click the links below to skip to:
 
  Herbal Fun in the Garden: Herbal Crafts
 
September Special Sales Days

Seniors save 10% every Tuesday ~ Receive a five cent credit for each bottle, jar or bag that you bring in to reuse ~ Join our Bulk Herb Club and save 10% on all bulk purchases, all the time!    

 
Arts Alive! Saturday September 5th

We're hosting mixed media artworks by Amy Glasser and Katrina Marie Redwood, with live acoustic music by Margaret Kellerman and delicious refreshments.  
We're also having a Grand Opening/Open House for our Humboldt Herbals Community Classroom extension at 219 D Street, with the official unveiling of an intricate botanical teaching mural created by Amy Glasser and Katrina Maria Redwood, with music, dance, circle songs and an herbal healing mini-market.
 

New Moon, Saturday September 12th
For this month's New Moon, save 10% on our organic kombucha kits from Oregon Kombucha!  Kits include organic tea, the live kombucha culture and complete brewing guides ~ just add sugar and boiling water!  Each live culture makes many, many batches of kombucha.  Try this living, refreshing beverage and feel the benefits that millions of people around the world have enjoyed for over two thousand years.
 



Positive Thinking Day, Saturday September 12th
Aromatherapy is one of the easiest ways to help you stay in a happy, positive mood all day.  Save 15% today on all our essential oil blends from Wyndmere and PrimaVeraand keep on the sunny side of life!   




Fall Equinox, Tuesday September 22nd 
The first day of Autumn is a great day to stock up on nourishing herbs for your immune system.  
Save 15% on  Autumn Tonic Tea, bulk Immune formula tinctures and bulk Astragalus root.  
We recommend that you keep a jar of Astragalus slices
with your other culinary herbs and spices so you can add a few sticks to fall soups, stews, beans and grains.    


 
Full Moon Weekend Tea Sale 
Saturday & Sunday September 27th and 28th 
We're celebrating Sunday's Harvest Full Moon with a weekend long Tea Sale!  
Save 15% on our entire selection of teas, with over 100 to choose from!
 
Did you know you can turn your favorite herbal teas into delicious healing syrups? Gently simmer one ounce of tea in two cups of water, uncovered, until water had reduced by half (so only one cup of liquid remains).  Strain out the herbs and add 1/2 cup local unprocessed honey or organic maple syrup, stirring to mix well.  Bottle, refrigerate, and use as desired.  For a delicious "instant tea," stir a tablespoon or two into a cup of hot water.    

   

National Mud Pack Day, Wednesday September 30th
Who doesn't love a good facial?  Save 20% today on all our bulk facial products, including our healing clays.  Try blending clays with water, honey, avocados, egg whites, ground raw almonds or oat flour for an especially nourishing facial treat.



-----------------------------------------


We did it!  We now have our Humboldt Herbals Community Classroom space up and running!  
 Come celebrate with us during Arts Alive on Saturday September 5th for our Grand Opening and Unveiling of the magnificent botanical teaching mural created by Amy Glasser and Katrina Marie Redwood.  Meet the artists and enjoy an evening of live music, dance, circle songs and an herbal healing mini-market.  We hope to see you there!
 
mural artists Amy Glasser & Katrina Marie Redwood




We extend our gratitude to the following community members for their financial contribution to the Community Classroom
Simmons Natural Bodycare, Virginia Fisher, Larry Karsteadt, Carolyn Ayres, Christina Lewis, Elizabeth Berrien, Anna Bressers, Ellen Monterie, Susan Hagemann, Michelle Pollitt, Cary Knudson, Margaret Davis, Patrick Shannon, Virginia Fisher, Traci Webb, Sheila Evans, Gayle Garman, Cheryl Loudon, Carol Davis, Deedee Sotto, Helen Corliss, Chester Schroeder, Jane Bothwell, Ruth McClimon, Eva Frontz, Diana McConnel, Gail Coonan, Justin, Samantha, Marcy, A. Almanza, Kelsey Vaughan, Jane Williams


------------------------------------------------------
 

 
Drop us a note if there's a particular subject you'd like to see, or if you'd like to teach a class at Humboldt Herbals.  Please pre-register for classes by calling us at 442-3541.

  
Food Heals with Marcia Stroud, MA, Biochemist, Herbalist & Nutritionist
Wednesday, September 9th from 6:30 - 8:00pm ($25)
  
Thinking about changing the way you eat?
Good health depends on good nutrition - learn how you can eat your way to better health!
 
