Herbal Helpers for Summer





Lavender Lemonade

I'm posting at The Renegade Farmer today.  Stop by to read about my Herbal Treats to Help Beat the Summer Heat. While you're there, don't miss Five Herbs for Safe Summer Skin, a great post by Briscoe White of The Grower's Exchange.

 I'll be posting more recipes and tips for the summer next week ... please share your own with me! 

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Summertime Herbal Teas and Treats

  With a forecast of 108 (yes, really), I'll be focusing on keeping everyone cool and hydrated today.
It is time for icy cold herbal treats, I do believe.

This Lavender Lemon Quencher sounds refreshing. 

Lavender Lemonade is a favorite in our family, too.  I think I'll brew up a batch and then freeze it in ice pop molds for an afternoon snack. 

My iced herb tea of choice is simply to go out early in the morning and pluck a few sprigs of whatever herbs catch my eye- usually lemon balm, lemon verbena, ginger mint, spearmint, and a bit of lavender or rose geranium.  Those go into a pitcher of water and sit on my sunny kitchen windowsill to infuse until lunchtime.
If I've thought ahead, I will have some pretty herbal ice cubes made with borage blossoms or mint and lemon balm leaves to make my iced tea even more delightful. 
Sweetened with a bit of honey or agave nectar, this is the perfect summer day drink for me. 

How about you? 
What summery herbal treats do you brew up this time of year?
What is your favorite iced tea herb?
Please share, I'm always grateful for a new herbal treat to try! 

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Summer Days

Happy July! 

Sorry things have been so quiet in the stillroom lately, but summer beckons me outdoors to enjoy the beauty of the garden and nature.  Herbs are growing by leaps and bounds, flowers are in bloom, and the bees, birds, and other small creatures are keeping me entertained with their daily visits to the garden and bird bath.  I have enjoyed spending lots of time just "being".  No agenda, no plan, no work ... just sitting quietly and enjoying whatever the day might bring.  It has been a blessing. 

But, July is now upon us and the heat will soon keep me indoors except for the early morning hours before the sun becomes unbearable.  Texas heat can be brutal, and I am an admitted wimp when it comes to scorching sun!  I've been dreaming up some herbal creations over the last few days, and starting next week I plan to share some of those with you.  Cool weather treats is at the forefront of my mind these days! 

Have a great weekend, stay cool, enjoy the blessings of summer!

p.s. Did you know sunflower petals make a pretty yellow to gold colored dye?  Another of my plans for the summer- creating plant dyes.  :)



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