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Shower bag - Bath Blend of the Month

I go the idea for this recipe from my friend Tina at The Essential Herbal. She posted a recipe for Bath Scrubby on her herb blog back in 2013 that I have played around with ever since and this is my version of that.

I make shower bags with herbs and soap that can be used to wash with. The key with a shower bag is the herbs must come in contact with the skin to impart their herbal properties. My solution was to put soap in it so that you would put it in contact with the skin. Tina's recipe uses only herbs and you just wipe it over the skin after wetting it. I like the variations that were possible with her recipe and came up with a blend that would soothe my sensitive skin and remove irritation from being outside and sun exposure.

Flower Bath Scrubbie

2 Tbls. calendula petals
2 Tbls rose petals
1 Tbls lavender buds
1 Tbls chamomile flowers
1 Tbls thyme or sage flowers

This makes about 3/8 to 1/3 of a cup of blend that is enough to fill one 3 x 4 inch cotton (or you can place them in the center of a 10x10 inch square of muslin fabric and pull the edges together.) To use in the shower, wet the bag and scrub over your skin. The soothing properties of the flowers is perfect for your skin.

I like the method of brewing the bag in a pan of water and pouring that into the bath water as the best way to get the benefit of the flowers, but if you want to take a shower with this scrubbie, the key is to make sure the bag comes in contact with the skin.

Here is a breakdown of the benefits of the flowers:

Chamomile - reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also possessing anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Calendula - has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, and helps to heal wounds and soothe damaged skin, such as sunburn, cuts and scrapes.

Rose - Antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties in roses make them wonderfully soothing for skin, especially swollen spots and redness.

Sage - the antioxidants in sage reduce fine lines and wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Thyme - is an anti-bacterial herb that can be used on skin bacteria that creates acne, and an antifungal agent that works on eczema.

Lavender - is rich in a compound called linalool that assists with skin healing while also preventing tissue degeneration keeping skin firm and preventing wrinkles.

Calendula and Rose Sea salt - Bath Blend of the Month

Last moth I suggested a Calendula Tea for the bath. You can also make a soothing blend of softening herbs and sea salt that includes calendula.

Calendula and Rose Sea Salt

Rose petals

Rosemary

Calendula petal

½ cup sea salt

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients together. The amount of flowers and herbs is up to you, the more the merrier. Place them all in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shape well. Allow them to meld for two weeks before using.

To Use: Place a large handful of the mixture in a muslin bag and place in a filling bath. Soak and enjoy.

Rose is soothing to skin and calendula will relieve dry itching and irritated skin. Rosemary is lightly astringent and is rejuvenating and stimulating.

Edibles in your Garden Landscape

Most gardens today are solely ornamental and many of the ones that are edible are tucked into hidden corners of back yards, valued solely for their contribution to the pantry. Before herb gardens and vegetable gardens were relegated to their own spaces, kitchen gardens, cottage gardens, and landscapes around homes were filled plants that were as beautiful as they were useful.

Fortunately, edible landscaping is making a comeback, with more home gardeners choosing to plant attractive edibles that are easy on the eye as well as the dinner plate. A productive, functional and beautiful landscape can be grown on any scale and is especially useful when gardening in a limited space.

Consider adding a few edibles to your garden from the Garden Club of Villa Park Plant Sale (May 12 & 13, 2017 - 320 E Wildwood, Villa Park, IL)

Here are a few basic ideas to get your edibles mixed into your garden landscape:

Height and Depth: pairing together edibles of varying heights in one bed or area creates an interesting look similar to wilder-inclined flower beds. Most vegetables prefer a full day of sun, but some can tolerate 4 to 6 hours of sun. Any greens and cool-weather loving edibles enjoy the relief of some shade in the hottest parts of the year, so consider interplanting them with taller sun-loving vegetables and edible flowers or herbs. For example, the handsome Spotted Trout Lettuce can be planted under Ping Pong Tomatoes for contrasting colors, depth, height, and a one-stop salad harvest. African Crackerjack Marigolds (a very tall variety) can serve as a backdrop for a row of alternating Red Russian Kale and Purple Vienna Kolhrabi, with Arugula or Spinach interplanted between the brassicas – for a rich landscape of orange, red, purple, and deep green.

In extra cramped quarters, the same effects can be achieved within one pot. For example, Nasturtiums (edible flowers with a peppery kick) can serve as a “groundcover,” draping over the side of a tall container, with one Rainbow Chard and Tom Thumb Pea plant growing up from the center of the pot.

