Hang in there! Christmas is
almost here!
Please be mindful of those who may
not be as fortunate as you. For some, Christmas is a sad time. If you would,
take a moment to look around you and reach out to those in need. You could
make a big difference with a little effort.
During the hustle of buying gifts,
decorating, baking, and partying, we tend to get side tracked. The commercial
hype is at its highest right now and it is not always easy to stay focused
on the purpose for this celebration. Whether you believe in Him or not,
the reason for the season is Jesus!
CHRISTMAS HERBS
Holly, mistletoe, and pine are just
a few of the traditional herbs used at Christmas time. Although most commonly
used as decoration, these herbs have some beneficial values as well.
Holly (Ilex aquifolium - Aquifoliaceae)
is a beautiful plant used by the ancient Druids in rituals at the time of
the winter solstice. Like so many other traditions, the early Christians
adopted (or adapted to) this one for their purposes during the formation
of the Roman church.
Let me mention, before I go on, that
holly berries are very toxic particularly to children. So please keep an eye
on them if you use holly in your home or grow it in your garden. The brightly
colored red berries seem to attract the attention of little ones.
Rarely used medicinally today, holly
leaves are diuretic, fever-reducing, and laxative. They have been used to
treat fevers, jaundice, and rheumatism. The berries purge the bowels and
cause vomiting if taken in large doses. Since there are safer herbs to use
for these ailments, I would stay away from ingesting this herb without
professional supervision.
Mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum)
and dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium) are also very toxic. These are not
recommended for use except as ornamentals. All mistletoe grows as a parasite
on trees. If you'd like to try growing your own, save some of the berries
until spring. Squeeze them until they burst and stick them to the underside
of young tree branches. Apple, poplar, and hawthorn are among the best host
trees. It takes about a year before the first leaves appear, but given time,
you could have enough mistletoe to share with all your friends and neighbors,
and all their friends and neighbors, and all their friends and neighbors,
and...
European Mistletoe (Viscum album -
Loranthaceae) has been used to lower blood pressure and heart rate, ease
anxiety, and promote sleep. In low doses, it also relieves panic attacks,
headaches, and improves concentration. It has been prescribed for tinnitus
and epilepsy. And, research is ongoing on European mistletoe's anticancer
properties. This is another herb that should not be taken without
professional supervision.
Pine (of many species) is useful in
many ways. We are all aware of the fact that pine makes a room smell so
fresh, but have you thought of putting it in your bath? The needles make
an excellent soothing bath herb useful for treating eczema, psoriasis,
and other skin problems. They are very stimulating as a wake-up bath or
shower in the morning and they make wonderful aromatic pillows, too.
SPEAKING OF AROMA
Simmering
potpourris are so nice at this time of year.
When the house is closed up for winter weather, the air begins to get stuffy.
A quick way to freshen the air is to slice some citrus fruit into a pot of
water and toss in some whole cloves and cinnamon sticks. This can also be
done in a crock pot or simmering pot.
Other herbs could be used in simmering
potpourris, too. Any of the mints work well as do bay laurel leaves and
rosemary. If you like the scent of any herb or spice, try using it in a
simmering pot and get creative in your combinations. There are no rules
carved in stone where potpourri is concerned.
DON'T FORGET TO WASSAIL
When you wassail, you toast to health
and thriving. A wassail punch is usually made with apples and spices, and
some form of alcohol like cider or wine. It could also be made with
nonalcoholic apple cider. Mix the liquid of your choice with slices of
apples (and oranges if you like). Add some whole cloves, cinnamon sticks,
and a sprinkling of allspice. Served hot or cold, it's delicious.
WASSAILED TOO MUCH?
Milk Thistle (Carduus marianus syn.
Silybum marianum - Compositae) can relieve a hangover and protect your
liver, too. Take 500 mg of powdered milk thistle seed in capsule or tablet
form the morning after, or whenever you realized you've overdone it.
I'm sure you've heard this before,
but I've got to reiterate, "Don't drink and drive!" We want to see you back
here next Monday safe and sound ... and happy :-)
FROM THE STAFF AND FAMILIES AT
ABBY'S HERBS ...
MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY HANUKKAH!
HAPPY KWANZAA! May this be a blessed time for you all! We extend our
love to all of you in honor of our Lord.
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