05 Apr Thu 2018
How do I make a non-toxic weed killer
Another email asks, “How do I make a non-toxic weed killer?”
Homemade Weed Killer
1 gallon white vinegar
2 cups Epsom Salts
1/4 cup Dawn dish soap
Put all ingredients into a sprayer and thoroughly soak plants on a warm, sunny day. Be careful to use this on a day when you don’t expect rain for at least 24 hours.
May the Creative Force be with you as you tread the earth lightly!
04 Apr Wed 2018
An email asks, “Do you know of any herbs that cure acne and other things?”
An email asks, “Do you know of any herbs that cure acne and other things?”
To cure acne I use a blend of Evening Primrose Oil, Raspberry Leaf, Nettle, Dandelion, Lemon Grass. Here is the recipe for Acne help. Bring to a simmer in non-metallic pan 2 quarts water, 3 tablespoons Witch hazel bark, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon ground cloves; let simmer for 5 minutes. Then add 1/2 cup chopped fresh thyme, 1 cup fresh chopped peppermint leaves, and 1/2 cup fresh chopped marjoram. Simmer 5 more minutes, set aside until cold. Mix 1/2 cup of the simmered mixture with 2 teaspoons cider vinegar, 2 ounces grain alcohol (vodka is best), 4 drops lemon oil, and enough water to make one pint. Apply with cotton to acne prone areas after washing. A good aloe moisturizer afterwards is recommended.
For acne that hasn't seemed to respond to anything use 2-3 tsp. dried basil leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Steep 2 hours. Cool then apply with cotton ball.
I had an email that asks, “Do you know of any herbs that cure allergies?”
For allergies I often use a mixture of Blessed Thistle, Skullcap, Goldenseal, Cayenne, Marshmallow, Lobelia and Burdock. It is good for other uses such as Colds, Hay Fever, Upper respiratory infections.
I had an email that asks “Do you know of any herbs that cure Anemia?”
I use the following herbs Red Beet, Yellow Dock, Lobelia, Burdock, Nettle, Mullein and I believe other uses include Energy, Fatigue, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease.
I had an email that asks “Do you know of any herbs that cure arteriosclerosis?”
I read that a blend of Cayenne, Garlic, Hawthorne and Parsley can cure arteriosclerosis and other uses include blood pressure and it is good for the heart.
I had an email that asks “Do you know of any herbs that cure arthritis?”
It has been said that arthritis is helped greatly by a blend of Yucca, Comfrey, Alfalfa, Yarrow, Cayenne, Lobelia, Burdock, Chaparral, Black Cohosh, Cat's Claw and Lemon Grass. Plus it is supposed to be good for Bursitis, Rheumatism and Gout and is a Blood Cleanser.
These and other herbs are not advocated by me, nor are they approved by the FDA. When you have anything important wrong with you I recommend you see your doctor.
May the Creative Force be with you as you tread the earth lightly!
A reader asks, “What are the benefits of Chervil?”
A reader asks, “What are the benefits of Chervil?”
As far as I know there are at least 7 health benefits for Chervil.
Dried chervil leaves are very low in calories and also have a very mild flavor. Very good source of beta-carotene, which is a precursor of Vitamin A. It enhances the eye sight, fights against acne, results in smooth radiant skin.
It is a good source of Vitamin C, which along with beta-carotenes acts as antioxidants, scavenge the free radicals, preserve the integrity of cell membranes and prevent the damage caused by them.
Good source of magnesium that helps in relieving fatigue, relaxing the muscles, nerves and blood vessels, thus relieving the symptoms of asthma, migraine headaches, tension, soreness in muscles.
It is a very good source of manganese, which is an essential cofactor in many enzymatic reactions in the body, especially in the production of energy and antioxidants defenses.
Good source of other minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese, which play a very important role in maintaining proper metabolic activities of the body.
It is a good source of soluble dietary fiber. It adds roughage to the contents of the intestines, promotes satiety, promotes the health of the colon, and also helps in relieving constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders, etc. This is for your info only because it is not verified by FDA.
May the Creative Force be with you as you tread the earth lightly!
A reader asks, “What are the benefits of cinnamon?”
A reader asks, “What are the benefits of cinnamon?”
There are two commercial types of cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon, also known as true cinnamon, is native to South Asia. It is expensive and rare compared to the second kind, which is called cassia tree cinnamon and it is the kind that Home Farm Herbery buys when it needs to add cinnamon to some of it blends.. This variety is the one you'll most likely find on grocery store shelves in the U.S. Cassia Tree Cinnamon, although it is cheaper, cassia tree cinnamon has a stronger odor and flavor than Ceylon cinnamon.
Antibacterial Power of Cinnamon: The simple touch of cinnamon infuses warmth and energy throughout your body. As part of tea blends, cinnamon improves the taste of less tasty herbs and adds powerful antibacterial power to cold and flu remedies. Cinnamon essential oil is a reliable remedy for athlete’s foot but should only be applied to the skin when diluted with carrier oil.