Succession sowing is also a useful tool both for food production and for growing an edible landscape. For example, radishes – a quickly maturing crop -- can be interplanted with Red Express Cabbage – a pretty, petite cabbage that matures quickly, for a cabbage. Sunflowers can be added to complete the trio, which will eventually grow tall enough to shade out the entire area, but not before the radishes and cabbages are ready to be harvested. You can also use succession planting to give a continuous crop for herbs like dill or cilantro which can form seed rather quickly eliminating the ability to harvest the tasty leaves.

Colorful Contrast: Simply planting your go-to vegetables in a new formation creates a beautiful, new landscape. Planting Purple Peacock Broccoli and Cauliflower in one block will make for a snow white and rich purple/green checkerboard. Grouping a variety of colorful flowers and vegetables in a cluster instead of a row will automatically bring aesthetic interest to a corner of your garden.

The easiest way to create colorful contrast is to let some of your edible plantings go to seed! Not only will you end season with your very own seed bank, but ordinary plants will assume beautiful, new forms: lettuces, for example, will grow tall and bloom like clusters of tiny dandelions; leeks will shoot out one long stalk with a giant, lavender-hued, globe-shaped blossom.

Choose unusual varieties of usual vegetables in the interest of color, nutrition, and flavor. Merlot Lettuce is merlot colored, Lemon Cucumbers are lemon colored, and Rainbow Chard, yes – also true to its name – comes with stalks in varying colors.

purple basil in the center pot,
edible and color coordinated

Substitute:Another helpful way to think about edible landscapes is to substitute edible varieties for each role you want a plant to serve in the garden. Want a vine to climb up the back fence? How about peas, followed by pole beans: they have beautiful flowers and foliage and also produce delicious pods. Looking for a petite tuft of grass to edge your pathway? How about chives instead – a hardy, perennial with great flavor and attractive magenta blooms. Thyme works great not only as an indispensable seasoning, but as a groundcover too, especially in between a stone pathway. Purple Basil can substitute for a coleus and has the same burgundy foliage. Adding edible flowers to the flower garden can give you double duty. Chamomile and feverfew look like small daisies; Borage, bachelor Buttons, Love-in-a-Mist can all be eaten; Nasturtiums are well known for the peppery flavor of the leaves and the flowers. And pansies and calendula are also edible.

More Edible Flowers - Herb of the Week

I previously did a blog post on edible flowers in 2013. Since that time I have developed a wonderful slide presentation on Edible Flowers with a chart that details what parts of flowers to use. The program includes herb, vegetable and landscaping flowers all of which are edible in one way or another. As the weather gets warmer and I start to get antsy for gardening season to begin the thought of some edible flowers generally pops into my head.

These days people recognize that many flowers in addition to being decorative are indeed edible which is why we see a salad topped with nasturtiums or cookies with real rose or pansy petals pressed into the frosting or even a bowl of punch with violets or violas floating on top. However I am going to give you a few ways to use flowers in a more savory way in cooking.

Chive Blossoms

We will start with my favorite early herb flower - Chive blossoms. Chives can bloom as early as April in some places but generally show an abundance in early May in my Zone 5 garden. I make chive flowers into vinegar. using the simple microwave technique.

To make herb vinegar, wash your fresh herbs thoroughly then allow to air dry. Use any type of vinegar with a 5% acidity. Rice and wine vinegars are very popular, but distilled white works fine too. Place the herbs in a glass heat-resistant jar. Pour vinegar over herbs to cover completely. Using the handle of a wooden or plastic spoon bruise the herbs in the vinegar. Then place jar in microwave for 2 minutes on high. Allow to cool and steep.

In about 2 weeks the vinegar starts to turn a lovely pink and picks up a light onionly flavor akin to chives. It can then be used to make salad dressing and marinades. I do sell the vinegar some years, but it is always gone in a hurry.

Vinegar Slaw

3 1/2 pounds green cabbage, cut into 1-inch chunks

1 very large Vidalia or other sweet onion (1 1/4 pounds), cut into 1-inch pieces

1 pound carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

3 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 cup sugar

1 cup chive blossom vinegar

3/4 cup peanut oil

1 teaspoon dry mustard powder

1 teaspoon celery seeds

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves

Working in batches, pulse the vegetables in a food processor until finely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl and toss well. Stir in the sugar.

In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, oil, dry mustard, celery seeds and salt and bring to a boil. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss well. Refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, drain the slaw and stir in the parsley.

