Just Plant This

Giant Zinnias

2009-07-12T06:53:00.000-07:00

This week for Just Plant This, we'll be talking about giant zinnias in the garden.Giant zinnias are annuals which means their life cycle from seed to bloom to seed is just one year.

I have 2 varieties of zinnias in my garden: giant enchantress (pink) and giant lavender gems. They are said to only grow to 2-3 feet high but they can grow up to 3 1/2 feet or so and they spread out about 2-2 1/2 feet wide. So if you're going to add these to your garden - be sure to have a bit of space.The plants end up with about 15 or so blooms each, are really beautiful and have a nice fragrance. Zinnias make for nice cut flowers to bring indoors and they attract bees and hummingbirds. Which I love! Hummingbirds are so fun to watch!

What I find most interesting about the blooms is that when they burst open, they not only have beautiful layered full petals, but right in the center there is a circle of small yellow flowers. Cool right?

Aloe Vera

2009-07-01T05:14:00.000-07:00

Most people see aloe vera as a plant that helps heal and take the sting out of burns. That's true ~ but it's so much more than that!

Externally, Aloe Vera can be used not only for burns, but cuts, eczema, aging skin and acne. The elements in the aloe vera plant stimulate regeneration of the skin and 'cools' redness or burn from the skin. This is due to the natural phytochemicals within the aloe vera plant itself.

When using aloe vera, choose the lowest leaves to harvest (cut), as they are the oldest and hold the most medicinal value. Once you have the leaf, just cut the sides off and fillet it like a fish to expose the insides. You can use that to rub directly on the desired area. When the leaf seems to have dried up, use a clean knife to slice across, exposing more aloe vera juice to use. Any unused portion can be wrapped and kept in the fridge for up to a week.

Taken internally, the aloe vera juice is said to help digestion. The plant is also being tested for its healing powers for certain cancers and AIDS - although the results are not in yet. But that is pretty exciting research!

So, get yourself an aloe vera plant - they are very easy to grow and maintain and are useful to have around.

Marigold Seeds for Sale

2009-06-26T05:59:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

I have just listed orange marigold seeds for sale on ebay. The packet I've put together is 50 seeds but if you mention this post in your paypal payment, I'll add another 50 to your pack.

They are seeds that I collected from my own garden and I have never used pesticides or any chemicals on my plants. The marigold seeds have produced beautifully for me!

Check it out on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=260435293799

Grape Wreath Bird Bath

2009-06-23T05:56:00.001-07:00

I was reading Family Fun magazine and they had a birdbath project in there that was simple and really turned out nice! Check it out..

You'll need: a grapevine wreath - mine is about 18 inches but you could get a smaller one, a ceramic plant saucer that fits in the hole - mine is about 15 inches, and some twine - I bought some 47lb test jute at the craft store that seems to work nicely.

Cut 3 strips of the jute about 5 feet long a piece. Tie them in a knot at the bottom, leaving a little tail. Spread them out evenly and place the wreath in the center. Tie it up where you want it outside - place the saucer in the wreath and fill it with water.

Voila a birdbath!

The Great Sunflower Project

2009-06-19T05:07:00.001-07:00

Part of the reason that we have so many sunflowers in our garden is because we are participating in a project called The Great Sunflower Project.

The organization sent us sunflower seeds and we agreed to: plant them, register our garden and record the comings and goings of different types of bees. We're helping them count bees! Cool, right?

You can participate too. Go to http://www.greatsunflower.org/ and sign up! You can't get free seeds but you can buy lemon queen sunflower seeds anywhere, so get going and get planting!

Sunflowers

2009-06-18T05:45:00.000-07:00

My kids and I are really into growing sunflowers this year. We're trying to grow them across from each other to make a super cool sunflower fort! We've got the mammoth ~ which are now about 5 1/2 feet tall. And we've got the lemon queen which are now about 4 1/2 feet tall.

Mammoth

Lemon Queen

I just love growing sunflowers because they're easy, fast and huge ~ and sunflowers attract butterflies, bees and birds!

When your sunflowers start to wilt ~ just cut off the heads and hang them upside down to dry them out and harvest the seeds for next year to plant! Or eat them..or put them in your bird feeder for the birds. Can't wait 'til they bloom...

