Lemon Herbs my favorite Herbs of the Week with Info from Kathy Musser

By Caroline Anderson March 21, 2023 21 mins read 160 Views

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Kathy Musser, Cloverleaf Herb Farm, shared a comprehensive list of citrus, lime, and orange-flavored herbs in a recent article in The Essential Herbal Magazine. This article was great because it focused on the many uses of each herb and their distinct flavors.

Lemon Verbena

It was great that Lemon Verbena was her first choice of herb, since it is one my favourite go-to lemon herbs. She suggested that you steep the lemon verbena leaves in warm water, then let them cool down and strain. The infused milk can be used to make muffins, cakes, breads, and puddings. This will give you a unique lemon flavor." I'd never tried it before so I decided to try it. This savory muffin was created by infusing Greek yogurt with fresh lemon verbena leaf overnight.

Savory Lemon Herb Muffins

1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher Salt
1/3 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano grated
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt infused with 6-12 fresh lemon verbena leaves overnight
1/4 cup olive oil
1 egg
1/4 cup fresh basil minced
Chili powder 1/4 teaspoon
1 tablespoon lemon zest grated\

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350oF Grease a 6-cup muffin pan.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Use a fork to mix the ingredients. Mix in the cheese.

Add the lemon juice, infused milk, olive oil, and egg to a second bowl. Mix all ingredients together.

Place the yogurt mixture in a bowl. Fold in the yogurt mixture by hand until it is well combined. To ensure even distribution, add the basil, chili powder, lemon zest, and fold them in one or two more times. Divide the muffin cups among six bowls.

Bake the muffins for about 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick or knife tips comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool down for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

Lemon balm

Kathy also wrote a little about Lemon Balm in her article. It is part of the mint family so she addressed the spreading problems that some people face and offered a solution I've never tried before.

Lemon balm's bad reputation is due to its large number of small white flowers that turn into a lot of seeds. When I see the flower stalks begin to develop, I immediately cut the plant down hard - almost to the ground. This allows it to recover quickly, which eliminates uncontrolled reseeding.

Lemon Balm - Cut back

I have trimmed my own to remove flower stalks but never really cut it back. So I thought she might have something so I tried it. It was a large, bright green plant that I received back. They were also very fragrant. This is what I'm going to do from now on.

Lemon Balm coming back

Sorrel

Kathy also mentioned Sorrel (Rumex Acetosa) as a lemon herb. This perennial has distinct red veins. I prefer it to the plain-green variety. This is a plant I only grow for my own personal use, to add to salads. Kathy noted that it has a tart lemon taste and it will temper the tartness when cooked. It can be cooked and eaten as spinach, or in soups and sauces. It is a popular European dish, and it is considered a sign of spring. It is high in vitamins A, C, and makes a clump that grows in size every year.

This is a French-style version of Sorrel soup. This is my husband's favorite French-style recipe. He can use his emersion blender to make this soup.

French Style Sorrel Soup

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup chopped green onions, ramps, or any other wild onion
Pack 4-6 cups chopped sorrel
Salt
3 tablespoons flour
1 quart vegetable or chicken stock
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup cream

Directions:

In a large soup pot, melt 3 tablespoons butter on medium heat. Turn the heat down to medium and add the green onions and ramps. Cover the pot, and let it cook for 10 minutes. While the onions cook, transfer the stock to another pot and heat to a simmer.

Turn up the heat, add the sorrel and a pinch of salt to your pot with the onions. Stir well. Once the sorrel has wilted a bit, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Cook for 10 minutes. Stir frequently. Stir in the flour, and heat on medium heat for 3 minutes.

Add the hot stock to the bowl, stirring continuously. Bring to a boil.

Mix the cream and egg yolks together to finish the soup. Mix the egg yolks and cream together in a bowl. Use one hand to stir the soup, the other to mix the egg-cream mixture. This process should be repeated three times. This is to keep the eggs from becoming scrambled. Now, you can start whipping the soup. Mix the egg cream-soup mixture with the soup. Continue to whisk. The last tablespoon butter should be added. Allow it to simmer for five minutes. It should not be boiled or it will break. Serve immediately

Conclusion

If you are passionate about herbs and want to learn from others like Kathy Musser then subscribe to TheEssential Herbal Magazine. You will receive it every two months via email. It is full of great articles and photos, both for novice and experienced growers. Since I started writing for the magazine, every issue has provided me with new information about herbs. It will, I'm sure, do the same for me.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which herbs are healing herbs?

