He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth...
Catnip
From The Herb Patch
From My Perspective
It’s February! Why is it that February always seems like it is much shorter than the other months when it’s really only two days shorter, unless there’s a leap year? So, far this winter we have not had any snow here in our area except a slight (I mean really slight) dusting a couple of weeks ago. For those who work outside the home and have to travel, especially in the rural areas, snow and sleet (ice) can be quite treacherous. For the ones who don’t have to venture out in such weather, we look forward to some snow in the winter. I especially enjoyed the snow when my youngest daughter Grace lived at home and we romped outside with our Malamute Husky dog named Mikey (who is still alive) and made a snowman or threw snowballs for fun. Everything seems to come to a screeching halt and becomes awesomely quiet after it snows. This is not so in all places that folks live. Years ago we moved to Montana in the summertime, but also endured the winter in a place named Havre. Believe me when I say nothing stops moving there in the winter (work wise). Those people just throw dirt down on the snow and keep moving. That is, until the Chinook winds come through and warm everything up! It was a totally different living experience! It’s the first time we actually experienced 40 degrees below zero temperatures with a wind chill factor at times of 70 below! I know you probably think I’m exaggerating, but I’m not. We had to put heaters that plugged up to the engine in the car to keep the motor from freezing up. It was so cold outside that the ice would build up “inside” the windowsill and folks ran fans to melt the ice.
This month I decided to write about an herb that is very good (and usable) for children. This time of year there seems to be more for the children to endure due to the weather and all the other people that are sick. There are some herbs that are far better to use on babies and children than any of the medicines that are so readily available in the stores. Think! What did people a hundred years ago do before Tylenol and Sudafed, etc. came into our lives? And also, think about all the possible side effects from these over-the-counter drugs. Yes, drugs!!! We have really made ourselves sicker by relying on these things mainly because they mask symptoms and don’t provide the healing our bodies need. Plus, there is a chance of getting liver disease from these medications. I know, I was one of those moms that readily used these things when my children were growing up, when finally one day after many bouts of children’s sicknesses that continually came back after all the antibiotics and medicines, I looked into alternatives. And wished that I had done this much sooner.
What Is Catnip? Catnip Cepeta Cataria is a mint and perennial herb. It is native to the Eastern Mediterranean and Eastern Himalayas and grows well in many regions of the world. From a gardener's standpoint, catnip can either be a pesky plant that easily takes over any flower bed or a welcome addition. If you're just starting an herb garden, it's a great first plant because it's so hardy, grows fast and survives most conditions. Catnip also makes a great potted plant. That makes it easier to access the plant.
Catnip is Easy to Grow You can easily start catnip from seed. You'll also find starter plants in the spring at your local retailer or garden center. Catnip can easily be grown in any sunny garden. Catnip leaves loose some of their potency once they bloom (photo) so it's best to harvest leaves to dry before plants bloom.
Delicious Catnip Tea
Tea drinkers like catnip for its soothing properties. It is known to induce sleep, relieve upset stomachs and calm nervousness. Some Europeans still use catnip as a cure for colic in babies. In 2003, catnip oil was discovered to repel cockroaches, termites and other undesirable insects.To make a nice cat lover and tea lover gift package fresh-dried catnip in a plastic bag or tin with a metal tea spoon or tea bag. Add a little gift tag with instructions: start with 1 tsp of dried catnip per cup, adjust to taste. One of the most thoughtful cat gifts, and cat lover gifts, is to give catnip. Why Do Cats Like Catnip? Approximately 75-90% of all cats are attracted to catnip. The attraction is a genetically-inherited trait. Cats react to nepetalactone chemicals using their vomeronsala or Jacobson's organ, located in the roof of their mouth. The Jacobson's organ gives cats a pleasant sensation that combines smell and taste. Some cats act very silly after getting exposed to catnip.
A note from Alice: I have been growing catnip for about 5 years which I started from seeds. It is true that catnip will take over other plants. I planted mine in a circle with lemon balm and regretted it later, mainly because it spreads quickly and it looks similar to the lemon balm plant. Also, while staying with my daughter Grace a couple years back, at the time she had a cat and I decided to throw some dried catnip (that I had brought for my grandson who was teething and not sleeping well at night) on the floor to see if the cat would react the way I had heard. To our amazement that cat started rolling all over the catnip and acting very frisky!! It made a believer out of Grace and me and we had a good laugh over this! So, I also made some catnip toys which I give as gifts and also am intending to sell very cheaply.How to Dry and Harvest Catnip
The favorite form of catnip is dried. Dried catnip is best harvested prior to bloom. Blooming reduces the potency. Dry in a basket or on paper towels on top of a refrigerator, or in a cool, dry area. Dried And Fresh Is Best. Most cat toys usually include older, dried catnip. Before deciding whether or not your cat likes catnip, make sure to try freshly dried catnip. Dried catnip looses its potency when exposed to air for long periods of time. http://streambankgardens.com/Catnip_Catmint.html Another note from Alice: I harvest mine when it is tall by cutting the plant and tying a rubber band around the ends, then hanging inside a cool area so that air can get through easily. This works for all of the herbs I dry.
