From Sharon’s Garden
We have had such a lot of great rain, that there should be plenty of herbs to harvest. Don’t forget to wait until they are totally dry before picking, or you will end up with a mouldy bunch that needs to be thrown away.
In February we start teaching again, and there will be two one year practical herbal courses running, one on a Saturday morning and the other on a Thursday morning.
The one day workshops will start in March, and there are lots of new ones to look forward to. This year we will also run them in the evenings so those of you that work all day can attend too. Details will be in the February 2007 newsletter.
Happy New Year to you all and I hope that this is our best year yet!
Sharon
January 2007 -
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November 2007 -
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January 2008 -
February 2008 -
2007
Barefoot Herbs
By the 1500s the herb was also prescribed as a tea to be taken internally for broken bones, digestive and respiratory problems.
Its reputation for healing wounds and skin was so great that it was also added to bathwater of young brides to restore virginity.
Anybody who gardens organically knows what an excellent fertilizer comfrey is. As well as being rich in nitrogen, phosphate, potash, iron and manganese, it has long roots which go deep into the ground, bringing minerals up to the surface. It has been used to restore paddocks and even old tennis courts to an arable condition.
Cultivation: Comfrey will grow in most soils and although it prefers some shade, it will grow in full sun. It does not need excessive water, but if it is watered regularly it will thrive and have large lush leaves. Propagate from stem cuttings or seed. The seed take up to 8 weeks to germinate. The plants have a 20 year life span and can become invasive.
Harvesting: You should be able to harvest from a healthy comfrey plant four times during its growing season. The leaves are hairy and can cause a rash, so use gloves if you are sensitive. Dry the leaves flat in a warm place. Comfrey is one of the few herbs that can be dried in the sun.
Home and garden: An excellent fertilizer. Chop the leaves and place around the base of plants or make a liquid manure and use when watering. It is good for plants in pots.
Body and bath: It softens, heals and improves texture of the skin.
Culinary: It used to be eaten as a green vegetable, but due to the cancer causing properties, this is no longer encouraged. It is still used as cattle fodder.
Medicinal: The allantoin in comfrey encourages cell regeneration, making it useful for broken bones, cartilage and muscle damage, arthritis, varicose veins, haemorrhoids and cuts and abrasions. Infused oil, poultices, creams and ointments can be used to treat these ailments.
If a bone is broken, such as a toe or finger, the leaves are wilted in hot water and then wrapped around the broken digit. An infusion is also taken twice a day until the bone has healed. Comfrey should not be taken internally over long periods of time due to its carcinogenic effects on the liver. The leaf is considered to be a lot safer than the root, if you do take it internally.
Cautions: Excessive internal use, especially of the root, can cause liver damage and liver cancer. External use is safe.
Only apply to shallow, clean wounds as comfrey heals so quickly and can heal the outside of the wound before the inside, which can cause an abscess.
The Indigenous Page
Herb of the Month
Comfrey
Symphytum officinale
The name comes from the Latin ‘confirmare’, to unite, and it has been used for centuries to heal broken bones and wounds. Early Greeks discovered that boiling the root with water made a sticky paste that could be applied to the limb.
When it dried it formed a hard plaster cast which kept the broken bone straight whilst at the same time the comfrey knit the bone together, hence the common names of Knit Bone and Bone Set.
Uit Letitia se tuin:
Hoop 2007 is ‘n wonderlike jaar vir julle almal, mag ons saam leer en groei en wolkbreuke van seëninge ontvang.
Gremlins het in die laaste nuusbrief ingesluip – kyk asb na die “indigenous page”
-
Ek het my eerste werkswinkel met kiddies in Desember gehou, en was dit ‘n belewenis!
Ek weet nie wie het dit die meeste geniet nie, die kinders of myself. Ek het geleer
dat voorskote ‘n moet is, dat ‘n vierjarige nie sonder hulp met kleursel moet werk
nie, dat geduld nie in ‘n kind se woordeskat bestaan nie, maar die mees belangrikste
dat ‘n mens soveel meer deur ‘n kind se oë kan sien en waardeer. Dit het my weer
nader aan God, die plante en kruie-
Ons werk aan ‘n werkswinkel vir tieners (rome vir ‘n tienervel, kruie tee’s en tinkture vir konsentrasie, ens), as julle enige voorstelle of spesifieke behoeftes het – laat weet.
Letitia
Ps Die volgende Praktiese Kursus begin die 3de Feb 2007, kontak my vir meer inligting
Withania somnifera
– Dec Newsletter
A BIG apology!!!!!!!!!
The heart tonic should have read 20mg and NOT 20gm.
Florian was very quick to respond – thanks. He says that ½ g of root powder is usually enough to put him to sleep. As he has been using it extensively for some time, and I have the greatest respect for his knowledge, I advise caution to any internally use – start with VERY small doses.
Thanks again Florian.
Letitia
Mentha longifolia
Wild mint, Horse mint, Balderjan, Kruisement (Afr), Koena-
Family: Laminaceae
Mentha is Latin for mint and longifolia means long leaves.
The name Mentha comes from "Minthe", a charming nymph in classic Greek mythology who was much adored by Pluto. This so angered Pluto's wife Prosperine, that she took her revenge by transforming Minthes into the humble mint plant we now call Mentha.
In ancient Greece, mint leaves were crushed and rubbed on the table to show hospitality to visitors.
Cultivation: Mint is easy to grow
in semi-
Division can be easily carried out at almost any time of the year, though it is
probably best done in the spring or autumn to allow the plant to establish more quickly.
Medicinal uses: The leaves and flowering stems are anti-
Traditional uses: The Zulu used infusions from roots, stems and leaves internally or as enemas against colds. The Xhosa used milk or water decoctions for coughs, colds, asthma and other bronchial ailments. The Sotho sometimes placed plants under beds to facilitate breathing in patients with respiratory ailments.
Culinary use: Use in the same way as spearmint and peppermint. Can be taken warm as a tea or cold as a refreshing drink.
Other uses: The flowers are very attractive to bees and butterflies. A good companion plant for growing near cabbages and tomatoes, helping to keep them free of insect pests.
Rats and mice intensely dislike the smell of mint. It therefore can be used as a strewing herb in homes and spread in granaries to keep the rodents off the grain.
Cautions: Like other members of the genus, it is best not used by pregnant women as it is a uterine stimulant
Recipe page
Comfrey Fertilizer
Fill a bucket with roughly chopped, fresh comfrey leaves. Pour boiling water over the leaves to wilt them. Top the bucket up with cold water. Loosely cover the bucket – a black rubbish bag is ideal, as it gives space for the gases. Store for 4 weeks and then strain. (It will start to stink, so keep it away from the house.)
To use dilute 1 cup in 10 litres of water
********
Mint Pesto
2 cups fresh mint
1/2 cup olive oil (or safflower oil)
4 cloves garlic
Mix well in a
mortar or blender. Use as a baste for broiled or grilled lamb, or serve with lamb
patties
Of Comfrey
‘……given to drinke against the paine of the backe, gtten by violent motion as wrestling or overmuch use of women ………’John Gerard, 1597
TEA FOR NAUSEA
This is a very effective tea for anyone suffering from nausea, but it also works well for indigestion, cramps and flatulence.
1 part chamomile
1 part lemon balm
1 part fennel seed,
2 parts Mentha longifolia
2 parts peppermint.
Let steep in hot water, and sip when needed. Not to be used if you are pregnant.
Fennel Salad
I have so much fennel in the garden a the moment and it is difficult to find new ways to eat it! Try this salad for a change, it goes really well with grilled fish or meat
The nuts can be changed for pine nuts if you prefer.
2 Fennel Bulbs, thinly sliced
½ cup radishes, thinly sliced
1 cup mixed salad greens
½ cup watercress
½ cup pecan nuts, toasted
Dressing
¼ cup lemon juice
1 Tbsp wholegrain mustard
2 egg yolks
½ cup olive oil
Beat together lemon juice, mustard and egg yolks, slowly pour in oil until well combined, beating all the time.
Combine all salad ingredients and toss with the dressing.
Serve immediately.
Comfrey Oil
This is a useful oil to keep in the home, It can be used for sprains, aches, clean cuts, bruises and minor burns
Pack fresh, roughly chopped comfrey leaves into a clean wide neck jar. Pour a cold pressed vegetable oil over the herb until the jar is full. Seal and shake well.
Store the jar in a warm place for 4-
From Sharon’s Garden
All of the herbs are looking so good at the moment, it is hard to know which one to write about! Yarrow is one that is found in many gardens and yet its properties are unknown to lots of people. The culinary recipes are lovely and light, just right for a hot summer day next to the pool.
This month we start this year’s practical herbal course – once a month for 10 months. I have a Saturday class and will do weekday class if enough people are interested. Contact me for more details
Sharon
Uit Letitia se tuin:
My tuin is ‘n fees! Veral as jy net na die reën deurloop en jy kry al die geure
van die verskillende kruie. As julle in Meyerton omgewing kom, skakel my en kom
kyk gerus. Die basielkruid het ek nou hulle gang laat gaan en die bye geniet die
blomme (dit lyk of die hele plant bewe). ‘n “Opal” basielkruid en ‘n gewone soet
basielkruid het gekruis en ek is baie trots op my ongewone groen en pers plant. Die
verskilende salies verskaf pragtige kleur – ek het die “tri-
Letitia
Herb of the Month
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
There are two legends about the origin of ‘Achillea’ The first is that Achilles always took the herb into battle to staunch the wounds of his wounded soldiers. The second is far more romantic; his mother dipped him into a bath of yarrow when he was born for protection in battles to come. She held him by the ankle, leaving this area unprotected, which was, of course, how he got his Achilles’ heal.
It has had several names, many referring to its ability to stop blood flow; woundwort, soldier’s woundwort, nosebleed and others. It is a powerful styptic, and a leaf inserted into the nostril will stop a nosebleed immediately. Bleeding wounds can be treated by applying a compress of crushed leaves or dried powdered leaves. Its astringent effect makes it useful for diarrhoea, varicose veins and haemorrhoids.
The flowers are excellent for nasal catarrh in colds and flu, and also for hayfever, plus they will also bring down a fever.
The aerial parts, combined with Lady’s Mantle, make an effective remedy for PMS and other menstrual problems. It is used by the American Indians to treat uterine fibroids.
A tincture of the aerial parts is used to treat high blood pressure as it relaxes peripheral blood vessels.
It is an attractive plants to have in the garden with its feathery leaves and flat
topped flower-
Cultivation: Easily propagated by taking a root cutting, or digging up one of the many small plants that appear around the mother plant.
It is very hardy and will grow with little water, although the leaves will droop and be a dull green, rather than the bright green of a well watered plant. It dies down in winter.
Home and garden: An excellent plant for the compost heap as it speeds up decomposition. It is also a ‘hospital’ plant meaning that the health of sick plants will improve if placed close to a yarrow plant.
Body and bath: Its astringent properties make it an ideal herb to use on oily skin. A facial steam will cleanse and help to remove blackheads. Yarrow helps to close large pores and stimulate the skin. It can be added to the bath to improve skin tone.
Medicinal: Mainly used to stop bleeding and to relieve nasal catarrh. Apply leaves to cuts and wounds, insert a leaf into the nostril for nosebleeds. An infusion of the flowers or a steam inhalation will help relieve the symptoms of hayfever and catarrh. Infusions or tinctures of the aerial parts can be used for high blood pressure and to reduce the possibility of thrombosis. An ointment or strong infusion can be used externally for haemorrhoids and varicose veins. For varicose veins an infusion should be taken twice a day, as well as the external application. An infusion made will equal parts of Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) and Yarrow should be taken for menstrual complaints. Chewing a fresh leaf can help relieve toothache.
Cautions: Prolonged use can cause sensitivity to sunlight and allergic rashes in sensitive people.
Hypoxis hemerocallidea
Yellow stars, Star lily, African potato (Eng.); Sterretjie, Afrika-
Family: Hyposidaceae
The name Hypoxis derived through the Greek words hypo meaning below and oxy referring to the pointed base of the ovary or fruit. It has been found to be genetically over 300,000 years old
Cultivation: It prefers full sun and predominantly a grassland plant. The soil should
be sandy and the plants do not like to be disturbed. Do not over-
Medicinal uses: The sterols and sterolins in Hypoxis were first discovered and isolated by the Researchers at the University of Natal.
The medicinal value of Hypoxis only became known to Europe in 1977 as the result of chemical research into its properties by German medical scientists who were testing its effects on prostate cancer. It is now used extensively in Europe for this purpose.
It is being used in South Africa in primary health care as an immune booster for patients with HIV/AIDS. It is proven to slow the aging process by rejuvenating the immune system and stimulating new cellular growth.
Thin pieces of the root are applied to soothe blisters. Extracts from the Hypoxis
(sterols and sterolins) have been used to treat arthritis, cancer and tumours, chronic
fatigue syndrome, coronary diseases, HIV-
Traditional Medicinal uses: Zulu traditional healers used it in the treatment of urinary infections, heart weakness, internal tumours and nervous disorders. Corm infusions are also used as emetics for dizziness and mental disorders. Used during the civil war in southern Mozambique by both soldiers and civilians who lost a lot blood through injury.
It is said that a tea made from this plant replaced lost blood.
The Traditional doctors in this region also use this tea in conjunction with other plants to combat "bad blood" in diabetes patients.
The Tswana and Kwena give a decoction as a tonic to weak children.
The Shangaan include Hypoxis in a mixture with other plants for women suffering from endometriosis and PMS.
Folklore:
The Sotho people use Hypoxis as a charm against lightning and storms.
Corms used as an emetic against fearful dreams by the Zulu
Corms are traditionally used for headaches in Lesotho. They are shaped into receptacles into which some blood from the forehead of the patient is placed and then buried.
Other uses: The Sotho of the Leribe Plateau make an ointment for cracks in the teats of their cows.
Leaves are used to give a black dye.
Lemongrass Marinade
Lemongrass is delicious at the moment and will be freely available for the next few months. This is a wonderful summery marinade which gives a fresh taste to fish and chicken. Serve with a green salad topped with avocado and sesame seeds.
2 Tsp brandy
½ cup sesame oil
½ cup olive oil
1 stalk fresh lemon grass, thinly sliced
5 cm piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
½ cup Thai basil leaves, roughly torn
Combine in a glass jar and shake well.
Marinate fish for 1 hour or chicken or pork fillet for 3-
Grill, braai or fry
Yarrow Myths
A bunch of dried yarrow over the bed will ensure a love lasts for 7 years.
Yarrow in the house will help you get in touch with friends and distant relations.
Yarrow Face Pack
This face pack will help to close large pores and improve the texture of the skin. It will also help to heal spots and pimples and generally improve the texture of the completion.