If you look for healing herbs, you won’t find them in the supermarket. There isn’t any place to buy them. There is no store selling them.

You haven’t been able to find healing herbs because they aren’t sold anywhere. They are grown right here in our backyard.

Healing herbs are plants that grow naturally in North America. Like many common household items, these herbs grow throughout the United States and Canada.

These herbs treat minor ailments such as colds, flu, sore throats, coughs, and headaches. Many of these herbs have been used for centuries to help heal wounds and promote overall health.

Of course, when we say “heal,” we mean more than simply treating an illness. We also refer to the ability of these herbs to restore balance and harmony within ourselves and the world around us.

For example, the chamomile herb helps relieve stress. This means that if you feel stressed out, you may benefit from taking chamomile tea. Chamomile tea has been shown to reduce anxiety and nervous tension.

In addition, chamomile tea has been proven effective in relieving insomnia.

Chamomile tea has many other benefits, including its ability to ease stomach aches and gas pains and even improve digestion.

Another popular healing herb is Echinacea. Echinacea is known for helping to fight infections and boosting the immune system.

Echinacea is commonly taken internally and externally to fight infection, prevent viral diseases, and boost immunity. It is safe to use during pregnancy and lactation.

Echinacea also helps reduce muscle pain and inflammation. You can take echinacea orally or topically (as an ointment).

This herb is available in both liquid and capsule form. Liquid echinacea is often mixed with honey and lemon juice. The mixture is then strained and consumed.

Capsules are usually made of freeze-dried plant material. They contain standardized amounts of active ingredients. To use capsules, swallow one or two a day.

The third type of herbal remedy is called tincture. Tinctures are alcoholic extracts of herbs. They are typically used to treat internal problems. Tinctures are generally diluted before being ingested.

Tinctures can be taken orally or applied topically. For oral consumption, dilute tinctures with water. Some people prefer to mix tinctures with food.

Tinctures are easy to prepare. Put about one tablespoon of dried herb into a bottle containing enough alcohol to cover the herb completely. Allow the mixture to sit for several weeks. Then strain and consume.

You may want to try some of these natural remedies to see which ones work best.

What herb heals all wounds?

The answer to this question varies depending on the type and severity of the wound.

The herb comfrey (also known as knitbone) has long been used for its healing properties, particularly for skin injuries such as cuts and bruises.

Studies suggest that comfrey contains allantoin, which helps speed up healing. Other herbs commonly used for healing wounds include calendula, plantain, and yarrow. These herbs help to reduce inflammation, stop bleeding and speed up the skin's healing process.

In addition to herbs, honey has also been found to have powerful antimicrobial properties that can help prevent wound infection.

Herbs for wound care is an age-old practice that continues to be used today. However, herbs should not replace medical treatment, and always consult your doctor before using herbs for healing. With the right herbs, you can give your body the support it needs to heal naturally.

How to make herbal remedies at home?

Making herbal remedies at home is easy. All you need is fresh herbs, water, salt, and sugar. You can use any herb, depending on what you want to create.

For example, choose mint, basil, chamomile, or lemon balm to make a soothing tea. If you want to make a cooling drink, try rosemary, thyme, lavender, or eucalyptus.

All you need to do is put all the ingredients into a pot and boil them until they become soft. Strain out the herbs and serve hot.

Add honey to the boiling mixture to make a tonic drink. Honey is a preservative and will keep your herbal remedy fresh for longer.

You can also combine two or three herbs to make a more potent brew. For instance, you could mix equal parts of garlic and ginger to make a powerful antiseptic. Or you can combine equal amounts of turmeric and ginger to make a potent immune booster.

Soak a clean cloth in warm water and place it over the affected area to make a compress. Leave it for 10 minutes before removing it. Do this every day until the swelling goes down.

Make sure you consult your doctor first before using herbal remedies. Some plants may interact negatively with other medications. Also, don't take large quantities of herbs because they can cause side effects.

Which spices from the kitchen are used to cure diseases?