Used in cooking, cinnamon aids digestion and is recommended by German Commission E for treating loss of appetite and stomach upset. Cinnamon prevents bloating and flatulence and treats heartburn and nausea. For a more intense, spicy cinnamon choose Cinnamomum cassia. Ceylon cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, has a sweeter, more delicate flavor. The oils of both contain cinnamic aldehyde as the major component, with cassia having the larger amount.
In another study Ceylon Cinnamon was found to have an effect on blood sugar control in a rat model. If you are taking Ceylon Cinnamon for diabetes, take it in moderation as part of a healthy program of diet, proper nutrition and moderate exercise.
By far and away the best remedy for a horrible stomach bug is Cinnamon. It makes sense because Cinnamon is a powerful anti-bacterial. Research has shown Cinnamon is one of the most effective substances against Escherichia Coli, Salmonella & Campylobacter. Another study found Cinnamaldehyde from Cinnamon Bark Oil in its various forms is effective against adenovirus. Another reason to have our Cinnamon tea which is infused with Cinnamon Bark Oil that has high levels of Cinnamaldehyde (between 40-50.
As a digestive cinnamon dramatically reduces the uncomfortable feelings associated with IBS especially the bloating. It does this by killing bacteria and healing infections in the GI tract and enabling the gastric juices to work normally. A Japanese study apparently showed it to cure ulcers but this cannot be verified. But if you do have stomach cramps or upsets, a cup of Cinnamon tea 2-3 times per day will dramatically reduce the pain.
Further research shows that Cinnamon oil is a promising solution in the treatment of tumors, gastric cancers and melanomas. Research studies show that sugar maybe causing or sustaining cancer cells and cinnamon may have a mitigating effect by controlling blood sugar levels in the body. Another study found good results with leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells. Cinnamon in its various forms has two chemical constituents called Cinnamaldehyde and Eugenol (From Cinnamon Oil). These have been used to develop nutraceuticals in this study that have proven fairly effective in fighting Human Colon Cancer Cells (Eugenol) and Human hepatoma cells (Cinnamaldehyde). So the evidence seems to suggest that Cinnamon is starving cancer cells of the sugar needed to sustain them. This University of Arizona study found that the cinnamaladehye component of cinnamon was a potent collectoral cancer fighter.
May the Creative Force be with you as you tread the earth lightly!
02 Apr Mon 2018
Easy Sweet Potato Pie Recipe with Goat Cheese
Easy Sweet Potato Pie Recipe with Goat Cheese
Ingredients:
3 1/2 ounces butter ,2 garlic cloves, chopped , 3 to 4 shallots, chopped,7 ounces Dried spinach leaves
A pinch of grated nutmeg, 14 1/2 ounces sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
2 teaspoons fennel seeds, Salt, 3 ounces goats’ cheese, 3 1/2 ounces mixed nuts and seeds (try pine nuts, cashews, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.Heat half the butter in a small pan and add the garlic and shallots. Cook gently until softened, then add the spinach and nutmeg and give it a final stir on the heat. Transfer to a sieve and drain, so that the spinach isn’t too watery when used later.Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, then add the sweet potatoes and cook for about 20 minutes, or until mashable. Add the rest of the butter and the fennel seeds, season with salt and mash until smooth.Now layer half the sweet potato mash in the bottom of a pie dish, with the drained spinach on top. Spread over the goats’ cheese, and then top with the remaining sweet potato.Sprinkle the nuts and seed evenly over the top of the dish and bake in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Serves 4.
May the Creative Force be with you as you tread the earth lightly!
You can find all the dried ingredients and herbs etc. on our website.
Swiss Chard with Risotto Recipe
Swiss Chard with Risotto Recipe
Ingredients:
1 bunch Swiss chard, leaves separated from stems, stems reserved
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onions or 1 leek, halved lengthwise, chopped and washed
2 tablespoons minced shallots
2 slices thick bacon, pancetta or prosciutto cut into lardons (optional; if omitting, add more extra virgin olive oil)
2-1?2 cups Arborio or Carnaroli rice
1?2 cup dry white wine
6-1?2 cups hot chicken stock (or low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable stock), divided
1?2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
2 teaspoons unsalted butter, cut into bits
1?2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano, plus more for serving
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Cut reserved Swiss chard stems crosswise into 1?4-inch pieces. Set aside. Cut greens into 1?2-inch ribbons. Set aside. In a heavy, wide, 3- to 4-quart casserole dish or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook onions, shallots, pork lardons (if using) and chard stems together until golden, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Add rice and stir to coat with oil. Toast rice until edges become translucent, 1 to 2 minutes.