300lb Pumpkins!

2009-04-06T20:51:00.000-07:00

Alright all ~ I've planted some super cool pumpkins! They are said to reach 300 lbs ~ we'll see... But one of them has a flower bud already...pretty stinkin' neat. I'll post pics as they grow for all to see. Promise!

I watched this show recently, where people take these gargantuan pumpkins that they've grown ~ hollowed them out..cut them in half..made them into BOATS...and then raced each other! It was the funniest thing.

Hey, maybe I'll make a boat from one...I DO have a pond right next to the house! Hmmmm...

Corn

2009-04-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

If you're planning to grow corn this year for the first time - a couple of tips:

-start the stalks outside after danger of frost instead of inside

-instead of growing 1 row in a straight line, grow 4 or more shorter rows of corn next to each other..it works better for pollination

Can't you just taste that sweet sweet corn?? Mmmm..I can!
Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

Tomatos

2009-03-16T13:35:00.001-07:00

I'm growing some organic beefstake tomatos this year - which I'm super excited about. I've already been growing the babies inside for about 4 weeks and they're about ready to go outside.
A few tips that I learned recently that I'm going to apply this year are that when I put them in the ground, I'm going to use a stake instead of a cage. I'll attach the plant right above it's lowest branches with twine to the stake. My choice for stakes are bamboo - only because I have plenty of them in my garage. As the plant grows, move the twine up the post.
The second tip to follow is , as the plant grows, remove the suckers that grow up in the center of the plant. They take energy from the plant and apparently aren't productive.
Oh, and keep your eye out for hornworms - they can destroy a tomato plant overnight! Just pick them off and get rid of them.
Happy gardening-
Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

Needed Skills

2009-03-13T20:44:00.001-07:00

In this uncertain economic and political time, I feel it necessary to talk about skills that I think everyone would benefit in knowing and perhaps practicing. - Gardening -
Gardening is the simplest thing that anyone at any age can do. Small land - large land ...doesn't really matter. You have seeds, you prepare the soil, you water and care for them and they will yield for you.
Look at what your family eats most of and most regularly and start off with that. See what herbs you mostly use in your cooking and grow them! Look at your family health history and your current family's health and grow medicinal herbs as preventives. Not in place of a doctor but to keep you as healthy as possible so maybe you'll only need a doctor for check ups.
Think about how beneficial this would be to you and your family's health - not to mention the very valuable skills you'll be passing on to your children. If you or your children ever get stuck in a situation where you have to grow food to survive - behind the eight ball is really not the best place to be.
So, go buy some seeds - pick some place in the yard or in pots or wherever and grow your food..your herbs..your medicine..and enjoy the fruits of your own labor.
Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

Plant some garlic

2008-12-10T21:54:00.000-08:00

I try to use garlic in my cooking but I always seem to buy too much and it starts to go bad before I can use it all.

Boo hoo..

So what do I do with all of those extra bulbs? Why plant them of course! I just break apart the cloves that are left and plant them in pots or a special place in my garden. They'll grow and mature and spread and I'll not have to buy garlic for quite some time.

Super easy to grow - just dig it into the soil like your planting tulips - water - and that's pretty much it.

I think I've talked about garlic before and its health benefits but its really worth mentioning again. You can use garlic to fight ear infections and colds as well as fighting heart disease. Ok, it might smell bad but who can compare that to the benefits?

It's also great to put in soups, sauces and sautes - spread on some buttered bread to make garlic toast...hmm. Alright, that one may not be so good for the heart. Anyway, it adds some interest to your dishes and its good for you so, don't throw away that extra garlic, plant it and use it later!

Stressed Out?

2008-08-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

Who isn't stressed out these days? The economy, the change in power, um..the economy, etc... they alone are enough to have you on edge.

Take 5 minutes each day, sip a cup of chamomile tea, relax and appreciate that you have those moments on the earth ~ it helps : )

Chamomile is super easy to grow and the seeds are a cinch to harvest. If it's not growing season in your area, just grow a pot of it indoors. Take the chamomile seeds and spread them over the soil ~ pat them down lightly ~ keep them well watered and they'll start to germinate in about a week.

To make a nice cup of tea take 1t of chamomile flowers and steep in hot (almost boiling) water for 5 minutes ~ add honey if you like and enjoy.