In this class, we'll discuss five key principles of healthy nutrition.
*           How to determine your nutritional type
*           Which saturated fats are healthy
*           How the glycemic index relates to overall well-being
*           How enzymes, pH, and raw foods relate to overall health
*           When raw veggies may not be the best choice and which organic foods     are not the healthiest
 
And, because what you don't put into your system is just as important as what you do, we'll examine ways to reduce your intake of toxins. This course also includes a look at some natural allies to support specific areas such as energy and sleep. And, finally, we'll discuss external body and skin health and their relationship to overall well-being.
   
  
Learn About Herbal Medicine with the Humboldt Herbals Staff Herbalists!
 
 
Humboldt Herbals Herbalista Fall Class Series
Saturdays from 10 - 12:30pm, beginning September 12th
219 D Street in Old Town Eureka
(next door to Humboldt Herbals)
 
$395 for the entire series, including 10 classes, 2 herb walks, detailed handouts for each class, and products that you'll make in class to take home with you 
(a $95 savings! - must be paid in full by September 4th)
 
or $45 for each individual class and $20 for individual herb walks (preregistration at least 48 hours before individual classes is required ~ drop in's are welcome for herb walks)
 
 
Sept. 12th: Beginning With Herbs with Alyssa Boyd (10am to 12:30pm)
Intrigued by the mysteries of herbal medicine but not sure quite how to pull away the veil? Start here, and join Alyssa in opening our series as we learn how to bring herbs into our lives. We'll learn the basics about diverse forms of herbal medicines and will introduce various schools of thought in the herbal tradition. 
 
Alyssa is a Pacific Northwest native with a lifelong love for the region's marvelous plant life.  As a graduate of Dandelion Herbal Center and a student of local botany, she enjoys crafting healing formulas with both the native flora and cultivated medicinals.  Her free time is spent continuing her herbal education from her favorite teacher--- Nature.
 
 
Sunday September 13th: Plant Walk at the Azalea Reserve with Candice Brunlinger (1:30 to 3:30pm)
Join Candice for a stroll through the Azalea Reserve in Mckinleyville. We'll learn to identify a number of native medicinal and edible herbs and will explore some of their uses. The class will also discuss the concepts of ethical wildcrafting and resources for plant identification. 
 
 
September 19th: Plant Medicine Making ~ External Preparations with Sophia Steinwachs (10am to 12:30pm)
Learn how to make your own infused herbal oils, salve and lip balm! You'll also learn how to make luscious lotions, cr�mes and body balms. We'll discuss how to use herbs to make fomentations and poultices, and explore the healing power of an herbal bath. Properties of carrier oils and the best herbs to use topically along with their specific actions will be covered. You'll get to sample all these preparations and make your own products in class! Lots of great recipe ideas will be included in your handout - just in time for the gifting season.
 
Sophia began her study of plant medicine with renowned herbalist Jane Bothwell at the Dandelion Herbal Center, and continued her studies with Christa Sinadinos at the North West School of Botanical Studies, going more in depth into the study of human physiology in health and disease, as well as material medica, herbal therapeutics and clinical setting best practices.  
 
September 26th: Plant Medicine Making ~ Internal Preparations with Shellby House (10am to 12:30pm)
Harness and implement the bounty of the plant world around you when you learn to craft your own herbal medicine.  From teas to tinctures to vinegars, honeys to syrups, oxymels to electuaries, you will learn which approach best suits different needs.  We will utilize locally grown plants to explore the most effective and superior ways of creating plant medicine as we forage a path in understanding how to determine which plants pair best with various medicine making techniques. We'll also discuss how to determine dosage and appropriate use.  Come join in blending the scientific constituents with that of whole plant spirit to craft your own unique medicine for health and harmony.
 
Shellby is a recent alumna of the Northwest School for Botanical Studies and a new addition to the Humboldt Herbals family. She has a passion for plants and enjoys spending her time gardening, making medicine, dancing, and exploring the depth of body and mind.
 
 
October 3rd:
Intuitive Plant Communication 
with 
Julie Caldwell (10am to 12:30pm)
Have you ever wondered what Plants would say if only they could talk? Join Julie and learn how to talk to the Plants! Today you'll learn techniques to help you align and open your energy channels to receive communications from the Plant People. It's an exciting and deeply fulfilling journey that will expand and enhance your experiences with the natural world. We'll also explore ways to refine our intuitive skills through the ancient methods of dowsing and muscle testing, and discuss when these skills can be appropriate tools in the practice of herbal medicine.
 
Julie is the proprietress of Humboldt Herbals, a business she has happily cultivated for over 17 years. She loves to teach about the beautiful and elegant relationship between People and Plants. 
 
