12 Steps for an Herbal Addict

Herbalynn

18 years ago

1. Admitted we were powerless over herbs, that our gardens had become unamagable.

2. We came to believe that herbs could restore us to sanity.

3. We made a decision to turn our gardens over to the care of St. Fiacre. (patron Saint of Gardens)

4. We made a searching and fearless Latin inventory of our herbs.

5. We admitted to God, ourselves and another human being the exact nature of our herbs.

6. We were entirely ready to have god remove all the weeds we didn't consider herbs.

7. We humbly asked god to remove our snails, slugs, aphids and beetles.

8. We made a list of herbs we didn't have yet, and became willing to aquire them all.

9. We made direct buying trips for these herbs, and when couldn't afford them, we made trades for them.

We continued to take herbal inventory, and when we found another one we didn't have, promptly started the search for it.
We saught thru prayer and mediation to improve our conscious contact with herbs.
Having had a spiritual awakening of a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to gardeners and cooks, and to practice these herbs in our daily lives.

This sounds like a big order, and we can't do it all at once. We didn't becaome addicted to herbs in one day, so remember easy does it!

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Comments (28)

herbalbetty
18 years ago
Lynn, LMFAO!!!!!!!
granite
18 years ago
:-)

Apparently this morning my hubby spent a relaxing hour on the deck drinking his morning coffee, enjoying the hummingbird visits to the feeder, and watching me intently weeding out in the veggie and herb garden. When I finally became aware of his presence (in all fairness to me, he was over 100' away) I stood up to wave. He checked out my muddy appearance and said "tell the truth hon, when you were a little girl you had a sandbox didn't you?"

:-)

Well, actually.....I did
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noviceherbus
18 years ago
Oh my Gosh! I have this sickness because I could relate to almost every one of those! Does it get any worse or can I expect to slow down a little? I have been a gardener wanna be now for 4 years and started with herbs a couple years ago with only a few, now it is repulsive how I have to have every thing I see in herbs and I only want to use them in the landscape now. Am I way gone or what?
Herbalynn
Original Author
18 years ago
Oh, no. Hate to be the one to tall you, but if you are a true addict, it'll only get worse :o)
Some of us have resorted to making herbal presents for every occasion, incorporated herbs into our other hobbies (such as painting herbs, embroidering pictures of herbs, writing about herbs, etc.) and tlking Latin in our sleep.
You will really know you're a gonner, when you make herbal liquors...and cough syrups.
Keep coming back!
An addict named Lynn
Ina Plassa_travis
18 years ago
in light of this...

why does anyone ever bother drinking anything but Chartreuse?
jules7ky
18 years ago
Hi. My name is Julie, and I am a(n) Herbaholic.

Be very, very careful of herbs! They will lead you into strange new paths, and change (or save) your life!

Eight years ago, I gave up a full-time career in computer software to work part-time at an herb nursery (running a small herbal business on the side). Though the pay is lower than McDonald's, I now am too addicted to the perks to ever leave. (Yearly plant allowance, deep discount after that, and first dibs on anything going to the compost field.) (Oh yes - and working outdoors, watching the goldfinches and hummers, and talking all day to nice people who are nuts about plants!)

Today I had to force myself to pass up six flats of still-nice Italian parsley that were begging me to save them. Sheesh. I resisted. My husband is grateful.

But don't anyone cure me just yet, please, because I still have to finish turning five flats of unwanted sweet basil into pesto...

And Chinacat, I'm now off on another quest, to find a recipe for Chartreuse. It never ends, does it?
noviceherbus
18 years ago
Ok its true. I am truly gone because I have resorted to the following and didnt know others like me existed! . 1.Painting herb pictures on pots (when I dont even paint- so I have to buy a book on how to paint-haha)and giving them as presents with a cute scented geranium and explaining how to use the herb to them. And of course telling them to smell please!
2. Buying spice jars at the hobby store intending to dry herbs and give as christmans presents (like anyone will really care if they can get it in the store just the same to them at least in my family)
2. Looking at a ka-jillion web sites on herbs and books to show me how to do different things with my strange medicinal herbs that I probebly wont ever use but just look at and think to my self how great it is that I have that tea tree to stare at and see how it is growing then have to overwinter it in my house somewhere.
3. Having insomnia in the middle of the night and getting up to look at the herbs forum (I am writing this at 4:30 in the morn)
4. Wanting a tincure making machine.
5. Getting pumped up when on HGTV they have something-anything talking about herbs.
6. Having to check herb seedlings 3 times a day because maybe they have grown more or changed since a couple hours before.
7. Even though I don't smoke- wanting to grow any herb you can smoke too (that is just weird... WHY????)
8. When my children roll thier eyes at me when I have to stop at the nursery for one last look for the season(only to make it 10 more times after that.)
9.OCHD (obsessive complulsive herb disorder)

I think I have it Lynn!!! I am a sick one. I have been bitten by the bug bad!!!!

