JD Hortwort - Llewellyn’s herbal almanac 2012

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Llewellyns Herbal Almanac 2011

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First e-book edition 2011

E-book ISBN: 9780738732091

Cover designed by Kevin R. Brown

Edited by Sharon Leah

Cover Images: Mint: iStockphoto.com, Evgeniy Ivanov; Vanilla Flower and Mint Herb: iStockphoto.com, Eleonora Kolotseva; Tea Cup with Rose Hits: iStockphoto.com, Eleonora Ivanova; Basil, Parsley, Cilantro: iStockphoto.com, Wendy Miranda; Italian Parsley in Flower Pot, French Tarragon in Flower Pot, and Sweet Marjoram Herb Icon: iStockphoto.com, Joan Loitz; Sunflower: iStockphoto.com, Alex van de Hoef

Interior Art: Fiona King, excluding illustrations on pages 24, which are Mary Azarian

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ISBN 978-0-7387-1205-5

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Table of Contents

to Llewellyns Herbal Almanac

Urban Herb Gardening Tips by JD Hortwort

Herbal Honey Harvests by Suzanne Ress

Full Sun Spotlight by Elizabeth Barrette

Fertilizers for Free by Janice Sharkey

Herb Q and A by JD Hortwort

Plants Need Friends, Too by Misty Kuceris

How to Contain Your Garden by Alice DeVille

Grilling with Herbs by Susan Pesznecker

Go Wild: Free-Range & Game Meat Seasonings by Elizabeth Barrette

Quick Cuisine by Dallas Jennifer Cobb

Delectable, Edible Herb Flowers by Suzanne Ress

Royal Basil by Harmony Usher

Energy-Opening Herbs by Tess Whitehurst

Herbal Nervines by Calantirniel

Herb Soups that Heal by Darcey Blue French

Herbal Remedies for Hot Lungs by Sean Donahue

Shoo Fly by Elizabeth Barrette

Essential Crafting Tools by Susan Pesznecker

Sunflowers by JD Hortwort

Aromatherapy by Calantirniel

Fragrant Graces by Elizabeth Barrette

Autumn Luck Bag by Lucy Hall Kelly

Nastrutium: Sparks in the Garden by Linda Raedisch

Tale of the Cattail by Susan Pesznecker

Herb, Healers & Charms by Sharynne MacLeod NicMhacha

World of Ethnobotany by Susan Pesznecker

The Doctrine of Signatures by J. Lee Lehman PhD

The Future of Herbs by Diana Rajchel

The Quarters and Signs of the Moon

January-December Moon Tables

Dates to Destroy Weeds and Pests

Introduction to Llewellyns

Herbal Almanac

T he herbal landscape is an ever-evolving one. The slow warming of our planet has seen temperate climates creeping toward the poles, while consumer trends prompt more immediate changes. But through it all, homegrown herbs still make a lasting impact. Llewellyns 2012 Herbal Almanac takes a look at the year-round effects of herbs, re-examining the research on uses of herbs as medicine, as culinary spices, as cosmetics, and more. This year we once again tap into practical, historical, and just plain enjoyable aspects of herbal knowledgeusing herbs to help people manage personal energy flow, combat pesky insects, craft with herbs, plant and care for herb gardens, make infusions, tinctures, and teas; and, of course, trying out fabulous new recipes. And we bring to these pages some of the most innovative and original thinkers and writers on herbs.

Growing, preparing, and using herbs allows us to focus on the old wayswhen men and women around the world knew and understood the power of herbs. Taking a step back to a simpler time is important today as the pace of everyday life quickens and demands more and more of our energyleaving precious little room for beauty, good food, health, love, and friendship. This state of affairs is perhaps not terribly surprising considering so many of us are out of touch with the beauty, spirituality, and health-giving properties of the natural world. Many of us spend too much of our lives rushing about in a technological bubble. We forget to focus on the parts of life that can bring us back into balance and harmony.

Though its getting more difficult, you can still find ways to escape the rat race once in a while. People are still striving to make us all more aware of the uplifting, beautiful ways that herbs can affect our lives. In the 2012 edition of the Herbal Almanac, the authors pay tribute to the ideals of beauty and balance in relation to the health-giving and beautifying properties of herbs. Whether it comes in the form of energy-opening herbs, crafting your own bug repellents, or a new favorite recipe, herbs can clearly make a positive impact in your life.

Herbs are the perfect complement to the power of the mind, an ancient tool whose time has come back around to help us restore balance in our lives. More and more people are using herbs, growing and gathering them, and studying them for their enlivening and healing properties. We, the editor and authors of this volume, encourage the treatment of the whole organismof the person and of the planetwith herbal goodness.

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.

Growing and Gathering Herbs

Urban Herb Gardening Tips

by JD Hortwort

M ost herbs are tolerant of harsh growing conditionseven those found in our urban centers, which are man-made heat wells. With a little direction and some perseverance, urban gardeners can grow plenty of herbs for the kitchen, bath, or cupboard.