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Tuesdays with a Twist #56 is LIVE

Good Morning and Welcome to another No Rules Party!
Are you planning a garden this year? Have you planted your seeds?
Yesterday I shared my MAY Seed Planting for the US by Region.
Time to get busy!  

The BEE-FRIENDLY Garden Seeds GIVEAWAY is Live thru April 30th
and you can enter Every Day!
You might also enjoy Grow Your Own Medicine: Mugwort 

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We're your hosts 

Mary @ Back to the Basics and Mary's Kitchen
Joyce @ It's Your Life! 
Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Angie @ God's Growing Garden
Debra @ MsMoozy's Open House
Deb @ Kneaded Creations

FEATURES:

Building a Community Garden from Terri @ Easy Life

Farmer's Market Bag from Vickie @ Making Our Sustainable Life

5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day All Year Long

Kitchen Garden Herb Garden

If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.

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The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!

*Pictures should be your own* 

By linking up you give us permission to use these photos

 (with proper link backs) in our features.   And now for the party!

MAY Seed Planting Guide for the US by Region

Mary's Heirloom Seeds Newsletter MAY Seed Planting Guide for the US Mother's Day is   Sunday, May 11th We have several   Mother's Day gift ideas!  "Wild about Wildflowers" seed pack combo   "Mary's Salsa Pack" "Mary's Garden Pack"   **NEW** Mexican Sunflower seeds Organic Mugwort dried herb Have you seen the DIY Tincture Kits?     DIY Tincture Kit   Helpful Links:  2014 Planting Guide Grow Your Own "Medicine"  Using Diatomaceous Earth  May is right around the corner!  Are you ready to plant heirloom, non-GMO seeds?  More seeds?   MAY seed Starting Guide for the US by Region GULF COAST     Beans, Beets, Gourds, Kale, Okra, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Radish. Summer Squash, Swiss Chard and Watermelon. Herbs: Basil, Chamomile, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Echinacea, Lemonbalm, Lemongrass, Mugwort, Oregano, Sage, Tarragon, Thyme and Yarrow WILDFLOWERS!    SOUTHWEST   Beans, Beets ,Cantalope, Corn, Cucumber, Gourds, Leeks, Lettuce, Kale, Melons, Okra, Peas, Peppers, Radish, Scallions, Spinach, Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, Thessaloniki Tomato, Turnips and Watermelon.    Herbs: Basil, Chamomile, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Echinacea, Lemonbalm, Lemongrass, Mugwort, Oregano, Sage, Tarragon, Thyme and Yarrow WILDFLOWERS!   PACIFIC NORTHWEST Artichoke, Arugula, Beans, Beets, Carrots, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Gourds, Leeks, Lettuce, Kale Melons, Okra, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Radish, Scallions,Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Turnips and Watermelon.  Herbs: Basil, Chamomile, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Echinacea, Lemonbalm, Lemongrass, Mugwort, Oregano, Sage, Tarragon, Thyme and Yarrow WILDFLOWERS!        SOUTHERN INTERIOR  Arugula, Beans, Beets, Corn, Cucumber, Gourds, Leeks, Lettuce, Kale Melons, Okra, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Radish, Scallions, Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Turnips and Watermelon.  Herbs: Basil, Chamomile, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Echinacea, Lemonbalm, Lemongrass, Mugwort, Oregano, Sage, Tarragon, Thyme and Yarrow WILDFLOWERS!   CENTRAL MIDWEST  Arugula, Beans, Beets, Corn, Cucumber, Gourds, Leeks, Lettuce, Kale Melons, Okra, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Radish, Scallions, Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Turnips and Watermelon.  Herbs: Basil, Chamomile, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Echinacea, Lemonbalm, Lemongrass, Mugwort, Oregano, Sage, Tarragon, Thyme and Yarrow WILDFLOWERS!   NORTH CENTRAL ROCKIES  Artichoke,Arugula, Beans, Beets, Carrots, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Gourds, Leeks, Lettuce, Kale, Melons, Okra, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Radish, Scallions,Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Turnips and Watermelon.  Herbs: Basil, Chamomile, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Echinacea, Lemonbalm, Lemongrass, Mugwort, Oregano, Sage, Tarragon, Thyme and Yarrow WILDFLOWERS!   MID-ATLANTIC  Arugula, Beans, Beets, Corn, Cucumber, Gourds, Leeks, Lettuce, Kale, Melons, Okra, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Radish, Scallions, Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Turnips and Watermelon.  Herbs: Basil, Chamomile, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Echinacea, Lemonbalm, Lemongrass, Mugwort, Oregano, Sage, Tarragon, Thyme and Yarrow WILDFLOWERS!   MARITIME CANADA & NEW ENGLAND  Arugula, Beans, Beets, Corn, Cucumber, Gourds, Leeks, Lettuce, Kale, Melons, Okra, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Radish, Scallions, Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes and Turnips  Herbs: Basil, Chamomile, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Echinacea, Lemonbalm, Lemongrass, Mugwort, Oregano, Sage, Tarragon, Thyme and Yarrow WILDFLOWERS!     Mary has signed the Safe Seed pledge.   Seed Orders placed Monday-Thursday are shipped within 24 hours, except for holidays.  Free Shipping on all Heirloom Seeds within the US!    What will YOU plant this May?   Sincerely,                                    Mary Mary's Heirloom Seeds  The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest her or his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease. Thomas A. Edison   "The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway." Michael Pollan

