There's An Herb For That!

All about natural health. The use of herbs and food as medicine and preventatives. Gardening of fresh foods and herbs to help you achieve health at a real value. Also covering essential oils and DIY ideas to help the environment and save you money. ...

[star-toads]

bees are our friends and we should treat them as such @sixpenceee save the bees!!

[seductive-spaghetti]

Travels of a bee 🐝

[metrodorus]

[vaguethoughtsfrombeyond]

California Bloomin’

[currentsinbiology]

Because they are seeking world domination.

Using seaweed to kill invasive ants

Scientists at the University of California, Riverside have developed an inexpensive, biodegradable, seaweed-based ant bait that can help homeowners and farmers control invasive Argentine ant populations.                                

The researchers found the “hydrogel” baits, which look like liquid gel pills but have a jello-like consistency, reduced ant populations 40 to 68 percent after four weeks. After a second treatment, between weeks four and five, ant population reductions were maintained at 61 to 79 percent until the experiment ended after eight weeks.

“A 70 percent reduction is really successful, especially considering we are not spraying an insecticide but instead using a very targeted method that is better for the environment,” said Dong-Hwan Choe, an assistant professor of entomology at UC Riverside and an assistant cooperative extension specialist. “With 70 percent control, homeowners really don’t see any ants.”

Jia-Wei Tay et al. Development of an alginate hydrogel to deliver aqueous bait for pest ant management, Pest Management Science (2017). DOI: 10.1002/ps.4616

Scientists at UC Riverside have developed an inexpensive, biodegradable, seaweed-based ant bait that can help homeowners and farmers control invasive Argentine ant populations. Credit: University of California - Riverside

[ozarkhealingtraditions]

Ozark Encyclopedia – A – Alder

Hazel Alder - Alnus serrulata

Parts used: bark

Traditional uses: Compound decoction of scraped inner bark taken as an emetic. Bark removed by scraping downwards used as a laxative. Used for childbirth pain and infusion of bark used for various pains. Infusion of bark taken to purify blood and compound infusion used as a blood tonic. Used as an emetic and purgative. Infusion of bark taken for cough. Infusion taken for heart trouble. Cold infusion of bark taken to purify blood or lower blood pressure.

Used for chills – “Gather an arm of green limbs from Alder trees growing at the edge of a creek. Place the limbs in a large pan and let simmer on the back of the stove for two or three hours. Strain tea into quart jar and drink regularly throughout the day.” ~Parler FBA II 1742

Moerman, Daniel E. Native American Ethnobotany (NAE)

Parler, Mary Celestia Folk Beliefs from Arkansas (FBA)

[erebussociety]

[pinealperspective]

[juniperwildwalk]

An Introduction to Growing Poisonous Plants

As a blog focused mostly on Witchcraft, I usually get asks and messages from people interested in that area of my knowledge. However I’m also a herbalist and a moderately keen gardener, and so I occasionally get people asking for that. In this instance, a user messaged me asking for advice on how to start growing plants, and she specified that she’s most interested in poisonous species. So here’s a post for you, and for all of the other beginner herbalists, Witches, gardeners or simply people who like poisonous things!

1) The key word is plants

All vascular plants, irrespective of their toxicity, habitat or traits, share between them traits that are common to all plants everywhere. These are mostly:

They need sunlight.

They need water.

They need food.

They need carbon dioxide and oxygen from the air

They need to breed

The quantities of each, the proportion of each, and the types of each may vary wildly, but ALL plants need ALL five of them. Some plants have evolved some rather interesting mechanisms to obtain them, but if you don’t provide them with at least the first four (the last one is, in captivity, less important for most plants) they will not survive. Learn what requirements your chosen species require. Do they need dappled sun or full sun? Is tapwater acceptable or must they only be given rainwater? What foods do they need in their soil? Make sure you provide them!

2) Poisonous plants are poisonous!

I know, I know, it seems obvious but then again so did “don’t smoke in the fireworks factory” and some bright spark still went and did that. Remember that if you are specifically growing a species that is poisonous, it may well require specialist treatments to safely grow and tend. Oleander is a common ornamental species, but all parts of it are potentially very poisonous and so it should only be pruned wearing long sleeves and gloves. Foxgloves are beautiful biennials but they also contain the lethal poison digitalis, used as a heart medicine in very, VERY precise dosages, and so they must be kept away from fires of any kind. 

