A Touch of Polish with Horsetail

Horsetail, also known as shavegrass, dates back to prehistoric times. It's a basic plant, whose delicate looking stems are sturdier than you'd imagine. Don't let it's simple appearance fool you - it is a true work horse that is packed with silica crystals.

Although it prefers damp, swampy areas, it's quite adaptable to a variety of soil and light conditions. I have small stand of these interesting reeds growing in my garden, and their stately presences is a real treat. But they can get to be invasive, so I have to watch these wondering wonders.

Shavegrass was once use the sander of choice for wood workers and pewter smiths. Just gather a bunch of the reeds and tie the ends together and you have a fine sander that gives wood and metals an beautiful patina. I've seen walking sticks that have been polished with horsetail that were so smooth and silken to the touch, it was hard to believe a simple herb did this. Whenever I chip a nail while I'm gardening

(which is more often than I'd like to admit), I grab a piece of horsetail and use it as a nail file.

The silica properties in Horsetail also make it a wonderful addition to hair rinses. It's a key ingredient on our Mela Tae Bright and Moon Hair Rinses.

I've never tried using Shavegrass in a tea, although it is said that it is said that it is a good diuretic and antispasmodic.

To find out more about this herb that adds a dramatic touch to your garden, check out Well Sweep Herb Farm, or A Modern Herbal.

Still Time to Join in

the Hay Bale Out 

 March Merriment 

March is a transition month - still showing some signs of winter and the cold, but with bursts of warmth reminding us of the spring to come. It's a month filled with special celebrations and lots of merriment. Here are just a few.

March 17th - St. Patrick's Day! In Ireland, this is a national holiday. In America - it's a grand celebration of the lively Irish spirit.

We've all had them, those awkward moments that embarrass and confuse the beejeebers out of us. Don't hide from them- celebrate and laugh at them on the 18th as part of Awkward Moments Day!

SPRING! Officially starts at 7:21 pm EDT on March 20th. Yay! It's finally here!

I've always loved folk tales and fables. Take some time the week of March 21st to celebrate World Folk Tale and Fables Week. Read them to your children - or read them for yourself!

March 22nd is Not only As Young As You Feel Day, it's also International Goof-Off Day! Don't think about your age in years, think about how you feel inside and act that age. Goof Off for the day and do whatever brings out that inner you!

With spring comes the dreaded spring cleaning. Start it on March 27th, the start of National Cleaning Week.

More than just the month for St. Paddy's Day, March is Irish-American Heritage Month. It's also International Mirth Month.