Ahhh, that's nice ~

Nasturtium

2008-07-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

This pretty plant is really versitile ~ all parts of it are edible ~ the flower, the seeds and the leaves. The mustard oils in the plant are antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial ~ WOW! That is an impressive plant!

The parts of the plants are used in many ways, such as the seeds can be used as a substitute for capers. The leaves are a nice peppery addition to salads and will aid in digestion and can you imagine how pretty the flowers would be in a nice sorbet or floating in fruit punch or wine??

The plant is a strong source of vitamin C, as it helps boost the immune system and it supports the metabolism. Here's a nice salad recipe that I found:

1 1/2C fresh nasturtium leaves

1 bunch of arugula

1 bunch of scallions

2T balsamic vinegar

2t dijon mustard

6T extra virgin olive oil

2oz chunky parm cheese

some nasturtium flowers

salt and pepper

Mix the vinegar, salt, pepper, mustard and evoo together ~ pour it over the leaves, arugula & scallions ~ sprinkle the parm cheese and flowers and serve : )

As with everything ~ eat in moderation ~ too much can give you stomach problems..so take care!

Three Seed Tea

2008-07-27T05:14:00.000-07:00

This tea helps with constipation, gas, coughs and upset stomach. It also will mildly cleanse the blood.

Take 1tsp each of fennel seeds, flaxseeds and fenugreek seeds ~ simmer them in 3C of water for about 15 minutes.

The fennel seeds in the tea are sweet tasting and they held with stomach aches and gas. Fenugreek seeds are said to aid in digestion, lower cholesterol levels and stabilize blood sugar. It's also useful for lung congestion and is a good expectorant. The flaxseed in this recipe helps with stomach issues, as well. It also is said to reduce your risk of developing some
cancers, heart disease and eases the symptoms of menopause.

Any of these three ingredients can be made into a tea individually ~ they're powerful herbs ~ but this tea is a triple boom and the fennel makes it drinkable.

Tea Time

2008-07-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

Teas are really the most effective and cost efficient way to get your desired dose of herbs ~ but how do you make a good tea? There are a couple of ways and they depend on the herb itself.

If you are trying to make tea out of a flower or the leaf part of the herb, then the best way is to infuse the herb into the water simply by pouring hot or boiling water over the herb and steeping (letting it soak) for 15 to 30 minutes.

For seeds and thicker leaves, you'll want to use a light decoction by simmering the piece(s) in the water for 5 minutes and then steeping it for 15-30 minutes.

When you're using the root of the plant or it's bark, you'll need to simmer it for anywhere from 15 minutes to a full hour to create the decoction of the herb.

Tea tastes are also trial and error, as some of the herbs that you are using may not taste very good ~ so you'll want to keep some sweeter herbs on hand such as: mint, cinnamon, fennel or stevia to add sweetness and make the tea more drinkable.

When you're first making teas, you may want to stick to recipes or recommendations and then tailor them to your own taste. Of course, you could also buy the teas already made in handy tea bags or loose in tins; however, they can be pretty pricey. Why buy them if you can grow them? Just spend a little time experimenting and smelling and tasting ~ that's part of the fun!

White Sage Leaves

2008-07-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

When you have a sore throat, a nice soup and a good warm tea with honey is a great way to soothe it. Next time you have a sore throat, consider white sage leaf tea with lemon and honey!

To make the tea, infuse 1tsp of the sage leaves with a cup of hot water for about 15 minutes and drink a few times a day for your throat. If you're pregnant or nursing, though, you're advised to stay away from this herb.

Pregnant or nursing mothers can still make a cup of warm water with lemon and honey ~ that always soothed my sore throats during my pregnancies!

Peppermint

2008-07-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

I have a large pot of peppermint on my patio, right outside my back door. It smells wonderful when I walk out the door. Anyway, I tried to grow thyme with it ~ NOT a good idea, ladies and gents, the peppermint is a pushy fella. He's crushing out my poor little thyme! I knew this when I planted them, but I figured if I kept on top of harvesting the peppermint and drying it for teas and such on a regular basis that I could keep it under control. Umm, no.

