  |
The mission statement of the Herb Society of America is to "promote the knowledge, use and delight of herbs through educational programs, research and sharing the experience of its members with the community".
The Society is committed to protecting our global environment for the health and well-being of humankind and all growing things. We encourage gardeners to practice environmentally sound horticulture.
The Motto of the Society is taken from the herbalist, John Parkinson: "For Use and Delight"
|
Attention Members
Hill Country Herb Society to Kick Off New Year in New Location.
The Hill Country Unit of the Herb Society of America will have it’s first meeting of the year,
Wednesday, Jan. 15, in a new and permanent location: meeting room at Emily Ann Theatre & Gardens, 1101 FM-2325, Wimberley.
|
|
Program Info
JANUARY Meeting: "Simmer Pot Bag Making"
When: January 15, 2025
9:30am - Herbal Treats will be served
10am - Discussion / Meeting
Where: Meeting Room at the Emily Ann Theatre & Gardens
1101 FM2325, Wimberley, TX 78676
Elizabeth Price, who has a lifetime passion for herbs and serves on two committees with the National Herb Society, will give a presentation on simmer pots and will instruct as attendees assemble their own simmer pot bags to take home.
She will also give a short talk, including showing the Herb of the Month.
Each month, The Hill Country Unit features guest speakers, educational programs, or hands-on activities to promote the use of herbs for health, cooking, or home care.
Contact Lisa Valentine for membership or attendance information.
RSVP to Lisa Valentine at valentine_lisa@msn.com
2024-2025 Calendar of Events |
|
Herb of the Month - January 2025
(Click on the image below for recipes)
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
 The German chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, also known as M. recutita is native to southern and eastern Europe and western Asia, though it now grows widely through temperate disturbed areas, meadows and fields.
There are about 2 dozen varieties of chamomiles, including some that are poisonous.
The Roman or English chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is similar looking, though is a shorter growing plant and tends to have a more bitter taste than the German chamomile. Both are used for medicinal purposes interchangeably, though they belong to different genus.
Almost all varieties share the same daisy-like appearance - white flower petals with yellow centers. Roman chamomile is generally shorter than German chamomile.
The word chamomilla comes from the Greek chamos (ground) and melos (apple). Both the flowers and the leaves have a mild apple-like scent.
Egyptians, Romans and Greeks used chamomile to treat many conditions. Chamomile's medicinal history is due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-allergenic, and sedative properties. It has been used around the world to treat digestive issues, rheumatic problems, rashes and other skin conditions, allergies (though is also a ragweed relative), and to reduce anxiety and insomnia. Preparations include teas, salves, lotions, capsules, compresses and vapors.
While chamomile is often recognized as a sleep promoting herb, it was also known as a sure preventative of nightmares.
In Germany, chamomile is licensed for medicinal use: for teas, topical ointments, inhalants, and bath infusions.
Chamomile oil, though a beautiful blue color, can be added to shampoos to bring out highlights to blonde hair.
Chamomile flowers can be used to create a yellow-brown fabric dye. Anthemis tinctoria has a completely yellow flower which can be used for a yellow fabric dye.
The cheerful white daisy-like flowers symbolized patience in adversity to the Victorians.
Air dry the flowers in a single layer, on screens and away from direct sunlight, before storing them in airtight containers. Stems can also be cut, gathered and hung to dry.
Chamomile flowers can be used fresh or dried to make tea. The tea is often said to promote relaxation, stress-relief and sleep.
The petals are edible and can be used fresh in salads or the flavor can be infused in other beverages, oatmeal, syrups or incorporated into fruit dishes. In addition, they are used in sleep pillows, potpourri, bath tea blends and other cosmetic and craft uses.
|
|
Web Links of Interest:
Herb Society of America
Austin Herb Society
North Texas Herb Society
South Texas Herb Society
San Antonio Herb Society
Member Benefits:
Free or discounted admissions to participating gardens and arboreta nationwide though AHS Reciprocal Garden Program
Specialized district and annual meetings
Connection to fellow herb enthusiasts through the exclusive, online HSA Membership Directory
Subscription to the annual journal THE HERBARIST as well as national and district newsletters
Admission to the members-only section of HSA's website, which includes special educational programs
|
|
|
|