Lavender, rosemary, mint & thyme

Growing herbs has always been on my list of 'things I want to do' but until now I never have allowed myself the time to learn how to or do anything further about this desire... so finally I feel am going to a place where I can give myself permission to do everything I have always wanted to do....its funny that it has taken me so long to 'give myself permission' to do certain things. My wise daughter, Mel at a young age used to say to me 'Mum, why do you always say you will do that one day, why dont you just do it  now? Well, now has finally arrived under the guise of a sea change...

I am planning many things to have in my new home, one of which is a herb garden. My idea is that our home become a sanctuary and escape from the outside world which at times as we all know can be harsh, it will be wonderful knowing I have a beautiful calm environment to go home to each day and my new vegie & herb garden will just enhance this feeling. So, you may ask, why did I never do this in any of my other homes if its been a long awaited desire?  I think we, as women, mothers & daughters, get so tied up with the nurturing of everyone else, it takes a different mindset to step back and realise that life is going by very quickly without those things on your list gettting done.  I have decided with this new move to change my mindset, get rid of all the peripheral rubbish which clogs my mind and finally begin to concentrate on 'my life' and what it is I choose to do with it. Being satisfied with your life comes down to choices and what and where you wish to spend your attention. Its also about making sure we are not so busy with everyone else that we forget when our own needs need tendering.

I want to start by planting lavender all around the garden.  Aside from it being beautiful to look at and its gorgeous fragrance there are many varied ways to use this amazing plant. Mel is currently studying aromatherapy so she can help me with all the different ways lavender can be utilised.

Since I have been helping Matt recover from Chronic Fatigue I am conciously searching for healthier options for us all. What better tonic than to go outside your back door and pick some gorgeous fresh herbs to sprinkle over your salad or pop into a dish bubbling away on the stove (dont I sound domesticated all of a sudden). I also plan to head out weekends to source where the local farmers markets will be and buy our seasonal fruits and vegies from there which I cannot grow myself.  I have a valid interest for placing goodness into our bodies and  have learned a great deal through illness how important it is to take care of ourselves which starts with what we eat. I hope to take this knowledge with me on my quest to discovering optimal wellness for the rest of my days to look after myself and family .

Recently we bought a few items to begin my new herb garden and I have some books ready to learn the first thing about growing vegetables and will appreciate any tips as I fumble my way along with my new hobby - wish me luck!

Healing Benefits for Lavender lovers like me…

	LAVENDER IS ONE OF THE MOST NOSTALGIC FRAGRANCES, But lavender is much more than just pretty & calming. It is one of the most powerful remedies in the plant world, offering both physical and emotional relief for problems as varied as burns, migraines, insomnia, insect bites, skin problems, infections, stress and nervous tension. It owes this amazing spectrum of healing powers to its complex chemical makeup. Have a look at  20 reasons to use Lavender Essential Oil - a remedy for aching muscles, acne, bugs & bacteria, burns, cuts & wounds, earache, eczema, fatigue, fevers, giddy spells, pulpitations, headache, insomnia, long haul travel, menstrual cramps, moths & mosquitoes, sandflies, shingles, sinusitis, stress & anxiety and sunburn. Lavender is particularly rich in aromatic molecules called esters, which are antispasmodic, pacifying and tonic, while other molecules give it its antiviral, bacterial and anti-inflammatory powers. Of the many therapeutic attributes of Lavender oil, respiratory relief would be one of the most consistently reported benefits.   Lavender Oil Properties: Antidepressant Analgesic Antiseptic Cicatrizant Expectorant Nervine Vulnerary Especially beneficial to the respiratory tract in particular coughs, colds, influenza. Certainly eases breathing when lungs and sinuses are choked with phlegm. Defends system against airborne viruses. A refreshing note to a tired mind – lavender has been named as one of the most useful of the essences for the relief of anxiety and stress. Good for aches and pains and muscle stiffness and may also help with rheumatic discomfort and joint stiffness. The cicatrizant properties of lavender oil are beneficial to healing of wounds including all types of burns and even treatment of eczema, dermatitis, scabies and psoriasis. Avoid in pregnancy, epilepsy and fever. Applications of Lavender Oil Aromatheraphy with Lavender Essential Oil Lavender Bath Excellent for aching muscles, relaxation, stress relief. Add 6-8 drops Lavender essential oil after running the water and vigorously agitate water. Add the drops to a capful of milk or Epsom salts and then put in the bath as this helps to disperse the oils through out the water. This is a great way to receive the benefits of Lavender oil. Lie back and enjoy! Lavender Shower After wetting your hair, add 3 drops Lavender oil to a capful of water and tip onto your head. Stand under running water and allow oils to rinse off. Cup your hands over your face and breathe in the vapours. Add oils when shampooing your hair and rinse off as normal. Lavender Vaporisation Fill the top dish of an 'oil burner' or 'vaporiser' with water and add 6-8 drops of Lavender oil. Place a lit tea light candle in the space provided underneath the dish. This is a very good way to receive the benefits of the Lavender oil. Use in the bedroom or living room. Vaporisation is especially good to use when you have a cold or feel unwell. Keep burner away from draughts and open windows. Hint: use warm water in the dish for quicker results. Lavender Massage This is a particularly effective way to apply the oils when you have tight and sore muscles or have sustained an injury. The oils will be absorbed quickly into the blood stream, thus assisting the body and mind. NEVER massage UNDILUTED oils, always use a good quality vegetable or carrier oil. Add 5 drops of Lavender oil per 10ml of vegetable oil. Use 1-2 drops for babies and the elderly. Only use lavender with babies. Lavender Steam Inhalation Great for colds and flu or as part of a skin/careacne regime. Add 4-6 drops to a bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head and breathe in the vapour. Keep your eyes shut. Continue to breathe deeply for a few minutes, occasionally removing the towel and your head from the bowl. Lavender Hand/Foot Bath Great for tired feet, fatigue or sore/dry hands. Add 4-6 drops Lavender oil to a large bowl of warm water and soak for approx 10 minutes. Then apply a Lavender lotion for added benefits. Lavender Compress In a bowl or warm water add 6-8 drops Lavender oil and swirl around. Soak a cloth then gently squeeze out and apply to area of your body you wish to treat. Use cold water for treating new muscular injuries or sprains.

What a great idea, herbs in wicker baskets, now that’s a look I like…