A good way of keeping peppermint in its place, or so I've read..haven't tried (obviously), is to plant it with the pot under the soil. The idea being that the roots would be contained and it wouldn't be able to spread. I, personally, would prefer to just give it its very own pot to take over and flourish and run amok like nature intended. Next time...

If you have an upset tummy, pop and couple of peppermint leaves into your mouth or drink some peppermint tea to soothe it. The smell of peppermint is also a great pick-me-up ~ and the beautiful green of the fresh leaves really are lovely..

The Lovely Artichoke

2008-04-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

The artichoke is a vegetable which contains a lot of bitters which stimulate your bile ~ so it is helpful with liver function as well as lowering your cholesterol. You can consume the artichoke leaves and heart or you could take it in capsule form.

Another option is to make a tincture and take it daily before meals:

Simmer 1/2C of artichoke leaves (dry or fresh) per 2C of filtered water for about 5 minutes. Let is steep (sit in the water) for 15 minutes and take 1/2-1t twice or three times per day before meals*

*courtesy of Herbal Remedies for Dummies

Muy Caliente

2008-03-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

If you are prone to allergies, try adding cayenne pepper to your food!

Cayenne pepper is a natural anti-inflammatory due to it's active ingredient ~ capsaicin. So, it may help relieve your allergy symptoms.

Get sprinkling and feel better! Oh, and you might want to have some water nearby. Woo!

Spring has sprung..

2008-03-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

..and that usually means.. dun dun duuuunn! ALLERGIES! Everywhere I look, I see a sea of yellow film..on the van, in the lake, on the driveway, on the bushes ~ and I thought ~ I bet the people with allergies are hatin' life right about now.

What I plan to do is concentrate on natural ways to keep your allergies and/or symptoms at bay and help you to enjoy spring all that much more. I'll share them with you here and, hopefully, they will help!

The first one that I've found is Vitamin C!

Vitamin C is known as a natural antihistamine. Try increasing your intake of bell peppers, orange and grapefruit juice, broccoli, strawberries, kiwi, kale, papaya and arugula ~ see if that relieves some of your symptoms!

Bacterial Infections

2008-01-29T05:48:00.000-08:00

If you're trying to treat a bacterial infection (bronchitis, for example) ~ choose an herb that contains phenol and thymol in it to fight the infection. Inhaling the vapors of thyme, tea tree or clove oil will treat respiratory tract infections. Add the oil to a vaporizer or a hot bath and inhale the steam.

For sinus infections and upper respiratory infections, try horseradish and/or nasturtium oils.

To help prevent such infections, try keeping your immunity up by taking echinacea or Siberian ginseng 3 weeks before the cold season ~ and meditate for a short time each day.

Stay healthy!

Meditation

2008-01-26T08:28:00.000-08:00

I know that this blog is primarily about herbs and plants ~ but since I've been writing about sickness and immunity, I couldn't discount the positive effects of meditation on the immune system.

At the same time and in the same place every day ~ sit in a relaxed position and try to clear your mind. If thoughts arrive, just let them pass on by. It will help by choosing a mantra to say to yourself while in this position and to listen to your deep breathing. A mantra can be as simple as an "om" or it can be a simple phrase ~ a positive affirmation.

Do this for at least 5 minutes each day to improve your immune system and to raise your spirits.

Mandarin Oil

2008-01-24T20:30:00.001-08:00

When I think of mandarin, I think of the yummy oranges that I put on my salad or the new side dish they sell now at Wendy's : ) mmmm...

What I didn't know is that mandarin oil is a great aromatherapy treatment used to improve mood and relieve anxiety. You can add it in an aroma lamp or in your bath water ~ and it's safe to use for children, pregnant women and the elderly.

Use it as a natural and safe cleaner around the house ~ add a few drops of the oil to water and wipe down surfaces all over your house (except wood). It's not only a natural antiseptic ~ but it will help improve your mood while you clean..now that's helpful!

Try this recipe for an uplifting room spray: In a spritzer, combine 1/2 C water, 10 drops mandarin oil, 5 drops lavender oil and 2 drops of clary-sage oil

Ginger

2008-01-23T05:10:00.000-08:00

Improving your digestion will improve your energy level and help to stave off sickness. A good way to aid in your digestion and to warm your body through the winter is to take in a ginger tonic, mix it in water and take before meals for a few months or drink a strong ginger tea.

