No, it’s definitely not “for the birds” in the way that we are accustomed to the phrase being used, please view this beautiful 4th of July presentation by clicking on the picture below, and when you are done watching the presentation, don’t miss the photo-album of birds.
Happy 4th, celebrate our Nation’s Independence.
This may not be something you’ll grow in your herb garden this year, in fact, it’s not necessarily an herb…but it’s green and it grows, so it has my attention. It’s nutritional qualities are well known by many. The picture is not an attractive one, it looks like little worms or parasites, doesn’t it? But they are algae strands, and by looking at the spiral shape, you can see why this algae is called “Spirulina”.
Spirulina is a blue-green algae, long before a company decided to make blue-green algae their primary product, I was taking the powder in capsule form. It contains the complete spectrum of 8 amino acids, is high in protein, chlorophyll, and beneficial minerals. There are very few “plant” sources for vitamin B12, and Spirulina is one of them. I still use a liquid B12 as sources I’ve read show there are still concerns as to the the bodies ability to use the B12 in Spirulina…it’s “bio-availability” is in question.
Some like to take Spirulina before their meals, and feel that is suppresses the appetite. It is so rich in protein and nutrients, that it may satisfy cravings for certain foods so that you are not inclined to eat as much.
Though Spirulina grows naturally, it is also cultivated in the waters of warmer climates. If you are interested in trying Spirulina, click here.
Thank you for reading!
When I decided to have a business card printed, I was trying to figure out a way to make one that encompasses all of the things that I do and love, so I went to a very reasonably priced online service called VistaPrint, and was able to design and type up my own card right at the site, and process the order very easily.
I chose the flower that you see because it shows my love for gardening, herbs, plants and the like. Then of course I put my business information, because that is what I do. It’s really easy for anyone to do this, and the prices are great. I used an email address that I use only for placing orders, because I received a number of emails with special offers after I placed my order. This is fine with me because this is the email address I check when I’m looking for specials.
Last month we received a beautiful color announcement from a friend who was celebrating a 25th wedding anniversary, it was also a floral print, and I was so surprised to see that it was done by VistaPrint. I guess they do everything, from cards, to announcements, to address stamps, and more.
Oh, I forgot to mention, our family is known for loving the color purple, and I’m no exception, so that is why it was great to find a floral pattern that was in the color that I love.
Among the plants in my “everything” garden that is in the only sunny spot on our property is Sage. I call it the “everything” garden because there is no real rhyme or reason for what is growing there, there are herbs, vegetables, flowers, a rose bush, and somehow it all comes together.
The botanical name for the garden variety of Sage that I planted is Salvia (which means “to heal”) Officinalis. Even though it is a perennial, it becomes woody over time, and needs replacing. I replaced an older plant last year because it was woody and no longer produced many leaves.
My father was an epileptic, and I remember some years ago being sure to tell my mother not to give him sage, as it is contraindicated for epileptics.
Taken internally, Sage has been historically used for many things, including indigestion, gas, excess perspiration, excess lactation, sterility in woman, menopausal concerns, anxiety & depression. Externally it has been used to sooth bug bites, heal infections in the mouth (gums, throat) and skin infections.
Extracts of Sage have antioxidant properties.
Besides it’s medicinal properties, this herb is very aromatic, and a wonderful culinary herb, especially in meat dishes.
Here is a source for Sage in various forms:
Clary Sage Essential Oil
CC-A a combination that contains Sage
HSN-W a hair, skin, nails herbal combination
and of course Sage itself.
Thank you for reading!
Is it only in old movies that I’ve seen someone walk up to a soda fountain and ask for a Sarsaparilla? Or a “Sasparilla” if you chose the common misspelling of the word.
The source of the delicious flavor in this drink is a vine, and the flavor is in the roots. These vines have long prickly stems and shiny leaves, and numerous reddish-brown roots. It is the deep roots of this plant that are harvested and prepared for brewing delicious drink, or tonic, with the flavor of root beer.
The vine grows in tropical areas, temperate zones, places like the Caribbean, and South American or Central America.
Medicinally, Sarsaparilla is traditionally used to support the circulatory system and the liver. It also has tonic properties and have been used traditionally for skin support. It may also promote normal digestion and appetite.
Click here for a source of Sarsaparilla in capsule form. Thank you for reading!
Claudia L. Meydrech, CN, Herbalist & ” The Happy Nutritionist“