Research CAREFULLY what kind of poisons your plants produce and make very certain to familiarise yourself with:

Preventative methods to avoid exposure

Symptoms of accidental poisoning

Your local poisons hotline number

The first aid procedures for exposure

Methods to avoid pets or young children being exposed

Most poisonous plants are not lethal, but even non-lethal levels of poisoning can be potentially devastating to those with liver or kidney issues, or to young children or small animals. 

3) Practice on nontoxic plants first

Your first plants should never be any species that are potentially poisonous, purely because you’re unfamiliar with the care of potentially delicate plant species and you’re likely to make mistakes. Think of it like working in a chemistry lab - we don’t give beginners arsenic to work with in their first experiments, because we know they’re not aware of all the safety protocols and correct treatment of arsenic. Similarly, your first plants should never be belladonna or hemlock - instead, stick to plants that are well-known to be non-toxic. 

It may be a good idea to practice on plants related to your target species first, and then move on to more toxic examples later. For instance, instead of starting with belladonna, start out with tomatoes (a kind of nightshade), then move up to non-poisonous nightshades, and then try a more mildly toxic nightshade like woody nightshade, before finally planting deadly nightshade. Since many toxic plants are connected to the nightshade family, this is a good way to get used to that family before planting hensbane, deadly nightshade, and similar plants. 

Mandrakes (Mandragora officinalis) often grow in the same environments as wild beetroot and chicory, so these plants would be excellent starters although they’re not really related. 

Basically, look up plants that grow around your intended species, and practice on those before moving up to the more dangerous examples.

4) Prevent cross-pollination

All gardeners know the pain of growing two species together that are just a little TOO closely related, and ending up with weird hybrids all over the place. Plants are very big on “cross-pollination” - when one species pollinates a different species, causing the growth of an entirely new variety of plant. This is often beneficial: water-mint and spearmint hybridise to form the delicious but sterile peppermint, for example. However, with poisonous plants, cross-pollination could result in new varieties of poisonous plants being produced that could escape into the wild and become dangerous or invasive. So, manage cross-pollination!

5) Keep them away from bees

Many poisonous chemicals can be passed into honey through bees’ collection of nectar and pollen, or alternatively will simply kill bees who attempt to eat the nectar outright. For instance, the popular ornamental plant “Angel’s Trumpet” will cause brood-death in bees, and oleander poisons will concentrate in honey and potentially harm both bees and humans. However, not all plants are so dangerous - foxgloves are extremely toxic to humans, but bees adore them and the honey produced from foxgloves is pleasant and safe. As a general rule though, keep toxic plants away from anywhere with an interest in promoting bee health! 

Rhododendrons are apparently especially harmful to bees, and honey made from bog-rosemary (Andromeda polifolia, unrelated to true rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis) is very poisonous to humans who consume it, potentially causing paralysis, dizziness, nerve damage, diarrhoea and vomiting. Not fun!

6) Work out how you’re going to store the products

It’s always good to know how you’re going to keep your products safe and secure after production to prevent people getting them confused for more innocent substances. Also, remember that you should never burn poisonous plant matter!

—

I hope that helps you all!

– Juniper Wildwalk

[didanawisgi]

Decker Weiss, naturopathic medical doctor explains how to prevent, treat, and reduce the duration of common viral illnesses.

By Decker Weiss, NMD.

How was echinacea discovered to relieve cold and flu symptoms?