Pour in wine and stir well until evaporated. Add 1?2 cup of the hot stock and salt. Stir, then add chard greens. Cook, stirring constantly, until all the stock has been absorbed. Continue to add hot stock in small batches—just enough to completely moisten rice—and cook until each successive batch has been absorbed. Stir constantly, adjusting heat so rice is simmering gently, until rice is creamy but al dente, 16 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat; beat in butter until melted, then cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topping each serving with grated cheese to taste. Serves 4 to 6
May the Creative Force be with you as you tread the earth lightly!
You can find all the dried ingredients and herbs etc. on our website.
01 Feb Thu 2018
Marylee S. just won the January Art contest
Marylee S.
Congratulations. Your order won our art contest. Your prize is on the way.
31 Dec Sun 2017
You just won December’s Art Contest Jonathan P. !
You just won December’s Art Contest!
Jonathan P.
Congratulations from
Arlene Wright-Correll
01 Dec Fri 2017
November Art Contest Winner is Joel B.
Congratulations Joel B.
You just won November’s art Contest and your prize is on its way!
Home Farm Herbery
16 Nov Thu 2017
How to Make Zaatar and Pomegranate Roasted Chicken
How to Make Zaatar and Pomegranate Roasted Chicken©
For those of you who do not want to make a Thanksgiving or Christmas Turkey.
Ingredients:
3.5 lbs chicken, cut into pieces with skin on
1/4 cup olive oil
4 tbsp Home Farm Herbery Za’atar Seasoning
2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
4 garlic cloves, crushed
salt and pepper to taste
1 lemon
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
3 tbsp parsley
3 tbsp fresh pomegranate seeds
Directions:
Make the marinade by mixing together olive oil, Home Farm Herbery Za’atar Seasoning, pomegranate molasses, garlic, salt and pepper. Rub the chicken with this marinade
overnight.
Preheat the oven to 395º F. Place the chicken skin side up in a baking tray in the middle rack and roast for about 1 hour or until the chicken has beautifully browned and cooked through. If you prefer the skin to be crispy, place the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes but watch it very carefully to avoid burning.
Sprinkle with lemon juice, pine nuts, and parsley and pomegranate seeds
and serve immediately.
May the Creative Force be with you,
Arlene Wright-Correll
01 Nov Wed 2017
Bevon B is October art contest winner!
Home Farm Herbery
16 Oct Mon 2017
a customer loves us!
07 Oct Sat 2017
How to Grow Anise from Seed and Why You Should Grow It©
How to Grow Anise from Seed and Why You Should Grow It©
by Arlene Wright-Correll
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is an annual that can grow up to 2 feet tall. This herb, which can be used for medicinal and culinary purposes, with its clusters of white flowers, can add ornamental value to a garden as well. Anise seeds can be used to flavor soups, cakes, candies and curries. Native to Egypt and the Mediterranean region, anise can be grown in California and areas of the United States within USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. Growing anise from seed is best done in permanent containers or directly in the garden, because the herb doesn't transplant well.
1. Select a pot with drainage holes and fill it with moist, sterile potting mix, up to about 3/4 inch from the top. Press down on the soil with your hand to level the surface.
2. Sprinkle six to eight anise seeds over the soil surface, at an equal distance from each other. Cover the seeds with a 1/4-inch layer of soil. Lightly tamp the soil with your hand to firm it over the anise seeds.
3. Water the soil with a spray bottle to avoid disturbing the shallowly planted seeds. Stretch plastic wrap over the pot to help the soil retain moisture. Cover the plastic wrap with sheets of newspaper to maintain a constant soil temperature. Keep the soil moist -- not soggy -- during the germination period.
4. Position the pot in a warm room. Aim for a temperature of about 60 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Expect the seeds to germinate within two weeks.
5. Remove the plastic wrap and newspaper as soon as the seeds germinate. Expose the seedlings to sunlight and a temperature of about 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Remove weak, small seedlings as soon as they're large enough to handle. Keep no more than one or two strong seedlings in the pot, and water them regularly to keep the soil damp as they grow. You can move the pots outside into a sunny location when all danger of frost has passed.
Things You Will Need
Potting mix
Pot
Spray bottle
Plastic wrap
Newspaper
Tip
Sow seeds outdoors in a sunny location, after the last frost date in your area. Plant them in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.3 and 7.3. Sow the seeds in rows that are 2 feet apart, at a depth of about 1/4 inch. Thin them to 8 inches apart.
Harvest anise seeds about one month after the plant flowers. Harvest the leaves as needed, while the plant matures.
Anise can be used as a tea or syrup to aid in the relief from cough and congestion. Try a simple tea made from crushed seeds after a large meal - you will be surprised at how effective it can be.
Known Medicinal Properties: Anise has a long history of medicinal use. It is still used all over the world as a digestive-aid and anti-flatulence agent. Anise has also been used for centuries relieve coughs and colds. In fact, scientists have even proven that the essential oils in the Anise seeds DO have expectorant properties.
Anise is a digestive-aid, anti-flatulence agent and fights coughs and colds.
May the Creative Force be with you,
Arlene Wright-Correll