Happy Sunday everyone. I hope you're all having a glorious weekend. It's time to announce the winner of Name That Herb....

Congratulations Shawn! Not only was he our only player, but he scored a whopping 55 points (out of 60), on a very tough game. Excellent job, Shawn! Congrats on being our first winner.

New game will be posted tomorrow. It will be an easy one. I promise. :)

Medicinal Herb / Edible Flower of the Day: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Edible Uses:

Seed
- raw or cooked. A delicious nut-like flavour, but
very fiddly to extract due to the small size of the seed. Commercially
there are machines designed to do this. Rich in fats, the seed can be
ground into a powder, made into sunflower butter or used to make
seed yoghurt. When mixed with cereal flours, it makes a nutritious
bread. Cultivars with up to 50% oil have been developed in
Russia. The oil contains between 44 - 72% linoleic acid. The
germinated seed is said to be best for seed yoghurt, it is blended with
water and left to ferment. The sprouted seed can be eaten raw.
A nutritional analysis of the seed is available. Young flower buds
- steamed and served like globe artichokes. A
mild and pleasant enough flavour, but rather fiddly. Average yields
range from 900 - 1,575 kg/ha of seed, however yields of over 3,375 kg/ha
have been reported. A high quality edible semi-drying oil is
obtained from the seed. It is low in cholesterol, and is said to
be equal in quality to olive oil. Used in salads, margarines, or in
cooking. The roasted seed is a coffee
and drinking chocolate substitute. Another report says
the roasted hulls are used. The leaf petioles are boiled and mixed
in with other foodstuffs.

Medicinal Uses:
A
tea made from the leaves is astringent, diuretic and expectorant, it is
used in the treatment of high fevers. The crushed leaves are used
as a poultice on sores, swellings, snakebites and spider bites. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and are
dried for later use. A tea made from the flowers is used in the
treatment of malaria and lung ailments. The flowering head and
seeds are febrifuge, nutritive and stomachic. The seed is also
considered to be diuretic and expectorant. It has been used
with success in the treatment of many pulmonary complaints. A
decoction of the roots has been used as a warm wash on rheumatic aches
and pains.

As if it wasn't awesome enough, check out these other uses for sunflowers:
An
edible semi-drying oil is obtained from the seed. Some varieties
contain up to 45% oil. The oil is also used, often mixed with a
drying oil such as linseed (Linum usitatissimum) to make soap, candles,
varnishes, paint etc, as well as for lighting. The oil is said to be
unrivalled as a lubricant. A blotting paper is
made from the seed receptacles. A high quality writing
paper is made from the inner stalk. The pith of the
stems is one of the lightest substances known, having a specific gravity
of 0.028. It has a wide range of applications, being used for
purposes such as making life-saving appliances and slides for
microscopes. The dried stems make an excellent fuel, the ash
is rich in potassium. Both the dried stems and the empty seed
receptacles are an excellent kindling. A fibre from the stem is used
to make paper and a fine quality cloth. A yellow dye is
obtained from the flowers. A purple-black dye is obtained
from the seed of certain varieties that were grown by the Hopi Indians
of S.W. North America. Sunflowers can be grown as a
spring-sown green manure, they produce a good bulk of material. Root
secretions from the plant can inhibit the growth of nearby plants.

Share a story about how you got interested in herbs/edible flowers
or a story involving you and herbs/edible flowers. Each person who
shares will get their name entered in a drawing. Winner will be chosen,
at random, on the 24th so please have your story posted no
later then the 23rd. One entry per person.

Entries:

Jennifer

Shawn

Dawn

Amber

Des

I got started growing with herbs and edible flowers a few years ago when I was on medical leave of absence from work. We were trying to save money I needed a hobby and now it's turned into more of a passion then a hobby. Love collecting Basils, Sunflowers. THANK YOU.

Love games.

That's great, Jennifer! Thanks for sharing.

When I was a kid, I'd go to the library and hand-copy pages on the medicinal uses of herbs from the books that were available. How I first got interested, at so young an age, is beyond me. It's not something that anyone in my family was into. It's just always resonated with me.

Now that I have time, space and GardenWeb/Houzz, I've finally been able to go crazy. Like Jennifer, it's definitely a passion for me.

