It’s November and the month of Thanksgiving. With much gratitude for a very useful plant, I thought I’d write about an herb that is often used in traditional turkey stuffing or dressing as some say. That herb is Garden Sage, Salvia officinalis. 

Garden Sage likes to grow in the full sun and in dry soil. It is a native to the northern shores of the Mediterranean and likes our limestone soils or lack of soil. Sage is a good garden plant for Central Texas. The light gray/green leaves are a beautiful contrast to the darker green of many of our garden plants, and in the spring, if you’re lucky, a profusion of luscious pink flowers will bloom and last quite a long time. Even though Sage is a perennial herb, in Texas it seems to last only about three years. Then it may become leggy and thin out, so it needs replacing.

Sage is not only tasty but it has several strong medicinal properties. The leaves of Sage act as a powerful astringent, slowing down the secretions of fluids. A Sage tea can be used for colds and sore throats, for excessive sweating (including those night sweats), vaginal discharge, post-nasal drip and diarrhea. Sage will stop the flow of mother’s milk, so use it only if you are ready to wean a nursing baby. The Native Americans rubbed the fresh leaves of Sage on their teeth as a cleanser as well as using it to treat infected gums and mouth ulcers. When I get an annoying canker sore inside my mouth, I simply go out in to the garden, pick a Sage leaf or two, chew it a bit and then place it on the sore. I leave this poultice on the sore for an hour or so and soon the irritation is eased and the sore begins to disappear.

Sage tea, mixed with honey and lemon is excellent for sore throats and colds. You can also gargle with the tea. Add a little apple cider vinegar as a bonus to aid in the healing process. The cooler season is soon upon us so stock up on Respiratory Herbs to ease the stress and uncomfortable symptoms of winter colds and flus. Check out my Cold Season Sale on the home page of my website. If you purchase just 2 of my Cold Season products including: Extra Echinacea Tincture, Mullein/Horehound Blend, Nettles Tincture (Fresh tincture for allergies), Respiratory Tea, Osha Root Tincture and Horehound Tincture, you will receive a free tea of your choice.

Finally Sage, most often White Sage, Salvia apiana, is used by Native Americans and by many spiritual groups as a Smudge Stick to clear the environment of negative energy. These days I am using our local Cedar, Juniperus ashei in making my smudge sticks as it is local and quite purifying.

It is important to limit the use of Sage to only a week or two. Sage contains a volatile oil, Thujone, which may act as a neuro-toxin. Therefore, overdoses, or long term use of Sage, may be detrimental to the functioning of the nervous system.

When taking responsibility for using herbs for your health, it is always wise to be aware of any contra-indications related to the use of the herb. For the most part, herbs are very safe and have little side effects.

I hope you will enjoy using Sage in turkey stuffing to flavor the bird as well as to aid in the digestion of fatty foods. Enjoy the benefits of drinking Sage tea, as needed for sore throats and remember to incorporate Sage when a strong astringent action is needed. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. I am so grateful to all of you!!

With Green Blessings,

Ellen

 

 

I live in the Driftwood area south of Austin and I have become acquainted wth many, many native plants, herbs and trees over the years.  More frequently I am honoring these green friiends in my classes, at presentations and now through this blog. I am going to write about several herbs, all useful and precious ones, but there are many. Enjoy learning about these:

 Echinacea, Echinacea purpurea, the Purple Coneflower. A beautiful, stately, landscape and medicinal plant, Echinacea purpurea, as well as Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida are presently in danger of losing their wild habitat, and are becoming less plentiful and available in the wild as they once were. Echinacea, as many of you already know, is an herb that is used to boost your immune system. You can use Echinacea as a preventative; i.e. when traveling to avoid getting sick, and to assist your own healthy immune system in fighting a cold, flu or infection. The root, flower, leaves and seed of the Echinacea plant can be used as a tea or tincture and the medicine tingles in your mouth while making its magic. Try some of my Extra Echinacea Tincture which takes 6 months to prepare and is powerful and effective.  Scatter fresh seeds in October or plant transplants of this perennial herb in full to part-sun.

