The Language of Flowers Part 1

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!

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Myrrh and Patchouli

Before I get into the uses for these wonderful essential oils I would like to share the importance of doing a patch test before using a new botanical in any of your preparations. It's simple and only takes 15-20 minutes to find out if you or someone else is sensitive to an oil or botanical. Put a drop of the essential oil in question on a cotton ball and dab the inside of your arm right below the elbow. If any redness, itching or irritation occurs within the next 15-20 minutes avoid using that substance in any of your creations. MYRRH ~Myrrh has a warm, resinous scent that is soothing in states of stress, panic, fear, confusion and apathy. To use for this purpose, place a drop or two of the essential oil in a diffuser or bowl o f hot water to help disperse the scent throughout the room. A more portable solution is to take a whiff or two straight from the bottle. ~Myrrh is anti-inflammatory, anti fungal, antimicrobial and antiseptic making it a good addition to topical preparations...

All Purpose Natural Cleaning Soap

Here is a great all purpose soap for your Spring cleaning. The eucalyptus and peppermint are disinfecting and has the added bonus of repelling creepy crawleys and flies! ~5 cups grated castille soap ~1/2 cup baking soda ~1 teaspoon borax ~ 6 cups of strong, hot peppermint tea ~1teaspoon eucalyptus essential oil Put the grated soap in a large stainless steel pot and add the mint tea. Simmer on low for 10-15 minutes and remove from heat. Add baking soda and borax and mix thoroughly. When cool stir in the eucalyptus oil. Store in a labeled squirt bottle. To use shake well and add a generous squirt (1/4 cup or so) to a sink or bucket full of water.

How to Make Spice Filled Mug Mats

Spice filled mug mats and trivets make a thoughtful, fragrant gift. While they are not hard to make it does take a little time if you age your mix properly. The secret to long lasting fragrance in any potpourri type mix is sufficient aging. You can vary the spices and oils in this recipe to suit your own nose. Mug Mat Mix 1 cup of allspice 1 cup of cinnamon chips 1/2 cup of cloves 1 cup of dried orange peel 1/4 cup of star anise 1/4 cup of dried rosemary 1 cup of oak moss or cellulose fiber chips 1/2 teaspoon of orange essential oil 1/4 teaspoon each of clove and cinnamon essential oils Mix the first 6 ingredients and put into a jar with a tight fitting lid. Make sure it is large enough to allow for future mixing by shaking. Place your oak moss or cellulose fixative in a small jar with a lid and add your oils. Shake well and let sit for several days until the oils are fully absorbed. Add to your spice mix, put the cover back on and shake gently to mix. Let age for at least 4 weeks, s...

Man in the Moon Herbs

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