GROW YOUR OWN, MAKE YOUR OWN!

Rinse and dry your herbs first, then store them in airtight mason jars in a cool, dry place.

Conclusion

Imagine yourself walking towards your garden and seeing these legendary wellness herbs in all their mighty beauty. Building a relationship with the plants that sustain you and your family by growing them yourself can be a cost-effective, meaningful and healthy experience for all. ■

Some suggestions for usage

HOMEMADE HERBAL TEA

For every 8-ounce cup, use 1 tablespoon of dried flowers or leaves in an infuser. Add boiling water and steep for 2–5 minutes. Remove the infuser. Add some organic honey, stevia or other natural sweetener if desired, and enjoy!

HERB-INFUSED OILS AND

SALVES

Chop 4 ounces of skinsafe dried herbs and add to a quart-size mason jar. Next add 8 ounces of an organic carrier oil, such as almond, coconut, olive or jojoba. Place the jar in a crockpot water bath, and heat on the “warm” setting (about 110 degrees) with the lid off for 12 to 24 hours. Cool the oil, strain through cheesecloth and store in a mason jar. To make salve, melt in 1 ounce of beeswax before storing.

FRAGRANT HERBAL BATH BAGS

Soak in a fragrant herbal bath for relaxation, skin health and more. Add 3–4 ounces of dried herbs to your bath (use a reusable bath bag to avoid clogs). Try calendula, German chamomile, lemon balm and peppermint, or experiment with your own herbal mixes.