You can find the fresh ginger rhizomes in natural food stores. Also try candied ginger for a different texture ~ which can also be found in some food stores (or you can order it on-line)!

At the onset of a cold ~ take a ginger bath by making a strong ginger tea and pouring it into your bath water and soak for a while : ) Ahhh...

**Warning during pregnancy ~ fresh is safer than dried root and be sure not to drink more than 2-3 cups per day during pregnancy**

Onions

2008-01-16T20:54:00.000-08:00

Onions, I'll admit, had to grow on me over the years ~ but really there are SO many varieties that you're bound to find one or two or ten that you like! Please do because the benefits are tremendous! Check this out:

they..

raise HDL (good) cholesterol
protects blood vessels
reduces risk of heart attacks
helps to reduce high blood-sugar levels

Try this Onion Wine to prevent colds and help keep your heart healthy!

Puree 1 lb of peeled onions (3-4 fresh onions) in a blender or food processor ~ strain
Add 14 lb of honey and 1 C of white wine
Put in a bottle and store in a cool place

Take 1T 3x a day

(Recipe courtesy of The Complete Guide to Natural Healing)

Eleuthero Root (Siberian ginseng)

2007-12-23T08:22:00.000-08:00

When fighting fatigue, try this tea:

1 tsp of eleuthero root (to balance your digestive and hormonal systems)
1 tsp of peppermint (for relaxing the intestinal tract, ease any nausea and the aroma is a pick-me-up)

Steep for 4-5 minutes per 8-10 oz ~ add honey (or not) and enjoy.

Depression Formula

2007-12-21T06:17:00.000-08:00

If you're feeling blue in the winter months ~ or anytime ~ increase your fruit and veggie intake and try this herbal formula to perk you up:

Combine 1 tsp tincture of each of the following and drink alone (not with meals) 1/2 cup in morning and 1/2 cup in evening ~

St. John's wort leaf and flower, ginkgo leaf, rosemary leaf, lavender flowers and 1/2 tsp of red ginseng.

Please take note as to whether your tincture is made with alcohol or glycerin and check with your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.

Daisy Tea

2007-12-20T06:46:00.000-08:00

Pour a cup of boiling water over a teaspoon of dried daisy herbs (bellis perennis) and drink 2 to 3 times a day for help stimulating your metabolism and purifying your blood. It also may help with lung infections and the flu.

Be aware that it has a slight diuretic effect.

Cayenne Pepper

2007-12-17T07:51:00.000-08:00

If you'd like a remedy that is most likely sitting in your kitchen cabinet, try cayenne pepper as a natural fever reducing remedy. ..and to help with a cold.

Simply add it to soups and stews that you're eating while you're sick, take cayenne capsules or try this tea:

Add a pinch of the pepper to a cup of chamomile or fennel tea and stir well ~ drink as hot as you can stand it and REST. The cayenne will help you sweat the fever out.

Echinacea

2007-12-12T07:19:00.000-08:00

Take echinacea to boost your immunity this time of year. I take it as a tincture (8 drops per glass 2x per day) when I'm starting to feel sick-ish or when I'm caring for one of my children who is sick.

Take it for 8-10 days ~ after that the effects start to wear off.

It can also be given to children to boost immunity and to shorten the length of a sickness. Be sure, though, to purchase the glycerin mix tincture of echinacea ~ not the grain alcohol solution. It's a little less effective, but safer to give to children.

Tea Tree Oil

2007-12-10T05:20:00.000-08:00

Since we are the cold and flu season ~ I wanted to talk a little about tea tree oil.

Tea Tree is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-parasitic oil. Wow! Hello tea tree : ) It's really something you should have in your home all year round and especially this time of the year.

Here are some ways you can use tea tree oil to ease your cold and flu symptoms:

For bronchitis: Put 5 drops on a damp cloth ~ place it on your chest and cover it with a dry towel over night.
If there is a sickness in the home ~ place between 5 and 10 drops in a warm mist humidifier to clean the air and so the infected person will inhale the steam.
For sore throat pain ~ gargle 3-6 drops in one glass of water.

Avoid undiluted tea tree oil around the eyes and do NOT use undiluted tea tree on your pets, small children or babies.

My Herbs are Coming!!