Gather fresh leaves and flowering tops, wash and finely chop them. Put into an enamel pan with sufficient water to prevent burning. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 10 minutes until a thick pulp is formed. Cleanse the face thoroughly and spread the mixture on to a piece of gauze. Put the warm pack on to the face, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Lie down and relax for 15 minutes. Wash off with tepid water
Yarrow Ointment
Use this for cuts and abrasions, piles and varicose ulcers
Melt ½ cup Vaseline with ½ cup fresh yarrow leaves in a double boiler. When the Vaseline has melted, leave it on the heat for 20 minutes. Strain and add ½ tsp benzoic acid or ½ Tbsp honey or
½ Tbsp wheat-
Sage & Gin Sorbet
As unlikely as it seems, sage and gin complement each other extremely well in this sorbet.
Serves 4
1 ½ cups water
2 cups sugar
1 cup fresh sage leaves
2 Tbsp lemon zest
½ cup fresh lemon juice
8 Tbsp gin
Place the sugar and gin into a saucepan and gently heat until the sugar has dissolved, stirring all the time.
Bring to the boil for 3 minutes.
Pour the syrup over the chopped sage and lemon zest, cover and leave for 4 hours.
Strain and add the lemon juice to the syrup.
Pour the syrup into a shallow dish and freeze until solid. (You can also use an ice cream maker if you have one)
Remove from the dish and place in a plastic bag.
Crush with a mallet, and then place the pieces into a food processor or liquidiser.
Process until it is a smooth slush.
Divide into 4 martini glasses and pour 2 Tbsp gin over each portion.
Top with a fresh sage leaf
From Sharon’s Garden
With this heat and lack of rain the only herbs that are really happy are the thymes, rosemary and sage. Everything else is fairly wilted. Resist the temptation to cut the burnt and tatty looking leaves off – they are protecting the leaves underneath!
I don’t know about you, but the last thing I feel like doing in this weather is cooking, and some days even eating seems too much trouble. Fast salads are the answer, and I have given you a different kind of potato salad, plus one of my favourite dressings – blue cheese. Try the lemonade too, it is really refreshing!
Sharon
Uit Letitia se tuin:
Die hitte is besig om my tuin te verwoes!!! Ons gee elke aand water maar van die plante sukkel regtig.
Oor ‘n maand of wat, kla ek weer oor die koue – ook nooit tevrede nie. Die inheemse krui hierdie maand is Salvia. Dit illustreer weereens dat ‘n mens versigtig moet wees met volksname van plante – beide S. africana corulea en S. chamelaeagnea word bloublomsalie in Afrikaans genoem. So vir julle wat sukkel met die Latyn, soos ek, daar is nie ‘n uitkoms nie, ons moet dit maar leer.
Die Maart uitgawe van SA Gardening het ‘n insetsel van HAoSA met kruie artikels in.
Die werkswinkels vir die kiddies sal die einde van Maart gereed wees – net betyds vir die April vakansie.
Ek het dit in ouderdomsgroepe geskei en vir die kleintjies doen ons goed soos gogga-
Hulle maak ook hulle eie kruie snoeperye vir die dag.
Letitia
Liqueur Making Workshop in Meyerton – 10 March 2007
Start of Practical course – 3 March 2007
Herb of the Month
Plantain
Plantago sp
The Plantago genus has nearly 200 species, most of which are invasive weeds. There
are some which are prettier than most and can be cultivated in the garden, but they
are still very invasive. Some of the garden species are P.asiatica, Asian Plantain
-
For most medicinal purposes P.major, Greater Plantain, P.lanceolata, English or lance leafed plantain and P.media, Hoary Plantain are used, while the seeds of P.psyllium and P.ovata are used solely as laxatives.
Plantains originated in Europe and Asia, but have become naturalised throughout the
world, mainly due to colonisation. In North America it is still known as ‘White-
Cultivation: It is quite likely that it is already growing in your garden; if not then don’t plant it! All of the plantains self seed readily, so unless you are really diligent and can remove every flower spike as it appears, it will become a problem. If you want to use plantain, look around and you
will find it growing wild. Dig up the whole plant, including the root, and you will also be helping (a tiny bit) to get rid of invaders. Remember to collect it away from the road and other polluted areas.
Home and garden: It can be used as animal fodder
Body and bath: Use an infusion for inflamed and sore eyes. It is a cleansing herb and will also tone coarse skin and open pores. It should be included in preparations such as steam baths, toners and face creams. It will relieve itchy skins, insect bites and rashes.
Medicinal: Plantain is an excellent herb to use for bronchial disorders, such as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infections and dry coughs. It is an astringent herb, which makes it effective for gastric problems, such as diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome. Externally it will stop bleeding, help to heal wounds and bruises, varicose ulcers and haemorrhoids. The leaves are used as an infusion, tincture, gargle or poultice, and included in cough syrups and ointments.
Culinary: The young leaves are edible and can be eaten in the same way as spinach, or added to a salad, giving a peppery flavour. The fresh seeds are also good in salads or stir fries.
Indigenous Page
Salvia spp
Salvia chamelaeagnea – Rough Blue Sage, Bloublomsalie
Salvia africana-
Salvia africana-
Family: Lamiaceae
We have 22 – 38 Salvia species that occur naturally in southern Africa and there are over a 1000 salvia species in total. I am writing about three of the African salvias because people tend to get confused and talk about “african sage” or “wild sage”, not specifying which one. (Especially the “bloublomsalie”)
Salvia is derived from the Latin word salvere meaning to save or heal, corulea means blue, referring to the flowers, lutea describes the yellow colour of the emerging flowers
Cultivation: S.chamelaegnea – bright green leaves, slightly hairy, grows to up to
2 m in full sun and well-
S.africana-
S.africana-
All three are propagated by stem cuttings and seed.
Medicinal uses:
S.chamelaegnea -
S.africana-
S.africana-
Traditional Medicinal uses: S.africana-
Early Cape colonists used it with Epsom salts and lemons for stomach ailments and on it’s own for bedsores and varicose veins.
Cautions: Epileptics should avoid using sage.
Do not use during pregnancy.
Do not take in large doses or for extended periods.
Recipes
Ginger & Pear Muffins
2 cups flour
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 tsp ground ginger
1 cup natural yoghurt
½ cup oil
3 Tbsp Molasses
1 egg
1 ½ cups chopped pears
Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl.
Ad the chopped pears and stir to coat them with the flour mixture.
Combine all wet ingredients in another bowl and mix well.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir until just combined.
Pour into greased muffins pans and bake at 200 C for 20 minutes.
Blue Cheese Dressing
For best results use good quality ingredients
75ml white wine vinegar
20ml mustard
75g blue cheese
60ml cream
250ml Olive or sunflower oil
Blend everything together and keep in the fridge until needed.
Sage and Sweet Violet Ointment
Good for chapped lips, cold sores and chapped skin.
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage leaves
2 tbsp sweet violets
4 tbsp sweet almond oil
Combine ingredients in a bottle.
Leave in a warm place for 1 month, shaking daily.
Strain into a bowl and combine
4 Tbsp of the sage & almond oil and 4 tsp beeswax together in the top of a double
boiler. When the beeswax has melted, beat until cold.
Store in an airtight jar in
a cool place.
Potato & Feta Salad
1kg small potatoes
¼ cup orange juice
1 tsp mustard
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp Olive oil
½ cup olives
Handful of rocket or mustard leaves
¼ cup feta cheese
Cooked the whole potatoes in salted water. Cool for 10 minutes and then peel and cut them into halves.
Combine the orange juice, mustard, vinegar and oil and mix well. Pour over the potatoes and leave for 1 hour
Heat the sugar in a frying pan, until it starts to brown and then add the oil.
Cut the tomatoes in half and fry in the sugar for about a minute, until they start to brown.
Gently combine the potatoes, tomatoes, olives, and rocket and then sprinkle the feta on top.
Plantain Skin Treatment
This is an effective skin tonic, which cleanses and refines the skin.
Liquidise 1 cup of fresh plantain leaves with
½ cup milk. Pour everything into a bowl. Add ¼ cup of Jungle oats to make a thick paste. (add a little more if required)
Apply the paste to a clean skin and leave on for 10-
This should be repeated 3 times a week for 2 weeks and thereafter once a week.
(Make a new batch each time)
Herby Lemonade
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup water
6 lemons
3 cups boiling water
1 Tbsp fresh lemon balm leaves
1 Tbsp mint leaves
1 Tbsp bergamot leaves
Combine the sugar and 1 cup of water in a pan. Bring to the boil, stirring all the time until the sugar has melted. Then boil for 1 minute. Cool
Peel two of the lemons and add the rind to the syrup. Juice all 6 lemons and strain into a large jug with the hot water, syrup and herbs.
Leave in a warm place for 2 hours and then strain.
Add lots of ice and fresh herb and serve.
From Sharon’s Garden
Autumn is here so it is time to harvest the last of your summer herbs and seeds. Some people like to prune their herbs in autumn too, I personally prefer to wait until spring, so that the old leaves and stems give some protection during the winter, but it is up to you. A disadvantage of pruning in spring is that the garden does look very tatty during winter, but I can live with that!
If you are planning to plant new trees at the end of winter or in spring, you should get hold of Clive before buying any. He has really nice indigenous trees at excellent prices. His details are on ‘The Last Page’.
Because of the school holidays and all of the public holidays during April, there will be no one day workshops this month. ( The one year course classes will continue as normal). We will start again in May. Also, if you live in the Durban area and have any pets, Jeanne Hardy is giving a herbal workshop on the 27 May at the Natal Sharks Board. Contact her for more details.
Lastly, the Indigenous Bulb Society is having their next meeting at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens on 22 April. There will be a talk about the Tulbaghia species, which is also our indigenous herb for this month. The talks are given by experts in their field and are very interesting. Carol’s details are (also) on ‘The Last Page’
Sharon
Herb of the Month
Oats
Avena sativa
Although mostly thought of as a nutritive breakfast, oats also have an important place in the herbal medicine chest. Externally they are a soothing remedy for many skin conditions especially where there is dry skin and itching.
Taken internally, they are an excellent tonic for the nervous system, and are used
to treat mild depression, insomnia, stress and stress related exhaustion. If oat-
Oats are also rich in Vitamins B2 and B5, Vitamin E, silica, gluten, starch, carotene, calcium, manganese and zinc.
Oats have been used for generations as a medicine, and also had the reputation for curing one of the ‘opium disease’. Both Culpeper and Gerard recommended frying oats with a little bay salt and applying it to the side to relieve the stitch. They also both suggested using it for getting rid of freckles, although Gerard went one further when he wrote ‘..to make a faire and wel coloured maid to look like a cake of tallow’
Whole oats still have the bran and germ; steel cut or Scotch oats are sliced whole oats, rolled oats are steamed and rolled flat, oat bran is just the bran and instant oats are pre cooked.
Cultivation: Sow the seeds directly into the ground in early spring. They need a well drained, well composted soil in a sunny position.
Medicinal: Oat straw, (the stems and husks) is taken as a tea, decoction or tincture for nervous conditions. Oat bran or oatmeal should be eaten daily to reduce cholesterol, regulate insulin levels and aid the digestive system.. Oat bran, oatmeal or rolled oats can be used as a compress or added to the bath for all skin ailments. Oats can be used as a base for a herbal poultice.
Culinary: Many breads, muffins, breakfast cereals and biscuits are made with oats.
Bath and Beauty: Oats are excellent for all skin types and easy to use as a face pack. Just add natural yoghurt of honey to jungle oats and apply to the face. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
Caution: Oats contain gluten and should not be used by anybody who is gluten intolerant or who has coeliac disease
The Indigenous Page
Uit Letitia se tuin:
Maart was ‘n maand van “eerstes”
Die eerste werkswinkel vir 9 – 12 jariges was Saterdag. Dit was so groot sukses dat een van die Ma’s gevra het of ons nie haar seun se verjaarsdagpartytjie kan doen nie.
Die eerste werkswinkel vir gesig-
My eerste lewendige TV optrede – daaroor sê ek niks, behalwe dat ek nou nog ‘n hol kol op my maag het.
Gardenex vind plaas van 20 – 22 April en HAoSA het ‘n stalletjie daar – dis altyd lekker om mense persoonlik te ontmoet, so kom sê hello.
Ek praat glad nie oor my tuin nie, op die oomblik is dit ‘n oerwoud wat die muisvoëls, insekte, muise en ander goggas geniet. Gelukkig is daar nog April om alles reg te ruk vir die winter.
Vir inligting oor werkswinkels in die vakansie en die res van April, skakel gerus
Letitia
016 362 0754
letitiabez@xsinet.co.za
Tulbaghia violacea
Wild Garlic, (English) Wilde knoffel (Afrikaans), isihaqa (Zulu)
Family: Alliaceae
Tulbaghia is named after Ryk Tulbagh (died 1771), governor of the Cape of Good Hope
and violacea means violet-
Cultivation: It grows very easily in most situations. Propagation is from dividing
the root stock in autumn or spring, or by seed. Clumps must be divided every 4-
Enjoys well drained rich soil in sun or partial shade. It will tolerate prolonged drought, although it flourishes with regular watering. Frost hardy.
Other than slugs and snails that can cause considerable damage to the leaves, Tulbaghias seldom fall prey to pests and diseases.
Enjoys well drained rich soil in sun or partial shade. It will tolerate prolonged drought, although it flourishes with regular watering. Frost hardy.
Other than slugs and snails that can cause considerable damage to the leaves, Tulbaghias seldom fall prey to pests and diseases.
Medicinal uses: Traditionally used for fever and colds, and also for asthma
Decoctions are administered as enemas for stomach problems.
The leaves are used to treat cancer of the oesophagus. The bulb has been used as a remedy for pulmonary tuberculosis and to destroy intestinal worms.
Traditional Medicinal uses:
T. alliacea was and early Cape remedy for fever and is also used as a purgative and for fits, rheumatism and paralysis
Leaves are rubbed on the head for sinus headaches and plant infusions are used for colic, wind and restlessness in young children.
Early Cape colonists used tubers for pulmonary tuberculosis and also as anthelmintics
Culinary: Use flowers in salads. The Zulus use the leaves and flowers as spinach and as a hot, peppery seasoning with potatoes and meat.
Leaves and flowers are used in the same way as chives. Bulbs are used like spring onions.
Other uses: The smell repels fleas, ticks and mosquitoes when crushed on the skin. The Zulu cultivated it to keep snakes away from the home. The garlic smell makes it a good companion plant, especially for roses. It discourages moles from the garden by their strong smell.
Mythology: The Zulu used tuber infusions as love charm emetics. In Transkei, tubers are traditionally rubbed on the body as a protection from evil spirits before ritual dancing by diviners
Cautions: Suspected of causing poisoning in the King William’s Town and East London areas. Feeding tests on rabbits were found to be negative.
Recipe Page
Oat Tonic
This is a calming, nourishing, strengthening restorative, ideal for sickly children, the elderly or convalescents. It restores digestive balance after taking antibiotics, undergoing surgery or suffering from gastritis or any poisoning.
1/12 cups cold, boiled water
1 cup rolled oats
½ tsp ground ginger
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tsp honey
Pour the water over the oats and spice and leave to stand for 30 minutes. Strain and add the honey and lemon juice. Mix well and pour into a clean bottle.