Echinacea, a member of the sunflower family, was first used by Native Americans to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries. Knowledge of the herb’s potent properties was passed on to white settlers who rapidly discovered its ability to relieve cold symptoms. Echinacea was quickly recognized as remarkably effective and, by 1920, American doctors prescribed echinacea more than any other medicinal plant preparation.17

However, echinacea fell out of favor in the 1930s in the U.S. with the advent of sulfa drugs. Physicians saw little value in using a mere flower to reverse the effects of infectious disease when stronger remedies were being discovered every day.17

While echinacea slowly gave way to antibiotics in the U.S., use of the herb to treat colds and flu remained steady in Europe, especially in Germany. German scientists, physicians, pharmacists, and chemists started to study echinacea’s properties and continue to do so today. Presently, there are more than 280 commercial preparations containing echinacea in Germany.17

Additionally, the important discovery that combining white cedar leaf, wild indigo root, and echinacea for improved immune system health was made in Germany. These herbs have been in continuous use together since 1928 and have been studied in more than 15 clinical trials. Formulations of echinacea, white cedar leaf, and wild indigo root are available in Germany as a prescription drug as well as an OTC medication, and in the U.S. as a nutritional supplement.4,5

Interest in herbal extracts re-emerged in the U.S. in the 1960s and echinacea soon gained a loyal following here. The research behind echinacea has been and continues to be impressive. Most importantly, when echinacea, white cedar leaf, and wild indigo root are combined for use against colds and flu, they work quite well.

Are different varieties of echinacea available?

Three varieties of echinacea are currently used in nutritional supplements. These are Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, and Echinacea pallid. The most studied varieties (and therefore, the varieties with documented beneficial effects) are E. purpurea and E. pallida.18-23

How does echinacea, white cedar, and wild indigo work?

Because echinacea is so popular and effective, quite a bit of research has been performed to understand how this herb actually works. Simply stated, while antibiotics kill the disease-causing microbes, echinacea enhances the body’s own ability to fight off infections.3

Research has discovered echinacea stimulates the production of important immune cells.24,25 These cells—known as macrophages—engulf bacteria, viruses, and cellular debris, essentially acting as garbage collectors for the body. They are responsible for the body’s initial attack against invading viruses. Echinacea also helps macrophages work more effectively.26 In addition, echinacea enhances the function of monocytes, special blood cells that mature into macrophages.27

Echinacea increases both the numbers of natural killer (NK) cells as well as NK cell activity.28,29 These specialized immune cells are programmed to automatically kill cells infected with viruses.30

Echinacea also increases the release of some important immune proteins, “tumor necrosis factor”(TNF), and the interferons.3 TNF regulates immune responses, mediates inflammation, and kills certain cancer cells.

Interferons are produced in response to an attack by a virus.30 White cedar increases TNF production 31,32 and both wild indigo and white cedar increase macrophages and interferons.33-37

Are there any safety concerns with echinacea, white cedar, or wild indigo?

The German Commission E notes that because of possible overactivation of the immune system, echinacea should not be taken by persons who have multiple sclerosis, lupus or other autoimmune diseases, tuberculosis, HIV, or AIDS. It should not be taken during pregnancy or by individuals who are allergic to plants of the sunflower (Asteraceae) family. The Commission E further recommends that echinacea should not be taken longer than eight weeks.38,39 To date, there are no concerns for white cedar or wild indigo.

The 1999 American Herbal Products International Echinacea Symposium addressed issues regarding the safe use of echinacea preparations. An expert panel discussed the lack of evidence substantiating such caution. Much of the early echinacea research was performed on the European variety, E. angustifoliResults from this variety may not have application in other varieties. The consensus of the expert panel was that these warnings are based more on theoretical concerns than on specific scientific data and urged the continuation of controlled studies to confirm clinical efficacy.40

How much echinacea, white cedar, and wild indigo should be taken?

For adults and children over 12 years of age, studies have shown the most effective dose of echinacea is 7.5 mg of a one-to-one (1:1) mixture of E. purpurea and E. pallida taken three times per day.38,39 The most effective dose of white cedar leaf is 2 mg taken three times per day and wild indigo root is 10 mg taken three times per day.3

If family members or co-workers have an active cold or the flu and individuals hope to prevent infection, this same regimen can be followed. This dosing can continue for several days even if no signs of illness develop.3,38,39

How long should echinacea, white cedar, and wild indigo be taken?

Experts’ opinions vary; most recommend taking them for three to five days. If symptoms persist or recur then take them for another three to five days.3,4,38,39 The best advice is to take the herbs for different amounts of time when the immune system needs extra support.

Can children use echinacea and the other herbs for cold symptoms?

Yes, children ages 1 and older can safely benefit from these herbs. Doses for children should be adjusted to age and weight.3,38,39

What else can be done for colds and flu?

