As autumn approaches, and the cool winds of winter begin their approach, the time is just around the corner for winterizing our gardens. Many of our annuals will simply be pulled; our perennials will be cut back; our shrubs pruned and sheared; but which parts of our garden have not lived out their usefulness yet? Well-known as it may be that many plants can be used in healing arts, it is lesser known how to harness their medicinal values. So, what in your garden can you put to use at the end of our growing season? Let’s take a closer look!
Bergamot; Bee Balm; Monarda x
Known as a favorite flower of local pollinators, Bee Balm, Monarda, can be used in a tea with marshmallow root to support digestion in any stage of life, it also has a wonderful soothing effect on the throat. After cutting back your perennial bee balm for the year, hang the leaves to dry. Once they have lost all moisture, use a pestle and mortar to crush the leaves. Use the same technique with the marshmallow roots but grind them down to a fine powder. In a tea ball, combine 1 tablespoon bee balm and 1 teaspoon ground marshmallow root; steep in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes and enjoy!
The beautiful Bee Balm blossoms you enjoy in the summer can also be utilized. Sprinkle them fresh blossoms in salads or blended them into vinaigrettes.
Coneflower; Echinacea purpurea
One of the most commonly used plants in herbal medicine, Coneflower roots have been utilized in healing arts for thousands of years. Despite being a perennial in our climate, you may choose to pull your Echinacea at the end of the growing season to test some of its many benefits out for yourself. For example, coneflower roots can be used to create a wonderful throat spray—a useful tool as we head into cold and flu season! Start by drying your coneflower roots; once dry, create an Echinacea tincture by placing the roots in a wide mouth canning jar and pouring your alcohol of choice (at least 80%) over the top until the jar is full. Seal the jar and shake it vigorously everyday for 3-4 weeks. Once you have your tincture, add a ¼ cup of it to 1/8 cup honey, 1/8 cup water, and 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil (optional). Mix well and pour into a spray bottle, using as needed by spraying directly towards the back of your throat.
Calendula; Pot Marigold; Calendula officinalis
Another garden favorite with a vast array of therapeutic qualities, calendula has its roots in just about every home-remedy! From digestion, to irritation; deodorant to shampoo, it is hard to find a reason not to utilize calendula. The blossoms of calendula (which typically bloom from May through the beginning of autumn, if deadheaded) can be dried and used in just about everything. A personal favorite is this calendula skin oil: Start by using your pestle and mortar to grind up 1 ½ ounces of dried petals. In a heat-proof glass bowl pour 10 ounces of sunflower seed oil over the herbs. Heat your oven to 150 degrees and place the bowl in the oven for about four hours, stirring the mixture once an hour. When four hours has passed, use gauze or muslin to drain the oil into a container, making sure to wring out the remaining oil from the herbs. You can use this skin oil to alleviate irritated skin, minor burns, acne, and some fungal conditions, or add half to beeswax, aloe, and benzoin for a calendula salve, great for chapped lips!
Thank you for being interested enough in your landscape to want to learn more and for being a part of our growth as a community. Together we can make the Inland Northwest more beautiful!
Kiely Stelahue
Nursery Manager/Plant Specialist
Photo credits: Alison Pasino/Winter Enright
Bee Balm is beautiful and beneficial to pollinators and your health!