 
Sunday October 4th: Plant Walk at Trinidad Head with Julie Caldwell
1:30 to 3:30pm, rain or shine
Join Julie for a casual stroll around Trinidad Head to meet the vast array of medicinal plants that grow along this gorgeous path. We'll discuss their medicinal properties and explore how each plant contributes to the entire trail eco-system.
  
 
October 10th: Vata, Pitta, Kapha: An Ayurvedic Journey with Marea Zendran (10am to 12:30pm)
 
The term Ayurveda comes from the roots Ayus, which translates as life, and Veda which translates as knowledge.  Ayurveda is the knowledge of life.  Join Marea for a lively and engaging class where each student will learn their own unique constitution, the inherent, ideal balance of all three doshas, and what this means in relation to health and ideal state of well-being.  You will explore dosha specific food plans and daily practices that will create balance and nourish your whole being.  With Marea's guidance, you will also develop your own constitution specific herbal formulas and learn specific herbs to use to nourish the different tissues of the body, called dhatus.  You will leave her class with a whole new perspective on the beauty within. 
 
Marea is a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist, a graduate of the California College of Ayurvedic Medicine.  She has been a lifelong student and teacher of herbal medicine and nutrition.  She offers private consultations upon request.  
 
 
October 17th: Fun With Ferments with Amanda Moore (10am to 12:30pm)
 
Could sour kraut be the answer?! Come and join us as we discuss digestive health and how it affects not only our physical body, but our emotional body as well. We will ask the big questions ~ How do we nourish ourselves? and even more importantly, How do we digest our life experiences? Together we will make our own customized krauts using a variety of local, seasonal vegetables and herbs! This is a low tech class, so bring a sharp knife, a cutting board and lots of muscle! Different examples of lacto fermented foods will be available to nibble on during class.
 
Amanda has studied herbal medicine for 17 years, and is continually humbled by plants. As a bodyworker specializing in Maya Abdominal Therapy, it makes sense that she's developed and expanded her love and expertise with lacto-fermented foods. Amanda is passionate about healing the whole body through a variety of methods, and has received training in an array of healing modalities.
 
 
October 24th: Finding Balance: Herbal Allies for Stress and Mental Wellbeing with Kate Maxey (10am to 12:30pm)
 
In today's world of go-go-go and chronic stressors we all need a little support to maintain a sense of calm. In this class we will discuss the plants that help us to relax the nervous system and tonify the stress response as well as lifestyle changes that support a more balanced way of being. We will also talk about ways in which stress affects not only our mental health but our physical health as well, with special emphasis on the immune system and endocrine system.
 
Kate has been studying and utilizing herbal medicine for 15 years. She studied with the Northwest School of Botanical Studies and has worked at Humboldt Herbals for nearly a decade. She has recently graduated from Humboldt State University with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and sees the importance of bridging the fields of Herbal Medicine and Mental Health together.
 
 
October 31st: Halloween ~ NO CLASS 
 
 
November 7th: Cooking with Medicinal Herbs with Candice Brunlinger (10am to 12:30pm)
This class will be all about eating your herbs. We will discuss various ways of incorporating herbs into your cooking and the therapeutic uses of common spices. 
Tips will be shared on how to conveniently use herbal broths, syrups, vinegar, oil and honey infusions in everyday cooking and ideas on healthy herbal snacks such as gummies, crackers and nut butter balls. You will get the chance to try samples in class and go home with handouts and many recipes to inspire you herbally in the kitchen. 
 
Candice has studied herbal healing for over a decade, has a small clinical practice and an herbal product line, Herbal Infusions. She enjoys teaching workshops and classes, including the Beginning with Herbs series at Humboldt State University. She has a passion for herbal healing, making herbal medicine, cooking and gardening.
 
 
November 14th: Staying Healthy With the Seasons with Lauren Ballard (10am to 12:30pm)
 
In this class we will be looking at the qualities of the 4 seasons in our environment, as well as their reflection and manifestations in our own bodies. We will be diving deeper into the essence of each season, learning to flow with the changes so we can maintain physical balance, prevent and cure dis-ease, and find peace in our hearts. This class will focus on nourishing herbal tonics, healing foods, preparing seasonal medicine, common seasonal ailments, and lovely herbal recipes for you and your family.
 
Lauren has served the community for over 12 years as an herbalist at Humboldt Herbals. She graduated from the Northwest School for Botanical Studies in 2003 and worked for Alpine Meadows, a local tincture business.  For the past nine years, along with her husband, she has grown I & I Farm in Dow's Prairie to a 10 acre sustainable farm, where veggies, herbs and children all grow together!
 