There are more than 4000 medicinal plants that are widely distributed throughout the world. Some of these plants contain active compounds that may help treat various ailments.

In India alone, there are more than 1000 species of herbs that are used for medical purposes. This includes Ayurvedic medicine, Unani medicine, Siddha medicine, Homeopathic medicine, and Chinese medicine.

The most common ingredient found in these medicines is ginger. Ginger contains volatile oils that give it its aromatic flavor. These oils contain anti-inflammatory properties that make them useful against arthritis, fever, vomiting, and indigestion.

Ginger also helps relieve nausea and stomach cramps caused due to pregnancy. Pregnant women often consume ginger tea to reduce morning sickness. Ginger is also commonly used for cough and cold relief.

Another spice that is known to have medicinal value is turmeric. Turmeric contains curcumin which has been shown to inhibit tumor growth. This makes it an effective cancer treatment.

Turmeric is also considered to be very beneficial for joint health. It relieves inflammation and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It is also believed to prevent osteoporosis.

Garlic, too, is another herb that is extensively used in traditional medicine. Its healing qualities include treating infections, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes and even reducing cholesterol levels. Garlic oil is also used to treat wounds and insect bites.

Garlic is a natural antibiotic that fights bacteria and viruses. The antibacterial property makes it ideal for treating respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

It is also helpful in preventing urinary tract infections.

Other spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, cayenne, mustard seeds, fennel, and coriander are also used to treat different illnesses.

Which plant can heal wounds?

Plants are amazing creatures. They grow, they live, and they die. They make food, clean our air and water, and help keep us healthy. But plants also do more than that...they heal wounds.

Plants release molecules called phytochemicals when they are injured. These chemicals act as antioxidants, which protect cell membranes from damage and promote healing.

Phytochemicals found in plants include flavones (found in citrus fruits), terpenoids (present in mint leaves), and polyphenols (common in berries).

In addition to these protective compounds, plants contain proteins, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates that support the body's natural processes of healing.

The best way to use plants to heal wounds is to consume them directly. However, there are ways to apply the power of plants to treat wounds without eating them.

First, soak a cotton ball in an extract from the St John's Wort herb. This product contains salicylic acid, which helps reduce inflammation.

Next, place the soaked cotton ball on the wound. Avoid applying the herb directly to open cuts, burns, or puncture wounds. If you feel any burning sensation, remove the herb immediately.

You may also find that placing a few drops of essential oil on the affected area promotes faster healing. Lavender essential oil reduces swelling and speed recovery; rosemary stimulates blood flow and increases circulation; peppermint relieves headaches and muscle aches.

If you want to try your hand at growing some of your medicinal herbs, here are some tips:

Start with small pots, so you don't end up with too much of one particular type of plant.
Grow several different types of herbs together. The same goes for flowers and vegetables. Mixing it up will ensure you get all the benefits of each plant.
Use organic fertilizer if you're growing your herbs indoors. Non-organic fertilizers may be harmful to your health.
Harvest regularly. You'll enjoy the freshness of homegrown herbs, but leave enough time between harvests to allow the soil to replenish itself.
Be careful not to overwater your plants. Overly wet soil encourages mold growth, which isn't suitable for your herbs.
Wash your hands after handling your herbs. You don't want to risk spreading bacteria onto your plants!

Statistics

The herbs market is highly competitive, with over 1,000 herb suppliers and over 15,000 herbs products available in the United States alone.
Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients, which is a significant amount (9Trusted Source10Trusted (healthline.com)

External Links

How To

How do I know if my herbs have been treated with pesticides?

If you see a pesticide label on your herbs, the plants were sprayed with chemicals before being sold to you.

These chemicals harm human health and could cause cancer or other serious illnesses.

Unfortunately, this practice has become common around the globe. Many countries allow farmers to spray their crops with pesticides without proper regulation.

In order not to harm themselves, consumers should always ask about the source of their produce. If it comes from a farmer near you, it’s safe to assume it was not treated with pesticides.

However, there are still ways to ensure that your herbs are free from harmful chemicals.

However, if you want to ensure that your herbs aren’t contaminated, you can purchase organic herbs directly from the farm.

This way, you won’t need to worry about the safety of your herbs. You can trust that they weren’t exposed to harmful chemicals.