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.

Lull in Luling

Pretty butterfly (does anyone know what kind it is?  I've never seen it before) taking a break amongst the Indian Paintbrushes and Bluebonnets.

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.

A to Z Blogging Challenge - I is for Iris

I is for Iris
Iris Germanica (also used as Orris Root, which belongs to the Iridaceae family)

I took this photo outside with the sunlight playing.
I also had fun painting this - I love how the two petals making an L shape
turned out.  I will probably be darkening them, but I wanted a
"before" photo!

Orris root is used as a flavoring in desserts.  It also strengthens your gums and freshens breath.  

It is said that the iris can bestow its powers for love, protection and personal success!

Thursday Tea Time - Just Dandy

This week - The Republic of Tea Super Herb Tea - Dandelion

Cost:   $12.99 at Whole Foods
Number of teabags:  36
Caffeine:  No
Type of tea:  Herbal
Ingredients:  Organic roasted dandelion root, organic ground roasted dandelion root, organic vanilla flavor, natural French vanilla flavor
Steeping time:  5 to 7 minutes
Add ins:  Nothing!  This tastes great by itself.
Fragrance: Roasted vanilla - Yummy!
Opinion:  Timing is everything.  When was posting last week's A to Z Blogging Challenge, D is for Dandelion, I found this tea!  And I love it!  The flavor is like toasted vanilla.  Probably one of the best vanilla teas I've had, and the dandelion benefit is just bonus.  This would be fun to drink in the summer, iced.  With an ice-clinking glass toast to the dandelions in the backyard!
Rating: 5+

"Dandelion-colored!"

A to Z Blogging Challenge - H is for Hyssop

H is for Hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis

Hyssop was used as an expectorant and cough suppressant, and its tea was to help with rheumatism.   It's camphor-like flavor can also be found in mouthwash.  (Some sources caution should be used in taking it internally as too much can cause problems with the central nervous system.) 

It is also known as a "Holy Herb" and mentioned several times in the Bible (Hebrews 9:19, Exodus 12:22, Psalm 51:7)  as a spiritual purifying agent.  Using a handful in your bath can supposedly take off a jinx and get rid of bad habits.

All that aside, with its pretty flowers, plant hyssop in your garden to attract honey bees, hummingbirds and butterflies!  

Wednesday Work in Progress - Eggs Over Easy

Practicing and playing around in watercolor class last week. . .resulted without trying into a Spring-time seasonal picture I ended up framing and displaying in my bookcase.   I love how the colors turned out.

A to Z Blogging Challenge - G is for Gardenia

G is for Gardenia
Gardenia Florida

Gardenia - Get Happy

Also known as the "Happiness Herb"!
Along that line, gardenia in tea and capsule form helps with irritable emotions, restlessness, emotional blockage and insomnia...and the aroma calms the heart.   Externally it can be used topically for bruises, sprains and swellings

Hello Kitty Artist - Draw a bird day - April 8

Draw a Bird began in 1943 when a young girl asked her wounded soldier uncle in the hospital to draw a picture of a bird in her attempt to cheer him.  Today it is celebrated as a way to express joy in life's simple things and for soldiers everywhere to forget war and suffering if only for a little bit of time.
Here's the link to the Draw A Bird Day website to see previous and current pictures and upload your own.

You can even post your drawings on their Facebook page -- search for dabday -- and be sure check out their Twitter page @dabday

A to Z Blogging Challenge - F is for Fennel

F is for Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare

Fun with Fennel!

Fennel helps relieve indigestion and has expectorant and antiseptic properties. 

It's a very aromatic herb which can be used internally and externally. . . 

and also for aromatherapy!  

It has been said a whiff of sweet fennel essential oil can help strengthen your psyche and dispel nervousness when you are feeling anxious or scared.

. . .of course for cooking and baking, too.   

(Here's a link for my Split Pea Soup)

A to Z Blogging Challenge - E is for Eucalyptus

E is for Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus helps upper respiratory issues from colds to coughs to congestion.  It has antibacterial properties which help prevent tooth decay and promote periodontal health.  And externally it is used for easing muscle pain.

