Women who loved the plants and their passing

 Greetings. This issue of our newsletter is dedicated to two women who died recently. These women had a major impact on my life as an herbalist, woman and just plain human being. I am forever grateful for their earthwalk and will forever treasure the gifts they emparted to myself and the herbal community. They are both legends in their own way. May they rest in peace and be forever in our hearts. Both of these women died with incredible grace and dignity.

Deborah May “Rose” Barlow, mother, daughter, sister, friend, teacher, student and faithful advocate for the poor, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2009, from an unexpected illness. She was 46-years-old. To read Rose's remarkable writings visit http://www.prodigalgardens.info/

Juliette de Bairacli Levy died very peacefully in the early hours of Thursday, May 28th, 2009 in Burgdorf, Switzerland. Juliette was 96, had a remarkable life, a peaceful death and will leave an incredible legacy. To learn more about Juliette see http://www.julietteoftheherbs.com/

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Herbal Musings and Updates are brought to you by Moonwise Herbs www.moonwiseherbs.com. We offer this as an opportunity to inspire you to connect with the green world, whether by concocting a recipe, participating in an event or purchasing our handcrafted wares. If you have an herbal musing and/or recipe that you would like to contribute please feel free to send it my way. If it is seasonal and/or in line with our hopes of connecting with the green world we will gladly include it in this monthly (or so publication). You will be fully acknowledged for your contribution and we will be happy to include your contact information. Send to rosemarygoddess@moonwiseherbs.com

Many times I sit down to write and wonder what to write about. There is usually so much going on in the plant world that I wish I could write about it all. But sometimes a plant jumps out and calls to me. This happened a few days ago as I left home to spend time on the land that we steward in Coon Valley. The borage plants in the Sheboygan garden began blooming and practically jumped into the salad I prepared before I left and reminded me of the gifts they have imparted to all of the gardens I have tended for over a decade. These flowers add a beautiful blue to the greens and the star shape lends itself to the magic of summer.

When folks visit my garden they often marvel at this plant, not realizing that is self sows and is considered a nuisance by some. But to the herbalist this plant that is cooling and tastes like cucumber is a welcome garden ally. With edible young leaves (they are edible throughout, but usually become too fuzzy to eat when they begin to flower) and edible flowers this plant can be cooked as a pot herb (cooked green) or added to salads. It can be used to add a striking garnish to any summer dish and along with violets and other flowers is often candied and placed on top of cakes and other desserts.  

Borage is a northern European native plant that has become naturalized in the United States. It is in the Boraginaceae family. This family includes; Forget- me-not’s, Comfrey, Heliotrope, Lungwort, Alkanet and 146 other genera around the world.

Medicinally speaking, borage is a galactogogue, promoting the production of milk in breastfeeding mothers. It is also known as a tonic for the adrenal glands, thus provides support for a stressful lifestyle. Borage is rich in minerals, especially potassium and a tea reduces fevers and eases discomfort from chest colds.

Borage also makes an excellent face steam for dry, irritated skin and can be used in potpourri.

Borage is considered a cooling plant and when steeped in water makes a refreshing restorative summer drink.

Borage Summer Brew

To prepare:

-bring 2 cups of water to a boil

-while the water is boiling, place 1/4 cup honey, 2 TBS lemon zest and a large handful of borage leaves and flowers in a canning jar or tea pot (adjust ratios to taste) and steep for 15-30 minutes.  

-Strain and add 4-6 cups of apple cider.

-Chill and drink.