Newsletter | All Things Herbal

Marshmallow Herb

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Welcome to my first newsletter for 2012

The last twelve months has been extremely busy and I expect the next twelve months will be much the same. I have just finished the rough draft for the 4^th book, Marshmallow: The Soothing Herb, in my series of Herbal Handbooks, and it will be published sometime in the next three months.

It has been an interesting handbook to write because there wasn’t a lot of information about it because it is not a well known herb. My interest began when I had a dream in which a friend was telling me I needed to have marshmallow. I thought that was bit odd because all I could think of was the confectionery known as Marshmallows. I did some research and found there was a herb by the same name and that is has been used historically by herbalists for urinary tract infections and the kidneys. Even more amazing was the fact that I had just been diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy – a kidney disease. Needless to say it is a herbal tea I include in my health care routine.

There is also a lot of commercial interest in the field of dermatology and cosmetic preparations because of the mucous compounds in the plant. I have included a recipe in my blog on the site for a toner made with marshmallow leaf for anyone who wants to try it. The mucous compounds help to improve the moisture levels, reduce pigmentation and reduce aging of the skin.

Apart from the herbal handbooks I am challenging myself by taking up photography and specialising in black and white and extending my skills in crystal jewellery by making crystal bracelets. I think these two hobbies will have to be my New Year’s resolution – to try something new and improving my skills is something I am already doing.

Happy New Year and hope you achieve your heart’s desires.

Chris Stephenson

If you would like to comment on this newsletter go this link

Gardening Tips

Lavender

Lavender plants in the garden or indoors act as bug repellants, keeping away mosquitoes, flies and other bugs, and they can act as a substitute for chemicals.

Go to this link to find out more about the different types of lavender

Lemon Balm

Trim the plant back when it starts to look straggly or leggy and it will recover quickly and produce better quality leaves for using as a fresh herb. It will also keep the plant looking very healthy.

For more information about growing & storing Lemon Balm go to this link