 
November 21st: 
Aromatherapy: The Essentials 
 with Jessica Shepherd (10am to 1:00pm)
Enhance your health with aromatherapy and revive your soul with scent! In this class we will discuss brief history, distillation methods, proper dilution & safety guidelines, blending techniques, and some of the various ways essential oils can be utilized to support mind/body health. We'll also discuss the healing properties of select essential oils, and you'll create your very own custom aroma blend in class to take home!
 
 A graduate of Dandelion Herbal Center and an Aromatherapist internationally certified through the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy, Jessica is full of zeal and devotion when teaching others the art of aromatherapy and essential oil therapeutics. She approaches her classes with deep reverence and respect towards the plants and the hard-working people whom farm them.  
 
  
Join us in September for the 
  Traditions in Western Herbalism Sky-Island Conference in Cloudcroft, New Mexico.  We're proud to be a sponsor!  
If you can only make it to one herbal conference this year, this should be the one!!

  
 
 

A Must-Have Book For Your Herbal Library!!!

Plant Spirit Healing:
A Guide to Working with Plant Consciousness
by Pam Montgomery

Plant Spirit Healing is about the sacred processes involved in developing a spiritual relationship with plants - a relationship that opens the possibility of multidimensional healing for all sentient beings, including Mother Earth.  

Reading this book is like being offered a venerable ceremonial basket that holds the seeds of both personal transformation and ecological salvation. Ms. Montgomery, a Green Mystic, weaves radiant fibers from many wisdom traditions (Native American, Curanderismo, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Energy Medicine, Shamanism) together with recent evidence-based scientific discoveries, to guide the reader back to their own heart of Knowing, which is intimately entwined with some of our oldest ancestors, the Plant Nation. 

It suggests a path of individual revolution, within our collective evolution, that can be forged by realigning our consciousness with the vibrating matrix of all life and learning, again, to "Be Love." It is a wonder-filled book that will challenge, amaze and beckon you forward. 

It is available for purchase at Humboldt Herbals.

Book Review courtesy of Susan Hagemann

Herbal Fun in the Garden (Part 3): 
Herbal Crafts
By: Candice Brunlinger, Herbalist
 
This month we are finishing our series on "Herbal Fun in the Garden" and we will be talking about various crafts you can do with the plants you grow. Please refer to our newsletter archive here for part 1 of this series on growing, harvesting and drying your herbs, if needed. The information may be beneficial to prepare you for the projects mentioned in this article.

There are many fun activities and crafts which can be done using plants. We will discuss how to make herbal sachets, bundles, wreaths, decorative bottles, homemade cards, art, natural dyeing, etc. There are many more ways of incorporating herbs into your crafts and projects so let's get creative and be inspired by all the wonderful healing and beauty the plants bring.  

*Please remember to avoid using toxic or potentially harmful plants with the crafts mentioned as they can cause harm especially to children and pets if handled or accidentally consumed.
 
 
Herbal Sachets 

Herbal sachets are a fun way of using aromatic plants you dry from your garden. Herbs such as lavender, chamomile and rosemary can be placed under your pillow or on your head board to promote peaceful sleep and dreams or use mugwort in the same way to enhance dreams. Sage, bay, lavender, yarrow, cedar, pine and other herbs can be used in sachets and placed in dressers, closets and linen closets for pleasant scent and to deter moths.
 

Supplies
Dried flowers, leaves and/or needles
Essential oils (optional)
Bowl for processing and mixing
Muslin, cloth or silky decorative bags with a pull string.
String (optional, if your cloth or bag does not have a pull string)
Scissors (optional, if needed)
 
How to Make
  1. Add flowers, leaves and/or needles you are planning to use into a bowl. Break up or strip off any large plant material with your hands or scissors.
  2. If you plan on using essential oils add about 2-4 drops per cup of plant material to enhance the aroma.
  3. Mix all herbs and oils until well blended.
  4. Loosely fill your muslin, cloth or silky bags until mostly full, pull drawstring to tighten and tie into a knot or bow.
 
If using a piece of cloth fabric make sure it is thin enough for the aromatics to diffuse through it. Lay fabric on a flat surface and pour herbs into the center of the fabric. Pull the corners up and fold in the center parts of the fabric until all herbs are contained. Twist the excess fabric above the herbs and tightly secure cloth by tying it with string or twine so herbs do not fall out.
 
 
Decorative Herb Bundles and Smudge Sticks
Decorating your home or office with herb bundles adds beautiful color and brings energetic cleansing and blessings. Or make your own smudge sticks using woody, resinous and aromatic herbs to smolder and burn through the house for the same effects. Both make great gifts and are always included for my family and friend's house warming gift baskets.
 