2007-04-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

I just took a peak yesterday and 4 of my herbs have already sprouted: Flax, Johnny Jump-ups, Yarrow and California Poppy. Little tiny babies, but they're there! I plan to use them in my cooking and my teas ~ drying and fresh. Apparently, you can use the johnny jump-ups to decorate cakes and desserts because they have a sweet taste ~ can't wait to try it. California poppy has a nice calming effect and flax is good for lowering cholesterol. I'll post recipes as I use them. They all only took 5 days to germinate ~ WOW!

Herbs

2007-04-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

I just planted a ton of herbs today, so as they come up ~ I'll share my experience with you about their growth & what I'm actally using them for.

Dandelions

2007-02-01T14:17:00.000-08:00

You don't really have to worry about how to grow these because more than likely they're right in your yard! If you don't have any, you can easily pick one that is seeding (the whit puffy ones that you make wishes on~) and plant them in a pot at home.

Uses: Put young leaves in salads, soups & stews ~ high in vitamin A... roots can be dried & used as coffee...all parts of the plant can be used to steep for tea. Used in treatment of high blood pressure & arthritis, prevent gallstones, normalize blood sugars in diabetics and to bathe in to relieve sore muscles & joints.

Sea Salt

2007-01-29T06:43:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share with you a remedy for sore throats that worked on my son this morning.

~Mix 1t of non-iodized sea salt w/ 1 cup of warm water
~Stir until dissolved
~ Gargle for 1 minute or as long as you can up to 1 minute

My ds was suffering from a sore throat last night & this morning. He tried this gargle and now has no throat discomfort! I'm amazed that something so simple would work so well ~

Lemon Balm

2007-01-19T19:18:00.000-08:00

How to grow:
Lemon balm is very hardy ~ it can be grown from cuttungs, seeds or divisions in full sun, part shade or full shade. Watch it though...it can really take over your garden if it's not kept clipped in it's own section.

Prune:
Cut it down to desired size each spring or divide it and plant the division or give it as a gift! To promote strong growth, cut down to soil level in the fall.

How to harvest for use:
pick off it's leaves & use fresh ~ you can use them dry but they lose a bit of flavor in the drying process. Flavor is best when it's white flowers begin to bloom.

Specific Uses:
potpourri, scented bath, tea (and other drinks), addition to green or fruit salad, garnish for fish/chicken, good substitute for lemon peel in recipes, helps fevers, digestion, and tension headaches ~ it's aromatherapy is used for depression, melancholy, and nervous tension ~ it has also been effective in relieving symptoms of herpes, sores, and swellings and is said to have memory-improving properties.

Lavender

2007-01-17T08:14:00.000-08:00

How to grow:

Lavender can be grown indoors or out. It will tolerate the cold (depending on the variety you purchase), but thrives in the warmth. Grow it in well drained soil in the full sun and protect from harsh winds. This plant is relatively drought resistant (once it is established) ~ until then, be sure to water regularly.

Prune:

After flowering is complete, cut back the green to about 1/3 into the woody part.

How to harvest for use:

Pick the flowers and foliage and either put in a dry vase or hang to dry. Or you could extract it's oil ~ http://www.lavenderfarm.com/products/essential.htm

Specific Uses:

dried flower arrangements, potpourri, moth & flea deterrent, antiseptic, aromatherapy (depression, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, headaches), cooking http://www.lavenderfarm.com/recipes.htm , helps to heal insect bites, helps sunburns~ acne ~ dandruff, and is an anti-inflammatory.

Chamomile

2007-01-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

How to grow: Plant in full sun and well drained soil ~ plant abt 12 inches apart..buy a plant w/out flowers.

Prune: At the end of the season ~ frost ~ cut plant back to 2-3 inches.

Harvest: Harvest the flowers in the early morning as they are produced and bloom ~ all throughout the growing season.

Uses: It's a calming & soothing tea, treats fevers, treats kidney, liver, and bladder problems, and helps to relieve headaches ~ relieves toothaches, nerves and anxiety, helps digestion problems, especially when taken with peppermint. It's an anti-inflammatory, a mild sedative and an anti-ulcer remedy. It has anti-oxidant activity and the essential oil extracted from the chamomile flowers has been shown to have antimicrobial activity. It even acts as an antihistamine.