A to Z Blogging Challenge - D is for Dandelion

D is for Dandelion - Taraxacum

Also known as Fairy Clock and Blowballs!

It is said that the jagged leaves helped name it - Dent-de-Lion (Lion's tooth)

I do believe the dandelion is poised to become the new media nutritional darling.

The Republic of Tea even has a new Dandelion tea.
Or you can make your own using the flowers, roots or leaves.    (Best to use them from your own, untreated yard, instead of from public places.)  Dandelion tea is supposedly good for weight loss and helping to lower cholesterol.  You can even roast the roots to make a coffee substitute.

The dandelion is anti inflammatory, and some studies are showing it could help prevent cancer - particularly melanoma.  Dandelion is very good for the digestive system, including the liver, gallbladder and pancreas, and supporting kidney function.

The leaves are less bitter if picked before the flowers appear...but once the they do, the flowers have their own uses.  People are also making an infused oil with the flowers to not only put on salads, but as a rub for aches and pains, and irritated skin.   Here's a good link:  http://thenerdyfarmwife.com/dandelion-salve-recipe/

Peak a Blue

A peek at some rather peaked bluebonnets in Houston.  Granted these are on the side of West 11th Street.  I liked the contrast of the cement/asphalt.  I'm looking forward to fresh fields of them in Central Texas in the upcoming weeks.

Thursday Tea Time

This week - The Republic of Tea Hi Caf Teas - Caramel Black

Cost:   $12.99 at Whole Foods
Number of teabags:  50 !
Caffeine:  Hell Yes! (123 mg)
For comparison, Coffee has 100mg
Type of tea:   Black, with Green tea extract
Steeping time:  3 to 5 minutes, I set the timer on this one - 3 minutes
Add ins:  Just a little Natural Bliss creamer
Ingredients:  Black tea, green tea extract, natural caramel flavor
Fragrance:  Caramel
Opinion:  This is good!  I mean, really good!  I've been liking caramel tea, as it is a way to enjoy the sweetness of the caramel without destroying dental work or creating more trouble.  And sometimes you just the like the more robustness of black tea instead of the green and rooibos teas.   This one packs a punch!  I drank it in the morning and went strong all day.   No jitters or tachycardia, just a good energy boost.  Bonus it tastes so good.  Not an artificial or cloyingly sweet caramel flavor.  I also like that for the money, you do get a lot of tea bags.  Check out my earlier sip of Hi Caf Gingermint Green.  I also have the Hi Caf Toasted Coconut Black tea in an upcoming review.
Rating:  5

A to Z Blogging Challenge - C is for Chamomile

C is for Chamomile, Anthemis nobilis
I bought a bouquet of chamomile at Trader Joe's - it looked pretty in the vase and imparted a pleasant fruity (apple-ish) fragrance.
Chamomile is gently astringent and healing.  You'll find it in face creams/cleansers and shampoos/conditioners, and of course, tea!  Drinking the tea helps with tummy troubles.

Chamomile

She's a Little Bit Sketchy...

So exhorts the cool case!   This is a great book, too!
(Thanks, Theresa!)

A to Z Blogging Challenge - B is for Basil

B is for Sweet Basil, Ocimum basilicum
Sweet Basil from my garden - I love the purple flowers, too.
In addition to making pesto and seasoning your Italian cooking, the aromatic basil leaves can be tossed in your bath and used in potpourri.  Basil can help ease digestion woes and coughs.

Sweet Basil 

Tea for Two

Two cups of tea

Love this! Got it as a birthday gift from a wonderful friend who knows how much I like tea, and a good tea party!

A to Z Blogging Challenge - A is for Aloe

My theme for the April 2014 A to Z challenge is Watercolor Healing Herbs and Plants.
For two reasons, one to get my watercolor game on and practice (times 26!)...and learn about different medicinal herbs and plants along the way.

So let's start with A is for Aloe Vera
Aloe barbadensis

The gel/juice of the Aloe is well-known and used for minor burns, but did you know it is also especially good as a moisturizer for those with eczema and dry skin?

Aloe Vera