On this snowy winters day half way through the month of January, I am finally sitting down to plan the year ahead. Today is a good day for that as the kids are home from school and still asleep. No need for the hustle and bustle of getting them off to school. I am grateful for a peaceful morning where I can reflect and be inspired. The stoves are going and I already have the soup simmering on the old Glenwood. Sage is smoldering and the smoky essence gives me clarity and creativity. The house is still dark and the candles lend a tranquil glimmer. So I have my note book to jot down any ideas that come to mind. I am sipping a heavenly brew of Belgium coffee. Thank you so much Rebekah and Lars for this is just what I needed to complete my morning. Here are a few photos of my surroundings that also lead to much inspiration for the new year. Its going to be a good year, very productive, earthy, with lots of weeds and wonders, comforts and remedies, simples and benefits…. And always ever leaning towards The Olde Ways!
If you haven't had the opportunity to try fresh grated nutmeg, you really need to indulge yourself. This exotic herb loses much of its flavor quickly. Keeping whole nuts and grating them when needed is the preferred method and it really does make a difference. The fragrance is aromatic and uplifting. Nutmeg is a ancient spice known to heighten the senses and provide health benefits to include: relieving pain, soothing indigestion, increasing immune system function, and detoxifying the body.
There is much folklore surrounding the nut. It was thought to have magical powers to ward off disease and was also known to increase virility. Throughout history amulets made from nutmeg were worn and graters made of silver, ivory or wood were kept.
The essence of nutmeg reminds me of Christmas. There is nothing like fresh cream eggnog with grated nutmeg. It is a must for the holidays and one of my favorite simple treats is warmed milk with molasses, turmeric and grated nutmeg. Not only is it pleasant and soothing, but is beneficial to your body. My husband even likes it!
As with all good things there are limitations. A word of caution: Nutmeg consumed in quantity can cause hallucinations and in large doses may be lethal. Not more than a pinch per serving or half teaspoon in a recipe is recommended. It should be used sparingly and should not be given to children.
I have a big bunch of Sweet Annie (Artemisia annua) also known as sweet wormwood, sweet sagewort, annual wormwood, and qīnghāo, growing just as you enter the garden. It is a tall fern like plant that isn't very impressive, but has a heavenly aroma.
I have been harvesting it and bringing it into my home where the fragrance is almost intoxicating. Sweet Annie has long been used to fight bacterial infections and is most commonly used in a preparation for malaria. It amazes me that such a sweet smelling herb can be so potent.
Dana, who also lives on the farm has been making grapevine wreaths intertwined with the Sweet Annie and laced with rosehips and tansy. They dry so well and are very pretty.
We are excited to announce the launch of our brand new look and website. We are no longer just at the farmers markets and farm store. Our all natural herbal products are now available for your purchase on-line. We are just getting started and will have lots more to come. Look for our new products and experience many of our readily available products.
We look forward to providing our all natural, non toxic herbal products to benefit your good health and beauty. All made with love and blessings. Dina
I have a big bunch of Sweet Annie (Artemisia annua) also known as sweet wormwood, sweet sagewort, annual wormwood, and 