Using fresh plant is best as the flowers and leaves hold well. If you use dried plants, the foliage may crumble a little while arranging and bundling. I sometimes slightly dry the plants 1-2 days to remove some of the moisture since I live on the coast and plants don't dry as well when bundled like they do in other climates.
 
When making decorative bundles you can use just about any plant you would like as d�cor but avoid using any toxic or poisonous plants. Smudge sticks are tightly bundled aromatic plants which are slowly burned. Be sure to use plants known to be safe to smolder and breathe in.  Keep in mind some herbs which are considered safe may cause irritation or allergies in some individuals especially if they are prone to asthma or respiratory illnesses. You can test the smudge stick by burning it outside first and breathing in a small amount of the smoke to be sure you do not have a reaction before burning it in your home.
 
Here is a list of plants which have been historically used to make smudge sticks: 
white sage (Salvia apiana), 
sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata), 
sagebrush (Artemisia californica), 
mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), 
cedar (Thuja spp), 
redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), 
juniper (juniperus spp), 
pine (Pinus spp), 
rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), 
thyme (Thymus vulgaris), 
lavender(lavendula spp)
yarrow (Achillea millefolium), 
mullein (Verbascum thapsus), 
lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), 
mint (Mentha spp.) and 
catnip (Nepeta cataria).
 
Supplies
Freshly harvested flowers or branches
String or twine (if using for smudge sticks, be sure it is safe to burn)
Scissors
Pruners
Nail or thumb tack (optional if hanging)
Vase (optional if displaying on table, mantle or shelf)
 
How to Make Decorative Bundles
  1. Harvest long stocks of flowers or branches of woody herbs. I make sure the plant foliage is really dry before harvesting as it aids with the drying process. You can use just one kind of plant or a variety of plants using contrasting colors or a combination of flowers, leaves, grasses, etc.
  2. Cut a piece of twine or string about 1 foot long and lay it on your table or work space.
  3. Take your flowers and/or herbs and lay them all in the same direction positioning them over the twine/string where you want to bundle it. Remove any dead, brown or funky leaves and flowers.
  4. Arrange the flowers and/or herbs in a way where they look full and aesthetically pretty.
  5. Tie your twine or string around the herbs into a pretty bow or knot.
  6. Do your last touch up making sure the flowers and/or herbs are displayed the way you like.
  7. Using pruners (or scissors) cut the tips of the stems/branches so they are even and at your desired length.
  8. Cut the excess twine/string and hang above entrances, on the wall or add to a vase (without water) for beautiful d�cor and mild scent throughout the home.
 
How to Make & Use Smudge Sticks
  1. Harvest long stalks of flowers or branches of woody herbs (see list above for ideas). I make sure the plant foliage is really dry before harvesting as it aids with the drying process.
  2. Arrange all stalks in the same direction and cut them all the same length. Remove any dead or funky leaves.
  3. Firmly bundle the plants and tie a tight knot around the stem end to secure.
  4. Grasp the bundle with one hand and begin winding the string on an angle up to the tip of the bundle pulling tightly as you go. The tighter the bundle the slower and longer lasting the burn.
  5. Turn the bundle around and begin winding the string down towards the stalks, creating a criss-cross pattern over the first string.
  6. If there are still loose flowers and leaves you can repeat. Once the plants are secure wind the string around the base of the bundle. You can do this extra thick to create a decorative handle or keep it simple. Secure with a strong knot and cut any excess string/twine.
  7. Allow your bundle to dry in a warm and dry place with good air circulation, preferably hanging up. If you lay it down to dry use baskets or a screen and rotate 1-2 times a day.
  8. Once completely dry (this may take 2-3 weeks) you can burn it by lighting the tip and allowing it to burn. Once it gets going gently blow on it to put the flame out.
  9. Place the smudge stick over a non-flammable container to catch any ash and embers.
  10. Temporarily leave it in one place to burn like incense or walk around your room and home to evenly disperse the smoke. Never leave smudge stick unattended.
  11. When you are ready to put it out smother the end with a bowl of salt or sand until it is fully extinguished. I sometime use the soil from my potted house plants.
 
 
Floral and Herb Wreaths
 
This project is best using flowers and herbs with lower water content and which dry well preserving the vibrant colors and aromatics of the plant. My favorites are lavender, sage, rosemary, bay leaf, yarrow, vervain, any kind of conifer like redwood, cedar or pine, etc. 
 