Calendula

Marigolds brighten up the summer months and Pot Marigold, also known as Calendula is a wonderful annual to grow. I plant them as an edging around evergreen beds as well as my rain garden and my vegetable gardens. The flowers are bright, colorful and sunny and cannot help but lift your mood and they are totally edible. You can use calendula petals to make this wonderful vegetable soup.

Marigold Soup

Adapted from Herbs through the Seasons at Caprilands by Adelma Simmons

8 cups chicken stock

1/2 cup brown rice, uncooked

1 cup celery, chopped

2 medium onions, chopped

2 medium potatoes scrubbed and diced

1 Tbls black peppercorns, crushed

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

½ cup chives, chopped

½ cup chive flowers, torn and chopped

1 cup parsley, chopped
2 cups calendula flowers
1 cup young calendula leaves
1 Tbls lemon juice (or more to taste)
calendula petals or flower heads for garnish

Directions:
Combine chicken stock, rice, celery, onions, potatoes and crushed pepper in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes or until rice is just cooked. Add spinach, chives, parsley and calendula flowers and leaves and cook 5 minutes more. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Garnish with fresh calendula. Serve at once with a flower in each bowl.

Lavender

Lavender flowers arrive in late summer and give such great aroma of relaxation they tend to be used for potpourri and scented creams and lotions rather than for the savory qualities they bring to food. They are an important part of a traditional herb blend called Herbs De Provence. Herbs de Provence can be used to marinades, sauces and as a meat rub.

Simplified Herbs De Provence

Thyme
Rosemary
Bay
Fennel
Lavender buds

Combine dried herbs in equal amounts and store in a jar with a tight fitting lid.

Herbs de Provence Encrusted Pork Loin

3 1/2 lb. Center Cut Boneless Pork Loin

2 Tbls Herbs de Provence

2 Garlic Cloves, minced

3 Tbls Olive Oil

1 tsp Kosher Salt

1/2 tsp Fresh Ground Black Pepper

1 cup Chardonnay Wine (or any other dry white wine)

1 cup Fat Free Chicken Broth

1 Tbls Cornstarch

1 Tbls Cold Water

Directions

Encrusted Pork Loin

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Allow meat to come to room temperature for 15 minutes prior to cooking; then trim any visible fat from your roast and place in a roasting pan; leaving any fat facing up. Combine the Herbs de Provence, garlic, oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl; then brush it on top of the meat. Add the wine and chicken broth to the bottom of the pan and bake until the minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees (approximately 1 1/2 hours for an internal temperature of 160 degrees; which is how we prefer ours cooked.) Remove from the oven and allow to sit for 15 minutes before slicing.

Chardonnay Pan Gravy

Remove the pan drippings from the bottom of the roasting pan and place in a small saucepan. Bring to a slight boil over high heat; then reduce heat to a simmer. Combine the cornstarch and cold water and whisk the mixture into the pan drippings. Stir constantly until the gravy has thickened; approximately 2-3 minutes. Serve over Pork Loin.

Rose

Roses are also a great savory for cooking. You can extract the essence of the petals by making a rose water that can then be used to make cookies.

You can make your own quick rose water. It has not long term shelf life, so use it up in 6 months and keep refrigerated. But you can use as a bath splash and in these savory cookies while you have it on hand.

Quick Rose Water
from the Program Body Beautiful by Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh

1 cup firmly packed rose petals, washed

2 cups boiling water

Place rose petals in a ceramic or glass bowl. Use only fresh petals (no leaves or stems). Pour boiling water over petals, and allow to steep until cool. Strain off the petals and pour the scented liquid into a clean bottle.

Directions for use: Splash on after bath or shower or use in any number of beauty recipes. Will keep refrigerated for 6 months.

Rose Cookies
Adapted from Herbs through the Seasons at Caprilands by Adelma Simmons

1 cup butter
1/2 cup honey
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/4 cups unbleached flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flower
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
2 Tbls rose water or 1 tsp rose syrup
2 Tbls caraway seeds
raisins for garnish

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream together butter and honey. Add eggs and beat well. Sift flours with baking soda and cream of tartar. Add to the creamed mixture. Stir in rose water or rose syrup and caraway seeds. Drop mixture by teaspoon onto greased cookie sheets. Flatten slightly with a moistened finger and put a raisin in the center of each cookie. Bake at 375 degrees until lightly browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from cookie sheets and cool on a wire rack. Make 8 dozen.