Ok after writing this all out- it is quite embarrassing! I wouldnt admit this to anyone other than another OCHD person. And some of you are- you know who you are!!!!!Heh heh!
moonrisepines
18 years ago
Thanks so much. My family thinks I'm nuts. I'm just obsessive and enjoying most of it. You're wonderful just the way you are. Teri
Luvherbz
18 years ago
I too, admittedly, have OCHD!(I just love that "coined" phrase) and proud of it....

LOL.... carry on my herb buddies!!

P.S.-- You know you're "herbed out" when you start decoupaging pressed herbs on clear ornament Christmas balls for Christmas presents.....!

Luvherbz(indeed)!!!
martieinct
18 years ago
Though new here -- I Relate!! Recently traded precious garden tool garage space for shelving on husb's bathroom window -- the best in the house for overwintering Lemon Verbena, Rosemary and a few Lavandula. The tools will make it through the winter under our bed. Can't say, though, that he's gotten over the kitchen becoming a potting shed :-)

Martie
CA Kate z9
18 years ago
LOL! (Choke on my cereal )

Okay, I'll be alright in a minute.......

the "tools under the bed" got to me. :^)
laxfan
18 years ago
I am NOT an addict. I can quit any time. Any time at all. In fact, I've done it many times!
jg
lynnsherbs
18 years ago
Lynn, I just found this, I'm so glad that I check back once in a while! Finally!! Soulmates!

Thanks,

the other Lynn
PacNWest
18 years ago
Several years ago I bought a lavender plant cause it was pretty, I really knew nothing about them. Now I have more than 40 of them, and countless other herbs in my garden. Propigating is my new favorite hobby\addiction. My son tells me I should be ashamed cause most people make due with 1/10 of the space I have, and are happy. He is usually telling me this while he is helping me clear an unused area for another flower or veggie bed....hehehe
triple_b
18 years ago
Noviceherbus
I can relate to #6 on your list about checking on the plants every few minutes. Especially when I am starting seeds indoors and they are just starting to poke their little heads up. Every few minutes I go and fawn over my 'babies' and maybe catch glimpse of a yet another little green knuckle of the latest sprout.
amelita
18 years ago
I am so glad I found you folks, because I am about to dive in the deep end here and I am glad to know I'll have great company!

I just started gardening this year and I figured that an herbal obsession was pending when I realized that:
A) I already have three varieties of mint growing, and
B) When I show people around my garden, descriptions of the plants often end with, "And, here, taste it!" and
C) I recently bought a basil plant at the grocery store totally on automatic - it didn't really register until I got it home and had to find a place for it!

:)
Luvherbz
18 years ago
welcome,welcome aboard! You're headed in the right direction... oh and don't forget the proverbial: "here touch this plant and it will release it's oils so you can get the true essence of it's fragrance"!.... one of mine favorites, personally.....

We're having way too much fun......

Luvherbz!
craftymee
18 years ago
Hello All, What an awsome thread!! I too am an herb addict!! Drives my boyfriend crazy!! I am always cooking or baking something new with herbs to cure him of everything!! Alot of what I use tho, I have to buy. But living where I do mint does great! I am a huge fan of catnip tea to treat colds, and my cats love the excess!!
Janet
wormfarmer_6
18 years ago
Ahhh, I can finally admit it. I am an herbaholic! I can relate to all that has been said. When I show off my garden, I am always saying, "here, eat this." and "brush these leaves and smell how good they are". I dry herbs for the winter for my family, and I make tinctures of many of the herbs. Whenever anyone gets a cold, they ask for the echinacea, oregon grape root, and lemon balm tinctures. They know from experience that it works.
herblover
18 years ago
It is so good to know I am not alone...smile....Once the herb-bug bites you, I guess that's it....
the_farmers_wife
18 years ago
Boy-oh-boy, me too! Driving my husband crazy, and my 8yr old son has inherited the madness. I have minigreen houses and jiffy pots full of herb seedlings, I check them every hour, at least, and sometimes watch them grow. During the day I move them around the house, following the sun. At night they're in our room, the warmest in the house. I'm ready to quit my so far very expensive doctorate and start a nursery. Today at the local one, I made a mental list of all the baby herbs she has. I want one of each!! I don't care what they are, I haven't figured out yet what to do with them, but I will raise them, and love them, and they will be my little pets! I only started down this road recently, and already there's no going back.