Grow Your Own Medicine: Mugwort

Have you ever considered the "medicine" available to you, grown in your own backyard (or farm). From Basil to Coneflower and even Thyme, there are so many reported health benefits of many common (and not so common) herbs and flowers.

Growing Mugwort

Mugwort seeds germinate best with a cold treatment. Some herb gardeners will sow the herb seeds directly out in the garden in the late fall for germination the next spring. Others with mix the herb seeds with dampened peat moss and place the Mugwort seeds/peat moss mixture in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 weeks before planting.  

Mugwort

If you want this one in your garden and you don't want it to take over, it's important to have deep sound borders around it. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and the leaves can be up to 2 to 4 inches long. Once they start they will grow rapidly, and can be difficult to control.

Germination: up to 21 days

Days to Maturity: 80 days or more
 

 Benefits and Uses of Mugwort

I'll let you in on a little secret...Mugwort is a smokeable herb.
While I don't smoke, I have read a lot about LEGAL smokable herbs such as Mugwort and Chamomile.

From Smokable Herbs:
In herbal medicine, this herb has been used to treat cardiovascular problems, feelings of unease, malaise, unwellness, abnormal bleeding, high-grade fever, cold, cough, purging the stomach of impurities, flatulence, bloating, intestinal parasites, indigestion, malabsorption of nutrients, epilepsy, fits, cerebral palsy, burning, chronic pain, itching, wart, rash from poison oak, loss of appetite, chronic stomach complaints, rheumatic disorder, nervous problems, spasms, sterility, asthma, abnormal menstrual bleeding and other menstrual complaints, and brain disease. It also strengthens the digestive system. It also expels pinworms in the intestine.

Mugwort has many medicinal properties such as stimulant, antibacterial, purgative, anthelmintic, nervine, antiinflammatory, hemostatic, antiseptic, expectorant, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, carminative, digestive, diaphoretic, and cholagogue properties. Because of these properties, it is also used to thin blood. Mugwort is used in the treatment called moxibustion where it is attached to acupuncture needles. It works on the affected area by releasing heat. This technique is very effective in treating breech babies to change their cephalic position during delivery.

Even though it has so many medicinal properties, it should not be used by lactating women as this herb can pass through milk to the infant. Since the leaves are bitter in taste, they are used as a bitter flavoring agent in foods to season meat, fish, and fat. It is also used on roasted goose which is done for Christmas. It is used by the Chinese and Japanese in many foods such as juices and rice cakes. It has many essential oils such as thujone, wormwood, and cineole. Mugwort also contains derivates of coumarin, triterpenes, and flavonoids. This herb has found its use as an insect repellent too to eliminate moths from fields and gardens. It is also used as a smudging herb for divination.



