Happy March~ An Early Spring Herb Walk

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for coming by today! We're getting better each day, with the help of lots of garlic, ginger, and oregano oil. All these hot things get a little passe after a few days, so we thought we'd take a walk and see what else we could come up with for boosting our immune systems.

Right down the street from us, someone kindly planted a row of white pines (Pinus strobus), whose needles are famous for their high vitamin c content. We collected a few branch tips to make an infusion (Our favorite method is to run plenty of needles through the blender with as much water as you want to drink, then let sit overnight and strain), and are sipping on it right now.

Pine and honeysuckle branches

We also collected a few branches of bush honeysuckle, which according to the Missouri Department of Conservation is a pest, and we are being good citizens by taking as much as we can! :) We are going to see if we can force the buds to bloom early by stripping the bark off the bottoms and soaking the branches in water. We'll keep you updated.

In the back yard we found the ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea ) blooming. Ground Ivy is proficient at removing heavy metals from the body, a long with the properties listed at this link. It's a little strong in smoothies, but we like the tender leaves in salad.

We also found a few plantain (Plantago major) plants growing in the backyard, which are another wonderful addition to early spring salads and green smoothies. We have used plantain for toothaches and bug and spider bites, and it is an excellent first aid friend to know. Here is more information, if you'd like it.

We also pruned our little apple tree out back, and are planning on experimenting with decoctions and tinctures made from the twigs. They are reportedly good for gout, rheumatism, and stomach upset.

We are so thankful that the weather has been so nice lately; we've enjoyed blue skies and temperatures in the 40s and 50s (which is warm, for someone from Idaho!).

Everyone has been enjoying Frankie's "new" bag of Star Wars-type toys~

Qui-gonn Jinn says he'll stand on his head till his garden grows!

May you all have a wonderful weekend, with plenty of love and sunshine.

Love,

Marqueta

****************

With rushing winds and gloomy skies

The dark and stubborn Winter dies;

Far-off, unseen, Spring faintly cries,

Bidding her earliest child arise;

March!

~Bayard Taylor