The Essential Herbal -Sept/Oct 2010

There are times when I am amazed that The Essential Herbal magazine gets finished on time and into the mail stream on schedule. All sorts of things conspire to divert my attention - the garden, the great response to the new book on balms & salves, a whole lot of soapmaking, and even that sometimes crazy thing we just call life. This issue was definitely one of those issues that we couldn't believe we finished on time, there was so much going on. Now our friend Marcy from backyardpatch.com will be one of the first to get that, as her name was spelled five or six different ways (you'll see...).
So far, we've yet to put out an issue that is without a flaw somewhere. If that day ever comes, we won't know how to act.
So here's what's inside this issue. Tons of great stuff to get your harvest mojo rising!

Table of Contents

Field Notes from the Editor

Why do we garden?

Ditch Watching, Jackie Johnson

Wildcrafting from the passenger side of the car lets you know what to look for when you get into the woods.

Preserving Herbs, Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh

Vinegars, Relishes, Chutney, and Preserves

Herbs & Celiac Disease, liz Johnson

As this disease and gluten intolerance in general become more prevalent, liz looks at herbal means of relief.

Historic Herbal, Troches, Kathleen Setzer

Using powdered herbs in lozenges for slow release.

Herbs of the Zodiac: Libra, Susanna Reppert-Brill and Bertha Reppert

Herbs that correspond with the dates and qualities of Librans.

Pass the Pessaries! Karen Mallinger

Only Karen can add humor to the subject of pessaries while explaining the how and why of making and using them.

Measuring in Parts, Tina Sams

Recipes measured in parts are confusing to some, so we clear that up.

Oven Tomato Sauce, Maryanne Schwartz

A recipe shared by Maggie at Prairieland Herbs, with Maryanne's spin.

Cranberry Thyme, Rita Richards

Delightful cranberry/herb combinations for vinegar, beverages, and more.

Pumpkin Cheesecake, Marci Tsohonis

Marci shares a decadent Autumn family recipe.

SouthRidge Treasures – Jam Making Time, Mary Ellen Wilcox

Mary Ellen is jamming, with berries, peaches, grapes, and herbs!

Reduce Stress to Reduce Illness, Cindy Jones

Herbs and simple activities to keep stress levels low for a better immune system.

The Global Herbal – The Mediterranean Region, Marita Orr

A discussion of the growing conditions and soil composition in the region.

Holy Basil The Incomparable One, Tina Sams

An herb to always have handy, holy basil is indispensable.

Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse the Herbie Way, Molly Sams

Tongue-in-cheek thoughts on herbs during a zombie attack.

Pumpkin Pie Soap, Marci Tsohonis

Taking Autumn into the shower with you...

Pumpkin Bread and Sweet Baked Acorn Squash, Staff

A couple personal favorites from TEH.

Make Your Own Whipped Body Butter, Maryanne Schwartz

Instructions for a skin-loving whipped butter confection to stave off winter dryness.

Tea Time, Jackie Johnson

Making up your own herb teas (including 19 recipes) and how to brew and enjoy them.

Tales from the Tetons – Smoothies, Kristena Haslam Roder

Make your own fruit smoothies with ideas from Kristena.

Louisiana Lagniappe – Blanche Long's Peach Shortcake, Sarah Liberta

A visit with the governor's wife during her childhood has stayed with Sarah, and she shares the recipe of the treat she was served.

A List of Fall Chores, Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh

Not sure what all needs to be done in the garden? Marcy lists all the most important chores, including planning for next spring!