I thought I was alone. :) What a fantastic support group - OCHD Anon!

Cheers and Happy Herbing!
aunt_millie
18 years ago
Herbs are just plain rewarding, I like munching on chives and parsley while I'm working in my yard. And if you grow tomatoes you have to put basil around them the smell is fabulous and it makes you want spaghetti for dinner.

millie
momherb
18 years ago
I haven't contributed to this forum for a while. I've been growing and loving herbs for at least 20 years here in Tucson, AZ. Used to be a teacher, then an office manager, then a manager of a plant nursery, and now I have my dream job at the Tucson Botanical Gardens taking care of the volunteers and the HERB GARDEN! My father died about a month ago and we just moved into a new house so everything in my life has been quite out of order. I have lots of potted herbs but no herb garden right now, waiting until our hot, dry summer is over to get started. The herb garden at work keeps me sane and has helped me get through the tough times. Now I'm worrying about the award winning lemon grass plant that's still at our old house, which we're putting on the market soon. It's just so big and I'm considering just taking one little stalk to my new house but darn it, that plant is at least 6 feet tall right now. I'm definitely an addict, have been for a long time. What about scented geraniums? Don't they just make you lose control at the plant nursery? Can anyone have too many of these lovelies???
narcnh
18 years ago
I used to be addicted to herbs. Then, I found a remedy on an obscure website that has cured my addiction. It is composed of several rare and unusual herbs that took much time and money to procure from the far reaches of the planet. Most of the names I cannot pronounce. Some have been banned by various, unenlightened government agencies in different countries around the globe, and as a result several packages arrived in plain, brown wrapping. After planting everything in the dark on a moonless night and after months of fervent cultivation, I harvested my first crop. Careful measurement and combination of the ingredients, many of which are fatal in doses slightly above the recipe quantities, resulted in an elixir best described as green. It cured me.

Of course, over time my tolerance has increased and, consequently, so has my dosage. Now, I am growing the herbs in the remedy on several acres of land, and it takes about 18 hours a day to care for them, harvest them and process them into the remedy. I quit my day job and work on the herbs every waking moment. But, at least I'm not addicted to herbs anymore.

I have to go now and drink another gallon of the remedy, since it has been 15 minutes since my last dose. Then, I must return to the fields and weed the herb plants. They call to me, nay, they summon me.

narcnh
CA Kate z9
18 years ago
I don't think I'm quite an Herb addict anymore, but was in a former life. Now I just grow 43 different kinds of Salvia -- 5 of which are culinary and so far 3 that are for smudge sticks, 7 kinds of Lavander, 4 kinds of Oregano, 5 of Thyme, 2 of Parsely, Dill, Fennel, Tarragon, Savory, of course several kinds of Basil.... ummmmm... well...

Hello, my name is Westelle, I am an addict.
Herbalynn
Original Author
17 years ago
Westelle, that is so courageous of you to admit you have a problem; to embrace who u are and what u are; and to see the acceptance creep over you, as slowly the veils of denial were lifted! Keep coming back!

I am sorry I did not have the time to keep this going and answeing all your lovely and inspiring posts, but let's give it another whirl, and see where it can take us....

Fellow herbal addicts, i was reminded of this thread by another lost and found soul from this board, and wanted to post on the thread so it comes back up.
I have been taught that the theraputic value of one addict helping another is witout parallel. We can take this journey together, my fellow brothers and sisters in the name of herbal bliss.... let's unite.
Thanks for being here, and letting this humble dirt worshipping, tree-huggin' goof ball get a little laughter and unite with others like me.

Any other herbal addicts in denial out there? Please post away!
gw:plant_babies
17 years ago
This thread seems to be going forever --

I have a spade hanging at each door of the house, and scissors in my purse at all times. Every available surface in my house is filled with plants.

I am just getting into herbs .... so watch out!
rosebush
17 years ago
Had to chuckle since I tell everyone who visits my garden to "brush your hand against the leaves and smell the aroma." :)I'm like a kid on Christmas morning when I receive a new herb plant. This year it was stevia, St John's Wort, turmeric, ginger, and Sweet Annie. And just when I had vowed not to get any more plants that I would have to winter indoors. . . I'm out of control! My so-called guest room will be a greenhouse by mid-November!

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