The Magic of Chamomile

German Chamomile – Matricaria chamomilla
Roman Chamomile – Anthemis nobilis

The chamomile herb is another well-known plant, used in making effective herbal remedies for the treatment of a variety of illnesses. The herb has a great relaxant action on the nervous system and the digestive system. The herbal remedies made from this plant are considered to be a perfect remedy for the treatment of disorders affecting babies and children. The main action of the chamomile is that it brings about relaxation in all the smooth muscles throughout the body of an individual. The herb acts on the digestive tract and rapidly brings relief from any muscular tension and spasms, it alleviates disorders such as colic, and it can reduce the amount of abdominal pain, and remedy excess production of wind and abdominal distension in patients.

The other major effect of the herb lies in its ability to regulate peristalsis along the…

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Fresh Peas, Pasta and Feta

Hedgerow Diary

We are well on our way to July now, and the peas are ready to harvest. This is a really easy recipe using fresh peas, and garden mint, all you need to add is pasta, lemon juice and pepper.

Ingredients;

350g penne pasta (I used spaghetti as this was all I had in the house)
150g fresh peas
100g fresh broad beans if you have them
2tbsp olive oil
zest and juice of 1 lemon
150g baby spinach if you have any ready to harvest – or you can add a sprinkle of fresh mint
200g feta cheese, crumbled

What you need to do:

Cook the penne in a large pan of boiling water for 5 mins. Add the peas and broad beans and cook for a further 5 mins until the penne is just tender. Drain and return to the pan.
Add the olive oil, lemon zest and juice…

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Health Benefits of Slippery Elm

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Slippery Elm is a perennial tree native to the central and eastern United States and Ontario, Canada, and can reach a height of 60-80 feet. They can live up to 200 years. Slippery Elm is also called Red Elm or Indian Elm. Native Americans used the inner bark for its soothing effect on the digestive tract and to heal wounds. Today, Herbalists use Slippery Elm for its mucilaginous and nutritive properties, for a sore throat, and for soothing the mucous membranes lining the stomach and intestines. The inner bark is the only part used for therapeutic purposes. When it is moistened, the gummy mucilaginous substance surrounding its fibers swell, producing a soothing softening remedy. This gooey ingredient is very similar to Flaxseed. Slippery Elm is known by Herbalists for its soothing effect on whatever part of your body it comes into contact with. Slippery Elm has also been used during times of stress. Given that our mental…

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