Catnip has a long history of use in alternative medicine, being employed especially in treating disorders of the digestive system and, as it stimulates sweating, it is useful in reducing fevers. The fresh juice is used to promote menstruation. Mild catnip tea is used to relieve colic in babies, restlessness and nervousness, and is very useful as a mild nervine for children. Stronger tea relieves fevers due to colds and flu as well as calming the stomach and preventing nausea and diarrhea. The fresh young shoots are good in spring salads and rubbed into meat for flavor. Applied externally or added to bath it is good for skin irritations. Catnip oil is great for aromatherapy. A strong infusion can be used to repel fleas from carpets or the fur of animals. An extract from the leaves (called nepetalactone) has herbicidal and insect repellant properties. Recently found in a University Study to be 10 times as effective as Deet at repelling mosquitoes. www.altnature.com/gallery/catnip.htm
From Jerry Baker’s HERBAL PHARMACY
If you don’t want to count sheep or take a sleeping pill, you can easily fall into a peaceful slumber with this special soothing recipe:
1 tsp. dried catnip leaves 1 tsp. dried mint leaves
1 tsp. dried marjoram leaves 1 tsp. dried chamomile leaves
Blend all of the herbs together thoroughly. Scoop out 1-2 teaspoons of the mix and stir it into a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for about 10 minutes. Strain out the herbs, and then sip yourself into dreamland!
Food for Thought
Last month I started a series on foods that our Lord created and that is mentioned in the Scriptures. One of my friends reminded me that one of the foods that I didn’t mention last month in the “g” section was gourds. Thanks friend! I thought I’d spend a little time this month talking about gourds, which somewhere in my past I tried to grow. Our family once rented from an elderly man who planted gourds, hardened them and made dippers, etc. out of them. He sold these for extra profit. After reading the scriptures below, I don’t see where these gourds were actually good to eat, although I know gourds, squash and pumpkins are in the same family. As a matter of fact, it seems to me that the gourds had something wrong with them as far as eating. I will do some more research on the eating of gourds!
II Kings 4:39 Jonah 4:6-7; 4:9-10
Squash—Packed with Beta-Carotene—And More
Taken from Healing Remedies by Editors of Prevention Health Books
Healing Power: Can Help Prevent lung problems and Reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
When researchers talk about the healing powers of squash, what they’re usually referring to is winter squash such as hubbard, acorn, and butternut, which are distinguished by their deep yellow and orange flesh colors. These colorful squash are both rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, two antioxidant vitamins that have been shown in studies to help prevent cancer, heart disease, and certain age-related conditions such as problem with the eyes.
While zucchini other kinds of summer squash don’t have the rich nutrient stores of winter squash, they have a generous amount of zinc and they do contain a lot of fiber, but only if you eat the peel.
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Proverbs 24:30-34
I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
Solving Problem Skin
Winter Months seem to especially take a toll on our skin and hair. The following recipes are
from the Herb Quarterly with information written by Janice Cox who has written many workable solutions for skin care.
Apple-Cider Vinegar Scalp Treatment
Psoriasis is a common skin problem that often affects the scalp leading to dandruff in many cases. Work this apple-cider vinegar treatment into your skin at the hair roots to calm the itch and treat chronic dryness.
2 Tbls apple cider vinegar
2 Tbls water
2 Tbls olive oil
Mix together all of the ingredients.
To use: Massage into your scalp and let sit for 20 minutes before shampooing. Rinse and shampoo hair as normal. Repeat weekly, if necessary. Yield: 3 ounces
Epsom Salt Bath
People have used Epsom salts for years to soothe sore muscles, but they also relieve dry, flaky skin, thanks to the salt’s magnesium sulfate, which softens the skin and draws out toxins and impurities.
½ to 1 cup Epsom salt
As you fill your tub, pour the Epsom salts under the running water and stir well to dissolve. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes in warm (not hot) water. Pat skin dry and moisturize well with a rich cream or natural oil to lock in moisture. Yield: 4 to 8 ounces.
For more information visit her website at JaniceCox.com
Recipes from Alice's Kitchen
The following recipe comes from an Amish recipe cookbook:
OVEN FRIED POTATOES
6 large potatoes ¼ cup oil 2 Tablespoons parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Scrub potatoes well and cut in wedges lengthwise, leaving skins on. Combine rest of ingredients in a plastic bag. Add potatoes and shake to coat. Spread potatoes onto a cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake uncovered in a 400º oven 25 minutes, stirring once.
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I made this casserole for my lady boss at the Chiropractic Office a few years back and we both thought it was great!
POTATO CASSEROLE
6 large potatoes 2 cups shredded cheese ¼ cup butter
4 teaspoons chopped onion paprika 1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups sour cream ¼ teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons butter
Cook potatoes with skins on. Cool, peel and shred. Over low heat, combine cheese and ¼ cup butter in saucepan, stirring until melted. Remove from heat. Blend in sour cream, onions, salt and pepper. Fold in potatoes and pour into 2 quart greased casserole. Dot with 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350º for 45 minutes. Enjoy
Until Next Month
