The Essential Herbal, Nov/Dec '13 Issue

Here it is folks!  The newest issue of The Essential Herbal Magazine.  Subscribe now to get it!

So much good folk herbalism, lore, herbal holiday tradition and gift-making came our way for this issue that we took the rare step of adding 4 pages (I can't remember the last time we did that).  It's a beauty and it has enough to keep us all busy right up until the new year!  A subscription makes an ideal holiday gift for an herbie friend.  It may seem early, but we'll hold it to send shortly after Dec. 15th.
And for an idea of what's inside, here is the Table of Contents...

Field Notes from the Editor

Tina talks about the fun she had with this year’s experiments.

About the Cover, a little discussion of the barn star. The cover is from Susan Hess.

Balsam Fir, Sandy Michelsen

We know them as Christmas trees, but what of the essential oil, the pitch, the needles? What can we do with them?

Flavors of the Season, Jackie Johnson

The spices that warm us in winter, included in recipes for Spiced Seafoam, Gingerbread, Rum Punch, and more.

Fun, Sillies & Puns for the Happy Herbalist, Jessica Morgan

A few more jokes and puns from Jessica, to lighten the quickly shortening days.

Recipes for Making Kale a Regular Part of Your Diet, Carey Jung

Carey eats kale every day, and has done so for years. How does she do it?

Roots of Herbal Medicine, Joe Smulevitz

There have been many steps along the way in the evolution of herbal medicine. Many traditions have borrowed from and built upon each other.

Herbal Gifts, Jean Smith

Vinegars and oils to make using herbs and spices.

Beyond the Winter Blues, Marita Orr

Many terrific ideas, recipes, and suggestions for staying ahead of the winter blues. If you’re one who dearly misses the sun, be sure to take note.

Winter Craft Ideas, Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh

Even more fun, exciting, and welcome gifts to make (maybe just for yourself). Something for everyone.

Der Butzemann, Susan Hess

Bridging the Sacred Connection Between Plants and Humans. A fascinating look into some PA German folk tradition.

Weaving the Yule Wreath, Heddy Johannesen

Learn to make a wreath with found, natural items like cones, pods, leaves and pine boughs.

Holiday Lathers, Marci Tsohonis

Oh my… Mint Chocolate Truffle Soap? Need we say more? Like Chocolate Almond Truffle Soap?

Five Seasons Teas, Suzan T Scholl

How to blend medicinal remedy teas. Suzan provides a chart showing different notes and the types of herbs that fall into those categories.

SouthRidge Treasures, Kitchen Spice Rope, Mary Ellen Wilcox

A great fall project that will bring the fragrances of spices into the kitchen and get you right into the mood for celebrating.

Buttery Spa Scrubs, Marci Tsohonis

Keep that skin supple and smooth all winter long!

Grocery Store Preparedness, Tina Sams

Sometimes it’s all you can do to drag yourself to the kitchen. Get prepared now and you’ll thank yourself later!

Retail or Wholesale, Maryanne Schwartz

Do you know the difference? If you’re starting a business, you should.

Old Country Store Percolator Punch

A favorite to serve in the store for many years, now shared with us!

Corn Chowder, Susan Hess

Something easy and inexpensive to warm you up and stick to your ribs.

Why Not Make Your Own? Rita Richardson

Some condiments you might not have considered making yourself.

Pumpkin Butter, Karen Hegre

Oh delicious concentrated spicy pumpkin spread, how we love you!

Persimmon Cake, Tina Sams

I always keep persimmon pulp in the freezer over the winter, just to use to bake moist, dense cakes and cookies.