It will only get hotter before it starts to cool down, so why not quench your thirst with some homemade iced tea. I’m embracing the heat, here in the Midwest, by making a few iced teas to get me through the summer. (Spiced Tea and Ginger Tea are really simple recipes to make and quite a treat). Brewing your own iced tea is a perfect opportunity to sample some of the herbs you are growing in your garden this summer. Here are a two recipes from Herbal Iced Teas, for you to try in the midst of the summer heat. 

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All of the recipes given below can easily be brewed in the sun.

Lemon-Hibiscus Tea

Makes 3 quarts

A touch of sassy citrus flavor and a crimson blush make this tea a favorite of children and a festive party beverage.

• 2 quarts water
• 1/4 cup dried jasmine flowers
• 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
• 4 cups lemonade
• Lemon slices for garnish

1) Fill a container with fresh, cold water, toss in the tea herbs, cover, and set the container in a sunny location for a few hours.

Fresh and Fruity Tea

Makes 2 quarts

This tea has a subtle, delicate flavor. Substitute regular sage for a more robust taste.

• 2 quarts water
• 1/2 cup fresh pineapple sage leaves
• 1/4 cup dried chamomile flowers
• 1/4 cup dried rose hips
• 1/4 cup chopped lemon zest
• Fresh pineapple sage leaves for garnish

1) Fill a container with fresh, cold water, toss in the tea herbs, cover, and set the container in a sunny location for a few hours.

Have you brewed any iced tea with herbs from your garden? If so, please share by leaving a comment!

Whether you have children, a fast-paced job, or classes to take, we all lead hectic lives. The stress from our lives can bring on a lot of anxiety. As a student, I get stressed and anxious fairly often, but there are many herbs that can help ease this anxiety. Some of these herbs include kava kava, valerian, St. John’s wort, bugleweed, ginseng, and chamomile.

 According to www.iampanicked.com, kava kava can ease your anxiety level in just one week and can also help you sleep.

LoveToKnow tells us that valerian is very effective when it comes to healing anxiety. Valerian works as a sedative and seems to have the least amount of side effects of any anxiety-healing herb. It also can work within a week of consumption.

St. John’s wort can provide long-term treatment for anxiety according to LoveToKnow, although it can cause interference with some prescription drugs such as anti-depressants, birth control pills, cyclosporine, digoxin, and wafarin.

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Holisticonline.com says that bugleweed can help soothe nerves as a way to treat anxiety.

Ginseng has stimulant properties, can help reduce anxiety and give you an extra energy-boost, according to iampanicked.com.

According to holisticonline.com, chamomile has a few anxiety-healing properties. It gently acts therapeutically on your nerves and can help to soothe an upset stomach.

Photo by Matsuyuki/ Courtesy Flickr
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Instead of risking addiction to anxiety drugs, try herbal treatment! Create teas or take capsules of these herbs for treatment. You can pick these herbs up at your local organic market.

Q: What is boswellia serrata?

A: A reader recently asked The Herb Companion about boswellia serrata. Having never heard of it before, (It looked like a made up word to me) I had to research to find out more. It turns out that this nonsense-word plant is actually very interesting.

Boswellia serrata is a medium-sized tropical tree with ash-colored, papery bark. It’s native to India and other tropical regions of Asia and Africa. When cut, the bark of boswellia yields a gummy resin, or tree sap, that is used for medicinal purposes. This resin, called gugul or salai, is related to frankincense. It is taken from the frankincense shrub, which is a prime ingredient in incense and oils.

The resin from boswellia has long been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine as a remedy for arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, bursitis, diarrhea, dysentery, goiter, liver problems and rheumatism. Today, boswellia is used to help reduce inflammation, stiffness and joint pain. The resin contains boswellic acids, which work to reduce inflammation. Boswellia serrata resin can also help soothe pain caused by minor injuries and is an effective remedy for the chronic pain associated with arthritis.

Boswellia serrata and frankincense come in capsules, extracts and oils. Get boswellia capsules at www.herbalremedies.com; 120 capsules for $11.25.

References:

Ancient Herbs and Modern Herbs: A Comprehensive Reference Guide to Medicinal Herbs, Human Ailments and Possible Herbal Remedies by James Kedzie Sayre (Bottlebrush Press, 2001)

An herbal-themed gift basket will make a great present for your dad this Father’s Day. Whether he’s a cook, a gardener or enjoys an occasional spa day, giving him a variety of treats that incorporate herbs will make his day complete. Check out some herb-inspired gifts to include in your Father’s Day gift basket this year.