Slippery Elm, Ulmus rubra. I have seen Slippery Elm growing along creeks and streams here in Austin. The inner bark of the trunk is harvested and used as a soothing remedy for inflammation. The strong demulcent properties of this herb make it useful for gastro-intestinal irritation and for the throat and lungs. It can be used externally as a poultice for ulcers and abscesses and its highly nutritional value make it useful as a food during convalescence. A small sapling can be planted in your yard and nurtured as a lovely shade tree. I’ve planted two saplings into the ground and the one that is growing in my garden is at least 20 feet high and gorgeous.

Commonly called Butterfly Weed (as it is a favorite home to the Monarch butterfly), or Pleurisy Root, Asclepius tuberosa is a spectacular flower, and sadly, “At-Risk” in the wild. We can easily grow Butterfly Weed from seed, sown in the fall, or it can be propagated from root cuttings. This showy Milkweed is used as a diaphoretic (promotes sweating), antispasmodic, expectorant and a tonic. As one of its common names indicates, it was often used for pleurisy and lung and bronchial congestion.

Another local milkweed I love is Inmortal, AKA, Antelope Horns, Asclepius asperula, which grows wild on my front property where it is dry and the soil is shallow.  It seems to thrive hardily and is used medicinally.  Mid-wives use Asclepius asperula, to facilitate childbirth.  According to Herbalist, Michael Moore, the aerial part of the plant is good for the Respiratory System and also helpful for the heart. This plant is elusive and oh so beautiful!!.  Look at it closely.

Passionflower, Passiflora incarnata. This easily grown climber’s leaves and flowers are used as an herbal sedative. Fresh Passionflower Tincture is made here at EZ Herbs from the fresh plant. Its non-addictive sedative properties treat insomnia; it can help regulate blood pressure and also acts as a pain killer. It is best to plant a transplant, in the sun in early spring.

Agarita, Mahonia trifoliolata. This common wild plant grows abundantly in fields, meadows and wooded areas. The stems and bright yellow root of the herb are known for their anti-viral and digestive properties, as it is high in berberine. The tasty red berries are used to make a delicious jam. The Native Americans used it for toothaches. EZ Herbs now carries fresh Agarita Tincture made from freshly harvested branches.  Great for digestive health and liver support.

Cedar, Juniperus ashei. This prevalent hardwood tree has useful blue berries that act as a urinary antiseptic. It can also be used for indigestion, colic and flatulence. Eating one juniper berry a day prior to cedar fever season can help ease the uncomfortable symptoms of Cedar Fever.

Other native and naturalized herbs to review and learn more about include:

Mullein, Verbascum thapsus; Chasteberry tree, Vitex agnus-castus; Goldenrod, Solidago altissima; Yellow Dock Root, Rumex crispus; Cleavers, Galium aparine; Frostweed, Verbesina virginica; Black Haw, Viburnum rufidulum, Cardinal flower, Lobelia cardinalis, Yaupon, Ilex vomitoria, Prickly pear cactus, Opuntia engelmanni; Turk’s cap, Malvaviscus arboreus v. drummondii 

 

 

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Mullein, Verbascum thapsus, has been used as a complementary medicine for centuries, and in many countries throughout the world. The value of Mullein as a proven medicinal herb is backed by scientific evidence and traditional folklore. Many cultures proclaim Mullein as a highly medicinal herb. I am presently in the high elevation of Colorado and have Mullein all around. It’s beneficial properties for the lungs is important here as I am harvesting and drinking Mullein leaf tea to open the lungs and ease the stress of the thin air. Hiking in the mountains is also excellent and invigorating for the lungs. Some valuable constituents contained in Mullein are Coumarin and Hesperidin as they exhibit many healing abilities. Research indicates some of the uses as analgesic, antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant and antiviral.   An infusion (medicinal herbal tea), is taken internally in the treatment of a wide range of chest complaints, including asthma and bronchitis. The leaves, root, and flowers are anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, nervine, and vulnerary.

