Carly's Herbal Adventures

By Chris Bailey

In the sun-drenched meadows of the American Midwest, a slender, reddish-stemmed plant stands as a testament to the dual nature of the botanical world. Apocynum cannabinum, commonly known as Dogbane or Indian Hemp, is a species that commands respect. To the casual observer, it is a hardy perennial; to the herbalist, it is a potent (and dangerous) medicine; and to the indigenous peoples of North America, it was one of the most vital technological resources in their daily lives.

Roses have been cherished for centuries in perfumery, potpourri, and aromatherapy due to their rich, lingering fragrances. Petals from highly scented varieties retain their aroma when dried, making them ideal for potpourri mixes or infusing into oils and waters for homemade perfumes. Traditional European practices from the 1200s to 1800s favored old garden roses (OGRs) like Gallicas and Damasks for scenting linens and creating potpourri, as their petals hold fragrance long after drying.

It was found in the dim, dusty corners of a thrift shop—the kind that smells of cedar, old paper, and potential. Not long ago, tucked away on a bottom shelf beneath a stack of faded quilts, I found it: a sturdy, circular box with the unmistakable patina of age. But it wasn't just any box. Scrawled in elegant, fading script across the lid was the name Gilbert Orcel, a master of Parisian millinery whose work once defined the skyline of mid-century high fashion.

Arthritis is more than just occasional joint stiffness; for millions, it is a daily hurdle that affects mobility, sleep, and overall quality of life. While conventional treatments are essential, many individuals seek complementary, topical ways to manage inflammation right from the comfort of home. One often overlooked but highly effective base for joint comfort is peanut oil.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris and related species) contains key compounds like thymol and carvacrol, which contribute to its antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. These phenols disrupt viral and bacterial membranes, making thyme effective against respiratory infections, coughs, sore throats, and viruses such as Epstein-Barr, shingles, influenza, herpes, and others. Studies highlight its role in suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and IL-6 while boosting anti-inflammatory ones like TGF-beta and IL-10, potentially aiding conditions like COVID-19-related inflammation.

I once saw a friend growing green onions on her kitchen windowsill. Yeah, she said, instead of buying them each week, I stick them in water and trim as needed. Wow, could scraps from our kitchens actually grow us free groceries?

Repurposing vintage items adds a unique character to a landscape that modern, store-bought raised beds often lack. One of the most effective and aesthetically pleasing upcycling projects for a gardener is transforming an old bed frame into a dedicated herb bed. Whether it is a sturdy wooden frame or a decorative wrought-iron piece, a bed frame provides a ready-made perimeter that defines your garden space while keeping your favorite botanicals organized and accessible.

Ten Teaks Press, 2020 (224 pages)

If you’ve ever looked at those tiny, expensive plastic clamshells of alfalfa sprouts in the grocery store and thought, "I could do that," you’re absolutely right. In fact, you can do it better, cheaper, and with far more variety. Sprouting is essentially "micro-gardening" for people who don't have a backyard—or for anyone who wants a massive nutritional punch without the wait of a full growing season.