Your gift basket can be simple, inexpensive and still include a variety of gifts that cater to your dad’s interests. For example, my dad enjoys cooking with herbs from his garden, and his favorite snack is a cheese sandwich with a little Roma tomato and fresh basil (Ocimum basilicum). He grows basil in his garden, but he’s always looking to try a new cheese to put on his sandwich. I found this recipe for an herbed cheese that makes a wonderful spread on crackers and I plan on making the cheese or including the recipe in his basket. Here are a few ideas for herbal-themed treats to put in your Father’s Day gift basket.

Photo by Calvert Cafe & Catering/Courtesy Flickr
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• Make a botanical card: Create your own paper, embedded with bits of plants and delicious herbal scents. For instructions, read Easy-To-Make Herbal Cards.

• Herbal tea: Give your dad a variety of herbal infused teas such as chamomile (Matricaria recutita), yerba mate, peppermint (Mentha piperita) or green tea (Camellia sinensis).

• Herbal fragrances for men: Make your dad bath salts, potpourri or an air freshener. For recipes read Herbal Scents for Men.  

• Chocolates: Exotic chocolates flavored with herbs, such as lavender honey, garden mint and much more are great gifts for dad.

• A book for the gardener: Nancy Arrowsmith’s book, Essential Herbal Wisdom is a great gift for a gardener. Read this review for more information. 

These are just a few treats to fill your Father’s Day gift basket. I’m interested to hear what herbal-themed gifts you would give to your dad. Please share by leaving a comment.

As the lowly, new intern at The Herb Companion, one of my first tasks is to catalog and reorganize the books in our very messy library. While sorting through pages and pages of books all about herbs, the enticing, colorful covers made me wish that I was reading them instead of labeling them. So, I decided to chose a book and write about an interesting fact or tip that I discovered while reading it. (See…I get to do fun tasks too!)

The first book I found interesting was the The Backyard Beekeeper’s Honey Handbook (Quarry Books, 2009) by Kim Flottum. In this book I learned about an interesting way to make your own herb-infused honey.

Check out this guide for bee-keeping information, honey recipes and more tips on making herb-infused honey.
Photo Courtesy Voyageur Press 

I’ve never tried flavored honey other than the sticks of strawberry honey I would buy at the Kansas State Fair as a kid. Here’s a method to make infused honey for a more grown-up palette.

Making Infused Honey

1. If you grow your own herbs, gather them early in the morning, so they’re as fresh as possible. Consider your tastes when choosing the herbs. Rose petals, chamomile and lavender have a more delicate flavor, while rosemary, anise and mint are stronger.

2. Wash the herbs under cold water to remove soil and old leaves.

3. Fill pint jars with honey about 4/5 full. Use a light, mildly flavored honey so that the herbs will have a stronger flavor. Try Purely Organic’s Poggio all'Olmo Organic Sunflower Honey. A 24-ounce jar costs $16.99 at www.purelyorganic.com.

4. Chop the herbs into fine pieces. Use 3 to 5 tablespoons for delicate-flavored herbs and 2 to 4 tablespoons for stronger herbs.

5. Place herbs into a reusable tea bag and put in a pint jar.

6. Set the jar in a sunny windowsill for one to two weeks. (It takes time for the honey to steep and reach maximum intensity.)

7. After one week, taste the honey. If the flavor is strong enough, remove the bag and discard. If a stronger flavor is desired, either add more herbs or let the herbs steep for another week.

Photo by Indigo Goat/ Courtesy Flickr
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Fast Method

If you just can’t wait two weeks for that delicious herb-infused honey try this faster method.

1. Using a double boiler, add two cups of honey.

2. Add 1 to 2 cups of the (chopped) herb of your choice directly to the honey, or use a mesh bag to contain the fragments.

3. Heat the mixture at 180 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.

4. Strain the mixture or discard the mesh bag then place the mixture in a jar.

If you want a more delicately flavored honey, you can also use the nectar of flowers, such as violets and honeysuckle blossoms or fruit, such as the zest of an orange, tangerine or grapefruit to infuse your honey. For a stronger flavor, try minced garlic.

Have you ever tried herb-infused honey? Leave me a comment and tell me your sticky story.

