Old Fashioned Herbal Gifts
By Brenda Hyde
Finding the perfect gift isn't always
easy if you are trying to be creative and unique. Nothing is
more memorable or heart felt than gifts you create yourself to help
encourage relaxation and pampering. The following old fashioned
recipes can be made easily made and packaged for friends and family. Add them to a pretty wicker basket decorated with
a silk bow and lined with old fashioned lace for a special touch.
Rose water
Ingredients:
3 cups rose petals
3 cups purified water
Pick the rose petals just after the dew has been dried
by the morning sun. Place in a glass or porcelain
container and pour boiling water over the petals. Allow
to steep for two days, stirring frequently. Strain and bottle.
Peppermint Skin Toner
Ingredients:
1 pint vinegar
1 pint purified water
1 cup mint leaves
Place all ingredients in a glass or enamel saucepan and bring
to a boil. Remove from heat. Pour into a glass jar and allow to
steep for four days. Strain and bottle. Be sure to label with
a pretty card and ribbon.
Lavender Sachet
Ingredients:
1/2 pound lavender flowers
1/2 ounce dried mint
1/2 ounce dried thyme
1/4 ounce ground caraway
1/4 ounce ground cloves
1 ounce sea salt
Detach the lavender flowers and leaves from the stems
and mix with the other ingredients. Place in small bags
made of silk, unbleached cotton or cotton with die-fast
color. Sew shut and tie with a ribbon if desired. You
can be creative with this mixture and sew heart shapes
that can then be decorated with miniature ribbon roses
and ribbon.
Herb Closet or Drawer Squares
Place handfuls of each of dried lavender flowers, rosemary,
one tablespoon each crushed cloves and small pieces of
dried lemon peel together. Sew small cotton squares about
four by four inches; leaving a space open. Stuff with herb
mixture. Tie several together and wrap in tissue paper
tied with raffia. Attach a note explaining that these will protect
clothes from insects and can be placed in drawers, closets
or boxes.
Herb Honey
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon fresh herb
or 1 tsp. dried herb
1 pint honey
Choose an herb such as thyme, lavender, mint, rosemary
or even rose petals. Bruise fresh leaves slightly and place
them in the bottom of a small saucepan. Pour room temperature
honey into the pan and heat over low heat very slowly. Stir
the mixture until the honey is JUST warm, about 2 minutes.
Pour the mixture into sterilized jars and seal tightly. Store
the jars at room temperature for about one week to
blend flavors. Then reward the honey in the same way
and strain out the herbs. Recap. Jelly jars work well for
this. Tie a ribbon around the neck with an attached tag
with suggested uses such as: sweeten tea or punch, use
in salad dressings, combine half and half with butter
to use as a spread for waffles, pancakes, muffins or bread.
About the author:
Brenda Hyde is editor of Seeds of Knowledge, a freelance writer,
cook, gardener and Mom. Growing and using herbs has become one of
her favorite things. For information on subscribing to our newsletters Click
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