Earth Thyme

You may have noticed this tough, flat weed growing in paving cracks and your tilled garden beds and made sure this was dug up and destroyed.  It spreads easily from its tiny little seeds and most of us do not realise that it has exceptional medicinal properties.    Commonly found in cultivated fields and open grasslands. It like moist open spaces.  An interesting plant which should not be disregarded but should be used with care and caution.  Well worth more researching. This is a cosmopolitan weed from the tropics and subtropics    Euphorbia hirta (Asthma Weed) it seems is native to India,  but it is recorded in many herbal pharmacopoeias and its almost impossible to source its beginnings.  It is recognised as a NEW HERB of the future,  especially in Africa and appears to have the potential capacity to bring relief to many communities.   Euphorbia hirta has been widely used for centuries in folk and traditional medi...

A fascinating family of around 50 species of annual and perennials that can be found in gardens all over the world where they are known as African marigolds, American Marigold or Mexican Marigold The name comes from  " Mary's Gold "  because of the richly golden flowers.   Marigolds have the potential to play an important role in both medicinal and insecticidal properties.  NB.  Do not confuse the name marigold with Calendula Officinalis which is sometimes called Pot Marigold overseas especially in the UK and USA.  The African Marigold comes from the Asteraceae Family and has its origins in Mexico.  This plant thrives in any soil but really does well in compost rich soil and likes the sun.     Culinary Uses: Dried marigold leaves and petals have been used for centuries to flavour soups, stews and sauces.  Can be used in salad dressings or include the fresh petals in your salad.   They taste delicious and are well know...

An important part of organic gardening including growing herbs is being mindful of companion planting and making use of some powerful insect repelling plants. Marigolds are really potent as insect repellents.  Their powerful oils and strong fragrance tends to chase away aphids, whitefly, red spider, fliers, mosquitos, ticks and fleas.  You can use sprigs and leaves in with your seeds, especially maize seeds to store these safely.  Just tuck a fresh sprig into  the seed tin and it will dry over time.  The bush marigold has become a much valued plant and has many uses.     All parts of the marigold plant are useable and making a spray is very simple and effective.    Marigold Spray 1 Bucket of fresh sprigs of marigold flowers and leaves.      1.5 buckets of boiling water .5 ( half a cup)  soap powder. Submerge the marigold flowers and leaves in the boiling water.   Cover tightly and leave to cool overnigh...

  Melt and Pour Soap is a Base that has already been through a complete Saponification process (i.e. the chemical process which occurs naturally when mixing oils with lye, making the soap safe for use on skin.   Melt and Pour Base is safe for the skin.  It is all the raw materials made into a tube ready to use.  It contains Water, Lye, Oil and Glycerin.  Glycerine is a natural part of fats and oils and this draws water to the skin helping to balance moisture levels.  A wonderful option for beginner soap makers and its safe for kids.  The beauty of Melt and Pour Base is that its ready to use and all you need to do is design and customize your soap as follows: Skin type needs. Add Dried herbs or fruit peels. Add colour Blend fragrances or Essential oils and add these.  Test different molds. It really is so simple  :  Choose your base tube.   Melt it and then customize this with your additives, herbs, colours and fragrances....