References:

The Backyard Beekeeper’s Honey Handbook by Kim Flottum (Quarry Books, 2009).

What are the health risks of chemical cleaners and which ingredients should we look out for? The more I read about harmful household cleaners the more I want to know about the chemical ingredients that make these products unsafe. Here’s a look at some of the problematic chemicals found in many household cleaners and some greener/healthier alternatives for you to try instead.

According to a 2006 study by the University of California Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, one of the most offensive common ingredients found in household cleaners, is ethylene-based glycol ethers, used commonly in cleaning agents. Also, chlorine bleach, often labeled as “sodium hypochlorite” or “hypochlorite,” is often found in household cleaners. It's  used to whiten fabrics or remove mold from surfaces. High-level exposure can irritate the lungs and cause chronic respiratory problems. Usually these conditions occur if you’re storing chlorine bleach in poorly ventilated rooms and breathing in its toxic fumes.  

Some other problematic chemicals found in many household cleaners include ammonia. Mild exposure to ammonia vapors may cause respiratory irritation; repeated or prolonged exposure to vapors may cause irritation, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Butyl cellosolve is a toxic ingredient used in some all-purpose cleaners, window cleaners and other household cleaning products. It's an eye irritant that has been linked to kidney and liver problems and is reportedly toxic to forming cells.

Here are some commonly used household products that should be avoided and a list of greener/healthier alternatives.

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Avoid: All-purpose cleaners with butyl cellosolve or ammonia.
Instead: Make a simple, herbal all-purpose cleaner. It’s eco-friendly, healthy and only takes five minutes to make. The following ingredients are non-toxic and most of them you probably have on hand.

Avoid: Household bleach, used to whiten fabrics and remove spots, that contains chlorine bleach.
Instead: Try making a bleach/brightener substitute to brighten your clothes. Use hydrogen peroxide, water, lemon juice and tea tree oil (which contains antibacterial properties) instead of using bleach that contains harsh chemicals.

Avoid: Air fresheners with the chemical, isopar (deodorized kerosene). It is a moderate eye and skin irritant.
Instead: use essential oils such as lavender and rosemary to naturally scent your home.

Avoid: Carpet cleaners with butyl cellosolve.
Instead: make a lavender-ginger suds rug shampoo. All you need is water, vinegar, sodium lauryl sulfate, baking soda and a few essential oils. The lavender and ginger essential oils help if animal smells are a problem.                  

References: 
“Hazardous Ingredients In Household Products,” provided by the Cancer Prevention Coalition.  
Household Products Database, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

For more information on cleaning your home naturally, visit our blog series Naturally Clean.

Clothes moths and carpet beetles are pesky little creatures—especially when they lay their larvae. These insects seek out rarely disturbed areas (such as under a couch or somewhere in storage) and set up their home. Because moths and carpet beetles feed on animal products such as hair and dander, dark closet spaces are one of the most favorite locations for larvae to live and feed (on your fabrics).

You won’t see these insects, especially the larvae, because they love dark areas and flutter from light. With the exception of small holes in clothes, it can be difficult to even notice their existence.

If you think you might have clothing moths or carpet beetles, fill a sachet with lavender and place it wherever the bugs might be—under your bed, in a sock drawer or in your closet. Although this won’t kill the insects, it will protect your clothes.

Combating these munching insects can be easy, as long as you spot them early. If you have a small infestation, try this Thyme and Clove Moth Repellent:

• ¼ cup dried thyme
• ¼ cup whole cloves

1. Combine the herbs in a small bowl. Place a tablespoon of the mixture in a small cloth bag or tea ball.

2. To use, tuck into drawers or hang in your closet.

For more information on cleaning your home naturally, visit our blog series  Naturally Clean.

There are many different kinds of cutting boards ranging from plastic to stone or even wood. Each type of cutting board has its benefits and its flaws. Many people prefer chopping herbs and vegetables on wood cutting boards because they love how they feel, they are durable and they do not dull knifes quickly. However, if you use a wood cutting board chances are you have had some difficulties keeping it clean. Plastic cutting boards are easier to wash because they can easily be washed in the dishwasher; the high temperatures in the dishwasher will cause wood cutting boards to crack or, even worse, split.

This easy scrub from Martha Stewart Living will keep your wood cutting board looking great and most importantly, disinfected.

