Thing 1 and Thing 2 Are Back

Today, is Dr. Seuss' Birthday Bash at the Effingham Public Library. On March 2, he would have been 107.
To mark the occasion, Thing 1 and Thing 2 will throw a party for him. There will be cake, cookies, apple juice, and of course birthday hats. The kids will get to decorate their own birthday hats to bring home.

The kids will get to meet and pet Penelope the Chicken who lays green eggs.

Once the kids are done with their hats, Thing 2 will do the interacting reading Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham.

After that, cake, cookies and apple juice for all in attendance.

Watch out that Thing 1 and Thing 2 don't get into any mischief.

Weeds That Are Medicinal Herbs...Part Three

Most people think of a dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and all they see is a weed that they can’t get rid of.
Herbalists think much differently. They consider it a valuable herb with both culinary and medicinal uses. Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. The young leaves can be added to salads or a sandwich, much like lettuce. It can also be used as a tea. The roots make a wonderful “earthy” coffee substitute. You can drink it alone, or add it to your favorite coffee. The flower heads can be eaten or made into dandelion wine. We make fried dandelion flowers that you would swear were fried mushrooms. Yummy!

Dandelion flowers are sensitive to light, so they open with the sun in the morning and close in the evening. The best time to pick them is after the morning dew has passed. Be sure to wash in cool water. Pick the leaves while they are young. Older, they get a bit tough. The roots are picked and dried after the 2nd year of growth. You can dry them in a low oven, or in a dehydrator. Make sure to pick where you know that insecticide sprays have not been used!

Traditional herbal medicine uses dandelion roots and leaves to treat liver problems. It is mainly used for an appetite stimulant, digestive aid, and for liver and gallbladder function. Dandelion leaves are used as a diuretic to stimulate the excretion of urine.
Dandelion roots act as an antiviral agent, appetite stimulant, digestive aid, and may help promote gastrointestinal health. Dandelion flower has antioxidant properties. Herbalists and other alternative health care providers clinically use dandelion root to promote liver detoxification.\

Dandelion leaf is a natural diuretic that increases urine production by promoting the excretion of salts and water from the kidney. Dandelion may be used for a wide range of conditions requiring mild diuretic treatment, such as poor digestion, liver disorders, and high blood pressure. Dandelion contains potassium, am important nutrient for our bodies, that is often lost when taking chemical diuretics.

Fresh or dried dandelion herb is also used as a mild appetite stimulant and to improve upset stomach. The root of the dandelion plant is believed to have mild laxative effects and is often used to improve digestion. Studies show that dandelion root may improve the health and function of natural bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract may help improve liver and gallbladder function.

So, when spring comes, and you see those dandelions in your yard, go pick them and eat them. You’ll be doing your liver a favor.
You can also buy the dried herb, but it isn’t as much fun as being outside in a beautiful field of dandelions.

Weeds That Are Medicinal Herbs...Part Two

Plantain (Plantago major) is a perennial plant. It is a tall, erect plant with well veined leaves. Grooved flower stalks grow from 6-30 inches high. They are tipped off by a short spike of tiny white flowers. Flowering time is from April to November. Fruiting spike has many small, hard fruits.
Plantain is a very common weed , Plantain grows in waste places, backyards, and in fields. Plantain is native to Europe, but is common throughout the United States.
Some common names for plantain are Lance-leaf Plantain, Buckhorn, Ch’e-ch’ien (it’s Chinese herbal name), and Englishman’s Footprint.
Herbalists use the leaves of the plant, either fresh or dried.

Legend of the Plantain Herb
Plantain’s common name of Englishman’s Footprint, came from the Native Americans. Their tradition maintains that plantain springs up wherever Englishman step their foot. The botanical name is derived from the word “planta,” a foot, and “ago” a wort (meaning plant) in allusion to the shape of the broad leaves as they lay on the ground. In the old days, they use to kill spiders with plantain tea sprinkled on their cobwebs. An 18th century physician wrote: “in his own experience, he has found that fresh plantain leaves, placed upon the feet, will ease the pain and fatigue engendered by long walks.”

Herbal Uses for Plantain
Herbalists consider Plantain an Alterative, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, styptic, and vulnerary. It’s medicinal values make it a widely popular herb in many herbal preparations.
Plantain is a useful remedy for cough irritations and hoarseness. Plantain is good for all respiratory problems, bronchitis, asthma, especially those involving mucous congestion.
The fresh juice pressed from the whole plant, or an infusion or tea is helpful for hay fever, and allergic rhinitis.
Externally, the fresh leaves are crushed for application to insect bites or stings. Chew up a bit, and apply it to the area. Plantain Oil can help with minor burns, ringworms, shingles, scalds, wounds, sores, cuts, scratches, and boils.
These are just some of the uses of Plantain.

Weeds That Are Medicinal Herbs...Part One

Pineapple Weed (Matricaria discoidea) is a wild relative of Chamomile (Matricaria recutita). It grows in compacted, dry, dusty soil, such as gravel parking-lots, sidewalk cracks, footpaths, trampled sandy beaches and other wastelands. It is also called Disc Mayweed. The weed is an annual herb, mostly found from June into November depending on where you live. It reaches up to about 3-5 inches, but in the right conditions, can reach 10-12 inches in height.
The foliage is rather ferny looking.

Pineapple weed has the same herbal medicinal value as it’s herbal cousin. A tea made with the leaves, flowers, and stems, is relaxing for tension and stress. It is also useful for stomach upset.

Just like Chamomile, Pineapple weed can be drank for insomnia. and enjoy as a beverage, or to relieve nervous tension, stomach upset, and insomnia caused by stress.

When crushed,pineapple weed gives off the fresh scent of pineapple. You will notice that, unlike it’s cousin, it does not have white flower petals. The flower is simply the small green nodule at the end of the stem.

You may use pineapple weed fresh, or dry it for later use. All aerial parts are used to make the tea. Be sure to clean and dry thoroughly. To make a tea from the herb, take a large handful of pineapple weed, and put it into a pan. Cover it with about 1 cup water. Cover pot. Simmer, for 20 minutes on very low heat. Strain, and drink hot or chill and have as an ice tea. Add just a pinch of spearmint, for a minty, pineapple flavor.
Luckily, we have it growing here in our walkways, and use it all summer as a wonderfully tasty cold ice tea. We also dry some for year round use.s

Cosmetically, pineapple weed can be used in treating skin sores. Make an infusion and gently apply with cotton ball. Pineapple weed can also makes a very effective bug repellent. Crush the entire plant, and rub onto you skin.

So, the next time you are out walking, look down and see if you can find Chamomile’s wild cousin, and take some home and have a wonderful tasting tea.
Be sure to pick in an area that is not sprayed with toxic chemicals or pesticides.

If you are allergic to daisies, you should not use pineapple weed, or chamomile. They are both of the Aster (Asteraceae) family of herbs and plants.