Mullein oil is a medicinal and valuable destroyer of disease germs. The yellow  flowers, which are formed in the plant’s second year, are soaked in olive oil and used as earache drops (the flowers are often combined with Garlic for optimum effectiveness). The oil is also useful as a local application in the treatment of piles and other mucous membrane inflammations. This infusion is a strong antibacterial. The oil used to treat gum and mouth ulcers is very effective. A decoction of the roots is used to alleviate toothache and is helpful in relieving cramps and diarrhea. The whole plant possesses slightly sedative and narcotic properties. The seeds are mostly used as a narcotic and also contain saponins. The dried leaves are sometimes smoked to relieve the irritation of the respiratory mucus membranes, and for hacking coughs. The inhaled smoke is mild, but quite effective as an Expectorant. The Native Americans practiced this technique of smoking Mullein and it’s use has been show to be relieving. Externally, a medicinal poultice of the leaves is applied to sunburn, ulcers and hemorrhoids.

Finally, the leaves of Grandfather Mullein may be used as “Cowboy toilet paper” when you may be hiking in a remote area. Perhaps that’s another reason why it is so abundant here in Rocky Mountain National Park.

This entire herb is useful, easy to grow and can be found in fields, often growing near its synergistic comrade, Horehound, Marrubium vulgare.
Why not try some of EZ Herbs herbal products that contain freshly harvested Mullein leaves: Mullein/Horehound Blend tincture and Respiratory Tea. Mullein is an effective supporter of the lungs as well as a helpful herb to be used for many forms of lung congestion.

Keep breathing and Many Green Blessings, Ellen

 

A favorite heat loving herb, Holy Basil, Ocimum sanctum, is thriving this year in my Texas garden. Well known in Ayurvedic medicine as Tulsi, this plant likes to be planted in full sun, can germinate easily from seed and will produce an abundance of leaves to be harvested and made into a healthful and delicious tea or tincture. In Ayurvedic medicine it is considered a Rasayana herb, known particularly for its rejuvenating properties and seems to have a particular affinity to

the mature ones we know.

I love drinking Tulsi tea as it can help with indigestion, coughs, colds, fatigue and even enhances normal immune function. I also make it in to a simple tincture (one herb), Holy Basil Tincture and take it most everyday as an adaptagen. An adaptagenic herb helps us to deal with the everyday stress of life, which we are all subjected to, but react differently to. Holy Basil is also a wonderful herb that helps with memory, poor concentration and mental fog, so I include it in my freshly made Think Plus Tincture, which also contains the fresh leaves of Ginkgo, Gotu kola and Rosemary. These four herbs are a beneficial combination, though you just have to remember to take it everyday!! or when needed while studying, teaching or making a presentation. It works!!!

Other uses of Holy Basil include combining it with Black Pepper as a treatment for Asthma, and as most Basils, it will act as a mood elevator, a tasty assistant for poor digestion, and according to renowned herbalist, David Winston, will help move stagnant depression when combined with Lavender and Rosemary. I would also add fresh Roses to that formula for an even more powerful effect.

Holy Basil is an exceptional herb with great value.  I use it frequently to aid with daily stress, especially in the warm months.  I find it helpful for increasing my stamina, retention and digestion.  I highly recommend drinking  a tea or taking the tincture frequently during the spring and summer.  In ancient times, the Holy Basil plant was left in the tombs of the departed to assist the loved ones transition to the afterlife, and hence received its name sanctum, or holy. I pray that the spirit of Holy Basil serves departed loved ones well, as it continues to serve the living.

In Central Texas, in late spring, I always plant Sweet Basil, Ocimum basilicum.  It is my favorite culinary variety as I adore the sweet, tangy flavor of this easily grown Basil and its so many delicious uses.  My favorite summer sandwich is fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves, drizzled with a bit of olive oil on your favorite bread.  YUM!!!

There are many other varieties of Basil including Lemon Basil, Purple Basil, Thai Basil, Globe Basil and more. Basil can be grown quite easily from seed (plant in late spring as the weather begins to warm), or from transplants.  Do not plant Basil when spring planting fever first hits, as Basil loves the heat, and any early spring cold snap will damage it.  So practice the gardener’s eternal lesson of patience, and wait until the soil has warmed, and the weather is more predictable.  Fresh Basil leaves are incredibly aromatic and delicious.  Of course many of you already know how to make pesto from fresh basil leaves, Parmesan and Romano cheese, garlic (lots of it), olive oil and pine nuts (I’ve also used pecans and/or walnuts as the pine nuts tend to be somewhat expensive).  Another favorite way to use Basil is in tomato sauce, with eggs and in a Tomato/Basil torte, which is an excellent brunch dish.  I also include freshly dried Basil in my EZ Herb Garden Nutritional Spice.  This is a fantastic blend of fresh herbs from my garden, dulse flakes, spirulina, nutritional yeast and toasted sesame seeds (good in just about anything). The spice can only be special ordered by contacting me directly.