Calendula Bath - Bath Blend of the Month

Calendula Bath

This is a great way to get rid of itchy, irritated or dry skin. Calendula is a perfect herb for skin, taken as a tea internally or used in the bath externally it will bring back a softness and glow to skin. The gentleness of this simple bath tea allows you to sue it over and over.

1/4 to 1/2 cup Calendula Petals

2 cup boiling water

Stir the Calendula petals into boiling water. Steep until the water is room temperature, then strain into the bath water and soak.

Valentine's Day: It's Not Just Chocolate and Roses

I have to admit that my two favorite Valentine herbs are chocolate (oh, yes, it's really an herb) and roses. In fact I make a great black tea blend using both crushed chocolate and rose petals that I call “Valentine Lover's Tea.” But there are actually many herbs that can help you celebrate the season of love.

Herb Lore

Periwinkle (also called Vinca minor). It was believed that people who ate periwinkle leaves together would fall in love.

Honeysuckle. The scent of honeysuckle was thought to induce erotic dreams; hence, many parents forbade their daughters to bring it into the house.

Bay laurel. If you want to dream of your future lover, pin five bay leaves to the four corners and the center of your pillow, before you go to bed tonight. Be sure to repeat the traditional charm (it won't work if you don't) St. Valentine, be kind to me, in dreams let me my true love see.

Yarrow. A lady hoping to attract a reluctant lover was advised to walk through a patch of yarrow, barefoot at midnightunder a full moon. In the Language of Herbs, Yarrow means EVERLASTING LOVE, so giving it in a blend for bath may make the perfect Valentine gift.

Modern Love Herbs

Herbs have romantic meanings, and can bring a romantic touch to your Valentine's Day. Combine any of these special Love Herbs to tell the story of your love and devotion and enjoy an Herbal Valentine!

1. Basil

Basil, with it's spicy scent, has meaning in the language of love. It's very meaning is LOVE. Try this spicy sweet cocktail made with Lemon Basil:

Lemon Basil

Lemon Basil Tequila Cocktail
1 serving

2 parts Tequila
1 part premium Triple Sec
1/2 lemon
6 lemon basil leaves
1/2 part simple syrup
Club soda

Muddle lemon, basil and simple syrup in a chilled glass. Add ice, triple sec and tequila. Top with club soda. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

Basic Simple Syrup Recipe
makes approximately 1 1/2 cups

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Allow mixture to cool, then decant into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid. Keeps in the refrigerator for several weeks.

2. Calendula

According to the language of herbs, Calendula means JOY. What a lovely thing to say to your beloved. Add calendula to your teas of course, but how about a soothing treatment to make your skin shiny and soft for you special someone?

Special Calendula Facial

Petals of 2 calendula flowers (about 2 Tbls.)

2 Tbls. instant non-fat dry milk

1/3 c. boiling water

Combine the milk and flowers in the water and allow to steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove herbs and use the mixture to wipe face or soak a cloth in the liquid and lay over face and relax for 5 minutes to let the calendula soften the skin and bring back a rosey complexion.

3. Thyme

According to the language of herbs, Thyme brings with it the meaning of AFFECTION. Perfect for young love or deep friendship. What better way to express your devotion to someone, than to include a sprig of thyme in their Valentine?

Or you can try this thyme seasoned Red Soup –

Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

2 ¼ pounds tomatoes, halved lengthwise

2 large red bell peppers, seeded and quartered

1 onion, cut into thick slices

4 large garlic cloves, peeled

2 Tbls. olive oil

1 tsp. fresh, ½ tsp. dried thyme

water

Preheat over to 450 degrees. Arrange tomatoes (cut side up) bell peppers, onion, and garlic cloves on a large baking sheet. Drizzle oil over, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Roast vegetables until brown and tender, turning peppers and onion occasionally about 40 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool.

Transfer vegetables and accumulated juices to food processor and all thyme. Puree soup, gradually adding about 2 cups of water to thin soup to desired consistency. Chill until cold, about 3 hours. Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated. If soup becomes too thick, thin with water to desired consistency. Serves 4.

4. Patchouli

The heady scent of Patchouli is not surprisingly included in a list of romance herbs. According to the Language of Herbs, Patchouli means PASSION. Associated with love, wealth, and sexual power, patchouli can be used in incense blends, potpourri, and ritual workings. To use patchouli to it's fullest extent, tuck some dried into small sleep pillows, or sachets. The rich, lusty scent, will entice your love to feel romantic.