Take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day. It will keep for several days in the refrigerator.
Taken from ‘Herbal Remedies’ by Christopher Hedley and Non Shaw
Bath Bags
If you don’t like the thought of herbs and oats floating around in the bath water,
you can put them into a muslin or organza bag which you can add to the bath or hang
over the tap whilst it is running. The bag can also be used like a sponge and rubbed
over the skin -
For each bag use 1 Tbsp rolled oats and 2 tsp of dried herb of your choice. Good ones to try are lavender, calendula and thyme.
Oat & Raisin Biscuits
50g butter
125g caster sugar
1 egg, beaten
50 g cake flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder
175g rolled oats
125g raisins
2 Tbsp sesame seeds
Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and beat well.
Add the other ingredients and mix well.
Place spoonfuls of the mixture onto greased baking trays. Flatten slightly.
(Leave space between the spoonfuls as they do spread.)
Bake at 180 C for 15 minutes.
Leave the biscuits to cool on the baking tray, otherwise they will break.
They will keep in an airtight container for 2 weeks.
Wild Garlic Dish
2 cups spinach
2 l/s potatoes
1 chopped onion
½ cup chopped wild garlic leaves
Salt and Pepper
Milk, oil
Boil the potatoes in salted water.
Drain and mash with milk, butter, seasoning
Brown onions in the oil
Add spinach and wild garlic, fry for a few minutes
Toss into mashed potatoes and mix well
Creamless Broccoli Soup
This delicious creamy soup uses oatmeal instead of cream, making it a healthier variation on the traditional cream soup.
You can substitute other vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, potatoes or leeks for the broccoli
1 Tbsp Oil
2 cups chopped onions
¼ cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tsp salt
2 cups broccoli
4 cups stock
½ cup oatmeal
Juice of ½ lemon
1 Tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
Salt and black pepper
Combine oil, onions, celery, garlic and salt and cook for 10 minutes until soft.
Add the stock and the broccoli, bring to the boil.
Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the oatmeal and simmer for another 10 minutes, until the soup begins to thicken.
Add the dill and lemon juice.
Liquidise until smooth.
Season with salt and black pepper and serve with extra lemon slices and a strongly flavoured bread
P. lanceolata
From Sharon’s Garden
I am sure that you have all taken out your winter blankets and jerseys after the
last few days of cold weather! If you packed them with herby insect repellent bags
there should be no surprise holes in them either, but if not -
If you haven’t already done so, plant your winter annuals now, and do the last harvesting of summer herbs.
If you need herbs, we have lots of dried and fresh herb available in the shop. We have also just harvested honey, so I have plenty of honey on the comb and beeswax available.
During the next two weeks I will be making the winter products, so look out for that too.
Until next month, keep warm
Sharon
It earned a reputation as a longevity herb because the elephants of Sri Lanka, well known for their long lives, loved to eat the leaves.
Another legend is that Li Ching Yun, an ancient Chinese herbalist, lived for 256 years because he drank Centella tea every day. Even if it doesn’t add a few more years to your life, it will enhance your brain and improve your circulation so that you can enjoy your old age! In India, Centella is mainly used as a brain tonic, but it has wonderful wound healing properties too. Used externally it accelerates the healing of wounds and reduces scarring. Studies published in the Annuals of Plastic Surgery, 1979, report that skin grafts healed far quicker and with less scarring if Centella cream was applied.
The same cream is also used to relieve the painful scaly welts caused by psoriasis.
It has a long reputation for being successful in treating leprosy. Tests have shown that the chemical, asiaticoside, found in Centella, breaks down the waxy coating of the bacteria causing leprosy. Once this coating has been destroyed, the bodies immune system is able to fight the disease.
Taken internally, either as a tea, tincture or in capsule form, Centella has been shown to increase poor circulation, especially in the legs (venous insufficiency).
It reduces swelling, pain and cramping and may be useful for treating varicose veins Cultivation: Centella grows very easily in full sun or semi shade. Although it prefers frequent watering it will grow in dry soils if it has a good weekly watering. Propagate from a runner.
Medicinal: Use internally, either by drinking an infusion or taking capsules, as a brain tonic, to increase concentration and memory.
Apply as a cream or compress to any wounds, burns, skin inflammations (including acne). For varicose veins, take internally and apply a cream or compress externally.
Culinary: The young leaves can be added to salads or steamed as a vegetable. Leaves can also be added to soups and casseroles.
Bath and Beauty: As it increases the production of collagen it is an excellent herb to add to face creams and face packs. It will improve the elasticity of the skin and reduce scarring caused by acne.
Caution: In rare cases it can cause contact dermatitis. High doses taken for long periods can cause headaches.
Do not use internally if pregnant.
Herb of the Month
Pennywort
Centella asiatica
Also known as: Gotu kola, Centella, brahmi, hydrocotyle
Centella has always been one of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic medicine, but it is also used extensively by other cultures.
The Indigenous Page
Uit Letitia se tuin:
Die koue is hier!! Vir die eerste keer vandat ek in Meyerton is, het my plecthranthus geblom.
Dit was van korte duur, die ryp het dit gevang en my arme plant lyk pateties op die oomblik.
Die inheemse krui hierdie maand is een van ons pragtige bome. Ek sluit ‘n uittreksel van ‘n artikel geskryf deur Roy van Essentia in, hulle verskaf ‘n wonderlike olie wat van die saad gemaak word. (Kan deur ons bestel word)
Die afgelope 3 maande het ek met heelwat kinders te doen gehad (werkswinkels). Ek kan nie glo hoe sieklik die kinders is nie. My raad aan die ma’s was – lees die etikette op die produkte wat julle gebruik, van skoonmaakmiddels tot kos. Dit laat my dink aan die TV advertensie waar die Ma die kruipende baba teen kieme in die huis wil beskerm, ek voel ons moet eerder hulle teen al die gifstowwe in ons skoonmaakkas beskerm. Die volgende 2 maande gaan ons resepte insluit vir huishoudelike gebruik en dit opvolg met resepte vir GESONDE snoeperye vir kinders.
Laat weet hoe dit werk en e-
Letitia
016 362 0754
letitiabez@xsinet.co.za
Trichilia emetica
Natal Mahogany (English) Rooiessenhout (Afrikaans),
Family: Meliaceae
An evergreen tree that, although it is slow growing, can reach a height of 30m. Widely distributed in Tropical Africa.
It has oblong-
Cultivation: It prefers well-
Medicinal uses: Traditional medicinal uses include treatment of stomach and intestinal ailments, as an emetic, purgative and the oil for rheumatism treatment.
The root is used to induce labour in pregnant women, to treat colds, and as a purgative. The bark is a remedy for pneumonia. The seed oil is applied to sores, ringworms, other parasites, and skin diseases. The seed oil also forms the basis for a leprosy remedy.
Traditional medicinal uses:
It has been used in Mali folk medicine for the treatment of various illnesses.
The oil was extracted by immersing the seeds in hot water, soaking them for several hours and then crushing the seeds. This will result in a solid, yellow butter (Mafura butter) with conditioning properties.
A popular hair product and also used to nourish and revitalise the skin.
Other uses: An excellent shade tree and has been planted as windbreaks and for water catchments rehabilitation. The wood is suitable for indoor uses, and is used to make furniture, poles, also used for firewood.
The oil extracted from the seeds is used for:
· soap-
· hair conditioner and colourant
· skin butter to nourish and revitalise
· furniture polish
Cautions: Seeds are extremely poisonous (RSCU 1992).
Natal Mahogany
by Roy from Essentia
The seeds have long been known by locals to contain an oil used widely as a wonderful emollient, but also used to hasten the healing of fractured limbs. It is taken internally for rheumatism, and made into a good quality soap.
The rural community are involved in gathering the seeds on a continuous basis, which
are then collated and pressed at temperatures below 60°C (i.e. first pressing). No
solvents or chemicals are used in the process. The liquid is then filtered successively
to yield a final product which is brownish, and becomes semi-
Recipe pages
Natural Dusting Furniture Polish
This is gentle to use, has no irritating chemicals and will make your house smell
wonderfully fresh and clean. The essential oils, especially the sweet orange and
the lemon will help lift your mood. If you cannot get Trichilia emetica oil you
can replace it with teak oil or linseed oil
½ cup filtered water
¼ cup white vinegar
3-
40-
20-
20-
Put all ingredients into spray bottle. Label and date. SHAKE WELL before each use. Spray directly on furniture then wipe with a clean cloth, or spray the cloth with the mixture before wiping the furniture.
Air Freshener
4 tbsp Sage
8 tbsp crumbled Bay Leaves
225ml Witch Hazel
Mix all the ingredients into a jar, and leave covered in a dark place, for 3 days. Strain and pour in a spray bottle, use as necessary
Centella Cream
1 cup good quality aqueous cream
1 cup fresh Centella leaves
1 tsp benzoic acid or
1 Tbsp wheat-
Combine aqueous cream and herb in a double boiler.
When the cream has melted, leave for 20 minutes on a gentle heat.
Strain.
Add the benzoic acid or wheat germ oil to the liquid and mix well.
Pour into clean, sterilised jars and label.
Use topically for all skin irritations, scars, burn and inflammations
Centella Face Mask
Combine ¼ cup dried Centella leaves with ¼ cup dried chamomile flowers.
Pour ½ cup of boiling water over the herb and leave for 10 minutes.
Stir well and thicken with cornflour to make a thick paste. Apply this to a clean skin and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water
All Purpose House Cleaner
Place a handful of lavender, rosemary, sage and thyme into a wide-
Fill the jar to the top with white vinegar and let infuse in the sun for 2 to 3 weeks.
Strain into a spray bottle for easy use. You can also add baking soda for scrubbing action.
Jerusalem Artichokes
Jerusalem artichokes are not to be confused with globe artichokes. They are part of the sunflower family, grow up to 2m tall and have lots of yellow flowers. In autumn they should be dug up and the fleshy tubers can be eaten in the same ways as potatoes. The small tubers should be replanted for next year’s crop.
Peeling them is a tedious job, but if you use them when they are fresh, they can be scrubbed clean and do not need peeling. They are particularly good roasted or in soups.
Jerusalem Artichoke Soup
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cups chopped Jerusalem
Artichokes
2 large carrots, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 Tbsp lemon thyme
1 ½ litres water
200ml sour cream
Oil for frying
Salt & pepper
Sauté the onions in a little oil until soft.
Add the other vegetables, herbs and stock.
Bring to the boil and then turn down the heat and simmer until the vegetables are soft.
Remove the bay leaves and liquidise the soup.
Return to the pot and add the sour cream.
Season to taste.
From Sharon’s Garden
I am so sorry this newsletter is late!! There is no real reason either – it is just that I cannot get going in this cold weather. I could quite happily hibernate for the whole winter and wake up in spring! But, as I cannot do that, I am using lots of warming spices and eating loads of soups and stews. This month’s herb is cardamom which, sadly, is seldom used, unless it is part of a curry powder. You can usually find it at spice retailers such as Spicy Den. I prefer to buy it whole and crush it as I need it.
I have also found a recipe for a ginger sherry, which is used for colds and chills,
but it is delicious as a ‘preventative’ on these cold winter nights -
Sharon
Herb of the Month
Cardamom
Elettaria cardamomum
Blending cardamom with coffee was originally not merely for the taste. As coffee was known to suppress libido, both in men and women, cardamom, a well known aphrodisiac, was used to counteract the effect.
Records show that cardamom was used as a medicine in India before 1000 BC
The Romans used it for cooking, but very little else was recorded outside of India
until the 13th century, when it began to be noted as a herbal remedy. Like many
spices, it improves circulation and is a digestive aid. Similarly, herbs and spices
that aid the digestive system are often beneficial to the respiratory system, and
cardamom joins this group too. It is especially beneficial for bronchial spasms,
such as asthma and severe coughs. It is a milder spice that chilli or ginger, and
is therefore easier to take for people suffering with weaker digestive systems -
It is a warming spice, and will help with mild circularatory problems, taken either as a tea or externally as a rub.
A useful property of cardamom is that it counteracts mucous forming foods. Simply
add a little spice to cheese or milk dishes; you can even add 1-
Cultivation: It is a tropical plant and needs hot weather, preferably in a rich moist soil. It prefers a constant temperature, which doesn’t drop below 22 C. It is part of the Zingiberaceae family and has thick rhizomes with erect stems bearing long lance shaped leaves. The flowers are white with
a lilac stripe and are borne on flower spikes in summer. The plant can grow up to 3m high.
Medicinal: Aphrodisiac, digestive, relieving indigestion, nausea, bloating and gas, respiratory tonic and expectorant, stimulating for the circularatory system, relieves fatigue, counteracts mucous forming foods, detoxifies caffeine. Freshens breath
Culinary: Used in curries, spice blends, baked goods, milk puddings, coffee, liqueurs and sweets
Bath and Beauty: Used in perfume industry
Basundi
This is a traditional digestive aid that is often eaten as a desert
Heat 2 cups of full cream milk until it boils. Continue to simmer until it thickens, stirring frequently. Add
2 tsp cardamom powder, 2 tsp ground almonds or pistachio, a pinch of saffron and
1-
Cool before eating
The Indigenous page
Uit Letitia se tuin:
Jammer, maar daar is nie ‘n inheemse krui hierdie maand nie. Woensdag oggend het begin met vele oproepe en opgewondenheid oor die skitter wit, sneeu gevulde landskap en vir my het dit geëindig in ‘n aaklige, eensame, donker, droewige middag. Oordrewe en melodramaties, maar my hart voel soos die ys koue, dood gebrande plante buite. My skaduwee van 10 jaar is dood. As huldeblyk aan Spotty met sy suiwer, opregte, onbaatsugtige, onvoorwaardelike liefde, deel ek met julle resepte wat ek die afgelope jare bymekaar gemaak het.
Letitia
016 362 0754
letitiabez@xsinet.co.za
Peanut Butter Treats
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup powdered milk
cup peanut butter*
tsp bone meal
1/4 cup brewer's
yeast
milk
Mix all the ingredients together.
Use enough milk to get the consistency of drop cookies. If too wet, add more wheat germ.
Drop onto un-
Bake at 180°C for 5 to 10 minutes
Allow to cool and store in an air tight container in the fridge.
* One of the following can be substituted for the peanut butter for variety.
Small tin of tuna or other canned fish
grated cheese
jarred baby meat
Dog Ear Wax removal
(Valerie Ann Wormwood)
Animals often suffer from ear wax. Gently massage the ear with the 4 drops of the following formula in each ear daily to soften the wax. It then can be removed with a cotton swab.
3 drops lavender
1 teaspoon witch hazel
Lemon Skin Tonic
Boil 500 ml water, remove from heat
add 1 thinly sliced lemon
allow to steep overnight or all day
strain liquid
The liquid can be put into a spray bottle, squeeze bottle or just a
container. Apply liberally to the coat of the dog and rub in so that the skin is
wet. (Wait for the summer)
Lemons are very good for the skin and contain limonene
which is an effective insect repellent. The limonene actually dissolves fleas' waxy
coating causing dehydration and death of the flea.
