Monica Crosson - Llewellyns 2018 Herbal Almanac

Llewellyn Publications

Woodbury, Minnesota

Copyright Information

Llewellyns 2018 Herbal Almanac 2017 Llewellyn Publications

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First e-book edition 2017

E-book ISBN: 9780738753157

Cover Design: Kevin R. Brown

Editing: Lauryn Heineman

Interior Art: Fiona King

Llewellyn Publications is an imprint of Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd.

Copyright Information

ISBN 978-0-7387-3780-5
Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd.
2143 Wooddale Drive
Woodbury, MN 55125-2989

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Llewellyn Publications

Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd.

2143 Wooddale Drive

Woodbury, MN 55125

www.llewellyn.com

Manufactured in the United States of America

Contents

to Llewellyns Herbal Almanac

by Monica Crosson

by Jill Henderson

by Natalie Zaman

by Elizabeth Barrette

by Estha K. V. McNevin

Foraging for Wild Berries:
Why They Are So Good for You by Corina Sahlin

by Kathy Martin

by Anne Sala

by Susan Pesznecker

by Suzanne Ress

by Deborah Castellano

by Diana Rajchel

by Charlie Rainbow Wolf

by James Kambos

by Doreen Shababy

by Mireille Blacke

by Stacy M. Porter

by Sally Cragin

by JD Hortwort

by Tess Whitehurst

by Melanie Marquis

by Lupa

by Laurel Reufner

Create a Butterfly Garden
with Your Kids by Thea Fiore-Bloom

by Emyme

The Marshmallow Plant:
A Long, Sweet History by Sandra Kynes

Native American Plant Lore
of the Great Lakes Region by Calantirniel

Deep in the Wooded Glens:
An Armchair Herbalists Tour of Circes House and Garden by Linda Raedisch

The History and Healing
of Tulips by Tiffany Lazic

by Ember Grant

The Quarters and Signs
of the Moon

JanuaryDecember

Introduction to
Llewellyns Herbal Almanac

M ore and more people are growing, gathe ring, and studying herbs for their enlivening and healing properties. Whether in the form of weedy first aid, easy seasonal decor, or a new favorite jam recipe, herbs clearly can enhance your life.

In the 2018 edition of the Herbal Almanac , seasoned writers offer tips, recommendations, helpful resources, and personal anecdotes to inspire your own herbal practices. With sage advice appealing to novice gardeners and experienced herbalists alike, our experts tap into the practical and historical aspects of herbal knowledgeusing herbs to help you reconnect with the earth, enhance your culinary creations, and heal your body and mind.

The thirty articles in this almanac will teach you everything from planning an herbal seed-sowing calendar to xeriscaping in arid climates. Featured plant profiles include rosemary, dandelions, and yarrow, offering a host of history, growing tips, remedies, and recipes. Youll also learn a holistic dentistry routine, how to safely forage for wild berries, which repurposed materials make a great miniature greenhouse, and kid-friendly steps for creating a butterfly box using native plants.

May your garden grow tall and your dishes taste delicious!

Note: The old-fashioned remedies in this book are historical references used for teaching purposes only. The recipes are not for commercial use or profit. The contents are not meant to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or substitute consultation with a licensed health-care professional. Herbs, whether used internally or externally, should be introduced in small amounts to allow the body to adjust and to detect possible allergies. Please consult a standard reference source or an expert herbalist to learn more about the possible effects of certain herbs. You must take care not to replace regular medical treatment with the use of herbs. Herbal treatment is intended primarily to complement modern health care. Always seek professional help if you suffer from illness. Also, take care to read all warning labels before taking any herbs or starting on an extended herbal regimen. Always consult medical and herbal professionals before beginning any sort of medical treatmentthis is particularly true for pregnant women. Herbs are powerful things; be sure you are using that power to achieve balance.

Llewellyn Worldwide does not participate in, endorse, or have any authority or responsibility concerning private business transactions between its authors and the public.

How to Grow Milk and Eggs in Your Garden

by Monica Crosson

I f you asked my father, he would tell you the secret to growing eggs in the garden is to plant chicken feathers gathered from the coop at midnight in large circles around your mothers tomato plants. At least this is what he believed when he was six.

I was fifteen years old when he told me this story. I had been gathering eggs from our own chickens, a sassy mix of Rhode Island Red and Barred Rock hens who you knew were gossiping about you as soon as you left their coop.

Yeah, he said. You should have seen your grandmothers face when she looked out the window and saw all of those chicken feathers sticking out of the ground. He took another sip of his coffee. Youd think shed seen an alien spacecraft.

Did you tell her it was you? I asked.

Of course. He smiled. I was proud of what I had done. I thought I was going to grow a whole new crop of chickens.

Oh, Dad!

Did I ever tell you about the time I tried to milk our steer? He wore a mischievous expression.

I think weve heard enough of your farm stories, my mom said, placing a plate of hash browns in front of him.

Thats gross, Dad. He winked as he shoved a forkful of hash browns into his mouth.

I grew up surrounded by farm animals. Our array included Holstein cattle , chickens, horses, sheep, and goats. They provided us not only with pleasure, but meat, eggs, milk, and fiber as well. In return, we provided them with love, shelter, and a healthy diet to keep our working animals at their peak. The majority of their food needs were grown on our farm. Hay was harvested from rich, green Timothy fields. Sprouted grains and cover crops provided our chickens with a nutrition-packed alternative to grain, and garden waste and unwanted leaves, stems, and vines added much-needed vitamins and protein for our milking goats.