Blessing Oil

Use 1/8 Cup base oil (like almond oil, walnut oil or even canola oil),

then add the following:

5 drops Sandalwood

2 drops Camphor

1 drop Orange

1 drop Patchouli

5. Lavender (lavender sachet photo)

In the Language of Love, Lavender means DEVOTION and UNDYING LOVE. It is no surprise that lavender has always been considered the herb of love. It's delicious and romantic scent is loved by most of us. Make a sachet and place it in the dryer with your bed sheets to infuse them in wonderful scent.

Or try one of these wonderful lavender creations:

Lavender Aioli

1 cup olive oil

6 cloves garlic, unpeeled and crushed

2 fresh sprigs lavender (leaves and flowers), bruised

3 eggs

1 Tbls. lemon juice

In a small saucepan, gently heat the oil with the garlic and lavender over low heat for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat just before it starts to bubble. Allow to cool to room temperature. With a sieve over a small bowl, strain the lavender oil, pressing with a spoon to extract soft solids from the garlic and lavender. Discard herbs.

In a food processor or blender, process the eggs and lemon juice until well blended. With the motor running, add the lavender oil a few drops at a time, then in a thin, steady stream until all the oil is absorbed and the mixture is thickened. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Refrigerate for up to 2 days or use immediately. Aioli thickens on chilling.

Great on sandwiches, as a spread on toast and stirred into steamed vegetables.

Soothing Oat Bath

2 cups rolled oats, ground to a fine powder in the blender

1 cup baking soda

1 Tbls. dried Lavender buds

10 drops lavender essential oil

Grind 2 cups rolled oats to a fine powder in a blender then add baking soda, lavender flowers and lavender oil. Add 1 to 2 Tbls. to a muslin bag and place in the bathtub while it is filling. Squeeze the bag and relax into the water with your sweetie!

Backyard Garden Update July

July was a whole lot of let it grow.

These are some of the plants in bloom

Mabel Grey Scented Geranium

Calendula just before it began to bloom.

Nasturtiums

Swamp Milkweed

Gazania

Anise Hyssop

Yarrow

Artemesia

The back yard enjoying growth and decoration. We added a third trellis back by the fence for Hyacinth Bean. I got some seed from the Garden Club and planted them along the bottom. The trellis is to keep Chas from trimming them down before they get big enough to grow on the trellis. Hyacinth bean can grow inches in a day, so although an annual it can cover the trellis by the end of the season with no problem.

The peas have taken over the string. I am not sure what to do now that they are higher than the posts.

Scented geraniums by the back door.

The vegetable garden is getting tall and full with much potential by the end of the month.

The herbs seemed to be growing more slowly than I expected so I started a program of adding compost tea and new rich soil and compost to the garden in 2 week intervals to see if there is improvement. By month end they are beginning to get better.

The rain garden in mid summer

By month end the calendula and Nasturtiums joined the rest of the flowers in bloom!

Relaxing Herbal Bath Mixture - Bath Recipe of the Month

Aromatherapy and Health Benefits of Certain herbs

Lemon balm: calming and soothing

Lemon peel: increases immunity from disease

Calendula: healing to skin cells, reduces inflammation and heals injured skin

Rosebuds: increase happiness with the release of endorphins; soothe irritated skin

Lavender flowers: reduce stress and relax large muscles

Chamomile: healing to skin cells

Catnip: mild sedative

Sea Salt: adds needed minerals to promote skin cell health

Relaxing Healing Herbal Bath Mix

Enjoy a relaxing bath with this fragrant mixture of dried herbs especially formulated to relax tense muscles and soothe the soul. The warm water releases the healing properties of the herbs which are then absorbed by your skin. The therapeutic effect of a relaxing bath will result in 20 minutes. Light a candle, sip a cup of herb tea and relax in a warm bath. A spa treatment right at home!

6 Tbls. lavender

6 Tbls. lemon balm

2 Tbls. Chamomile

2 Tbls. Roses

2 Tbls. lemon peel

2 Tbls. calendula

2 Tbls. catnip

2 Tbls. sea salt

Directions:

Mix herbs in container and store in a tightly lidded jar. Makes roughly 1 ½ cups

To Use: Place one tablespoon of relaxing bath mix into a muslin bag, coffee filer or even a tea ball and close securely. Add the bag to warm tub water and infuse while tub is filling. Remove bath sachet from tub and allow to drain. Therapeutic effect of a relaxing bath will begin to be seen in about 20 minutes.

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