Another jam-packed issue of The Essential Herbal is on its way to subscribers, full of ideas, information, and thoughts of spring! Take a look at our table of contents below, and you'll see a full array of herbie delights. If you haven't subscribed yet, just look at what you're missing:Field Notes from the Editor
How do you choose to share your herbie knowledge with others?
About the Cover
Betty Pillsbury shared one of her award-winning, hand-sewn crazy quilts for this issue.
The Faerie Ring, Lady Jess
As early spring arrives, have a care for the faerie ring
Roses, Betty Pillsbury
There are many ways to enjoy roses. Stopping to smell them is just the beginning!
Natural Coconut/Citrus Oil Wood Conditioner, Blanca Davila
A terrific help for that spring cleaning that's just around the corner
Eating Roses, Jim Long
Jim's been teaching us "How to Eat a Rose" with his book by that title for a few years now. He shares the details along with a wonderful recipe for rose sandwiches.
Herbal Connections, Bitters, Marita A Orr
Bitters are especially important in the spring, coincidentally the time that many bitter herbs are first available. Recipes and information abounds in this article in Marita's series.
Boneset - A Traditional Cold & Flu Remedy, Joe Smulevitz M.H.
How to use this valuable wild plant to help fight off colds and flu.
Celebrate International Women’s Day the Herbie Way, Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh
Connecting herbs from around the world with this special day devoted to women.
How Women Came to have Knowledge of Plants, Jackie Johnson
A tale of healing and transformation.
Container Gardening, Tiffany M Psichopaidas
Space can be a difficult issue, but with some interesting containers, you can have that garden!
SouthRidge Treasures, Ginger, Mary Ellen Wilcox
Mmmm... tea, molasses loaf, and chutney as well as great information on ginger.
Make Medicine, Not Drugs, Paola Aliaga
How weeds can sometimes reach people that need it the most.
Women Herbalists, Lydia Pinkham, Susanna Reppert Brill
Susanna begins her new series on women herbalists with Lydia Pinkham. Fascinating information how the empire was built and how the industry changed.
The Historic Herbal, Making Kohl Eyeliner, Kathleen Setzer
That sexy, smoky, exotic look? Yes, you can make your own.
The Pleasure of Plotting & Planning an Herb Garden, Catherine Love
There's something so enjoyable about the very anticipation of gardening in the cold days of winter.
Don’t Rain on the Rhubarb … or the Asparagus, Rita Richardson
Delicious recipes and tips for these two flavors of spring
The Soap Pot, Rose Soap, Alicia Grosso
Rose soap - two ways. More sensational instructions and recipes from Alicia to keep us creating.
Frugal & Tasty Herbal Seasoning from Your Garden, Sandy Michelsen
Sandy shows us how easy it can be to just start blending - and love it.
Louisiana Lagniappe, Shrimp Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms,Sarah Liberta
Sheerly simple and delightful food that will make you or guests feel special.
Marian Flowers & Mary’s Gardens, Cindy Jones
Herbs and flowers that symbolize aspects of Mary, and the gardens that feature them.
The Roots of Food Independence are in the Garden, Melissa “Honeybee” Nicole Sidelinger
The importance of each of us taking some role in producing food for our family, and/or making responsible choices as to the origin of those foods we purchase.