Use as often as necessary.
Natural dog treats
1 spoon butter
1 spoon full grain flour
2 eggs
2 spoon chopped parsley or dandelion
leaves
Full grain oats
Mix butter, flour, eggs, and herbs, then add as many oats as
necessary to get a mushy dough. Make small flat portions and bake 15 minutes with
180°C. Then turn the dog treats and leave them in the oven until they are dry.
Liver Dog Treats
1 pound raw liver (any kind) blended into a paste
1 egg
1cup flour
½ cup corn meal
(or flour)
¼ tsp oregano
¼ tsp brewers yeast (adds a nutty flavour)
Mix well and
bake at 180°C for ½ hour for chewy treats, longer for crisper treats.
Happy Dog Bones
2 cup whole wheat flour
2 cup soy flour
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup corn meal
1 cup non-
1 cup dry nutritional yeast
½ cup. cooking oil
1 egg
1-
Mix dry ingredients in large bowl. Mix together egg, oil and water. Add to dry mixture
and mix until well blended. Divide dough in thirds. On floured surface, roll out
to ½ cm thick. Cut out dog bone shapes (Optional: prick tops three times with toothpick.)
Place on well-
Recipe Page
Keep Fleas Away:
Flea Powder & Doggie Deodorizer
500 g baking soda
1 kg Cornstarch.
Blend the following to a fine powder:
2 cups dried pennyroyal,
2 cups dried lavender,
1 cup dried Rosemary.
The following essential oils:
20 drops citronella
20 drops lemon
30 drops pennyroyal
20 drops rosemary
Mix all ingredients and leave the scents mingle a few days. Sprinkle on your pets coat.
Herbal Anti-
Mix together:
2 cups Pennyroyal
1 cup Rosemary
1 cup Feverfew
1 cup Southernwood (Wildeals or Wormwood)
Do not let the animal eat this herbal mix. Pennyroyal should not be consumed. If there is a chance the animal will tear up the pillow, use peppermint instead of Pennyroyal, it will not be quite as effective, but will be safer.
Flea Repellent Pillows
Make little pillows (20cm x 20cm) stuffed with the following mix and place in the animals bed or sleeping area. The little pillow cannot be washed and you will have to replace it every couple of months.
2 parts pennyroyal
1 part thyme
1 part wormwood
Flea-
2 cups all-
½ cup wheat germ
½ cup brewer's yeast
1 tsp salt
2 cloves garlic,
minced
3 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
1 cup chicken, beef or vegetable stock
Preheat
the oven to 200°C. Grease two to three baking sheets. Combine the first four ingredients.
Combine the garlic and oil. Alternately, add the flour mixture and the stock into
the oil and garlic, beating until the dough is well mixed. Shape the dough into a
ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a 12-
Spiced Coffee Cake
1 cup margarine
1 ½ cups brown sugar
2 eggs
3 cups flour
2 tsp instant coffee
3 tsp baking powder
Pinch salt
1 tsp ground cardamom
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ginger
¾ cup milk
Cream together the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs and milk and beat well. Sift the dry ingredients together and fold into the mixture.
Pour into a greased baking tin and bake at 180 for 35-
Either decorate with chocolate or coffee butter icing, serve warm with custard or cream
Ginger Sherry
Add 4-
Note: You can replace the ginger with a fresh chilli, but this must be removed after one week or it will get too strong.
Using Cardamom
Beverages: Add 1-
Soup: Add 4-
Vegetables: Combine cardamom, fennel, cumin and coriander seeds with a little chilli powder and rub over vegetables before roasting
Rice: Add 5-
Meat: Add 2-
Add ¼ tsp cardamom powder to 200g mince, sausage or hamburger mixture.
Milk puddings: Add ¼ tsp powder to 2 cups rice or semolina pudding. Add ¼ tsp powder 500ml custard or custard pudding.
Fruit: When stewing apples or pears add 2-
Cakes: Replace cinnamon or nutmeg with cardamom. Add ¼ tsp to a chocolate cake.
Spice mixes: Cardamom combines well with fennel, chilli, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, coriander and turmeric.
From Sharon’s Garden
Even though I am sure we will still get some more cold weather, the days are really lovely at the moment. I have got loads of plants coming up which have self seeded. Many in the wrong place, of course, but they can always be transplanted. In fact, the pathways in my main herb garden are so full of Heartsease we will be walking on a flower carpet if I leave them all in!
In September, the next practical herbal course will start. Several people have said they would like a weekday course and if I can get a big enough class together, I will do one. There will also be a Saturday class. It is one morning a month for one year. Please let me know if you are interested in attending either the Saturday or weekday class,
Have a great month
Sharon
Herb of the Month
Sweet Violet
Viola odorata
Sweet violets are a lovely perennial plant to have in the garden. They start flowering towards the middle of winter and give off a wonderful scent.
Both the heady scent and the heart shaped leaves have meant they have long been associated with love and emotions, in fact sweet violets are one of the flowers of Venus.
Greek mythology tells us that Sweet Violets originated from the tears of a nymph
who was loved by Zeus. To hide her from his wife, he turned her into a pure white cow. She cried as she could not eat the bitter grass, and Zeus turned her tears into sweet violets to provide her with a sweeter, more delicate fodder.
Sweet Violets have been used for hundreds of years for medicinal, beauty and culinary purposes. Nowadays, the plant is not used so extensively, although it is still used in the perfume industry and the flowers are used as a natural colourant in some culinary products.
The aerial parts make an effective cough syrup for bronchitis and chesty coughs. A poultice of the leaves can be used on painful, swollen joints to relieve the pain, and an ointment is useful for bruising, sore and cracked skin and haemorrhoids. During the 1930’s the aerial parts were used for breast and lung cancer, and they are still considered useful to prevent secondary tumours developing. The flowers are mildly laxative and a syrup made with the flowers can be given to children. The root is used as a strong laxative.
The colour and scent of the flowers make them a popular ingredient of beauty products. Dried they can be added to bath oils and salts. The flowers improve skin texture and can also be added to hair rinses to give a lovely fragrance.
In the kitchen, the flowers are often crystallised and used as a decoration for cakes and pastries. They are also used for syrups and liqueurs. Do not overheat the flowers as they will loose the colour and your syrup will be brown, rather than violet.
Cultivation: Sweet violets grow best with some shade. I have some in full sun, but the leaves do burn during summer. They will flower better if they get frequent watering. Split the clumps in autumn to propagate.
Culinary: Use the flowers as a decoration, add to salads. Use in syrups for ice cream and fruit. Use to flavour ice cream and jams.
Beauty and Bath: Used for fragrance and to soften and tone skin. Add to lip balms to heal chapped lips. Use in facial steams.
Medicinal: Arial parts are used for coughs, bronchitis, for soothing nerves, insomnia, constipation, swollen joints, bruising, chapped skin and catarrh. Roots are used as a laxative and to alleviate catarrh.
House and garden: Add to furniture polish for the scent.
Use as an edging plant in the garden.
Caution: Excessive doses, especially of the root, can cause nausea and vomiting
The Indigenous Page
Uit Letitia se tuin:
Ek het ‘n nuwe anti-
Van my tuin sê ek niks – lente kom tog gou asseblief!!!!! Ek kan nie meer die bruin, grys, vaal landskap hanteer nie. Dit help nie om te filosofeer oor die rus wat die plante nodig het nie, en dat alles in siklusse beweeg nie (the wisewoman’s way), ens, ens …. …. selfsugtige ek het KLEUR nodig. Dankie vir die ou pers blommetjies van die viooltjies. (Onthou dis nou die perfekte tyd om die heerlike “love potion liqueur” te maak)
Letitia
016 362 0754
letitiabez@xsinet.co.za
Geranium Pure Essential Oil
Note: Middle
Method of extraction: Distillation
Blends with: Geraniums relaxing, rose scented, heady aroma blends well and balances most other fragrances especially Bergamot, lemon grass, lavender.
Mystic associations: love, fertility, health and protection.
Possible Uses: acne, bruises, broken capillaries, burns, cellulites, circulation
-
The main geranium oil-
Rose-
Pelargonium graveolens
Family Geraniaceae (Geranium Family)
There are ± 220 species within the genus Pelargonium,
and 80% of them are confined to southern Africa. Plant explorers such as John Tradescant
(circa 1570s to 1638), gardener to Charles I, brought many exotic plants home to
the great houses of Britain, Spain and France.
Cultivation: grows very well in moist, semi-
Can be propagated by means of stem and tip cuttings, or seed.
Properties: Analgesic, astringent, antibacterial, vasoconstrictor, anti-
Medicinal uses:
Effects on the mind:
Balancing for the nervous system, dispelling anxiety and depression
Effects on the body:
Gynaecological: Excellent for PMS, menopause, balancing the hormones, reducing fluid retention, hot flashes while banishing tension and depression
Skin: Geranium is a wonderful oil for all types of skin as it balances sebum, good for acne and bruises, keeping skin smooth, supple and youthful
Vascular: Useful for varicose veins, haemorrhoids and poor circulation
Geraniums analgesic properties can relieve arthritis, rheumatism, and neuralgia
Effects on the spirit:
Invaluable for uplifting the spirit and calming the solar plexus and opening the heart
Culinary: can be used in jellies, sauces, cakes and puddings. Leaves and flowers make attractive garnishes for food and drink.
Cosmetic: It is used in the production of geranium oil, which is used as a substitute for the expensive attar of roses in the perfume trade.
Geranium skin preparations are gently astringent, opening pores and clearing oily complexions.
Other uses: insect repellent
Cautions: Overuse may irritate skin.
Do not use if pregnant or lactating.
What is in a name?
The genus Pelargonium gets is name from the resemblance of the shape of the fruit
to the beak of a stork, pelargos in Greek. The species name graveolens refers to
the strong fragrance of the leaves, graveolens meaning strong-
French botanist Charles Louis L’Héritier de Brutelle differentiated in 1789 between the genera Geranium and Pelargonium, and the pelargonium plants were recognized as separate from those of the geranium species
The recipe page
Frosted Violets
You need a lot of patience and nimble fingers to crystallised flowers. These frosted
violets are much easier, although they do not keep very well. They should be used
within 2-
Freshly picked violets
1 egg white
Caster sugar
Lightly whisk the egg white until it is white, but not stiff.
Carefully paint the petals on both sides with the egg white and then sprinkle liberally with caster sugar.
Gently shake to remove excess sugar.
Place on a tray and leave in a warm place to dry. It will take 1-
Store in an airtight container.
Syrup of Violets -
Use this for chesty coughs, nervous tension, insomnia and as a mild laxative. Take 2 teaspoons a day.
Pour one litre of freshly boiled water over ¼ kg of fresh violet flowers. Cover and leave to infuse for 24 hours.
Strain through a muslin cloth and discard the flowers.
Measure the remaining liquid and add an equal amount of honey or sugar.
Simmer until it becomes a syrupy consistency
Pour into clean, sterilised jars. and label
Violet Jam
To have a better colour, but less flavour, remove from the heat after thickening and then add the flowers
250 g violet flowers
600ml boiling water
750g sugar
½ cup lemon juice
Boil the water, add the sugar and stir until it has dissolved. Add lemon juice and flowers and simmer until thickened.
Remove from heat and pour into small sterilised jars. Seal and label.
Fragrant Rice
The coconut milk lends a slightly sweet and creamy element and is a perfect match
for the rose-
1/2 cup water
1 can coconut milk
2 Tbsp finely chopped rose-
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup jasmine or other long-
In a medium saucepan, bring water and coconut milk to the boil over medium-
Cover, reduce heat and simmer 25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat, let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve immediately
Violet Vinegar/ Salad Dressing
This is a very unusual, but pretty vinegar to make. It makes a lovely dressing for the milder salad leaves and also for chicory and fennel.
Vinegar: Pack a clean jar with flower petals, making sure you have removed all green and white parts. Cover with a good white wine vinegar. Seal and leave in a warm spot for 4 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain into clean, sterilised bottles.
Dressing: Place 2 tsp white sugar, 1 garlic clove, 3 tbsp violet vinegar and 9 Tbsp oil in a screw top jar. Shake well before using.
Pelargonium Liqueur
1 litre loosely packed Pelargonium leaves
1½ cups sugar
¾ cup water
1 litre vodka
Place
Pelargonium leaves in a 2 littre jar. Prepare a syrup by heating and bringing to
a boil 1½ cups of sugar in ¾ cup of water, and then allow it to cool to room temperature.
Mix the sugar syrup with 1 litre of vodka and pour over the Pelargonium leaves. Place
in a dark closet for at least 6 weeks, filter and put into a bottle for use. Will
last for months if stored in a cool, dark place.
Rose Geranium Scented Sugar
You can substitute other flowers, such as Sweet violet or lavender for a different taste
This is great to have on hand for quickly flavouring a mixture when making cakes, biscuits and puddings. It can also be sprinkled on custards, biscuits and sponge cakes.
Make the scented sugar by putting alternate layers of rose-
INFUSED GERANIUM OIL
1 cup torn rose geranium leaves
1 cup sweet almond or apricot
kernel oil
Place in glass or enamel pot over very low heat for 20 minutes. Cover; remove from heat, let stand overnight. Strain off leaves and pour into sterilized bottle or jar. A few drops of geranium essential oil can also be added to help prevent spoilage.
From Sharon’s Garden
Well, the cold is certainly here and most people have had some frost. It is now time to get out the soup pot and gluwein!
Although the garden looks very different to the lush growth of summer, I do like it when the leaves go brown and fall, and eventually it gets down to its ‘bare bones’. I know it is tempting to tidy the plants and cut off the frosted parts, but it is much better to leave them on until spring – they offer some protection against the frost that is still to come.
Until next month, keep warm,
Sharon
Herb of the Month
Clove
Syzygium aromaticum
Most people know both the taste and the smell of cloves, and associate it with spicy biscuits, breads, pickles, apples, mulled wine and glûwein. Although it is used extensively as a culinary herb, it has many other uses as a medicine, perfume and insect repellent.
In Chinese medicine, cloves have been used since AD600, and even prior to that they were used to freshen the breath. Mandarins would hold a clove in their mouth while addressing the Emperor, so that their bad breath would not offend him
Like many spices, clove sparked plenty of competition and blood-
By 1623 the Dutch had seized control of the tiny Molucca islands, which was the only place that the clove tree grew. In order to maintain absolute control over the clove market, they allowed the trees to grow on three of the smallest islands and destroyed all trees on the other islands. Officials from the east India Company would visit the islands to ensure no seedlings had sprouted. They then decided that the easiest way to control their monopoly was to keep the islands uninhabited. In all, more than
60 000 natives of the islands were murdered. Smuggling the clove seeds or plants out of the islands carried a death sentence, and it was only in 1769 that the first trees were illegally obtained and planted in Mauritius. Of the sixty stolen trees only two eventually bore fruit in 1775, and the monopoly was finally broken.