Available NOW at MARY'S HERBAL ORGANIX

From Back to the Basics:

Health Benefits of Mugwort 

Mugwort can be used as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, haemostatic and to promote healthy digestion. 

Mugwort can also work to relax and sooth anxiety and stress.  Additional benefits include relief of exhaustion, nervousness, and mild depression. 

For women, Mugwort can help stimulate or regulate menstruation and can be used for painful menstrual cramps.

We have DIY Mugwort Tincture Kits at Mary's Tincture Shop!

Tincture kits include:
1 - 32 ounce Glass Jar with lid, 1 - 2 ounce Amber Bottle with dropper top,
 2 customizable labels, 1 ounce of Organic Herbs (additional herbs available)
and Detailed Instructions

Disclaimer: Should not be taken if pregnant or nursing. Not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

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Grow Your Own Medicine: Catnip

Have you ever considered the "medicine" available to you, grown in your own backyard (or farm).
From Basil to Coneflower and even Thyme, there are so many reported health benefits of many common (and not so common) herbs and flowers.

Growing Catnip

Catnip grows as a loosely branching, low perennial. In a flowerbed,

you can plant catnip in front of purple coneflower, which blooms about the same time. The plant bears tiny, white blooms that are not very showy. You can also grow it in containers.Set out transplants in the spring after the last frost. Keep plants full by pinching the growing stems and flower buds when they appear.

Germination: 7-10 days
Days to Harvest: 80 days

Our cats love dried catnip!

Benefits of Catnip

From Livestrong,
"Catnip -- Nepeta cataria -- is a strong-smelling plant of the mint family. In the 13th century, people used catnip as a medicinal cure-all, and some practitioners still take catnip today for pain, stress, flatulence, restlessness and nervousness. Medical trials involving catnip are inconclusive, but preliminary evidence suggests that small doses of catnip tea are not a health risk, according to Georgetown University Medical Center. Consult your doctor before drinking catnip tea."

Insect Repellant

Catnip effectively repels insects, according to a study published by the American Chemical Society in August 2001.The chemical nepetalactone that gives catnip its strong scent repels mosquitoes 10 times more effectively than DEET, the compound used in most commercial bug repellents. While the study researched catnip as an essential oil, catnip tea retains some of the strong aroma of the leaves, so may keep bugs away. Alternatively, use catnip essential oil as a bug repellent. Do not ingest essential oil or apply it directly to your skin.

Catnip tea is contraindicated for persons with liver and kidney disorders and pregnant women because it may induce premature labor.

We started with Basil as it is probably the most common herb and arguably the easiest to grow.  Stay tuned for more!

Anise Hyssop

Basil

Calendula

Chamomile

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Tuesdays with a Twist #55

Good Morning and HAPPY EARTH DAY!
Welcome to another No Rules Party!
Are you planning a garden this year? Have you planted your seeds? 

The BEE-FRIENDLY Garden Seeds GIVEAWAY is Live thru April 30th

and you can enter Every Day!

<a href="http://back2basichealth.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/greenmary_smith/ad9dc0c5-5f80-4ed7-a18c-c6e9fb42d156_zpsde41d9bb.jpg"/></a>

We're your hosts 

Mary @ Back to the Basics and Mary's Kitchen
Joyce @ It's Your Life! 
Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Angie @ God's Growing Garden
Debra @ MsMoozy's Open House
Deb @ Kneaded Creations

FEATURES:

The Truth about Easter Pets from Katie's Farm

If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.

<a href="http://back2basichealth.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/greenmary_smith/FeaturedMorningglory_zps96ec9fee.jpg"/></a>

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!

*Pictures should be your own* 

By linking up you give us permission to use these photos

 (with proper link backs) in our features.   And now for the party!

