25 May 2008
To all of you visiting this weekend, may I wish each of you a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. I hope you have some time to spend in your gardens. I will be in mine tomorrow, as new spring growth has given way to plants in their full splender and in need of tending too.
Please visit this link and enjoy a very special and unique tribute to Memorial Day in flowers. You’ll enjoy it!
12 May 2008
This wonderful, sweet herb used to grow in my garden (though the picture is not from my garden) and I hope to try again this year when it gets a little warmer. I planted it for the first time two years ago, and hoped it would winter over, but unfortunately, it didn’t.
The scientific name for this plant is Stevia rebaudiana. We use it in our home as my husband is a diabetic and it doesn’t have any calories or negative affect on his blood sugar. If anything, studies seem to indicate that it has a positive affect on blood sugar. I use it in place of calorie-free artificial sweeteners.
I find that I can use the leaves from my garden in teas, but it’s a bit much to use them in any other cooking, so purchase an extracted white powder form of stevia. I have a container with a measure that helps me use the proper exchange for other sweeteners, and packets that I can carry in my pocket book.
Here are a couple of things that I have in my home right now:
Stevia Powder
Stevia Powder Packets
12 May 2008
This herb is found in the tropical rain forests of South America. If you look at the picture to the right, you’ll see where “Una de Gato” gets its common name, “Cat’s Claw”.
The variety of Una de Gato we are looking at is Uncaria tomentosa, it’s medicinal properties more focused on stimulating the immune system. There is another variety that goes by the scientific name Uncaria guianensis, which studies seem to indicate benefits those who suffer from conditions such as arthritis.
The parts most often used are the inner bark and roots. The may be sold in capsule, extract or tea form depending upon your shopping source.
Here are a few products that may interest you which contain Una de Gato:
Una de Gato (Cat’s Claw) (Blend, Encapsulated)
Glucosamine
Everybody’s Fiber
06 May 2008
This is a nice little shrub with pretty red berries. The leaves are an evergreen type, that lose there leaves every few years. The bush prefers mountain elevations, and grows in many parts of the world.
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi is the botanical name for the variety pictured. Because bears are said to enjoy eating the berries, the name “bearberry bush” is often used.
Animal studies have shown that the plant is effective as an antimicrobial, and has diuretic properties. Native Americans used the leaves to treat urinary tract infections.
Medicinally, this herb is available in dried crushed form, that can be taken in capsule form, or tincture. It is most affective in an alkiline body, and not taken with acidic foods. Watch for information about mixing the herb with other herbs or herbal combinations. This is a very safe medicinal herb, but should only be taken as needed, and not for extended periods of time.
Here are a few products that contain Uva Ursi, be sure to read label information and fact sheets, if they are available…if not, click here to email me!
Uva Ursi crushed leaves in capsule form.
Kidney Activator.
Urinary Maintenance.
Tiao He Cleanse ~ a 2-week pre-packaged Chinese cleanse
05 May 2008
Many years ago, a neighbor was cleaning out her garden and gave me two or three Lily of the Valley plants. Until she gave them to me, I had only seen the white variety of the flower, and that is what I expected to see when these bloomed. I was so disappointed to find that they were pink when they finally bloomed.
It was only about 3 years ago that I discovered that the pink variety are actually more rare than the white variety. They have spread so much over the years, that each year as I thin the garden down to a nice patch of Lily of the Valley, I sell the extras on eBay. This year I put them up on eBay and sold off 7 lots of 5 plants each within a day. I hope you are enjoying your gardens! I’m heading out right now to dig up 35 Lily of the Valley to pack up and mail.
03 May 2008
It was a rare treat to have this visitor at our bird feeder today, very rare! But spring is in the air and we have had more uncommon visitors as the birds migrate, and also we live in a very wooded area of New Jersey. With all the development, it’s wonderful to live where a lake is in back of your house and a State Forest backs the country cabins and bungalows across the street. We captured this quickly, no time to worry about the screen.
Below is a picture my son captured later…there were 2 Grosbeaks that spent the whole afternoon feeding here. I imagine they are migrating, and according to what we read in one of our field guides, this is the time of year that they are most visible. So we’re appreciating them while they’re here.
02 May 2008
The botanical name for the herb pictured and discussed is Dioscorea villosa. The plant grows as a vine, and can be found in damp woodlands and along roadsides climbing through shrub-growth and fences, or whatever else it may find to attach itself too.
It grows in the United States, in the northeast, and in the southern and central states. It is easy to propagate using root cuttings which are best taken after the growing season is complete, in the fall or even winter months if you can still work the soil.
Medicinally, this plant is best known for helping woman with various female concerns. It also contains diosgenin, a precursor to the hormone, progesterone. Ladies, you will definitely find something to benefit you from the following list during every phase of life. Whether you are pre-menopausal, post-menopausal, or in-between, you’ll find something to help with monthly PMS cramps, balancing hormones or to aid with symptoms of menopause. Take a look:
If you would like a fact sheet about any of the items marked in red, please send me an email. Thanks!
Need references for any of these claims? Please email me and ask!
