Melanie’s Herb Diaries

Crocus (Crocus spp.)

Crocuses and Paella

It feels as though today has been the first properly sunny day in London all year, so I went out into Southwark park this afternoon to capture one of my favourite spring flowers, the crocus. Having admired them in a friends' garden yesterday, I dug out my RHS Encyclopedia of Herbs and found myself almost instantly dreaming of one of my favourite Spanish dishes, Paella! What's the connection, you might ask?

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Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Recipes using spring tonic herbs

As promised, I had a look through some herbals and on the internet for some recipes, both old and new, using the traditional spring tonic herbs I mentioned in my last post. Of course, as it's Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day today..

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Chili (Capsicum spp.)

Hot stuff (!).. but what is it ‘good for’?

As a herbalist, I find myself using chili tincture most often when making up a topical cream or lotion for back pain, arthritis etc., but especially for pain conditions where nerve injury is involved, e.g. sciatica, neuralgia etc. In fact, you may find that if you go to your GP with this sort of condition, she may prescribe you a topical cream containing a small amount capsaicin (believe me - you only need small amounts when it comes to chili!), a key constituent derived from chili plants.

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St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) infused in olive oil, 19 days on

Herbalists to the rescue!

I'm about to join a team of first-aid trained herbalists at a festival in Wales, called the Green Gathering. For the duration of the festival, we'll be on hand to help with any first aid issues the festival-goers and staff may have. I got my first aid at work certificate last year and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to put it to good use. I'm also looking forward to straining off the St. John's Wort oil when I get back on Monday,  and which the recent sunshine has helped turn a nice red colour!

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