Cloves are the dried flower buds of an aromatic tree that can grow up to 20m high. The buds are picked after they have turned from green to yellow, and then are light pink.
If the buds are left on the tree they will turn red. The tree can be harvested up to four times a year. Trees can live for more than 100 years but are most productive between the ages of 10 and 25 years, when a single tree can yield 5 kg of dried cloves per year.
Cultivation: Trees grow in tropical regions and need a well drained, fertile soil and lots of sun.
Medicinal: Rub clove tincture or clove oil into the gum to stop toothache. Infusions of clove can be used for nausea, vomiting, indigestion, colds, flu and to relieve pain. Frequent use of cloves deters intestinal worms. Cloves are strong antiseptic and a stimulating spice.
Culinary: Flavouring for breads, biscuits, fruit, drinks and pickles. An important ingredient in Indonesian foods and it is also included in many curry powders. Use sparingly.
Bath and Beauty: Used in toothpaste and perfumes. A strong infusion can be rubbed into the scalp to strengthen the hair and reduce hair loss.
Home and Garden: A strong insect repellent for textiles. Used in pomanders, pot pourri.
Other: Added to tobacco to flavour cigarettes in Indonesia and India
Caution: Constant use of the oil on the gums can cause inflammation
The Indigenous Page
Uit Letitia se tuin:
Ek het vanoggend deur my tuin gestap opsoek na inspirasie, watter inheemse krui het die aanslag van die ryp oorleef? My eens vrolike tuin is nou net skakerings van bruin en grys – geen inspirasie, tot my oë op die vaal “feetjie vlerke” blare van die wildeals val.
Wat kan meer gepas vir die winter en vir ons tema van natuurlike huishoudelike produkte wees?
Would you like some herbal remedies for pets next month or should we move to herbal pesticides?
Have look at the revamped
www.healthyliving-
Very user friendly, lots of info and fun graphics – well done Doug & Louis
Do not miss the next Indiginous Bulb meeting (30 June -
I’ve been to the Tulbaghia and Crinum talk and it is really worthwhile
I am starting with a new practical course on the 16th of June – come and join in the fun, learn how to design your own herb garden, grow your herbs organically and to harvest and use these amazing plants.
Letitia
016 362 0754
letitiabez@xsinet.co.za
Artemisia Afra
African Wormwood, Wild Wormwood (English); Wildeals, Alsemkruid
(Afrikaans), umhlonyane (Xhosa); mhlonyane (Zulu); lengana (Sotho,Tswana); zengana (S.Sotho)
Family: Asteraceae
World-
Cultivation: Fast-
Medicinal uses: The roots, stems and leaves are taken as enemas, poultices, infusions, body washes, lotions, smoked, snuffed or drunk as a tea.
An infusion of the leaves is taken for coughs, colds, flu, bronchitis, headaches, flatulence, indigestion, constipation, and used as a wash for healing wounds.
For asthma and other bronchial disorders an infusion is made, or the dried leaves are burnt and the smoke inhaled, or a snuff is used.
A strong decoction or enema is taken for intestinal worms. It is also used as a blood purifier for acne and boils, for gout and for diabetes.
A syrup can be made for respiratory ailments.
Fresh leaves are inserted into the nostril for headaches and colds.
African wormwood oil has been shown to be a very effective anti-
For malaria treatment 1 cup of tea 3 times daily. For malaria prevention 1 cup taken at night continuously and before entering malaria area
Traditional Medicinal uses:
In the Transkei wilde-
A poultice made from warmed leaves is used by the Tswana and Venda to treat pimples, boils, mumps and sprains.
Normally the aerial parts are used, although in East Africa a decoction of the root is used for intestinal worms, and in Zimbabwe roots are used for pneumonia.
For headaches – bruised branches were sprinkled with buchu vinegar and placed on forehead.
Other uses: A not so common use is to place leaves in socks for sweaty feet (Watt
& Breyer-
Used in antiseptic soaps.
Wilde als will help keep pests away if used as a hedge around vegetable gardens. Used in natural insecticide sprays and as a moth repellent
Cautions: Do not use during pregnancy or if breastfeeding.
Do not use if you have inflammation of the kidneys.
Habitual and excessive use can cause restlessness, nightmares, vomiting, vertigo, convulsions, and in extreme cases brain damage.
A related species, Wormwood, Artemisia absinthium, is the main active ingredient of the spirit liqueur Absinthe.
Absinthe was the drug of inspiration for painters like Vincent Van Gogh, Edouard Manet, Pablo Picasso, and Paul Gauguin, and the authors Ernest Hemingway, Jack London and Oscar Wilde amongst others. The production of absinthe was banned in France in 1915 as it was discovered that the active ingredient, thujone, was highly addictive.
The recipe page
Chai Tea
There are many variations of the recipe for this warming tea. I prefer to drink just the spice mix, but it can also be added to black tea (e.g. Five Roses) or to Rooibos. You can also add milk, sugar or lemon.
3 Cloves
3 Cardamom pods
3 Black peppercorns
1 tsp dried ginger
2cm cinnamon stick
500ml boiling water
Add the spices to the boiling water and leave for 3-
Spring Clean Scouring Powder
1 c baking soda
1 c sea salt
½ c lemongrass
½ c lavender
flowers
10 drops lemon, lime, or grapefruit essential oil
Combine all ingredients in
a blender or food processor and pulse until they become a powder.
Carpet Freshener
½ c corn starch
½ c baking soda
¼ c lemongrass
¼ c lemon peel
6 drops
grapefruit essential oil
4 drops lemongrass essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse until they become a powder. Transfer
into a mixing bowl and stir occasionally until completely dry. Sprinkle onto carpet
and let sit 15 minutes before vacuuming
Four Thieves Vinegar
There is a story about four thieves who made a herbal vinegar during the great plague in France. The vinegar was such a strong disinfectant that the thieves could rob the dead without fear of getting ill and dying themselves. They became very rich, but were eventually caught and given a merciful death in return for the recipe.
Although it is no longer used for the original purpose, it is an excellent disinfectant to use around the house!
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp dried rosemary
2 tsp dried peppermint
2 tsp dried sage
2 tsp dried garlic
1 litre apple cider vinegar
Place all ingredients into a glass jar. Seal well and leave on a sunny windowsill for 3 weeks.
Strain and bottle.
Wilde als moth repellent (1)
2 parts lavender
2 parts southernwood
1 part rosemary
1 part wilde als
Add 1 tbsp ground cloves to each 2 cups of dried herbs and mix well.
Wilde als moth repellent (2)
In a large bowl combine the following dried herbs:
30 g wilde als
120 g lavender
flowers
60g rosemary leaves
Handful of cedar shavings
Then add:
30 drops of lavender oil
5 drops of rosemary oil
5 drops of vetiver oil
Toss the essential oils gently with dried herbs. Fill sachets or a bowl with the mixture and place in your closet, wardrobe or drawers.
Pain Relief Salve
1 tablespoon Chickweed powder
1 tablespoon Wilde als powder
10 drops
Tea Tree oil
600 ml Sweet Olive Oil
50g Beeswax
Mix together chickweed, wormwood powder,
add the mixed herbs to sweet olive oil and simmer 3 hours. Strain and add melted
beeswax and Tea Tree Oil. Pour into salve containers.
Kleinplasie Museum, Worcester – Kruie op Witblits
Asthma
2 Bottles brandewijn
1 lb. droge fyge
1 goeie gryp als
1 handfol timi
do marslyn
1 lb swart gestampte tesuiker
Doet dit alles tesame in ‘n skottel, roer goed om, steek aan die brand en roer om zodat dit goed uitbrand, as dit koud is, giit dit deur ‘n dun doek en neem een telepel fol drie of fiir maak op ‘n dag. (Dykman)
“Nog nie probeer nie – maar klink dit nie te ou-
Hot Buttered Rum
An old English recipe for colds and chills
Put 1 tsp brown sugar in a mug with a pinch of ground cloves and a dab of butter, add a jigger of rum and fill with boiling water. Stir with a cinnamon stick, and drink whilst hot.
From Sharon’s Garden
What a busy month! Spring is just around the corner, so I have been planting seedlings, ready to put into the garden when the last danger of frost has passed. We have also been harvesting loads of veggies from the new garden, spinach, carrots, leeks and peas, among others. All delicious and all organic!
We have also started a brand new ‘Gluten Free’ range of breads, muffins and cakes. By next month there will be shops stocking our products. Details will be on the website
I have done two talks during the month and met some really lovely people. One for a garden club who came here, and one for the Christian Women’s Connection at Lifestyle. Did you know that we do talks for outside groups and clubs? So if you every need a ‘herby’ talk, contact one of us!
The next herb course will start in Muldersdrift on Saturday, 6 October, so book your place if you want to attend. We still do not have enough people for a weekday course, so if that would suit you better, let me know and perhaps we can get a group together.
And lastly, Grow wild has a lovely display of edible indigenous plants, which is well worth looking at, so if you are in their area, pop in and have a look. Their address is 102 Dunmaglass Road, Glenferness Kyalami Midrand.
Have a good month, Sharon
Herb of the Month
Mint
Mentha species
There are more than 600 species of mint, and because they hybridise so easily, new varieties are always being introduced. Peppermint and Spearmint are probably the best known and therefore the most commonly used, but I have found that I prefer the indigenous Wild Mint (M. longifolia), especially in salads, teas and drinks. It is not as strong as peppermint and the smell is a lot gentler than spearmint. All mints, with the exception of Pennyroyal (M. pulegium), can be used for cooking, so try them and see what appeals to you.
Some of the easily available mints are peppermint, spearmint, wild mint, pineapple, chocolate, ginger and eau de cologne.
In Greek mythology, Minthe was a nymph loved by Pluto. His jealous wife found out and, like many of the nymphs loved by gods, she was turned into a sweet smelling plant to protect her from his wife’s wrath.
Mint has been used throughout the world, for hundreds of years, by many cultures. Due to its strong, sweet smell it was prized as a strewing herb, not only in homes, but also in Churches. In Italy it still known as Erba Santa Maria in reference to this practice.
It is one of the herbs that has many uses, making it worth while to grow. Just remember that all mints are extremely invasive. It is best to grow it in a pot, or contain it somehow in the ground. Even if it is in a pot, be sure to lift the pot occasionally and cut of the runners shooting out of the pot base. Mint makes a good groundcover and prevents weeds from growing, so
it can also be planted in a bed with trees, shrubs, or roses, as long as you don’t want to grow smaller plants there.
Cultivation: Easy to grow but they are invasive. They do best with lots of water and some shade during the day, although the tougher varieties will grow in full sun as long as they get enough water. They are perfect for planting under the garden tap. Propagate from a root runner.
Culinary: Mint can be added to most dishes, sweet or savoury. It goes very well with most fruits, and can also be added to many vegetables. Tear up small leaves and add to salads. Mint is also well known as an addition to punches, liqueurs and cocktails. It goes very well with chocolate
Beauty and Bath: Helps to clear skin impurities and reduce large pores. Peppermint is excellent to use as footbath for tired and aching feet. Mints all make a good hair rinse for oily hair and will alleviate dandruff. All mints are breath fresheners.
Medicinal: For colds and flu, nausea, indigestion, colic and flatulence, take an infusion. A compress held to the forehead will help alleviate headaches. For stuffy noses use as a steam inhalation. Use in an oil massage for arthritis and rheumatic pains
House and garden: Spearmint acts as a deterrent to mice. Most species can be used as repellents for fleas and ants. Grow close to roses or vegetables to deter aphids. Use in herbal disinfectants and household cleansers
Caution: Do not use in the first trimester of pregnancy. Do not give internally to young children
The Indigenous Page
Uit Letitia se tuin:
My neus kriewel en ek ruik reën – o waar is jy o wonderlike lente? Ek kan nie meer wag nie en met die hulp van geduldige Simon, het ek begin om die bruin en vaal uit my tuin te sny. Voel soos die prins in “Doringrosie” met vele prinsesse (Stevia, Melissa, Echinacea, ens) wat stadig ontwaak. Laat dit asb NIE in September sneeu of iets nie!
HAOSA reël ‘n praatjie deur Mariana van Wyk (Ben-
Letitia
016 362 0754
letitiabez@xsinet.co.za
Geranium Herbal Infusion
¼ cup of fresh leaves
1 cup of boiling water.
Allow to draw for 10 minutes, then strain and drink warm
· To expelling worms:
first thing in the morning, every morning for 10 days. (This is also used for dogs and cats, mixed into their food and as drinking water).
· As an anthelmintic:
one teacupful is taken once daily, on an empty stomach, for 10 days.
· For the relief of diarrhoea, bladder infection or colic:
one teacupful three times daily. If symptoms persist for more than three days, alternative treatment should be sought.
· For dysmenorrhoea:
one teacupful three times daily for 2-
Geranium Incanum
Carpet Geranium, Bergtee, marabossie, Horlosies, Vrouetee, (Afrikaans); Tlhako ngope-
Family Geraniaceae (Geranium Family) A large family with about 700 species falling
into 11 genera which include Geranium, Pelargonium, Monsonia, Sarcocaulon and Erodium.
The
carpet geranium is an ideal border plant. It spreads and forms a dense carpet approximately
300mm thick is very attractive when allowed to trail over retaining walls or hanging
baskets. It flowers almost all year round with a peak during the summer months.
It has finely divided leaves which give it a soft texture in the garden. It can
be grown in full sun or semi-
Cultivation: It grows easily in full sun to semi shade and well drained soil, although it does flower better and form a tighter carpet in full sun. It is propagated from runners or seed and also self seeds easily.
Action: Antiseptic, astringent, anti-
Medicinal uses: Traditionally used as a Women’s herb, for:
· Menstrual related ailments
· to expel afterbirth
· to start milk flow
· gynecological problems
Infusions are taken for bladder infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and diarrhoea. Also used to ease cystitis, colic, fever, and bronchitis
Culinary: Use as a tea substitute. Flowers can be added to salads. The flowers are edible and can be used to decorate salads and fruit salads. One can crystallize them like violets and use to decorate cakes and puddings.
Cosmetic: Rinse for hair that gets oily very quickly
Scalp treatment for dandruff, flaky scalp, psoriases of the scalp
Lotion for washing itchy, dry skin
Cautions: It is a diuretic and care should be taken to avoid dehydration if taking it for diarrhoea
What’s in a name?
The word Geranium comes from the greek “geranos” which refers to a crane as the
elongated seed capsule resembles a stork’s bill. The specific name makes reference
to a pale greyish-
Recipe Page
Shampoo for dandruff and scalp stimulation
This fragrant and stimulating shampoo prevents dandruff and promotes hair growth.
To make the infusion, take 1 cup of each of the following, bring to the boil in
2 cups of water and simmer until reduced by half:
Stinging Nettle
Mint – any one
Rosemary
(chamomile if you have fair hair)
fennel (optional, but will add a 'conditioner'
type quality to the shampoo)
Take them off the heat and leave to steep at least 2
hours.
Strain and bottle.
