For centuries, the fragrant herbs have been used for their scent. The Greeks wove garlands of marjoram for their guests, while the Romans placed bowls of mint in rooms to refresh the senses. During the Middle Ages, a pinch of lemon balm was sniffed during a long sermon to avoid drowsiness. Potpourri and sachets were used to mask unpleasant smells and to prevent the spread of disease. Modern medical researchers have found that many of the scented herbs are strong germicides.
Fragrant herbs that are suitable for growing in in most areas are bergamot, calamus, catnip, camomile, lavender, lemon balm, lemon thyme, lemon verbena, the mints, pennyroyal, rosemary, sage, scented geraniums, southernwood and wormwood. An almost endless variety of simple herbal products can be crafted using just these basic herbs. Here are just a few examples:
12 OUNCES EQUALS
POTPOURRIS & SACHETS
Natural fragrances are enjoying renewed popularity, with both selling well. Ingredients are similar for both, but a sachet typically uses ground ingredients (an electric blender works well), while potpourris use coarsely crushed ingredients. Most potpourris and sachets have three basic parts - the main scent, a secondary scent and a fixative. Here is a recipe, using the three parts:
2 cups main scent flowers, such as rose petals or lavender blossoms. 1 cup secondary scent flowers, such as violets. 1/2 cup dried herbs, such as mint. 1/4 cup crushed spices, such as cinnamon, clove or nutmeg. 1/4 cup dried citrus peel - orange or lemon. 1/2 ounce dried crushed orris root - fixative.
HERB PILLOWS
Herbs that keep their scent when dried have been used for centuries in bedding. Favorites include woodruff, lavender, rose petals, camomile and hops. Hops have long been used in pillows as a remedy for insomnia. The herbs can be put in their own pillow case or a sachet can be added to a regular pillow case. Here are two easy recipes for herb pillows:
SOOTHING HERB PILLOW
2 parts dried mint 2 parts dried camomile 1 part dried hops
PET PILLOW TO PREVENT FLEAS
Cats...equal parts dried camomile and pennyroyal Dogs...equal parts dried rue and costmary
HERBAL COSMETICS
For centuries, cosmetics were just simple herbal recipes made in the home from garden herbs. Just in the past few decades has the mass-production of cosmetics become an industry. When you make your own herbal cosmetics for sale, you can offer pure and natural ingredients and you can adjust the blending of those ingredients to suit the exact requirements of each customer. Just as in cooking, the herbs you use can be main ingredients or flavorings. Here are a few of the most common herbs used in cosmetics:
Borage... leaves are softening and cleansing. Camomile... flowers are soothing, cleaning and gently astringent. Chervil... leaves are gently astringent. Comfrey... leaves are softening and healing. Lavender... antiseptic. Lemon Balm... leaves are soothing and astringent. Lovage... leaves and roots are cleansing and deodorant. Mint... leaves are stimulating, antiseptic and healing. Rosemary... leaves are invigorating and astringent. Thyme... leaves are deodorant and antiseptic.
HERBAL BATH BAGS
The simplest way to use herbs to soften or tone the skin is to use them in the bath. Like a sachet, the herbal blend is put in a small bag. Just add the bag to the bath before running the hot water. Bags can be re-used several times.
Relaxing Bath Bag: Equal parts lavender and bay leaves. Herbal Foot Bath: Equal parts sage, thyme, sweet marjoram and bay leaves. Put a bath bag in hot water and steep for at least five minutes before soaking feet. Does wonders for tired feet!
HERBAL SHAMPOO
A simple herbal shampoo can be made using a favorite herb. Mix equal parts pure baby shampoo (unscented) and herb infusion A herb infusion is a strong tea made by pouring boiling water over the herbs, and then left to infuse in a covered pot for at least one hour before straining. For the infusion, use two ounces of dried herb or four ounces fresh herb to one pint of boiling water. Do not use an aluminum pan, as it may react with the herbs and taint the infusion.
HERBAL SOAPS
Natural herbal soaps are a big money maker for many herb growers, who sell the soap to those who have skin that is sensitive to the harsh chemical ingredients found in most commercial soaps, as well as those who just want a natural, handcrafted bar of soap. Most soap makers mix small batches of ten pounds or so - enough to make about 100 bars in a hour. Because there is a strong demand for small-batch natural specialty soaps, people will pay top dollar.
There is also a growing demand for container-grown herb plants from folks who want to grow their own herbs for home-made fragrant herbal products. To learn more, read Growing Herbs For Profit, available at: www.extraincomebulletin.com
7 Most Popular Herbal Products 12 OUNCES EQUALS
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