Supplies
Fresh herbs from your garden
Wreath frame or a wire coat hanger
Twine or thin wire
Scissors or wire cutters
Pruners
 
How to Make
  1. You can purchase a wreath frame from most craft stores or take a wire coat hanger and mold it into whatever shape you like. Circle, oval, square, star, triangle and diamond are all fun shape ideas.
  2. Layout all your fresh herbs and remove any dead, brown or funky parts. You can use a single herb or try a beautiful arrangement of different plants.
  3. Gather a bundle of herbs. The thicker the bundles the larger and more full the wreath. Place it on the frame/wire and use either string or a thin wire to secure the stem side of the bundle to it, allowing the herbs to fan out. Be sure the color of your string or wire closely resembles or compliments the color of the plants you are using.
  4. Keep the string/wire on its role/bundle as it is easier to continue wrapping. Securing additional bundles the same size until the entire frame is full. Cut the string or wire and secure well when finished.
  5. Hang on the wall or a door. If the herbs are edible you can harvest off pieces or branches as needed and use them in your cooking or for tea.
 
Traditional Holiday Wreath
- Using any conifer, make a holiday wreath. If you have holly berries or pine cones you can incorporate them throughout the wreath as well.
Lavender Wreath
- Beautiful purple flowers with pleasant floral aroma and peaceful benefits.
Rosemary Wreath
- Woody scent which is great for mental stimulation, memory retention, studying, working, remembrance, etc.
Mugwort
- Use to enhance dreams and visions and decongest energy.
White Sage
- Break off leaves to burn/smolder as needed. Cleanses, decongests and has a grounding and relaxing energy. Good for meditation. 
Culinary Wreaths
- Include an assortment of various cooking herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, parsley, bay, peppers, etc. Break off leaves and sprigs as needed and add to your cooking.
Fairy Garden Wreath
- Use an assortment of various flowers and herbs from the garden such as lavender, vervain, yarrow, rosemary, rose (use caution and strip off the thorns first), jasmine, mint, etc.
 
 
Properties of 4 Commonly Used Plants you can Bundle, make Wreaths or Sachets with:
Many herbs have a long history in folklore medicine. Here are some of the ways these herbs have been historically used energetically in the home:
 
Lavender:
Relaxing, calming and stress relieving, lavender can manifesting peace and cleanse the home. It has a long history of being used to protect the home and all who enter against negative energy, bad events and illness. Folklore traditions have used lavender to attract your desires while promoting longevity and long life.



Rosemary:
Protects the home and prevents unwanted energy from entering especially when hung in entrances. Rosemary is known to aid with stimulating the brain and memory retention. It has a common saying of
"Rosemary for Remembrance". Make rosemary bundles when you would like to take a moment to honor and remember a loved one especially after passing or if you are trying to honor or remember an event that happened to you. Traditionally in Wales, it was distributed to funeral guests to throw into the hole as the coffin was lowered. Rosemary can also help you embrace and bring forth your inner power and strength. An old saying says "
Where Rosemary flourishes, the Woman rules" and in England it was believed that rosemary could not grow in the garden of the home unless the mistress was the master. Rosemary had a long history of being burned with other herbs such as juniper or lavender in hospitals to disinfect the air and was worn around the neck to protect form the plaque.  
[1] Rosemary branches were often woven into wreath crowns and worn by brides at weddings.
 
Sage:  
Sage has a long history of being used to cleanse and purify the home and protecting against negative energy. It decongests and releases thick, stagnant energy throug
hout the home and within our selves. Folklore traditions says burning, wearing or hanging sage throughout the home can bring immortality, longevity, wisdom, protection and the granting of wishes. [2] Having sage around releases energy which does not serve your higher purpose allowing your mind, body and soul to be aligned. When aligned, you have access to your inner wisdom and the wisdom of the universe. Sage can be burned at funerals and remembrance ceremonies to help relieve grief and 
 release the spirit from this world.


Cedar (or other similar conifers) Cedar has a long history in Native American rituals and folklore medicine. The cedar tree was considered holy by many tribes and was referred to as the " 
Tree of Life". It was thought that the sacred tree contained the spirits of previous ancestors. It was burned during prayers, rituals and used in sweat lodges to purify and cleanse. It is also thought that wearing cedar needles, smudging the needles or hanging bundles throughout the home provides protection, good luck, good fortune, health and healing, positive energy, happiness, harmony and peace. [3]Cedar and Redwood are my favorite to use during the fall and winter months since I have access to them but you can also use Pine or any conifer you have where you live. Using branches from a Christmas tree can also work if that is all you have access to.
 
