Rhiannon has been stuffy again the last few days so I sent her outside to pick some "Medicine Tea". That's what we call Mullein and Plantain. I steep a strong tea from those two plants when she's stuffy and it helps her immensely.
But since we were out pickin' plant anyhow, I figured that we could mix things up a bit and instead of the old Mullein / Plantain standby, we'd add some other fresh herbs. I found a bunch of Maypop (Passionflower) and Lemon Balm and tossed that in our bag of goodies. All of these plants are supposed to be helpful for respiratory ailments or breaking up congestion. We took our heap o' herbs into the house, washed everything off, shoved it in a 1/2 gallon Mason jar and poured boiling water over it to steep.
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| If you use Mullein, don't forget to strain it through a milk or coffee filter before you drink it! |
So this year I'm going to try and remember to harvest and dry more of these herbs for winter storage. Hot herbal tea in the cooler months, and crisp, refreshing, fresh herbal iced tea in the summer.
Have you drank your lawn lately? If not, why not?
I drink a tea infusion almost every day. I am worried my spearmint died over winter. I don't see one new sprig on it yet, and I've had that potted plant for years. I just dried more nettle yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI have the nettle seeds you gave me in the freezer now, I can't WAIT to plant them! Thanks again :)
DeleteI'm in awe of you gals who gather your own, make and use natural remedies as teas, infusions, etc. In my next life, I'm bound and determined to make a study of same and join your healthful bandwagon.
ReplyDeleteThe one little thing I'm planning on doing this year is to try to grow and dry enough peppermint (have two healthy, robust plants in garden) for my hubby's daily mug of peppermint tea . . . which he drinks year 'round. It's a start, right?
You, oh Gardener of Gardeners, don't make your own tea?!? I'm aghast, I tell you, Aghast!!
DeleteCarolyn,
ReplyDeleteI've harvested a few wild growing herbs, and planted herbs for medicinal tinctures, rubs, and teas. I prefer using the natural home made stuff instead of commercially packaged crap.
This morning I harvested a handful of apple mint to dry for a nice mint tea. I'm disappointed because there's no chocolate to go with it though, lol
I have plantain galore but no mullein. I need to plant me some! I've gradually expanding my front yard herb garden until there's no more lawn!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I've heard of plantain and actually planted some since I have none rearing its head in my yard but I've never heard of Mullein. I'll have to see if I can purchase seeds. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteWell, I am like Mama Pea, gardened for a long, long time but have never made herbal tea!
ReplyDeleteI know I have lemon balm and plantain but will have to look over the fields for the mullein.
You have my interest up!
I still have my mullein that you sent me awhile ago for when I was sick... That stuff is awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteI keep SAYING I'm going to do this. I just doesn't happen. I'm going to have to just do it. Hey, sounds like a slogan. lol
ReplyDelete