Meanwhile, make the shampoo base: take 2 handfuls of soapwort
and pour over 1-
cups water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
Turn off the heat, cover
it and let it steep until cool, then strain and bottle
Mix 1 part herbal infusion
with 1 part shampoo base, pour into a bottle and leave overnight. Your shampoo is
now ready to use.
This must e stored in the fridge and will last for 1 week.
Shake well before each use.
Geranium Hair Rinse
1 cup boiling water
1 tsp. dried Geranium
Pour the water over the geranium leaves; steep until it cools a bit. Strain. When
used regularly, this hair rinse will help to maintain the health of the scalp and
keeps the hair soft and gives it a silky sheen. It helps reduce the build-
Orange-
Either version of this vinegar is good with fruits, lamb, duck, chicken, pork and
salads.
Sprinkle a little vinegar on meat while it is roasting or use a little in
gravies.
This vinegar can also be used as the basis for a very good salad dressing.
1 cup finely chopped, mint leaves
zest of 2 large oranges
2 cups vinegar (white)
Optional:
1/3 cup sugar for a sweet vinegar
1. Put mint and orange zest in a jar and fill with
vinegar. Seal jar tightly and let it stand 2-
2. Shake from time to time. Strain and rebottle for use.
(For a sweet vinegar: add
sugar to strained vinegar in a
saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil
gently for 1 minute. Cool and bottle.)
Basic Toothpaste
1/2 cup of baking soda, (whitens teeth)
1/4 cup of fine sea salt,
(polishes teeth and tightens gums)
1 teaspoon of myrrh powder (fights germs)
10 drops
of peppermint essential oil (refreshes and deodorises)
Combine the ingredients and
store in a tightly covered container.
To use: scoop about 1 teaspoon of the tooth
powder into a shallow dish. Wet your toothbrush, dip it into the powder, and then
brush your teeth and rinse as usual.
Geranium, Nettle & Rosemary Shampoo
For dandruff
15g Fresh Rosemary
15g fresh Geranium leaves
10g well washed stinging nettle root
5 drops tea tree oil
20g soft soap
100ml Methylated alcohol
350ml water
Mix everything into a jar and shake well.
Leave for 2 weeks, shaking daily. Strain into clean bottle
Use 2-
Candied Flowers
Pick the flowers you want to candy. Very, very gently rinse them with water, then set them aside to dry on a towel.
Make a syrup by boiling 2/3 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water.
Boil the mixture about 5 -
Using a fork or tongs, dip each flower into the syrup. Gently shake off the excess. Set flowers on a cookie sheet covered with waxed paper.
With a toothpick, straighten out any folded or bent petals.
Let flowers dry in a warm place out in the sun.
Store them in a tin until ready to use.
From Sharon’s Garden
Can you believe that I heard someone say they had had enough of this rain? I think it is wonderful and so does my garden – which has suddenly burst into flower!
This has been another busy month, and I made my debut on TV – only 3 minutes on Rights and Recourse, but you’ve got to start somewhere!!
It is nearly time for the annual Herb Happening, which is held at Doonholm Nursery in Midrand (details on last page). It is a wonderful show to visit and you can pick up loads of tips, herb information, plants and all sorts of herb goodies. I am also giving a talk this year, about cleaning the green way – no more chemicals in your houses please!!
The new herb course is starting on Saturday 6th October, so if you still want to attend, let me know. If you have already done the course but perhaps missed a module or would like to repeat one, you are welcome to do so, as long as you let me know.
And…eventually, I am doing the ever popular liqueur course on 20th October – just in time for Christmas gifts. Contact me to book.
Have a great month,
Sharon
Herb of the Month
Wild Strawberry
Fragaria vesca
This pretty plant is fairly common in gardens as it makes a lovely groundcover, but did you know it is also a valuable herb? Contrary to what many of us were told as children, the berries are not poisonous. I personally think this was a tale concocted to stop us destroying the garden!
The wild strawberry is from the same family as the fruit that we know, and it can be put to the same uses in the kitchen. They are not as sweet as strawberries, but do give a good flavour to salads and also to stir fries, or other quickly cooked foods. As a desert, they can be combined with other fruits, but I find they are best if they are made into a syrup, or stewed with apples for a pie filling.
Wild strawberries have been used for generations as a beauty product. They are reputed to be able to whiten the skin and lighten freckles. To do this a face pack of the fresh berries must be applied daily until the skin is lightened. I cannot guarantee that this will work, as I do not know anyone who has tried it, but your skin texture will definitely be improved – even if it is still freckled!
It does, however, work as a tooth whitener (so do common strawberries), and is especially
good for removing red wine stains. Simply rub the cut strawberry over the teeth
and leave it on for about 5 minutes. Rinse with warm water -
Medicinally the fruit, root and leaves are used.
The leaves are made into an infusion for stomach upsets, and the fruit and leaves are both good remedies for people recovering from liver disorders such as hepatitis. The berries also have wound healing properties, and are a traditional remedy for sunburn and acne. In face the renowned herbalist, John Gerard (1597) wrote ‘..and take away, if they are often used, the redness and heate of the face’.
In Europe a tonic wine is made by steeping fresh berries in a bottle of wine for three weeks.
Cultivation: Grows easily in most conditions, although it does prefer some shade from the midday sun. Growing it under, or between other plants is usually sufficient protection. Propagate from runners.
Culinary: The berries make a good addition to salads and stir fries. You can make a syrup to pour over ice cream or make jam, juice or liqueurs. The leaves make a pleasant tea.
Beauty and Bath: Use as a facial steam, face pack or astringent for oily skin or acne. The juice of the berries is used to lighten skin and fade freckles. The fresh berries can be rubbed onto the teeth to remove stains. Leave on the teeth for 5 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Medicinal: The leaf is used as a tonic for the kidneys, diarrhoea and other gastric and urinary infections.
The berries are taken internally to treat gout, as a mild laxative and used as an iron supplement
House and garden: Decorative ground cover. The leaf is sometimes used in pot pourri.
The Indigenous Page
Uit Letitia se tuin
Die reën is wonderlik!!! Dit is ongelooflik hoe vinnig die plante herstel. Net so vinnig vlieg die tyd, ek is al besig om Kersgeskenke te maak! Onthou van die likeurs moet ‘n paar weke “trek”. Hou ons webbladsy dop vir die volgende “Liqueur Workshop”
Letitia
016 362 0754
letitiabez@xsinet.co.za
What is in a name?
Derivation of Name: Leonotis = from the Greek "leon" meaning lion and "otis" meaning ear, alluding to the resemblance of the corolla to a lions's ear
Utshwalabenyoni literally means ‘bird’s beer’ (utshwala – beer and benyoni – of the bird) and refers to the sunbirds which drink nectar from the flowers
Leonotis medicinal infusion
by Mathia Schwegler
For snakebites, scorpion, bee and wasp stings, cramp and leg pain.
add four cups of leaves, stems, seeds and flowers to two litres of boiling water, stand for 20 minutes and strain
Wild dagga
Leonotis leonurus
Lion’s tail, Lion’s ear; lebake (Sotho); Utshwalabenyoni, Imunyamunya, Imunyane (Zulu); Umfincafincane (Xhosa); mhlahlampetu (Shona) Duiwelstabak, Koppiesdagge, Wildedagga (Afrikaans)
Family Labiatae / Lamiciacea
Of the about thirty species in the genus Leonotis, only one other, L. nepetifolia (Klip Dagga), shares the entheogenic properties of L. leonurus.
The main difference between the species is that “klipdagga” grows very fast under good conditions and is killed by frost. Its flowers sprout from a round prickly ball and has heart shaped leaves. "Wild dagga" has narrower leaves, tends to be more perennial and has more attractive balls of flowers.
Cultivation: The seeds germinate easily in spring in a sunny position. The plant dies down in winter and recovers again in spring.
Medicinal uses: Useful as a calming tea. Despite its name it is only mildly narcotic and has been smoked for the relief of epilepsy.
Decoctions are used for coughs, colds and influenza, also bronchitis, high blood pressure and headaches.
Cold water infusions of pounded leaves are drawn into nostrils to relieve feverish headaches.
A tea has been used effectively for the treatment of jaundice, cardiac asthma, viral hepatitis, chest ailments, bronchitis and epilepsy.
Externally, decoctions have been applied to treat boils, eczema, skin diseases, itching and muscular cramps.
Reported to be used for "partial paralysis", to help menstrual flow, for indigestion and also used for diabetes.
In 1992, Wild Dagga was shown to reduce breast tumours in mice.
Cosmetic: An infusion of leaves and flowers can be drunk daily for water retention and obesity.
Externally, decoctions have been applied to treat boils, eczema, skin diseases and itching
Other Uses: Pounded roots and leaves are added to drinking water to prevent sickness in poultry and are also used for gall sickness in cattle.
Use to attract sunbirds to your garden.
Make a beautiful display in any garden.
Traditional uses: It was first used by the Khoikhoi as a tobacco and euphoriant. They made an infusion of the twigs, leaves and flowers for skin eruptions, including leprosy.
The Zulu and Xhosa make a strong brew of the leaves and use as poultice for snakebites
Plant
infusion used as digestive aid or nerve tonic by the Iroquois.
The Zulu people sprinkle a concoction of the plant around their houses to keep snakes away.
The leaves are soaked in warm water and used as an enema on a newly born baby to remove food that the baby absorbed while in the womb.
Cautions: This plant is rumoured to be mildly addictive.
Do not use in pregnancy – it may cause abortion
The leaves are said to cause bowel movement. Start with small doses first, then increase slowly to the full dosage.
The Recipe page
Wild Dagga Ointment
To treat boils, eczema, skin diseases and itching
Fill an enamel saucepan with crushed fresh Wild Dagga leaves and cover then with white wine vinegar.
Cover the pan and simmer over a low heat for about one hour.
Strain off the vinegar and discard the leaves.
Repeat the process, using a fresh lot of leaves and the same vinegar.
When the vinegar is cold add sufficient thick honey to the vinegar to make a soft ointment.
Apply to the affected areas, leaving on for at least one hour.
Wipe off and repeat if necessary.
Leonotis soothing tea
by Mathia Schwegler
Add one quarter cup of fresh flowers to one cup of boiling water, stand, steep for five minutes and strain, sweeten with honey if desired.
Soothing for coughs and colds, asthma and bronchitis. Also for jaundice
Bath salts for skin problems
1 cup Epsom Salt
2 cups Course Sea Salt
½ cup dried Wilde Dagga leaves
5 drops Lavender essential oil
Mix and store in airtight container.
Use a handful in bath water
Wild Strawberries & Angelica Syrup
2 cups strawberries, washed
1 tbsp fresh angelica stem, finely chopped
250ml water
500ml sugar
Combine the sugar, angelica and water in a pot and heat gently, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes, until the liquid becomes syrupy.
Add the strawberries and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve hot or cold with ice cream
Strawberry & Mint Bread
An unusual bread, but it goes well with a salad with some bitter herbs in it, such as rocket, mustard greens etc. You can also use it with a sharp cheese, or of course, with jam. The yoghurt can be changed to another flavour, or even to plain yoghurt and you can add more herbs
225g wholemeal flour
225g plain flour
1 tsp bicarb
50g butter
175ml strawberry yoghurt
150ml milk
2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
Sift dry ingredients together
Rub in butter
Add yoghurt, milk and mint to make a stiff dough.
Shape into a ball and flatten slightly
Score top and bake at 200C for 30 minutes
Wild Strawberry Vinegar
This is a delicate vinegar suitable for milder tasting salads.
1 cup white wine vinegar
¼ cup wild strawberries
4 black peppercorns
1 sprig mint.
Combine everything in a clean glass jar and shake well.
Leave in a warm spot for 2 weeks and strain.
Decorate with fresh strawberries and mint leaves if required.
Wild Strawberry Cleansing Milk
This soothing lotion is suitable for oily or blemished skin. It must be kept in the fridge and used within three days.
½ cup fresh berries
¼ cup milk or yoghurt
Mash the strawberries and combine with the milk or yoghurt.
Apply to the face with cotton wool, wiping to cleanse the skin.
Air Freshener
Spring is here, so it’s time to clear out all of those musty winter smells. This room freshener is a great way to start
4 tbsp Sage
8 tbsp crumbled Bay leaves
225ml Witch Hazel
Mix all the ingredients into a jar, and leave covered in a dark place, for 3 days. Strain and pour in a spray bottle, use as necessary
From Sharon’s Garden
I am so sorry that this newsletter is now two weeks late, but this time the blame
can be placed at the feet of cable thieves and Telkom!! My cables were stolen on
22 October, and Telkom have told me that it will take 9-
On a lighter note, for those of you that went, wasn’t the Herb Happening wonderful this year? If you didn’t manage to get there, you should really try to go next year. There were loads of interesting herb talks, products, and herb plants (including lots of unusual, hard to get ones).
Lots of people have said they couldn’t make my talk on ‘Green Cleaning’ as it was
on Friday, so I will be running it as a ‘hands-
Several people have also asked me about a calendar which shows phases of the moon for their gardening needs. I use the Conscious Living Diary, which has all sorts of extra info too. If you are interested, it is available from
consciousliving@mweb.co.za
Have a great month,
Sharon
Herb of the Month
Hyssop
Hyssopsus officinalis
Hyssop is another herb that has been used for hundreds of years and is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible and in the writings of Pliny. It was regarded as the herbal symbol of purification from sin and was used in the cleansing of holy places. In fact the name Hyssopsus is derived from the Hebrew ezob, meaning holy herb.
Hyssop has always been associated with lepers, as they used to rub the herb onto their skins to cleanse themselves of their disease and to protect others from being infected. Research has since shown that a mould, which produces penicillin, grows on hyssop leaves explaining why hyssop was so effective.
The antibiotic effects are also well known to farm workers in the Mediterranean. Still today, injuries in the fields are treated with a poultice of crushed hyssop leaves and sugar to protect against tetanus and reduce swellings.
Hyssop is also extremely effective for respiratory ailments, especially those with excessive mucous, taken either as a syrup or as a strong infusion.
The Roman writer, Pliny, made a herbal liqueur using this herb, which was called hyssopites. This tradition carried over to the Benedictine monks, who used the herb extensively in their liqueur making. Today it is one of the herbs used in the secret recipe for Chartreuse.
The plant is a good addition to the garden as it enjoys full sun and is water wise. It is a small shrub growing to about 75cm and has long spikes of purple flowers. Sometimes a white or pink variety can be found
Cultivation: Hyssop needs s sandy, well drained soil, preferably in full sun. It grows easily from seed, stem or root cuttings or layering. The flowers can be harvested throughout the year
Culinary: The herb is fairly bitter, but can be used sparingly in meat casseroles. It goes particularly well with game. The flowers can be added to salads.
Beauty and Bath: It is an uplifting herb and can be added to bath water or vinegars. Hyssop is used extensively in the perfume industry.
Medicinal: Used for cuts and bruises to reduces swelling and prevent infection. Apply a poultice to heal black eyes. Take a syrup or infusion for chest ailments. Drink an infusion to aid digestion.