 
Potpourri

Supplies
Dried flowers and herbs from your garden adding store bought herbs for what you do not grow
Bowl for mixing
Wooden spoon
Essential oils (optional)
Sheer sachet bags, small baskets or decorative containers to store and display potpourri in 
 
How to Make
Add all herbs into a medium to large bowl and mix well with your hands or a large wooden spoon. Try to incorporate herbs with contrasting colors for a vibrant and colorful blend and use scents which compliment each other. If desired, add 2-4 drops of your favorite essential oils for every cup of plant material for enhanced scent and mix well. Pour into sheer sachet bags or decorative containers preferably with a lid which can be removed so potpourri can be stored, displayed and seen. Aromatics will slowly diffuse into the air and usually lasts for a few months. Add more essential oils if desired or discard and make a fresh batch as needed.
 
Spring and Summer Floral
- Any pretty and aromatic flowers such as calendula, chamomile, rose, lavender, jasmine, blue corn flowers, hibiscus, sage, etc and include any essential oil or blend of your choice which compliments the floral aroma.
 
Winter Spice
- Take contrasting colors of winter themed herbs, spices and resinous woody plants such as rosemary, sage, pine, cedar, redwood, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom husks, all spice, colored peppercorns, pine cones, seed pods, star anise, orange peel, moss, lichen, berries such as holly, hawthorn or rosehips, etc. Include any conifer, earthy, or spice-like essential oil or blend to enhance the scent if desired. 
 
 
Garlic Braids
 
Supplies
Fresh garlic plants
Twine to secure braid
Fresh herbs such as lavender, rosemary, thyme or cayenne peppers (optional)
Flat surface to braid
Nail to hang braid on the wall
 
How to Make
Harvest whole garlic plants and peel away dying or brownish leaves. Lay garlic down on a flat surface with leaves facing you and braid using whatever design you like. You can make the braids simple using only 3 garlic plants with the standard braid design or as wide/long as you like using more plants.
 
If using more than 3 sets of garlic follow these steps: Start with 3 garlic plants and do 1 set of braiding. Then add another garlic plant combining its leaves with the leaves from one of the original 3 garlic plants and weave/braid (like French braiding hair). Repeat this with each weave until you do not want to add any more garlic, then finishing braiding the remaining leaves, cutting off the excess ends if needed. Secure with some twine and hang. 
 
You can incorporate weaving patterns which are different than the braiding to form shapes and designs too. Braiding/weaving works best while the leaves are still fresh and left to dry in the sun or a dry place with adequate air flow.
 
You can also weave in flowers (preferably ones with little water content and which dry well with lasting color (baby's breath, lavender, etc). Another beautiful display can be made by sticking in sprigs of rosemary, thyme, bay and/or sage once the garlic leaves have been weaved. Or try adding in some vibrant red fresh cayenne peppers into the braid and allow them to dry with the garlic.
 
Hang your garlic braid on the wall of your kitchen or dinning room for d�cor cutting off and using the garlic, herbs and/or peppers as needed. Your braid should last for about 6 months in a cool, dry environment.
 
 
Decorative Herb Bottles
 
Supplies
Decorative bottles (with cap or cork)
Dried or freshly wilted (almost dried) herbs
Oil
Ribbon or twine (optional for decoration)
Chopstick or skewer (optional if needed)
 
How to Make
Take decorative bottles and add any pretty herbs and flowers into them trying to arrange them in an aesthetically pretty way. You can use a skewer or chop stick to help with moving and arranging the plants if needed. This project is especially pretty when using culinary herbs and/or flowers like lavender. Once all the plants have been added and arranged pour in some cooking oil. If you see air bubbles you may need to gently stir the oil to release them. Seal with the cork or cap and decorate the top with a bow using some ribbon or twine if desired. If all ingredients are edible you can use the oil in your cooking. Use within the first 6 months before the oil goes rancid or leave the bottles on a shelf, mantle or window seal for beautiful decoration in the kitchen and dinning room.
 
 
Dandelion Paper Weight
 
Here is a do it yourself video on how to make your own paperweight with a dandelion puff. Try other beautiful flowers and herbs too or use other molds to make decorative objects for your home or to give away as gifts. [4]
 
 
 

Crafts Using a Plant Press
 
There are many crafts you can make using dried pressed plants from your garden. If you do not have a plant press click here for directions from Mother Earth Living on how to make your own. You can also search on You Tube for various how to videos or do a general internet search for other options and tips for pressing plants. There are many different styles and ways to make a plant press so use whatever method works for you based on the supplies you have access to and the budget you have to spend on it.
 
Once you have pressed and dried plants you can use them for various projects including making your own gift cards, wall hanging art, decorating candles, furniture, scrapbooking, etc. You can get very creative.
 