I got started after back surgeries that happend in 2010. It took me a few years between 2010 and 2013 that I was reading and experimenting with growing a little bit with herbs and vegetables.Then in 2014 I started to get more into gardening to help with rehab of my back and got sick of all the medicines I was on and started thinking that all the meds I was on are just herbs combined with synthetics to make the meds I was on.So in 2015 I started researching and trying different herbs to try to get off all the medicines the doctors prescribe and this way is organic and not putting any synthetic stuff in my body.

Now since I discovered seed swaps as of this past February I have a seed addiction.It opened up more options at a cheaper expense for me to try such a wide variety of herbs and I get to meet new people and learn new things.

Shawn -- Love it! Thanks so much for sharing!

I'll keep this updated as more people send and I receive.

EricaBraun - Received

shawn b - Received

Linda Baillie

stardrifting (Stacy)

Jennifer

Amber

dm_kelly (Dawn) - Sent

grafton001 (Tasha)

Des

My start with herbs and flavorful plants was a strange one ane not a story that elicited a feeling of love. When I was young (decades ago) my mom grew horseradish. My dad wanted to be helpful and surprise her so he tilled the garden. Next thing we knew, horseradish popped up everywhere and was the only recognizable thing she grew so she put it in everything. It took a long time for me to like it after that.

next story... While living in Kansas my backyard neighbor had an herb garden and the thing she grew the most of was cilantro. One summer Saturday her husband when out to mow the lawn, but at this point was several beers in. One of his cut paths was right across the cilantro garden. I smelled it for weeks so nope, couldn't eat that for a long time and that put a huge dent in my Mexican food habit.

it wasn't until I moved to my current house that I really started to like herbs. For Mother's Day my husband set up a nice raised garden and sent me shopping for fun herbs. As the little plants grew they became more aromatic... To the point that I watered them every day just to smell the pizza/spaghetti sauce smell. Finally I was hooked on herbs. And with a raised bed, no sharp objects will ever get near them :)

Dawn -- Rofl. Great stories. I guess we have to thank your hubby for converting you!

Culinary Herb of the Day: Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

I don't know about you guys, but I love, love, love basil. It's popular worldwide as a culinary herb. Although we tend to associate it with Italy and other Mediterranean
countries, it actually originated in India, and was brought to the
Mediterranean via the spice routes in ancient times. From India, basil traveled not only to Europe and Africa, but spread to other parts of Asia as well. Nowadays, it's even found in Mexico and South America where its most frequent culinary uses are in vinaigrettes and sauces.

Like many other culinary herbs, basil also has medicinal properties:
Sweet
basil has been used for thousands of years as a culinary and medicinal
herb. It acts principally on the digestive and nervous systems, easing
flatulence, stomach cramps, colic and indigestion. The leaves and
flowering tops are antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, digestive,
galactogogue, stomachic and tonic. They are taken
internally in the treatment of feverish illnesses (especially colds and
influenza), poor digestion, nausea, abdominal cramps, gastro-enteritis,
migraine, insomnia, depression and exhaustion. Externally, they are
used to treat acne, loss of smell, insect stings, snake bites and skin
infections. The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing
season and are used fresh or dried. The mucilaginous seed is given
in infusion in the treatment of gonorrhoea, dysentery and chronic
diarrhoea. It is said to remove film and opacity from the
eyes. The root is used in the treatment of bowel complaints in
children. Extracts from the plant are bactericidal and are also
effective against internal parasites. The essential oil is
used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Clearing'. In Chinese
medicine for kidney disease and gum ulcers. In Indian medicine for
earache, rheumatoid arthritis, anorexia, itching, menstrual disorders,
and malaria.

Packs are due by April 26th, so please get your stuff shipped within the next couple days.

Hello! May I join your swap this late?

Des -- Of course. Welcome!

Thanks, yay! Sent my seeds off today :)

I'll keep this updated as more people send and I receive.

EricaBraun - Received

shawn b - Received

Linda Baillie

stardrifting (Stacy)

Jennifer - Sent

Amber

dm_kelly (Dawn) - Received

grafton001 (Tasha) - Sent

Des - Sent

uptreasa - Sent

Hello all, sorry it's been so long but I've been terribly ill...me & the baby.... We went to the patient 1st & got mis-diagnosed by the so-called doctors there!!! They gave me a course of antibiotic that made me worse & said Cam just had allergies even though he's been hacking his lungs up for the better part of a week. I've given him every kind of over the counter medicine but nothings worked. We saw a new doctor & they came up with a new diagnosis....but still didn't give him any medicine so I'm trying something new that I actually learned on here....which brings me to my next part of my post....the answer to our game.....

