Yarrow, Part 2

Yarrow watercolor
9" x 8 1/4"

Learning to and reminding myself "Ooomp it up" and layer, layer, layer.
I went darker and rougher around and into the flowers.  Wetted the stems/leaves and then used a blend of opaque greens and let them have fun.  The opaque helped it stay pretty well on top yet it was able to move around a little.   These "nothing to lose but opportunities to have fun and learn at the same time"
It's not quite as dark black in real life as photographed, I'm actually liking it more the more I look at it.

Before:

To be honest, the only part I liked in the "before" was the upper left corner and sides where salt spilled when I tried to brush it from the flowers.

A to Z Challenge - Y is for Yarrow

Y is for Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Historically the Yarrow herb has been used externally for treating wounds and stopping the flow of blood. Yarrow oil is also used in hair shampoos.   If you have allergies to ragweed, it may be best to avoid contact with yarrow, you may be more susceptible to a reaction.

And with this post, I am finished with the 2014 Challenge!   There were over 2,000 bloggers participating.  Click here for the link to all my posts for this Challenge.  I really learned a lot, not only about the herbs and flowers, but practicing watercolor.

Better late than never!

A to Z Challenge - W is for Wintergreen

Wintergreen berries

W is for wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

Wintergreen is often used used in topical/external analgesic for the treatment of muscular and rheumatic pain.  You can even use wintergreen oil for transferring images, as I did here.

A to Z Challenge - T is for Tarragon

T is for Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)

This perennial herb is used to flavor Mediterranean cooking.  Tarragon is a prime ingredient in Bérnaise Sauce and a favorite French herb mixture, fines herbes.  The fresh leaves are more potent than dried.

Tarragon has been used in various traditional medicines for stimulating the appetite and as a remedy for indigestion and hiccups.  It is a very rich source of C, A and the B-complex vitamins, and is an excellent source of calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, copper, potassium, and zinc.

A to Z Blogging Challenge - X is for Extract

X is for eXtract
As in Adams Best Vanilla Extract and proudly made in TeXas.
(Perhaps I can also knock out W for Andy Warhol Moment?

Did you know that if you take a whiff of vanilla extract before eating, you may eat less?  Vanilla can trick your brain into thinking you've eaten more than you have, so if you listen to your body's cues you will feel fuller sooner.  It's also good for repelling mosquitos - combine equal parts water and vanilla extract in a spray bottle. (2 ounces of each is a good amount) and spray onto your skin.  Mosquitos do not like the smell of vanilla.  Who knew?!

A to Z Blogging Challenge - Z is for Zingiber Officinale

Z is for Zingiber Officinal
Ginger

ginger rhizome

Ginger not only tastes great, but it has many great health benefits, too.    Ginger is used quite effectively to ease nausea caused from morning sickness and motion sickness.  They are also studying how ginger can help reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis.

A to Z Blogging Challenge - V is for Violet

African Violet
Saintpaulia ionantha

Please note, the African Violet is NOT considered edible!

(This is actually a sneak peak at my Mom's birthday gift)

"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it."
– Mark Twain

A to Z Blogging Challenge - U is for Urtica Dioica

U is for Urtica Dioica

Stinging Nettle

ouchie!

Bonus:  What has been so fun about this challenge is trying and learning new watercolor techniques.  With this one, I learned to add the "needles" with, how simple is this, a #2 pencil. 

Stinging nettle is used in herbal medicine for urinary tract issues and controlling inflammation - internally and externally.  You may find it in shampoos and products for hay fever & allergy symptom relief.  As I am discovering with many of these herbs, it also helps with osteoarthritis.

Galveston Gadabouting - Get back to painting, girl! (I will!)

G for Galveston, R for Rose, S for lunch at ShyKatz, Y for Yellow…

Found this pretty yellow flower along the sand dunes of Stewart Beach in Galveston, Texas today.
After Googling, I learned this is a Yellow Evening Primrose or Ozark Sundrop.  Which is strange because this was taken around Noon.  (special shout out to my iPhone 5 which captured this shot in sustained 20 mile per hour winds with gusts over 30.)

Then I snapped this riot of roses along the white picket fence of the John Hanna House on Market Street.

Source:  The East End Historical District --

1417 Market, John Hanna Home, c. 1893. Hanna, owner of the city’s second oldest real estate firm, built this asymmetrical Queen Anne style home.

Actually both of these photographs will be inspiration for future watercolors. . .One must feed the soul with beauty and nourish the body with Peach Bread Pudding at ShyKatz!

(notice there is not a photo of that, ahem!)

A to Z Blogging Challenge - S is for Sage

S is for Sage
Salvia officinalis

Recent studies are beginning to indicate that sage leaves can help lower and control blood sugar levels.  As with many of the herbs I've profiled, this one is another anti-inflammatory with lots of antioxidants.  You even find it in mouthwashes for gingivitis and cold sore medication.  They say it can also help reduce hot flashes.

