Use rue very sparingly as many are allergic to this airy plant. Sweet Woodruff- Be cheerful and rejoice in life Rue- Vision and Virtue Dianthus- Bonds of Affection Lily- Purity

The following herbs and flowers are suitable for a bouquet for someone who is going through an illness or other rough time. Lady's Mantle- Comfort Yarrow- Health Sage- Long Life, Good Health Magnolia- Grief Lemon Balm- Sympathy Lily-of-the-Valley- Peace

In Victorian times floriography, the art of sending messages using flowers, was quite popular. Entire dictionaries were available and mothers taught their daughters the language of flowers. The meanings vary from source to source so I picked the most often used meaning. Daisy- innocence Ferns- fascination Roses- love, unity I'll be adding more to my floral dictionary throughout this month as the flowers come into bloom in my garden. At the end of this series I'll share my directions for making a tussie-mussie so you can send a message with flowers!

It is only when we acknowledge, embrace, own and live our weaknesses that we can become truly strong.