I didn't know anything about edible flowers/herbs or that any of them had any real medicinal purposes! Some of you that know me from OBF know that I'm new at the gardening thing. I used to help my grandma as a child but that was mostly pulling weeds & putting flowers in the ground. I would have to say that my first real encounter with them is now. As I have been reading Erica's posts It dawned on me...maybe some of these things can help us....(the doctors sure aren't helping with their misdiagnosis.) I really needed some help with our coughing the most & to my surprise there are many different natural things to use. Im learning how to incorporate the different things like basil flowers, & ginger for congestion/cough & the flu into our diet w/o him knowing. He's a SUPER PICKY eater. I also read in here that the primrose flower can help with wooping cough so it may be able to help us also...still learning though. I know that once this is over, Cameron & I will feel ALOT better & ill feel good that I've learned some new natural ways to care for my family!!

Erica, thank you so much!!! Also thank you for your prayers for our family about our doggie Sierra & your tips on the seed starting dome & tubs...& for the link what to plant each month....a million thank yous for all your help....I AM TRULY GREATFUL & BLESSED TO HAVE YOU AS A FRIEND!!! **amber** .....sorry my post was so long guys but I wanted to check-in, answer the game and give my thanks....lol have a great day everybody!!! :-)

Amber -- Good to hear from you. I got your name in the drawing. Thanks for sharing your herb story! Super sad to hear that you and Cameron have been so sick. It sounds like a pretty terrible month for you, all around. I wish you both a speedy recovery.

Des -- I know you just joined, but you're welcome to share your herb story to get your name in the drawing for a prize: Share a story about how you got interested in herbs/edible flowers
or a story involving you and herbs/edible flowers.

Dawn -- Your pack arrived today. Everything looked great. Thank you so much for the lovely card and the clippers.

Culinary/Medicinal Herb of the Day: Garlic (Allium sativum)

It's probably safe to stay that everyone here is familiar with garlic as a culinary herb, but some of you might be surprised to know that it is also highly medicinal.

Garlic
has a very long folk history of use in a wide range of ailments,
particularly ailments such as ringworm, Candida and vaginitis where its
fungicidal, antiseptic, tonic and parasiticidal properties have proved
of benefit. The plant produces inhibitory effects on gram-negative
germs of the typhoid-paratyphoid-enteritis group, indeed it possesses
outstanding germicidal properties and can keep amoebic dysentery at
bay. It is also said to have anticancer activity. It has also
been shown that garlic aids detoxification of chronic lead
poisoning. Daily use of garlic in the diet has been shown to have a
very beneficial effect on the body, especially the blood system and the
heart. For example, demographic studies suggest that garlic is
responsible for the low incidence of arteriosclerosis in areas of Italy
and Spain where consumption of the bulb is heavy. Recent research
has also indicated that garlic reduces glucose metabolism in diabetics,
slows the development of arteriosclerosis and lowers the risk of further
heart attacks in myocardial infarct patients. Externally, the
expressed juice is an excellent antiseptic for treating wounds.
The fresh bulb is much more effective medicinally than stored bulbs,
extended storage greatly reduces the anti-bacterial action. The
bulb is said to be anthelmintic, antiasthmatic, anticholesterolemic,
antiseptic, antispasmodic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic,
expectorant, febrifuge, stimulant, stings, stomachic, tonic,
vasodilator. The German Commission E Monographs, a
therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Allium sativum for
arteriosclerosis, hypertension, high cholesterol levels.

My "getting into herbs" story isn't particularly grand. A friend of mine was very excited to finally have a yard of her own and was showing me around on a visit. She had all sorts of medicinal herbs and sent me home with a load of cuttings (feverfew, several kinds of mints, and lemon balm are the ones that survived). That was my initial introduction.