And as a spice, you'll recognize its distinct scent and addition in Poultry Seasoning.

A to Z Blogging Challenge - R is for Rose Hips

R is for Rose

Rosa canina

Not the original picture I had planned, but the more I look at it, the more I like it and the how the colors all combined!

Rose hips are the round fruit portion of the rose flower and contain its seeds.
They are a good source of Vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system, and also have a lot of Vitamin A, which is great for your skin.  It's properties can regenerate skin cells, expediting the healing of scars and burns.  Studies are also discovering the rose hips' anti-inflammatory properties could be helpful in reducing pain from osteoarthritis.

A to Z Blogging Challenge - Q is for Quercus Robur

Q is for Quercus Robur (Oak bark)

You can brew oak bark as tea and use as a cold compress for burns and cuts.  Used externally, it is said its astringent and antiseptic properties help fight staph infections and skin inflammations.
Many believe the oak tree was the first tree - the Tree of Life - and consider it sacred.

A to Z Blogging Challenge - P is for Parsley

P is for Parsley
petroselinum crispum

Parsely is often used as Karpas in a Passover Seder

Parsley has an abundance of volatile oils and flavonoids which help optimize your health.
Plus iron, and Vitamins C and A.   It's an herb and a vegetable, which can help your cardiovascular system and ease the discomfort of arthritis.  Parsley also freshens breath and helps your digestion.  So don't just admire the parsley decorating your plate, eat it and reap all its benefits.

A to Z Blogging Challenge - O is for Oregano

O is for Oregano
Origanum

Oregano is not only a tasty culinary herb, it has Vitamin K (which promotes bone growth and density) antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties from thymol and carvacrol.  It's also a good source of fiber, manganese, iron and calcium.  Enjoy oregano's wonderful flavor and health benefits.  Greek and Roman brides were often crowned with laurels of this symbol of happiness and joy.

A to Z Blogging Challenge - N is for Nasturtium

N is for Nasturtium
Tropaeolum

Nasturtium

Not only are the flowers and leaves beautiful, but they are edible and look great in a salad -- it's loaded with Vitamin C.  Nasturtiums ease muscle pain when applied directly to the skin.  It has a natural antimicrobial effect, and it has been mentioned it can help with upper respiratory infections and urinary tract infections.

Still Here!

I am still participating in the A to Z Challenge, just a few letters behind due to travel…and life.
Watch for the Pink Star J is for Jasmine post, which will be backdated -- as will the others to keep the date to the letter -- for Friday, April 11.  I am in the process of uploading the photo right now, in fact, at Whole Foods Market.  (Along with buying some Chocolove Almonds & Sea Salt Dark Chocolate bars.  Let's just call that motivation!)  K for Saturday and L for today.  I should be tickety-boo this week.

A to Z Blogging Challenge - M is for Marigold

M is for Marigold
Tagetes, Calendula officinalis

It has been said that even just looking at marigolds can comfort the heart and spirits, and strengthen the eyesight.  It has anti-inflammatory properties and you may find it in lotions to help ease skin discomforts.  Some say a quick do-it-yourself remedy of rubbing the marigold flower on a bee or wasp sting can help ease the pain and swelling.

A to Z Blogging Challenge - L is for Lavender

L is for Lavender
Lavandula

Ancient Greeks and Romans used lavender in the bath for both the fragrance and therapeutic benefits.  Hence its Latin name lavare, which means to wash.  You'll also find lavender used in sachets to scent your drawers and closets, deterring insects.   Lavender has a calming effect, and its oil is used in aromatherapy to help relieve headaches and tension.  I was lucky at a New Mexico Farmer's Market to find culinary lavender to use in baking! It adds a nice nuance to sugar, salt, vinegar and more.  Here's a great source for all things lavender!

A to Z Blogging Challenge - K is for Kava Kava

K is for Kava Kava
Piper methysticum

Kava Kava

A tonic for the mind and emotions.
Tea and tinctures made with Kava Kava can have a calming and muscle-relaxing effect.  It is sometimes used to help ease off anxiety and sleep medications.  But some sources say heavy and long-term use can cause liver damage.  As with all medicinal and food herbs and supplements, please use caution and discuss with your physician or health practitioner.

A to Z Blogging Challenge - J is for (Pink Star) Jasmine

J is for Pink Star Jasmine
Jasminum polyanthum

This is my Hurricane Ike resurrected Pink Jasmine, which is coming back even stronger this year.
Jasmine tea is not only delicious to drink, but is calming, reducing stress and anxiety.  It's beautiful scent in aromatherapy can even help dispel depression.  Try a compress of the blossoms to relieve headaches.