1. Wash your cutting board with mild soap and rinse with hot water. Make sure your board is completely dry before you begin. Apply a thin layer of coarse salt over the cutting board.

2. Cut a lemon in half and rub it over the salt and board. Continue rubbing for five minutes. This acts as an antibacterial scrub.

3. Once completed run hot water over the board for about 15 seconds to ensure that all of the salt is removed. Dry the board in an upright position.

4. In addition to this, you can apply a beeswax coat to the board.

Bamboo and other wooden utensils are similar to wood cutting boards as they can crack in the dishwasher. Caring for wooden utensils is easy with these tips:

• Dry the wooden utensils with a cloth, which eliminates excess water that could cause the utensil to swell and eventually crack.

• Once a month rub the utensil with just a little mineral oil. This will maintain its finish and help with the utensil drying out.

For more information on cleaning your home naturally, visit our blog series Naturally Clean.

Is there another way to get white clothing and bedding bright without using bleach? Recently, I’ve been searching for a healthier alternative because the toxins in chlorine bleach scare me a little. For years, my mom used chlorine bleach to get the stains out of our white linens and it worked like a charm. Little did I know that chlorine bleach, often labeled as “sodium hypochlorite,” can irritate the lungs and cause chronic respiratory problems. Usually these conditions occur if you’re storing your chlorine bleach in poorly ventilated rooms and breathing in its toxic fumes.

Now that I’m on my own, I decided to make a Bleach/Brightener Substitute to save money and stay healthy. I added tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) to the recipe for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Though the substitute didn’t get all the spots out of my whites, it did make them very bright. I’m still on the hunt for a healthier homemade stain remover, but for now I’ll use this recipe to make my whites glow. 

Photo by Taylor Miller

Bleach/Brightener Substitute

• 1 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 1 1/4 cup lemon or grapefruit juice
• 12 cups water

1. Mix together and store in a 1 gallon container.

Recipe from Clean, Naturally: Recipes for Body, Home, and Spirit by Sandy Maine. Interweave Press, 2001.

For more information on cleaning your home naturally, visit our blog series Naturally Clean.

With my very fair skin, all it takes is ten minutes under the harsh summer sun and I begin to burn. My usual sunburn remedy consists of slathering aloe vera onto my skin and then lying in front of a floor fan to cool off. However, aloe vera isn’t the only herbal remedy for burn relief. Many herbs can help protect skin and soothe it after a burn. Here are my four favorites.

1. Aloe vera, the common go-to sunburn remedy, helps heal and relieve skin. Whether it is in the form of a store-bought gel or came straight from its leaves, aloe leaves a noticeable cooling sensation on burned skin. This herb works most effectively on minor burns.

The juice from aloe leaves can help heal minor burns.

Photo by Powerhouse Museum/courtesy Flickr
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Try Pure Aloe Vera Gel by Aubrey Organics, $7.78. This four-ounce bottle is 98 percent organic.

2. Chickweed, best known for relieving itchy skin, also works well for healing sunburns because of its cooling effects. This herb can be used immediately by pulling some up from the ground and applying it to the affected area. Another method is to crush some with a mortar and pestle into a paste and bandage it on the wound.

3. Green tea, the delicious hot drink you sip to soothe a sore throat, also works to relieve sunburns. The antioxidants in this herb help heal skin damage caused by ultraviolet rays. You can benefit from applying the tea to the burn externally and also by drinking it.

Try this recipe for a soothing aloe-green-tea-lavender mist.

• 1/4 cup brewed green tea
• 1/4 cup aloe vera juice
• 1/4 teaspoon lavender essential oil

1. Mix together cool green tea, aloe and lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake well. Spray liberally onto skin as often as desired.

2. Refrigerate, and use within two weeks.

4. Since lavender has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties it is great for soothing sunburns. Add lavender essential oil to a cool bath for immediate relief.

Although these herbs work well for soothing sunburns, there’s nothing worse than having skin that resembles a tomato. The real key is prevention. When out in the sun, stay in the shade as much as possible and make sure to wear sunscreen.

For an organic sunscreen option, try SPF 30 Organic Lavender Face and Body Sun Protection by Tuscan Heights Lavender Gardens, $15.30.

References: Backyard Medicine: Harvest and Make Your Own Herbal Remedies by Julie Bruton-Seal and Matthew Seal (Skyhorse Publishing, 2009)