Herbal Plumber for Writer’s Block

Just about everyone I know suffers from writer’s block from time to time, which progresses through three main stages. First you stare at the blank paper in front of you for about a geologic epoch. I’ve actually mentally seen T-Rexes evolve into birds during this stage. Second, you start re-reading the last paragraph written before [...]

For Your Sweetie and Your Main Squeeze: The Planet Earth

I just received a really neat newsletter from the Organic Consumers Association that features what to send your Sweetie for Valentine’s Day. I was particularly impressed with one suggestion to send organic essential flower oils instead of conventional flowers or chocolates. What a great idea this is! The fragrances from essential oils will last [...]

Essential Reading and Writing For A More Blessed Universe

During the 24-hour period it took me to get to Taiwan by plane, I finally got to read my new magazine subscription to The Essential Herbal (www.essentialherbal.com). The Essential Herbal is a grass roots type magazine that features articles about growing and using herbs as well as eating wild foods. It is stuffed with natural [...]

How To Get To Detox Heaven

Hey! Thanks Susan Wittig Albert for commenting on Friday’s post. You made my day.
Yesterday, I took an aromatherapy class on how to make herbal bath teas. It was held at the Spiritual Fitness Center in Richardson, TX (www.spiritualfitnesscenter.com). My instructor was Pat Hood of Parallel Universe, Inc. (iiuniverse@verizon.net).
Pat not only teaches informal classes in aromatherapy, [...]

Even Fictional Characters Need An Outlet

If you like mysteries that include the natural world as a feature, the China Bayles Mysteries written by Susan Wittig Albert are just your cup of herbal tea. In these novels, China is a combination amateur sleuth and herb shop owner, a multi-faceted woman not unlike myself. The setting is an imaginary small town in [...]

Spicy Indian Herb Butter

I am obsessed with all things Indian these days, especially with the men and the spices, so I have been experimenting with using them in herb butters (the herbs and spices, not the men).
Here is one spicy recipe that I like to use on cornbread, crackers, cauliflower/broccoli or in scrambled eggs:
Ingredients:
8 oz European Cultured Butter [...]

For Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This

I was lucky enough to attend the Herbal Cornucopia workshop at Texas Discovery Gardens, the only 100% organic public garden in Texas. It was put on in conjunction with the local chapter of the Herb Society of America (www.herbsociety.org). Topices included: herb and spice rubs, herbal butters, flavored vinegars, skin care scrubs, dream pillows & [...]