The Mint Needle

Throughout the centuries, sage has been known as a wondrous & spiritual herb.  Used for it's healing, cleansing, & aromatic qualities, everything about this plant is amazing. Packed with Vitamin A, it's known to be good for your teeth, bones, & skin. Steep it as a tea to ease tension & anxiety. Or...use it as a gargle for sore throats. Either way, you'll reap the benefits of this great herb that comes from the mint family.   Pick your sage in the morning or afternoon, but never during the midday heat. Give it a good shake to loosen any bugs. Tie with a thread or twine & hang upside down in a place that has good air circulation. Don't over cramp & bunch them too much. The moisture of being squished together will give a perfect environment to turn your sage moldy. I know some people like to wash their herbs, but I don't (for sage) unless I use it raw.  Two reasons, my sage grows where no animals have access to it & unless...

There are soo many things that I want to share about summer harvesting, I just don't know where to start. I write today's post about a little yellow flower we've been busy picking. It's usually called pot marigold. But the interesting thing is... it's not even really....a marigold . I'm talking about calendula. For centuries, countries in Europe have been using calendula flowers for it's healing capabilities. It is known to reduce pain & inflammation of the skin. Often, it is seen to treat wounds that have difficulty healing. It helps leg ulcers, ear infections, bladder infections, menstrual cramping, tonsillitis, gum, & tooth infections. I think you get the hint that it has huge antibacterial properties. Hip, hip, hooray for calendula!  The flowers can be made into tinctures, teas, salves, & ointments. But....if you decide to use it for a skin wound, use it only in tea form only. You could do this by placing a couple of...