House and garden: Increases the yield of grape vines if planted close by. Hyssop attracts butterflies, especially the white cabbage butterfly, so plant in the vegetable garden to keep them away from cabbages.
Household: Use in herbal washes for the kitchen and bathroom
Cautions: Do not take in medicinal does is pregnant or suffering from epilepsy
‘Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean’
(Psalm 51 v.7)
Indigenous Page
Uit Letitia se tuin:
Die “Herb Happening” was ‘n reuse sukses! My werkswinkels met die kinders was ongelooflike pret (hopelik het hulle ook iets geleer). Dit was ‘n voorreg om Jekka McVicar te ontmoet – ek het hierdie naweek weer besef dat die kroon van die skepping WEL die mens is en hoe bevoorreg ek is om met so baie van julle aangeraking te kom. Dankie!
Letitia
016 362 0754
letitiabez@xsinet.co.za
What is in a name?
Devil’s claw derives its common name for the hook-
Devil’s claw
Harpogophytum procumbens
Grapple plant, Wood spider
Family: Pedaliaceae
Devil’s claw is an herbacious African perennial plant with bright red, trumpet-
Cultivation: The plant enjoys sandy soil and direct sun, and minimum temperatures of 41ø F. It must survive up to ten months of drought each year and, therefore, depends on a very deep root system. The underground tubers have the ability to store water that they need in order to survive the harsh desert climate. The tubers are removed during the plant’s dormant period.
Medicinal uses: Preparations was used to treat symptoms of dyspepsia (imperfect or painful digestion), fever, stomach upsets and rheumatic disorders.
Devil's Claw has been recommended for treating diabetes, hardening of the arteries,
lumbago, gastrointestinal disturbances, menstrual difficulties, neuralgia, headache,
heartburn and gout. An excellent remedy for arthritic and rheumatoid conditions,
liver, kidney, bladder complaints, blood disorders, allergies and general manifestations
of aging. Externally Devil’s claw root are applied to sores, ulcers, boils and skin
lesions. Current clinical investigations have shown devil's claw to exert potent
anti-
It can be combined with other anti-
a well travelled herb ….
Today Devils’ claw root is approved by Germany’s Commission E for loss of appetite, dyspepsia (indigestion), and supportive therapy of disorders of the locomotor system.
The British Pharmacopeia recognizes devil's claw as having anti-
It is now also cultivated in China, where it has been added to the list of traditional Chinese botanical medicines.
In 1992, French researchers proved the anti-
Traditional uses: African healers have used the tubers as a digestive tonic, for blood disorders, to reduce fever and as an analgesic. They also used it for cancer, intestinal disorders, fevers, menstrual and pregnancy problems. The Khoi used the herb for digestive problems, arthritis and rheumatism, to reduce fevers, and in ointments to treat sores, ulcers, and boils. The root was also used by African women to alleviate pain during pregnancy.
Cautions: Do not take if suffering from stomach or duodenal ulcers. In case of gallstones, consult a physician before using. Do not take during pregnancy
Recipe Page
Hyssop Vinegar
This refreshing vinegar can be used as an astringent, added to the bath water, or included in the final rinse water of hair.
Pack a clean jar with fresh flowering tops of hyssop.
Fill the jar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, covering the herb completely.
Leave in a warm place for 2-
Hyssop Syrup
Pour one cup of boiling water over one cup of fresh hyssop flowers. Leave to infuse for 15 minutes.
Strain into a pan and add one cup of sugar. Boil fast for 5 minutes until the liquid is syrupy. Pour into a clean, sterilised bottle.
Take 1 tsp 3 times a day.
Devil’s Claw tea
Pour 250 ml of boiling water over 4.5 grams (1 teaspoon) of finely chopped devils’ claw root. Let sit covered overnight. Strain and drink the next day
Use Devil’s claw root products as directed.
In cases of arthritis, Use Devil’s claw root for at least 2-
Lentil, Feta & Pear Salad
1 cup cooked lentils (any kind)
¼ cup lime (or lemon ) juice
2 Tbsp honey
1 tsp freshly grated ginger root
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 pears, chopped and tossed in lemon juice
1 bunch watercress or coriander
½ cup feta cheese
2 Tbsp chopped pecan nuts
Salt & pepper to taste
Whisk together the lime juice, honey, olive oil and ginger.
Pour the liquid over the lentils and leave for at least ½ hour.
Mix the lentils with the other ingredients and serve at room temperature.
Arthritis tea
ONE-
½ to 1 tsp dried devil's claw (crushed)
1 tsp celery seed
1 cup boiling spring water
Boil the herbs in the spring water for 15 minutes. Strain.
Drink 2 cups per day.
Keep it up for at least a month
Carrot Spread
This unlikely combination is really very good. Serve it on pita, naan or other flat breads or with potato wedges, chips etc.
½ kg carrots
100g pitted olives, finely chopped
2-
1 tsp harissa (curry paste works too)
1 Tbsp lemon juice
Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Cook the carrots until soft and then puree or mash them. Combine all ingredients together and season with salt and pepper.
Poached Egg & Rocket Salad
Summer is here so it’s time for salads again! This is my current favourite Rocket is really good at the moment but you can also use any other herbs with a ‘bite’. You could try dandelion, mustard greens, sorrel, watercress or a combination.
As with any salad you can add or subtract ingredients as you want to.
A few lettuce leaves
Handful of rocket leaves
Chives, snipped
1 sun-
1 egg
Shaved parmesan
Oil & vinegar dressing
Croutons (optional)
Salt & pepper
Mix the lettuce, rocket leaves,
sun-
Poach the egg: to do this, bring a pan of water to the boil. Add 1 tsp vinegar.
Crack the egg into a large spoon and slowly slide it into the boiling water. (You can also cheat and keep it on the spoon for about half a minute so it keeps its shape) Cook for 4 minutes for a soft egg, about
6 minutes for a hard one.
Place the egg onto the greens and shave thin slices of parmesan cheese on top.
Pour over the dressing, season and add croutons if using.
Eat immediately.
From Sharon’s Garden
First of all, I am sorry, but I gave out the old email address for the Conscious Living Diary. The new address is diary@fearlessenergy.com. They still have some stock, so please contact them if you would like to order one.
We have introduced lots of new items into our range, including biscuits, seeds and preserves plus an animal range. My son is making herbal dog biscuits and one of my daughters is making cat biscuits (apparently siblings can’t be partners!) They are available from both Barefoot Herbs shops, and also from the new pet shop at Heathway Shopping Centre in Blackheath and Peter’s Gate in Mooi River.
Some people have been requesting the newsletter but they do not have email. If you know anybody in the same situation, they can send stamped addressed envelopes to me and I will send a hard copy.
The postal address is:
P.O. Box 4109,
Honeydew, 2040
That’s it for this year!
Have a wonderful Christmas and drive carefully
Sharon
Herb of the Month
Soapwort
Saponaria officinalis
Soapwort, commonly known as Bouncing Bet or Crow’s Soap, is a very common plant and has been cultivated for gardens for more than 400 years. It is highly invasive and virtually impossible to get rid of; so if you have ever had it in your garden, it is probably still there! But, instead of cursing it and trying to get rid of it, why don’t you start to use it?
It has very pretty pink flowers which are borne on flower stems growing up to 70cm tall. They have a lovely smell, a bit like raspberry ice cream and a bit like cloves.
As the name suggests, soapwort leaves and roots contain a soapy sap called saporina. This soap is very gentle and ideal for washing the skin and hair, especially for sensitive skin conditions such as eczema. Because it is so gentle, it is used for washing antique fabrics, and is used by the British Museum for cleaning old tapestries.
As I said, it is invasive and it also tends to choke other plants around it, but I have planted it in a bed with agapanthus and they each seem to be strong enough to survive together! It also looks really beautiful with the pink and blue together.
Cultivation: Very easily grown from a root cutting. It is very invasive, so don’t plant it unless you will use it. It grows in full sun or semi shade and prefers a fertile moist soil. It will grow with less water, but tends to become straggly.
Culinary: It has been used to produce a frothy head on beer and sometimes added to salads, but it is poisonous if taken internally, so this is not recommended.
Beauty and Bath: A natural, gentle soap which can be used for the face and body, plus for the hair.
Medicinal: Used as a natural cleaning agent for skin diseases such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, itchy, chapped skin and skin allergies.
Household: Use for washing old, delicate fabrics, silk, cashmere and woolens.
Caution: Poisonous if taken internally
The Indigenous Page
Uit Letitia se tuin:
Dankie vir al die e-
Ek is oor die hond se stert met my e-
Mag julle ‘n wonderlike, geseënde Feesseisoen hê, en waar julle ook heen reis, kom ‘seblief veilig tuis.
Letitia
016 362 0754
letitiabez@xsinet.co.za
.
Magickal Value:
It is a floral essence for the cleaning of the dawn and atmospheres of negative energies.
Incense Recipe
Nine Herbs
Fennel 1/4 Tsp.
Chamomile 1/2 Tsp.
Thyme 1/2 Tsp.
Wormwood 1/4 Tsp.
Ginger Bush 1/4 Tsp.
Wood
Betony 1/2 Tsp.
Plantain 1/4 Tsp.
Nettle 1/4 Tsp.
Elder 1/4 Tsp.
Water 1 1/4 Tsp.
Mix ingredients in a mortar and pestle.
Crush. Add water.
Roll into cones or sticks
or allow
to dry and break up into chunks.
Burn chunks in a heat proof
incense censor
over a self
lighting charcoal briquette
Ginger Bush
Tetradenia riparia
Nutmeg Bush, Misty Plume Bush, (English); Gemmerbos, Watersalie (Afrikaans); iboza, ibozane (Zulu), Kyewamala (Luganda), Mochasma
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
A tall, aromatic shrub (can reach up to 4m) and is no relation of the true ginger plant of which the underground stem is commonly used It has bright green, velvety leaves which are slightly heart shaped and 8 – 13 cm long. The margin irregularly and bluntly toothed and are slightly sticky to the touch.
Cultivation: The ginger bush prefers light, well-
Best propagated from cuttings in spring.
Medicinal uses: Used as a traditional remedy for respiratory problems, such as asthma, coughs, colds, flu, sore throat and mouth ulcers.
Infusions are use to treat stomach cramps, fever, diarrhoea, dropsy, headache, toothache, angina pectoris, swollen legs and as an antiseptic.
Moderate anti-
Home and garden use: A decorative garden plant. The flowers attract insects (associated
with a moth (Trichoplusia molybdina) of the predominately night-
The flowering stems do well in water for flower arranging.
Traditional uses: “Traditional Zulu uses of the leaves are mainly for respiratory
complaints, malaria, dengue fever, flu, and diarrhoea, and also as an inhalant for
headaches. Research has shown that iboza has antibacterial and anti-
Kyewamala (Luganda) -
Cautions: Toxic reactions resulting from overdose have been reported.
What is in a name?
Tetradenia -
riparia -
Recipe page
Using Soapwort
Try any of the following recipes and see which one works best for you. They can all be used to wash skin, hair, fabrics and wool. You should preferably use rain water for an even gentler soap.
Basic Soapwort Wash
Boil one cup of soapwort roots and leaves in 3 cups of water. Strain and use
Soapwort Liquid
Pour 2 cups of boiling water over 6 cups finely chopped soapwort leaves and roots
Leave until lukewarm and then mash with a potato masher until the liquid is frothy. Strain into another bowl and discard the leaves.
Soapwort Wash
Boil together 2 cups chopped soapwort leaves and root and 4 cups water for 30 minutes.
Strain
Soapwort and Chamomile Shampoo
½ cup dried chamomile flowers
½ cup dried soapwort root
Crush together and place in a sealed container.
To use: infuse 2 Tbsp in 2 cups boiling water and leave overnight.
Strain and use as a shampoo.
It does not lather like a normal shampoo, but produces a soapy liquid which cleans the hair extremely well and leaves it very soft.
Soapwort and Herb Shampoo
This shampoo does not lather much, but is does clean well.
½ cup soapwort leaves and roots
½ cup herb (see below)
2 cups boiling water
Pour the water over the chopped herb and leave for 30 minutes.
Strain and use ½ cup to wash short to should length hair. More for longer.
Herbs for Hair
Dark hair: sage, rosemary, comfrey, thyme
Blonde hair: chamomile, lemon grass, lemon balm
Dry hair: burdock, comfrey, nettles, parsley
Greasy hair: lavender, mint, rosemary, yarrow
Dandruff: Nettles, parsley, rosemary, southernwood
Squash Carpaccio
This is an unusual recipe for a vegetarian Carpaccio. If you grow your own vegetables, you will probably have loads of patty pans and courgettes at the moment. This is particularly good if the squash is straight from the garden
2 patty pans
1 courgette
1 red onion
2 Tbsp fresh basil
½ Tbsp fresh parsley
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Fresh parmesan
Black pepper to taste
Thinly slice the squash and arrange on a flat plate
(with a mandolin is easiest)
Thinly slice the onion and place the rings on top of the squash.
Combine the olive oil, chopped herbs and lemon juice and pour over the squash and onion. Cut long thin strips of parmesan and place on top
Leave for 30 minutes for the flavours to blend together
Focaccia
This is the easiest recipe to make and tastes fantastic. Don’t be put off by the thought of using yeast – it really isn’t that difficult. Focaccia must be cooked in a hot, preheated oven. Using a baking stone will make the bread lighter
Dough
1 ¼ cups warm water
3 cups plain flour
½ tsp dry yeast
½ tsp salt
½ tsp sugar
1 Tbsp olive oil
Extras
1-
1 tbsp fresh rosemary
½ tsp coarse salt
1 finely chopped garlic clove (optional)
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Beat together all dough ingredients in a food mixer for 2 minutes. It will be wet and sticky and become elastic.
Cover the bowl and leave in a warm place for 2-
Preheat the oven to 250 C
Turn the dough onto a well floured surface and divide into two. Flatten each piece with your hands into 25cm rounds.
Dimple the top with your fingers. Brush on the extra olive oil and sprinkle with the rosemary, salt, garlic and parmesan cheese.
Transfer onto a baking tray or baking stone which has been sprinkled with mielie
meal and leave to rise for 10-
Place into the oven and bake for 10-
From Sharon’s Garden
I hope you all had a wonderful, relaxing Festive season, and that you are looking forward to a brilliant year. We have got lots of workshops and courses planned for you, and we are busy restocking the shops after the Christmas rush. In Muldersdrift I will be stocking far more herb plants than in the past, as well as the dried herbs and products.
As usual, I urge to you try the recipes, no matter how odd they seem! If you had too much to eat and drink over Christmas, your body would probably thank you for the Spring Tonic, and both nettles and purslane are cleansing herbs which can only be good for you!
Have a great month,
Sharon
Herb of the Month
Stinging Nettle
Urtica dioica
Originating in Europe, stinging nettles are now found in most countries of the world, especially in areas where there is damp soil.