Herbal Collage Cards and D�cor
 
Supplies
Pressed flowers, leaves or other plant foliage
Thick card stock paper
Adhesive glue (spray)
Tweezers
 
How to Make
  1. If making a decorative wall hanging picture use desired size thick card stock paper. If making a card, fold the thick card stock paper in half or quarters depending on the size you are making and write or type your message in the inner pages of the card.
  2. Take your pressed plants and arrange them on a separate piece of paper until you have made your collage.
  3. Spray a light layer of adhesive glue on the thick card stock paper.
  4. Apply the plants onto it using tweezers if needed for small and fragile parts of the plants, pressing all parts down gently.
  5. Once your collage has been arranged spray another light layer of adhesive glue over the plants to ensure they do not fall off and allow it to dry completely. If needed, spray one more layer of glue and dry.
  6. Gift your homemade card or frame your plant/floral collage and hang it up on the wall for d�cor.
 
 Pressed Plant D�cor on Furniture 
 
If you have any tables or furniture with a glass cover that is removable you can add some vibrant beauty from the plants as decoration. Remove glass and clean the surface of the furniture and glass. Arrange your pressed flowers or plants. Place the glass back on the furniture and admire the beautiful decoration the plants provide. I would avoid gluing the flowers directly onto the glass or furniture but if you prefer you can glue the plants onto a piece of paper which lines the furniture instead and then cover it with the glass.
 
 





Natural Dying Using Plants
 
Plants have been used for thousands of years to dye and bring color to fabric, yarn, textiles, paper, paint, etc. This is a fun way to naturally dye your textile projects without the harmful chemicals. I also like to make my own plant dyes when making Easter eggs.
 
Supplies
Plants for dying
Strainer, cheese cloth or muslin
Large stock pot for dying fabric, wool, clothes, etc.
Mason jars or cups for dying Easter eggs or small objects
Objects to dye (fabric, textiles, wool, yarn, eggs, etc)
Salt or distilled vinegar
Spoon
 
How to Make
If using flowers, leaves or berries to dye you bring water to a boil and remove it from the heat source. Pour the water over the herbs and allow it to steep for 4-6 hours. If using roots or bark you can gently simmer the herbs on the stove for 30-60 minutes, covered. Turn off heat and allow it to steep for 4-6 hours. Use just enough water so the herbs are completely covered and free flowing. Strain out the herbs using a stainless steel mesh strainer, layered cheese cloth or muslin.
 
Pour the dye into a large stock pot and add in your fabric, textile, yarn or wool and let it gently simmer for 30 minutes. Add salt to the dye water and continue to simmer for another 30-60 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit for 1-2 hours or until it reaches desired color. It is ready when the object is a few shades darker than the desired color as the color will lighten when the fabric/textile dries. Remove the fabric or textile from the dye and rinse with water to remove any excess dye. Gently ring out and hang or lay out to dry. Color may run so use caution when washing and using your naturally dyed fabric.
 
If dying Easter eggs you can pour your dye water into small cups or pint sized mason jars. Add 2 tbsp of distilled vinegar per cup of dye water. Take eggs and carefully drop them into the cup/jar and allow them to sit for 15-30 minutes. The longer it sits the more vibrant the color. Remove using a spoon and allow the eggs to sit on paper towels to dry.
 
Plants for Making Natural Dye
 
Red
: any red berries, rose hips, red onion skins, bloodroot, pomegranate peel, sumac, paprika, beets, hibiscus, etc
 
Yellow or yellow-brown
: calendula flowers, dandelion flowers, yellow onion skins, goldenrod flowers, annatto, bay leaves, barberry, alfalfa, yellow beet root, burdock, heather, daffodil, mullein leaf and root for pale or flowers for bright, st johns wort, sumac bark, sumac bark, etc  
 
Orange
: turmeric, alder, barberry, carrot, sassafras leaves, etc
 
Brownish
: henna, acorns(boiled), beet root, birch bark, coffee grinds, dandelion roots, oak bark, oregano, walnut hulls and husks, yellow dock, etc
 
Green
: nettle, spinach, green tea, black eyed susan, plantain roots, yarrow leaves, peppermint, hydrangea flowers, chamomile leaves, etc
 
Blue
: indigo, dogwood, blueberries, corn flowers, purple iris, etc
 
Pink/Purple
: hibiscus, elderberry, alkanet, mulberries, blackberry, etc  
 
 
Thank you for joining us for this "Herbal Fun in the Garden" series.  I hope you are inspired to explore the many ways of using the plants you grow whether it is for medicinal or culinary use or to make fun gifts, art and projects. 

~May the vibrant plants always be a part of you and your home.~
 
 
 
References: