Blog
17/03/2009
Garden Aromatherapy
I'm writing this on a lovely sunny day when spring really seems to have arrived in Hadleigh. The pond is full of about 60 very noisy frogs who certainly are in the mood for love; a wonderful sign after the virus that has been affecting frogs nationwide for the last few years.
I've already had some spring gardening casualties phoning up with strained muscles after the first digging session of the year so do be careful please. Little and often and remember to straighten and stretch. Go easy pulling out those deep roots too, often the cause of injuries.
I've been looking at my garden and wondering what to plant for summer.
When I first moved to Hadleigh I had a Feng Shui consultant come and look at my house and he advised to fill the garden with edible, non toxic plants that would give my family vitality. I've followed this and my garden has always been a haven. Friends always offer to come and stay for their own retreat when I'm on holiday!
So, what to plant for summer?
A variety of herbs for your cooking, making teas and generally sniffing is cheap and cheerful.
Thyme has many properties including being an effective natural antibiotic. Add leaves to your food, especially meat, potato and tomato dishes. Leaves can be used as a tea to fight summer colds. I've even used Thyme essential oil to wash out my dustbin!
Jasmine has long been connected with fertility and love in Eastern and Greek tradition. The aroma of the flowers can help with depression, anxiety and restlessness and will grow beautifully in Essex.
Geranium is a useful tonic; it can relax the mind and helps with lethargy at the same time. Excellent for balancing, particularly hormones for the ladies in menopause. Scrunch a few leaves and put them in your bath.
Mint of all kinds grows like a weed and will take over your garden if you let it. Plant in a pot so the roots can't travel and use a few leaves in a mug or teapot, pour on boiling water to make a refreshing tea. Apple mint is one of my favourites.
Melissa or lemon leaves are already sprouting and make a wonderful relaxing tea, great for anxiety of all kinds and insomnia.
Rosemary is enlivening, increasing blood flow to the brain, helping with concentration. A good tonic for the muscles and emotions! Be careful if you have epilepsy or high blood pressure.
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