Supplementing with elderberry during the flu may reduce its symptoms.41 Elderberry is an herb that causes an increase in viral antibodies. While elderberry is available as an individual supplement, it is also frequently combined with other vitamins, minerals, glandular extracts, or herbs for maximum cold and flu symptom relief.

If you also have an irritated throat, English ivy extract has been shown to provide natural and effective relief. English ivy soothes and quiets coughs due to colds and flu without the side effects often found in some products containing synthetic ingredients.42-44

Getting lots of rest and drinking lots of fluids (a minimum of 64 ounces of water and juice a day) are also very important. Drinking hot beverages such as tea and eating chicken soup are not only comforting, but they can open up stuffy noses. Gargling with salt water may help reduce painful sore throats.1,2

Individuals should seek care from a licensed health care practitioner if they have a fever that lasts longer than three days, are coughing up yellow-green mucus, or have chest pain that occurs with breathing. These symptoms may signal more serious conditions.1,2

With colds and flu, “an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure.” Frequent hand washing and sneezing into facial tissues (that are promptly thrown away) are the easiest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of colds and flu.1,2

Conclusion

Echinacea is the most widely used herbal supplement in the United States for good reason: it works. Combining echinacea with white cedar and wild indigo greatly improves the herb’s effectiveness. While a solution for colds and the flu may be years away, herbs such as echinacea, white cedar, wild indigo, elderberry, and English ivy extract can make this wait much more bearable. Together, these herbs can prevent, treat, and reduce the duration of these common viral illnesses.

References

1. The Common Cold. National Institutes of Health Web site. Available at: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/ factsheets/cold.htm. Accessed on April 30, 2001.

2. Flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/ diseases/flu/fluinfo.htm. Accessed April 30, 2001.

3. Robbers JE, Tyler VE. EchinaceTyler’s Herbs of Choice. Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press; 1999: 253-257.

4. Wustenberg R, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH, Kohler G, Stammwitz U. Efficacy and mode of action of an immunomodulator herbal preparation containing echinacea, wild indigo, and white cedar. Advanced Therapy. 1999;16:51-70.

5. Henneicke-von Zepelin HH, Hentschel C, Schnitker J, Kohnen R, Kohler G, Wustenberg P. Efficacy and safety of a fixed combination phytomedicine in the treatment of the common cold (acute viral respiratory tract infection): results of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study. Curr Medical Research Opinion. 1999;15:214-227.

6. Porth CM. The common cold. Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott; 1998: 502.

7. Norris J, Ed. InfluenzProfessional Guide to Diseases. 5th ed. Springhouse, Pa: Springhouse Corporation; 1995:212-213.

8. Karch AM, Karch FE. Let the user beware. OTC drugs aren’t necessarily ‘safe when taken as directed.’ American Journal of Nursing 2001;101:25.

9. Ornato JP. Over-the-counter stroke? Health News. 2000;6:3.

10. Hirschowitz BI, Hawkey CJ. Questions regarding future research on aspirin and the gastrointestinal tract. Amercian Journal of Medicine. 2001;110(Suppl):S74-S78.

11. Hunt RH, Bowen B, Mortensen ER, et al. A randomized trial measuring fecal blood loss after treatment with rofecoxib, ibuprofen, or placebo in healthy subjects. American Journal. Medicine. 2000;109:201-206.

12. Noriega GO, Ossola JO, Tomaro ML, Batlle AM. Effect of acetaminophen on heme metabolism in rat liver. International Journal of Biochemistry Cell Biology. 2000;32:983-991.

13. Broughan TA, Soloway RD. Acetaminophen hepatoxicity. Digestive Disease Science. 2000;45:1553-1558.

14. Johnson DA, Hrieik JG. The pharmacology of alpha-adrenergic decongestants. Pharmacotherapy. 1993;13:110-115.

15. Graf P. Adverse effects of benzalkonium chloride on the nasal mucosa: allergic rhinitis and rhinitis medicamentosClin Therapy. 1999;21:1749-1755.