I've always been interested in urban homesteading and optimizing my space, but it wasn't until this year that I have had time to really do anything about it. In years past, I would buy seeds but then work would get busy and I wold miss the planting window. Or I would hit that window, but then a big project would absorb all my time and energy and the little seedlings would die from the neglect. I am no longer employed in that demanding job, so I'm making the most of my new freedom this year :)

My front yard is begging to be converted into a cottage garden - the layout was just made for it. Edible flowers and herbs are a good compromise between my pragmatic desire to make my land productive and my neighbors' desire to see a pretty yard rather than veggie beds (which live in the back, away from view so they can be all functional). I have this romantic image in my mind of making a mug of tea from plants I grew myself and drinking it out back while watching my "chicken TV" - living the slow life, ya know?

Des -- Love your story. Thank you so much for sharing!

Wish I had checked this swap earlier. A great one!! No way I can get seeds in on time. : (

Treasa -- So sorry we're missing you this time. If it's just a matter of a couple extra days, you're still welcome to join us. Let me know.

I was gone all day today. I can have them in Monday's mail.

Treasa -- Great! Welcome to the swap!

Des -- Your pack arrived today. Everything looks good. :)

I sent my seeds out Saturday.

Mine went out today.

Jennifer and Treasa -- I'll be keeping an eye out for our packs.

Linda, Tasha, Amber, Stacy -- Don't forget to get your packs in the mail by tomorrow, please.

Mine was mailed today. Sorry for it being so late.

Tasha -- Excellent! I'll let you know when it arrives.

Tasha & Treasa -- Your packs both arrived today!

I'll keep this updated as more people send and I receive.

EricaBraun - Received

shawn b - Received

Linda Baillie

stardrifting (Stacy)

Jennifer - Received

Amber - Sent

dm_kelly (Dawn) - Received

grafton001 (Tasha) - Received

Des - Received

uptreasa - Received

Looks like we're just waiting on Jennifer's pack and then I will redistribute seeds and get these back in the mail to you guys.

Linda, Stacy, Amber -- If you guys have sent your seeds, please let me know, so that I wait for your packs to arrive, as well.

Treasa -- Holy amazing pack that you sent!

I hope it gets there today, I'm surprised it's not there yet.(sent out Saturday) I'll feel bad knowing everyone is waiting on my seeds... slow usps....

Jennifer -- No worries. I'm sure it will get here soon. I'll be sure to post if it arrives today. :)

I just got in touch with Amber. She'll be mailing her pack tomorrow morning, so a few more days until everything is present and accounted for.

Jennifer -- Good news, your pack arrived today!

Now we're just waiting on Amber's and then I'll get these redistributed and back out in the mail.

So, here we go.... I heard from Amber today, and she wasn't able to get her pack out, so I currently have all packs that have been mailed. I'm going to spend today shuffling seeds and hopefully get your packs back out in the mail to you all tomorrow. Sorry for the delay. I'll keep you guys all posted.

So, now that I've had a chance to go through all the packs, I can announce that we have a third winner, Treasa! Treasa gets a prize for most generous, as she sent in many commercial packs! Super sweet of you, Treasa. I know that everyone will be thankful for the great commercial packs.

Now for a bit of business:

I was able to put together 5 bonus pack for everyone, so whether you sent 12 or 100 packs, you'll be getting an extra 5.

Shawn, Dawn, Treasa part of your prize includes live plants, so please be sure to attend to your packs as soon as they arrive. I do hope the plants travel well. There will also be 3 commercial packs paper clipped together, for each of you.

Shipping... Only two people sent stamps, instead of cash, so I went ahead and shipped everyone first class. The packs will be dropped off at the PO tomorrow. Here are the tracking numbers.

Jennifer: 9400109699938439487611

Destiny: 9400109699937554954138

Tasha: 9400109699939915410840

Shawn: 9400109699939915681493

Treasa: 9400109699939915686153

Dawn: 9400109699939915691652

Thanks so much to everyone who participated. I hope you all enjoy your packs!

Wishing you all many smiles and good health,

Erica

Thank you so much, Erica!!!!!! Happy Gardening, everyone!!

Just got back from the PO. Packs are officially on their way.

Jennifer -- So glad to see that packages are starting to arrive at their destination!

Thank you everyone very much mine just came yesterday

My package also made it here yesterday. There were quite a few things new to me and after looking them up, I can't wait to start them! Thank you all!

Erica, the calindula looks great but is being pampered after its long trip. Thank you for hosting another incredible swap!

Mine also arrived yesterday, so exciting! Thanks!!