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Writer's pictureWendy Kiplinger

Herbs and Health

Happy fall everyone! I hope you had a great summer. Summer here in the mid-west was a bit short, but we were able to pack quite a bit into it none-the-less. I will admit, I'm sorry to see it is in the rearview mirror.


One of the fun things I got to do this summer was make an arrangement for my first international clients. The recipient is a friend of mine who lives here in the states. Her close friend was visiting from "across the pond" and wanted to give her a Thank You gift for her hospitality. It was a pleasure for me to create a lovely bouquet for both sweet customers and recipient friend.




Hand-tied bouquet with antique hydrangea, foxtail grass, purple seedum, goldenrod, queen queen annes lace, lavender roses, bicolor lavender roses
Thank You Bouquet

This friend, for a number of years, has had a concept regarding herbs and health, bunches of health. She graciously shares her thoughts for us on the subject.


Here is Dr. Reynard's blog contribution.

Healing Herbs Through the Ages

Since the beginning of time, herbs have been used by humans for nourishment and healing. There is often a tension between those who “believe” in herbs and those who do not. Really, the matter is not about belief, but about learning the age-old uses of herbs and the resulting sense of well being and health that humans have enjoyed for centuries.


The Happy Herb Company explain it this way:

Plants are some of the most complex organisms on the planet, and human existence has always been completely dependent on them. We rely upon plants for handy things like oxygen, food, energy, medicine, building materials, textiles, etcetera.


Check out their page and read more about the benefits and limitations of herbs but, overall, they emphasize that herbs have been around us for a very long time and have proved to be our “best friends’ in many ways.


Alive by Nature provides a very helpful list of popular herbs and their benefits to us. It is important to learn about how to dry herbs well and how to use them correctly in order to gain the most benefit from them.


Certainly, as a child of missionaries (MK) to the DRCongo, I was born and raised in the Ituri Forest there. From an early age, I learned the benefits of banana leaves, palm leaves, the roots and foliage of various plants, and the uses of various fruit and nuts for nutrition and healing. Learn about the plants naturally growing where you live, or try and grow some yourself in order to learn first-hand the benefits of herbs in everyday life.


Ruth Reynard, Bunches of Health.


Isn't it interesting, all the things that exist in our world for our benefit? I listed several herbs and plants in an earlier blog post, Bouquets and Herbs, that can be included in bouquets. Since I am a wedding and events floral designer, the herbs chosen in this blog were selected to reflect a happy or celebratory occasion, such as a wedding.


They most certainly could be used, along with others I will list below, in times of remembrance and celebration, such as a memorial service, funeral or sympathy. Or perhaps as encouragement to a dear friend going through a tough time or congratulations on a promotion, even "Just because I like you and think you are wonderful." Herbs can be used in countless situations; the sky really is the limit.


Angelica: inspiration

Basil, purple: wealth, good wishes, protection

Bay Laurel: success

Calendula: health

Chamomile: comfort

Echinacea: capability

Fennel: worthy of praise

Hops: mirth

Hyssop: cleansing

Lady’s Mantle: comfort

Lemon Balm: sympathy

Lovage: strength

Mint: virtue

Olive: peace, reconciliation

Parsley: gratitude

Rosemary: remembrance

Sage: wisdom

Thyme: courage

Vervain: good fortune

Yarrow: healing/good health, courage


Perhaps one day, my friend Dr. Ruth and I will have the opportunity to join forces and create healthful, beautiful and meaningful bunches of health and happiness. Until then, may you be healthy as we enter into the fall and winter seasons and may you see the beauty in the world around you.


 

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