Although nowadays they are considered a weed, they have been used for thousands of years as both a medicine and for making fabric. Bodies in Danish burial sites dating back to the Bronze Age were wrapped in nettle fabric shrouds. In the 18th century it was being used in Scotland to make bed sheets, and during World
War 1 it was used by the Germans when cotton was unavailable. During World War 2 it was used again, but this time for the dull green dye that it produces which was used for camouflage.
As a medicine it was used by Hippocrates for treating snake and scorpion bites and for internal poisonings caused by plants such as Henbane and Hemlock. The Roman soldiers used the fresh leaves to flail their cold skins because the sting of the herb warmed their skin. This is now known as urtication, which is still used as a treatment for relieving the pain of arthritis and gout.
Medicinal: Nettles are very rich in minerals, including iron, and Vitamins A, B and C, making them an effective tonic. The best way to take them as a tonic is to liquidise the whole plant. As an infusion nettles clear the body of uric acid, so can be used as a treatment for gout and
arthritis. They also increase milk flow for breast-
Culinary: The young leaves can be cooked like spinach or made into soup.
Beauty and Bath: Use a strong infusion to condition hair and treat dandruff. The have a reputation for preventing hair loss.
Household: Used in a spray to get rid of aphids. Makes a dull green dye. Feed to chickens to improve laying
Cultivation: Propagate from a root cutting or divide the clump. They prefer damp soil and some shade. They will grow in full sun if they have enough water. Harvest when flowering.
Caution: They do sting, so use gloves when harvesting. If you do get stung, use bulbine, dock or any other fleshy leaf to rub into the sting to relieve the pain.
There are more than 500 species of Urtica, a name derived from the Latin uro, to burn. The strongest sting comes from the Javense species, U. urentissima, whose sting is reported to last for up to one year
Letitia’s Page
Uit Letitia se tuin:
Mag 2008 vir julle almal ‘n jaar van seën in álle fasette van julle lewens wees.
My tuin het “bossies gegaan” – letterlik. Ek gaan vir die volgende paar maande op “onkruid” konsentreer. Hulle kan hulself net so tuis maak soos ons inheemse kruie. Dis verbasend die nut en gebruike van sommige van hierdie euwels
Letitia
016 362 0754
letitiabez@xsinet.co.za
Purslane
Portulaca oleraceae
Family: Portulacaceae.
World wide there are approximately 19 genera and approximately
500 species of purslane
Cultivation: The flowers are hermaphrodite (male and female organs are on the same
plant) and are pollinated by insects; the plant is self-
A single plant can
produce up to 52,300 seeds and these seeds can survive for up to 30 years in undisturbed
soil. It is able to tolerate poor, compacted soils and drought.
Medicinal uses: The juice is used against dry cough, inflammation and sores (topical).
It is listed as a treatment for parasites, a blood-
In Greek popular medicine, purslane is used as a remedy for constipation and inflammation of the urinary system
Recently, it's been found that purslane has alpha linolenic acid, a type of omega-
It is also used in the treatment of candida, vaginal discharges, lupus and fibromyalgia
Culinary uses: Contains more Omega-
It can be used fresh as a salad, or cooked like spinach, and it is also used for soups and stews.
Australian Aborigines used to use the seeds to make seedcakes. In Mexico it is eaten in omelettes, as a side dish, rolled in tortillas, or dropped by handfuls into soups and stews.
Cosmetic uses: Because of its soothing properties, it is regularly used in cosmetology. Can also be used in the treatment of the skin conditions, such as boils and sores, associated with diabetes. Other skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, or sunburn may also benefit from purslane.
In a combination mouthwash it demonstrated anti-
Home and garden use: Purslane is said to prevent diarrhoea when placed in animal feed. Been reported to be effective in treating hookworms and amoebic dysentery
What is in a name?
Purslane is also known as: Pigweed, Little Hogweed, Akulikuli-
Greek name and pronunciation: Glistritha, ãëéóôñßäá, pronounced ghlee-
Its name in Malawi translates as "buttocks of the chief's wife", possibly referring to the plants rounded leaves and juicy stems.
Recipe page
Pickled Purslane
1 litre purslane stems and leaves
3 garlic cloves, sliced
1 litre apple cider vinegar 10 peppercorns
Clean the purslane stems and leaves by rinsing with fresh water. Cut into 2 cm pieces and place in clean jars with lids. Add the spices and pour the vinegar over the purslane. Keep this in the refrigerator and wait at least two weeks before using. Serve as a side dish with omelettes and sandwiches.
Spring Tonic
There are many recipes for spring tonics. This is a simple one with easily available ingredients.
2 Tbsp young nettle tops
1 Tbsp fresh mint
1 Tbsp fresh borage leaves
1 Tbsp blackberry or raspberry leaves.
600ml boiling water.
Pour the boiling water over the chopped leaves and leave to infuse for 15 minutes.
Strain and take 100ml twice a day for three days
"I have made a satisfactory dinner off a dish of purslane which I gathered and boiled. Yet men have come to such a pass that they frequently starve, not from want of necessaries, but for want of luxuries."
-
Nettle Soup
100g young nettle leaves
4 Tbsp olive oil
60g butter
6 spring onions, finely chopped
150g potatoes, chopped
1 carrot, grated
2 -
1 bay leaf
1 l water
250ml plain yoghurt
Salt and pepper
Liquidise the nettle leaves with the olive oil.
Gently fry the onions in the butter until soft, but not brown.
Add the potatoes, celery, bay leaf, carrots and water and cook until the potatoes are soft.
Liquidise until smooth.
Return to the pan and add the nettle mixture, yoghurt and season to taste. Gently heat but don’t boil.
Serve with crusty bread or croutons.
Cucumber, Onion And Purslane Salad
MAKES 2 TO 3 CUPS OR SERVINGS
3 cucumbers
2 very small fresh onions, white or red
1 1/2 cups purslane
2 tablespoons chopped flat-
1 small garlic clove
Salt
2 tsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp extra-
If the skin of the cucumber is sweet and tender, leave it on. Otherwise, peel it.
Halve the cucumber lengthwise and scoop out the seeds; chop the cucumber into bite-
Wash the purslane in a few changes of water -
Pound the garlic with a few pinches salt until it's smooth, then add the vinegar and whisk in oil. Check the balance and adjust, if needed. Pour over the vegetables and toss well. Refrigerate for up to one hour before serving.
Nettle Beer
I haven’t tried this yet, but it looks interesting. If you make it let me know what it tastes like!
11 cups young nettle leaves
11 cups water
1 ¼ cups sugar
4 tsp cream of tartar
5 mint leaves
2 lemons
30g sliced fresh ginger
2 tsp orange rind, grated
20g fresh yeast
Boil the nettles in the water for 15 minutes.
Chop the lemon with the rind, crush the mint leaves and combine with the sugar, cream of tartar, ginger and orange rind.
Strain the nettles and pour the water over the lemon mixture.
Cool it to 37 C and then add the yeast. Stand in a warm place for 24 hours and then
skim, strain and pour into screw top bottles. Leave to stand for 2-
Taken from Herbs & Spices for all Seasoning – Anne Machanik
Purslane Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
6 cups cooked short pasta
3 cups fresh raw Purslane leaves
3 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1/2 cup minced green onions
Dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup vinegar
2 cloves garlic
pinch of salt
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp honey
2/3 cup fresh, chopped wild greens (or parsley)
Whiz everything together in a blender or food processor.
Combine cooled pasta, Purslane, cherry tomatoes, and onions in a salad bowl.
Add the dressing and let marinate for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Serve cold.
This recipe is endlessly variable. You can add chunks of cheese, olives, slices of pepperoni or anything else that you like in your pasta salad.
M. longifolia
M. piperata
M. spicata
From Sharon’s Garden
With this being Valentine’s month, how can I give you any herb but the rose? I also have some valentine goodies in the shop, including a few bottles of red rose liqueur (One of my customers said it is the best aphrodisiac he knows and has bought two bottles this year!).
Earlier this month I was bitten by a spider and had a very bad reaction; swelling
from head to toe, a very itchy rash and a headache. Although I did have to take
a course of cortisone, I don’t think I would have managed the rash and swelling without
herbs. Of course, chickweed was the best to relieve the itching. I used it 3 times
a day as a wash and then used my eczema cream which also contains it. To bring down
the swelling witch-
So on that note, have a wonderful month,
Sharon
Herb of the Month
Rose
Rosa sp
Everyone knows the rose -
Many of the ancient cultures used roses as medicine. In fact, the Dog Rose got its name from Pliny who prescribed it to cure the bite of a mad dog. Other uses have been for coughs, colds and fevers, menstrual disorders, depression, digestive ailments and extensively for treatment of the skin. Rosehips are extremely high in Vitamin C and should be taken from the Dog Rose. During World War 2 rose hips were used to prevent scurvy as it was difficult to import citrus fruit.
As a flower of love it also has a long history -
In the language of flowers, where every flower represents a sentiment or expression, the various colours of roses have different meanings.
Here are five of the most common ones:-
Red rose -
Pink rose – pure love; White rose – chastity; red & white together -
Medicinal: Dog rose, R. canina, used for diarrhoea, colic, coughs and colds. Rosehips are very high in Vitamin C. Damask rose, R. damascena, used for skin, stress and sluggish digestion. Japanese or Tomato rose, R. rugosa, and French rose, R.gallica, Combine with Motherwort or Lady’s mantle for heavy or painful menstruation.
Culinary: Rose petals can be used to flavour both sweet and savoury dishes, jams, liqueurs and syrups.
Beauty and Bath: Rose petals are used extensively in face and body creams, especially for fine and older skins. Rosewater makes a good toner. Use rosewater as an eye compress for tired and strained eyes.
Letitia’s page
Uit Letitia se tuin:
Ek het nie besef hoeveel belangstelling daar was in die inheemse kruie artikels nie. So jammer, volgende maand sal weer inheems wees. Ek is besig om my “culinary” tuin te verander, hou die webwerf dop vir fotos.
Letitia
016 362 0754
letitiabez@xsinet.co.za
Shepherd's Purse
Capsella bursa-
Family: Brassicaceae (mustard family)
A native of Europe, but is naturalized in almost every country of the world.
Cultivation: A single plant may produce a couple thousand seeds, and the seeds may remain viable for many years. So, to control this plant, pull it up before it goes to seed, and use mulch where possible, as the seeds remain dormant in the dark.
Medicinal uses: Externally, the bruised herb has been applied to bruised and strained parts and to rheumatic joints.
Also for relieving nosebleeds, superficial burns, and bleeding skin injuries.
Shepherd's purse appears to possess mild stimulating, astringent, and diuretic properties. Used in water retention due to kidney problems.
It works to remove catarrh of the urinary tract, which is indicated by mucus in the urine.
In Asian medicine, it's used for swelling and urinary tract infections.
It's a great herb as a treatment for varicose veins. It stimulates circulation but constricts blood vessels.
Traditionally used for treatment of headaches, hypo tension, nervous heart complaints, prolonged or painful menstrual periods, vomiting blood, blood in urine, diarrhoea, and acute catarrhal cystitis.
As an infusion it is still considered by herbalists one of the best specifics for
stopping haemorrhages of all kinds -
Shepherd's Purse was said to be the principal herb in the blue 'Electric Fluid' used by Count Matthei to control haemorrhage.
Menstrual tonic. (Induces or reduces flow.)
Taken alone or combined with yarrow, it will arrest heavy menstrual bleeding
Culinary uses: Add the young leaves to salads, or prepare like spinach. It contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, C, K, calcium, iron, niacin, phosphorus, potassium and rutin.
Use the dried seedpods as a peppery seasoning.
Home and garden use: Small birds are fond of the seeds and they form valuable food for all caged birds.
The seeds, aside from sticking to insects, are also reported to be toxic to mosquito larvae, and, when put in the water, may possibly help control mosquitoes.
What is in a name? Shepherd's Purse derived its name from the resemblance of its
flat seed-
The Irish name of Clappedepouch' refers to the begging of lepers, who stood at cross-
Also known as: Witch's pouches, Pickpocket, Pepper and Salt, Mother's heart, Shepherd's
Bag, Shepherd's Scrip, Shepherd's Sprout, Lady's Purse, Witches' Pouches, Rattle
Pouches, Case-
Recipe Page
Rose Punch
Combine one bottle of Rosé wine, a large handful of scented rose petals and ½ -
Rose Petal Vinegar
This is a lovely vinegar that can be used either in a salad dressing or in the bath – you can choose. If you use it as a salad dressing, use sunflower, grape or canola oil. Olive is too strong and masks the flavour.
Fill a clean glass jar with rose petals – they can be any colour as long as they are scented, but red will give a beautiful colour.
Cover the petals with white wine vinegar and leave for 2-
Strain into a clean bottle.
2300 kg of rose petals are needed to make 500ml of rose essential oil
Rose Petal Ice Cream
This is a delicious ice cream to make and it smells wonderful too. Another idea, which I cannot take credit for ( I think I saw it in the Food and Home) is to add 100g chopped Turkish Delight to the ice cream before freezing it. Served with a dark chocolate sauce it is a very decadent dessert.
1 litre good quality vanilla ice cream
6 Tbsp roughly torn rose petals (any colour, but best if they have a scent)
2 Tbsp rose water
100g Turkish Delight (optional)
Melt the ice cream slightly until it can be stirred with a spoon.
Add the rose water and rose petals (plus Turkish Delight if using)
Return to the freezer and freeze until hard again.
Rosewater & Bulbine Night Cream
This is a rich moisturizer so it is suitable for older skins or thin, delicate skins.
½ cup good quality olive oil
1 Tbsp wheat-
2 Tbsp bulbine gel
3 Tbsp grated beeswax
3 tbsp lanolin
4 Tbsp rosewater
Blend the oils and bulbine gel in a small bowl.
Melt the beeswax and lanolin in a double boiler. Remove from heat and slowly add the oils, stirring all the time.
Add the rosewater and continue stirring. Using either a whisk or wooden spoon, beat the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
Transfer into a clean jar.
Rose Petal Honey
Gently heat 1 cup of honey with 6 cups of scented rose petals for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and strain into a clean jar.
Rose Petal Sorbet
This is another really good recipe which looks very romantic if served in flute champagne glasses layered with tiny white or pink meringues and either fresh or crystallised pink or red rose petals.
225g castor sugar
450ml cold water
600ml red or pink scented rose petals
½ tsp lemon juice
Dissolve the sugar in the water in a pot, stirring all the time. Bring to the boil and heat on a fast simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from the hat and add the rose petals. Leave for 2 hours.
Strain into a clean bowl and add the lemon juice
Freeze either in an ice cream maker or in the freezer, whisking every ½ hour, while you are still able, to ensure the sorbet is smooth
Honey & Rose Oil Mask for Older Skins
Rose essential oil is extremely expensive, but it is very effective in this mask. You can substitute
2 Tbsp rosewater instead, but it is not as effective.
2 Tbsp honey
2 tsp almond oil
5 drops rose essential oil
Combine all ingredients and apply to the face and neck, gently massaging it in with the fingers.
Leave on for 15 minutes while you relax.
Rinse off with tepid water and pat dry.
