Here are a group of three herbs in Penelope’s Garden that are at peak harvest time. Motherwort and lavender are only available at this time, one harvest per season. St. John’s wort may continue to flower but now is the best time to pick. Below are images of how to cut these herbs and some info. There is a great deal of reliable info online, so I have kept it brief. Be aware that the supply is limited and to cut a “cup” of St John’s wort (a cup of snips will give you a cup of infused oil), two stems of motherwort and a handful of lavender stems. This way the Garden should have enough to share with all who are interested.
St. John’s Wort
Flower and leaf are best made into a plant extract in either oil or alcohol on the same day they’re harvested. How it’s used depends on how it’s extracted, be it an oil or alcohol extraction. St. John’s Wort oil is generally used topically to speed wound healing, reduce scarring and for its antibiotic properties. The tincture is used for hormonal balance and mood disorders.
Motherwort
Motherwort is used to help treat heart conditions, including heart failure, irregular heartbeat, fast heartbeat and heart symptoms due to anxiety. It is also used for the absence of menstrual periods, intestinal gas (flatulence) and an over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism). The Motherwort herb (Leonurus cardiaca L.) is one of the most widely used sedative medicinal plants.
Lavender
What Are Possible Health Benefits of Lavender?
- May Help Improve Sleep
- Could Help Treat Skin Blemishes
- May Offer a Natural Remedy for Pain
- Reduce Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
- Could Relieve Asthma Symptoms
- Lessens Menopausal Hot Flashes
- Help Combat Fungus Growth
- Potentially Promotes Hair Growth
Also great in baking!
This book is a terrific resource for herb info and recipes:
Medicinal Herbs A Beginners Guide
by Rosemary Gladstar