16. Graf P. Rhinitis medicamentosa: aspects of pathophysiology and treatment. Allergy. 1997;52:28-34.

17. Foster S, Tyler VE. EchinaceIn: The Honest Herbal. Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Press; 1999:143-145.

18. Bauer R, Hoheisel O, Stuhlfauth I, Wolf H. Extract of the Echinacea purpura herb: an allopathic phytoimmunostimulant. Wein Med Wochenschr. 1999;149:185-189.

19. Lindenmuth GF, Lindenmuth EB. The efficacy of echinacea compound herbal tea preparation on the severity and duration of upper respiratory and flu symptoms: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine. 2000;6:327-334.

20. Currier NL, Miller SC. Natural killer cells from aging mice treated with extracts from Echinacea purpurea are quantitatively and functionally rejuvenated. Experimental Gerontology. 2000;35:627-639.

21. Melchart D, Linde K, Worku F, et al. Results of five randomized studies on the immunomodulatory activity of preparations of EchinaceJournal of Alternative Complementary Medicine. 1995;1:145-160.

22. Bauer R. Echinacea drugs—effects and active ingredients. Z Arztl Fortbild (Jena). 1996;90:111-115.

23. Dorsch W. Clinical applications of extracts of Echinacea purpurea or Echinacea pallidCritical evaluation of controlled clinical studies. Z Arztl Fortbild (Jena). 1996;90:117-122.

24. Stimpel M, Proksch A, Wagner H, Lohmann-Matthes ML. Macrophage activation and induction of macrophage cytotoxicity by purified polysaccharide fractions from the plant Echinacea purpureInfect Immun. 1984;46:845-849.

25. Luettig B, Steinmuller C, Gifford GE, Wagner H, Lohmann-Matthes ML. Macrophage activation by the polysaccharide arabinogalactan isolated from plant cell cultures of Echinacea purpureJ Natl Cancer Inst. 1989;81:669-675.

26. Burger RA, Torres AR, Warren RP, Caldwell VD, Hughes BG. Echinacea-induced cytokine production by human macrophages. International Journal of Immunopharmacology. 1997;19:371-379.

27. See DM, Broumand N, Sahl L, Tilles JG. In vitro effects of echinacea and ginseng on natural killer and antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity in healthy subjects and chronic fatigue syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. Immunopharmacology. 1997;35:229-235.

28. Sun LZ, Currier NL, Miller SC. The American coneflower: a prophylactic role involving nonspecific immunity. Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine. 1999;5:437-446.

29. Kindzel’skii LP, Zlochevskaia LL, Tsyganok TV, Shebava MM. The effect of natural immunomodulators on the lymphocytic natural killer activity in patients with malignant lymphoproliferative diseases. Lika Sprav1995;1:146-148.

30. Summers C. Immunity and inflammation. In: Porth CM. Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott; 1998:189-212. 31. Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider. Hagers Hanbuch der pharmazeutischen Praxis: Drogen P-Z (Thuja). New York, NY:Springer-Verlag; 1994.

32. Offergeld R, Reinecker C, Gumz E, et al. Mitogenic activity of high molecular polysaccharide fractions isolated from the cupprassaseae Thuja occidentalis L. enhanced cytokine-production by thyapolysaccharide, g-fraction (TPSg). Leukemi1992; 3(Suppl):189S-191S.

33. Neth R, Drize N, Gohla S, Offergeld R, Reski R, Schrum S. Phytotherapeutische forschung: Thuja occidentialis LZ. Allergy Medicine. 1995;71:522-530.

34. Vomel T. Der einflub eins pflanzlichen immunostimulans auf die phagozytose von erythrozyten durch das retikulohistiozytare system der isoliert perfundunierten rattenleber. Arzneimittelforschung/Drug Research. 1985;35:1437-1439.

35. Beuscher N, Kopanski L, Ernwein C. Modulation der immunanatwort durch polymere substanzen aus baptista tinctoria und echinacea angustifoliIn: Masihi KN et al, eds. Immunotherapeutic Prospects of Infectious Diseases. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag;1987.

36. Beuscher N, Scheit KH, Bodinet C, Egert D. Modulation der korpereigenen immunabwehr substanzen aus baptista tinctoria und echinacea purpureIn: Masihi KN et al, eds. Immunotherapeutic Prospects of Infectious Diseases. Berlin, Heidelberg:Springer-Verlag; 1991.

37. Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G. Hagers Handbuch der pharmazeutischen Praxis: Drogen A-D (baptista). New York, NY:Springer-Verlag; 1992.

38. Echinacea pallida root. In: Blumenthal M., ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Austin, Tex: American Botanical Council; Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998:121-122.

39. Echinacea purpurea herb. In: Blumenthal M., ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Austin, Tex: American Botanical Council; Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998:122-123. 40. Liske E. Panel discussion. Possible contraindications and side effects of echinace1999. Presented at the 1999 American Herbal Products Association International Echinacea Symposium. Kansas City, Mo.

41. Zakay-Jones Z, Varsano N, Zlotnik M, et al. Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L) during an outbreak of influenza B PanamJournal of Alternative Complementary Medicine. 1995;1:361-369.

42. Ivy Leaf. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J., ed. Herbal Medicine. Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, Tex: American Botanical Council; Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:215-217.

43. Meyer-Wegener J, Liebscher K, Hettich M. Ivy versus ambroxol in chronic bronchitis. Zeitschrift Fur Allgemeinmedizin (Journal of General Medicine). 1993;69:61-66.

44. Gulyas A, Repges R, Dethlefsen U. Systematic therapy of chronic obstructive respiratory disease in children. Atemw und Lungenkrankheiten (Respiratory and Lung Disease). 1997;23:291-294

Don't kill yourself, please.

If you’re suffering from depression and are looking for a sign to not go through with ending your life, this is it. This is the sign. We care.

If you see this on your dash, reblog it. You could save a life.

[jodiebarefootvegan]

[betterherbsandgardens]

I don't necessarily endorse going vegan but this is an excellent chart to have in case you run out of eggs.

[questionall]

Airtable: Organize anything you can imagine

Airtable works like a spreadsheet but gives you the power of a database to organize anything. Sign up for free.

This is an amazing site. Great for organizing anything with tons of templates. Go check it out by clicking the link above.

[betterherbsandgardens]

great way to keep track of essential oil and what you've planted in your garden.

[thecelticcaster]

25 Herbs & Some of Their Uses...

Marjoram: Healing, Protection, Defensive. Birch Leaf: Protection, Exorcism, New Beginning, Cleansing. Bay Leaf: Purification, Healing, Protection, Strength. Rose Petals: Love and Friendship spells. Penny-royal: Peace, Protection, Strength. Mint: Money spells and Brings Strength. Borage: Courage, Psychic Powers. Cleavers: Binding Spells. Heather Flowers: Goddess herb, sacred to Goddess Isis. Alfalfa: Wealth and Prosperity spells. Eucalyptus Leaf: Healing, Exorcism, Protection. Mugwort: Visionary Dreams, Clairvoyance, Keeps out Evil Spirits. Lavender: Healing, Calming, Builds up Good Spirits. Frankincense: Use in Incense to Raise Good Spirits and life Negativity. Chamomile Flowers: Lifts Curses, Good luck, Marriage. Coltsfoot: Wealth, Prosperity, Love. Heartsease: Powerful Love Spells. Horehound: Protection, Exorcism, Strengthens Mental Powers. Wormwood: Psychic Powers, Protection, Love, Call Spirits. ElderFlowers: Protection, Exorcism, Alter Offering. Goldenrod: Used to find hidden or lost treasures. Basil: Love, Connection, Wealth spells. Horsetail: Fertility, Abundance Spells. Jasmine Flowers: Love spells, Prophetic Dreams.

[brilliantbotany]

Progress in my marigold seedlings! I’m currently growing plants to bring to events and programs, most of them ones that are good for pollinators.

Photo by Brilliant Botany.

[betterherbsandgardens]

http://farmhack.org/wiki/getting-started Excellent site from what I've seen of it. Could be very helpful in the future.

[betterherbsandgardens]

http://www.clumsygourmet.com/list-of-essential-oil-diy-project-supplies/

[betterherbsandgardens]

http://www.diyncrafts.com/17475/home/gardening/10-steps-to-get-50-80-pounds-of-tomatoes-from-every-plant-you-grow