Basil has also been known to help with digestive problems, headaches and coughs (James Duke, author of The Green Pharmacy likes to use it as an expectorant.)  It is also used as an insect repellent, a remedy for headaches and for high blood pressure. In Central America, Basil is traditionally used to promote delayed menstruation, ease pain of difficult menstruation and to facilitate childbirth.  I have helped new mothers use it after delivery, made as a steam and used as a vaginal steam bath. It definitely helps to heal any episiotomy incision.

There are not only wonderful culinary uses of Basil, but also valuable medicinal uses as well as spiritual and ceremonial ones.

Remember to plant your Basil seeds in late spring and enjoy these delightful, easily grown herbs that need to be included in every summer garden.

Many Green Blessings, Ellen

 

After six months of planning, emailing, texting, corralling teachers, banners, fliers, food, marketing, registration, meetings, visiting the venue etcc.., we finally enjoyed a glorious day out at the beautiful EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens in Wimberley, Texas

The day was perfect. The weather co-operated, even though it had rained the entire week before, but on Saturday, the day of the event, it was sunny, clear, and barely reached 80 degrees. The venue is shaded with large trees, there was a breeze and everyone was quite comfortable.

We had a wide variety of teachers including our fabulous keynote speaker, Steven Foster, who flew down from Eureka Springs, Arkansas to speak to us about the Mysteries and Myths of Texas Herbs. Steven is a 40 plus year herbalist, a top-notch plant photographer, an author of 18 books and most importantly a kind, calm, and funny guy. It was a pleasure to host him at my home and I even enjoyed the added benefit of strolling through my woods with him as he met some new Texas plants and captured their essence beautifully with his camera. 

Our other gifted teachers included, Nicole Telkes, Ginger Webb, John Dromgoole, Will Morris, Carlos Hernandez, Sam Coffman, Sally Garrett, Beth Ebbing Johnson, Elizabeth Quigg , Trisha Shirey and yours truly, Ellen Zimmermann. There were numerous break out sessions and a plant walk during each session. Each class was well attended and everyone learned so much about the benefits and gifts from our green friends.
A delicious lunch was served by a local eatery, The Leaning Pear; Yaupon Tea,  Hibiscus Tea and water were served all day to keep us hydrated, but mostly participants were fed and nurtured from one another and from our experienced, well-versed teachers. We had a variety of vendors selling their herbal wares and three hands-on demonstrations including making a plant press, creating seed bombs and fashioning a smudge stick made from our local Juniperius ashei.

We accomplished our goal of helping to create a community of plant lovers by gathering them together for a fun-filled day where the calm, quiet, beautiful environment lent itself to easily absorbing knowledge from our best teachers, the plants. We began the day at Opening Ceremonies with introductions of teachers, ice-breaking interactions and a song which inspired hope, energy and a positive attitude for the day.  “Every little cell in my body was truly happy”. 

I would like to extend my gratitude and deep appreciation to my two co-founders, Judy Hubbard and Dani Baird for their hard, hard work, meticulous record keeping, timely and efficient marketing and everything else they did to create such a GRAND SUCCESS!!!! I would also like to thank our gracious hosts, Ann and Norm Rolling, for allowing us to share their entire facility with so many plant lovers. The gardens and grounds looked so beautiful, everyone was amazed and pleased.

We ended the day atop the hill where a 360 degree view of the Texas hill country waited to astound you.  We had fun doing a wrap-up where I got to hug everyone, and a Vortex circle, where we each were able to look into one another’s eyes, smile and be together one last time for the day.

Many for a long time to come will remember the Heart of Texas Herb Symposium.

Green Blessings, Ellen