Juliette of the Herbs

Over lunch today, I watched a documentary about Juliette de Baircli Levy (1912-2009) called Juleitte of the Herbs. I haven't yet read any of her books (The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable especially interests me) but after watching the movie they have been bumped up the reading list.

The documentary came out in 1998, and I missed it then (I was twelve, and the world of herbs was just beginning to open up to me) Thankfully, now Juliette of the Herbs is available to watch online via Culture Unplugged, so I was able to do some delightful catching up. Many, many thanks to Antoinette over at The Herbit for posting the link that led me to it!

The documentary has a slow, meandering pace and is suffused with peacefulness and joy that comes from Juliette's interaction with the world around her- plant, animal, and people alike. Her beautiful afghan hounds make regular appearances throughout, as do various goats, cats and other creatures. As an herbalist and animal lover, this documentary was quite a treat for me! I also know that reading her books is going to be that much more meaningful to me now, because I have a better understanding of the wonderful woman behind them.

Herbal Sprinkle Blends

My hubby gave me some cute owl salt and pepper shakers for valentines day. I decided to fill them with herbal sprinkle blends from The Herbal Kitchen by Kami McBride.

Here they are with the adorable frog Sumac shaker that also graces my kitchen counter. Aren't they adorable?

The blue owl has the Peppermill Blend (juniper, coriander and black peppercorns).

The pink owl has the Red Powder blend (Rose hips, Hawthorn, and rosepetals, sans the orange peel called for in the original recipe because I didn't have any.)

Having some interesting spice blends on hand makes even our last-minute, thrown together meals much more exciting. I love the Peppermill Blend on red lentils, and the Red Powder Blend is really nice on scrambled eggs.

Tea Tuesday #2: Rose Hips and Hibiscus

I had a craving for something red, with rose hips. And, preferably, hibiscus. The end result just so happens to be spectacularly heart-friendly, and with today being Valentine's Day, well, how perfect!
 
Ingredients:
Rose petals, one part (in this case, approximately two tablespoons)
Hibiscus flowers, one part
Rose Hips, four or five
Hawthorne berries, four or five

Health highlights:
Hibiscus: heart health, healthy water balance, supports healthy blood pressure, promotes regularity
Rose Petals: heart health, mood support, promotes regularity
Rose Hips: high in vitamin c, antioxidants, and iron
Hawthorne Berries: heart health, supports healthy blood pressure, promotes regularity

To make the tea, measure out and then lightly crush the ingredients while the water boils. When the water reaches a boil, remove from heat. Measure herb blend into a tea strainer, one tablespoon full of the herbal blend per cup of water. 

Let steep for five minutes, then remove tea strainer from cup. This tea has a pleasantly fruity, tart taste from the rose hips and hibiscus, and a subtle floral note from the rose petals. Enjoy it as is, or try one of these delicious options:

• Hot and sweetened with honey
• Over ice with cranberry juice or cranberry juice blend, to taste
• With sumac berries in addition to the rose hips and hawthorn berries