Health and well-being from the garden

Published on November 1, 2009

by Lorene Edwards Forkner

Peace of mind and a calm demeanor are often the first casualties of a busy life. Shorter days rob us of time and the energy to keep up with home, work, family and self care.

The following simple herbal preparations using plants from the garden promote health and well-being. Packaged nicely, these treats make lovely and economical gifts. But be sure to save some for yourself — with the holidays fast approaching, we can all use a little extra pampering.

Energizing foot soak

For welcome relief after a long day on your feet.

Combine 1 1/4 cups of Epsom salts with an equal measure of sea salt in a bowl. Whisk in 1/4 cup each of baking soda and cornstarch, and blend thoroughly. This salt base may be prepared ahead of time and stored in a jar.

Prepare a strong herbal infusion by pouring 2 cups boiling water over 1 cup fresh or 1/2 cup dried mint and leave to steep for up to an hour. To prepare your foot bath, pour the cooled infusion into a foot tub or large bowl. Add in 1/2 cup of the salt base, the zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange, and enough hot water to completely submerge your feet; swirl to dissolve salts. Now sink your feet into the bath, and sit back and relax for 15 minutes.

Digestive herb tea

The perfect finish to a big meal.

2 parts peppermint
1 part tarragon
1 part lemon balm
1 part chamomile flowers
1 part anise or fennel seed
1/2 part rosemary

Combine the ingredients, either fresh or dried, in a teapot. Add boiling water, cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. The longer you steep the mixture, the stronger the flavor of the finished infusion. Strain and serve with honey to sweeten if desired.

Lavender and rose milk bath

A soothing and softening treatment.

1/2 cup powdered milk
1/4 cup sea salt
1/2 cup dried rose petals
1/2 cup dried rose geranium leaves
1/4 cup dried lavender

Package the mixture in a muslin bag or square of cheese cloth secured with a rubber band. Add the sachet as you run the bath. Submerge and relax. Multiply the above proportions and package in a jar for gifting, along with instructions.

"Food grade" dried lavender and rose petals can often be found at health food stores and in bulk bins at some grocers.

Herbal sleep pillow

Promotes sweet dreams and sound slumber.

1 part dried lavender
1 part dried hops
1 part dried chamomile flowers
16-by-8-inch length of muslin

Fold the muslin in half to form an 8-inch square. Sew loose sides to create a pillow form, leaving a 4-inch section open. Reverse muslin form and fill loosely with the herbal mixture. Hand stitch the opening closed to finish the pillow. Slip the finished sleep pillow into a decorative covering or simply tuck into your pillowcase. Sweet dreams indeed.

Lorene Edwards Forkner, freelance writer, garden designer and food enthusiast, revels in the seasonal pleasures and broad scope of gardening in the Pacific Northwest. Her latest books "Growing your own Vegetables" and "Canning & Preserving Your Own Harvest" are now in bookstores.