BEE-FRIENDLY Garden Seeds GIVEAWAY

I am THRILLED to announce a HUGE GIVEAWAY and just in time for Earth Day!

I have been promising this giveaway opportunity once we reached 

 2,000 likes on our facebook page...And we made it!!!

 Welcome to Mary's Heirloom Seeds!

NEW Heirloom Varieties available in SPECIALTY Heirlooms
All of the seeds listed are open-pollinated, non-gmo and non-hybrid,
non-patented,  untreated, heirloom garden seeds.
Mary has signed the Safe Seed pledge.  
Seed Orders placed Monday-Thursday are shipped within 24 hours, except for holidays.
Shipping on Heirloom Seeds is Free within the Continental US!

This "BEE-FRIENDLY" Seed Pack Giveaway includes 

1 full pack of EACH of the following organic varieties:

BACHELOR BUTTON

CALENDULA

FORGET-ME-NOT

LUPINE, ARROYO BLUE

AFRICAN CRACKERJACK MARIGOLD

YARROW
GIANT OF CALIFORNIA ZINNIA

 For more information on Organic Wildflowers, check out  

5 Reasons to Plant Wildflowers and Mary's Heirloom Seeds.

 This giveaway is available to anyone in the US. Ends 4/30/14 at Midnight.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Grow Your Own Medicine: Chamomile

Beautiful small flowers, German Chamomile makes a relaxing tea with a sweet fruity fragrance.

Sow seeds indoors on surface of soil. Transplant outdoors in early spring just before last frost. Chamomile prefers well-drained sandy soil and self-sows freely.
Germination: 10-14 days
Days to Harvest:  60 days

What is Chamomile?

(source)

source

Chamomile is an herb that comes from a flowering plant from the daisy family. Both the fresh and dried flowers of chamomile have been used to create teas for centuries to cure a number of health problems. The active ingredient in chamomile essential oil is known as bisabolol, which has a number of anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.

What are the Benefits of Chamomile?

Chamomile can be used topically or orally to treat a number of everyday ailments, such as:

Insomnia and other sleep disorders

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Muscle twitches

Wounds, burns, and scrapes

Skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, chickenpox, and diaper rash

Stomach problems such as menstrual cramps, stomach flu, and ulcers

Uses of Chamomile

Stomach Cramps

Chamomile has been found to contain fairly strong antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory constituents. Therefore, it has been found to be effective in treating stomach and intestinal cramps. Simply prepare a cup of Chamomile tea following the directions on the package and drink it twice a day until while symptoms are present (one cup first thing in the morning, and one in the evening).

Insomnia

Chamomile is wonderful remedy for sleep disorders such as insomnia. Simply make a chamomile tea 30 to 45 minutes before going to bed to treat sleeplessness.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Chamomile reduces cramping and pain in the bowels and also helps to relieve excessive gas and bloating in the intestines. Therefore, a simple remedy is to drink a cup of chamomile tea to help relieve irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, and gastroenteritis or stomach flu.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Menstrual Cramps

Drinking chamomile tea has been found to be beneficial in treating PMS and Menstrual Cramps.

Treat Burns and Scrapes

Chamomile oil is very useful in treating bad burns. Simple rub a small amount of oil gently across the burned area once a day. For scrapes and burns you can also brew a strong concoction by adding 3 tea bags to one cup of boiling water. When the water cools, dip a cloth into it and use it as a compress on the wounded area.

Lightening Skin Using Chamomile

Chamomile has been found to be advantageous for lightening your skin tone. Simply bring two quarts of water to a boil with 2 chamomile tea bags in it. Then place your face above the steaming pot of chamomile tea. A bath in water mixed with chamomile tea works too.

Reducing Dark Circles Around Eyes

Chamomile tea has been found to help relieve eye fatigue and dark circles. A simple remedy is to dip 2 chamomile tea bags in warm water. After 5 minutes, remove the tea bags from the water and let them cool to room temperature. Then place them on your eyes at night as a compress.

What are the Side Effects of Chamomile?

As with all herbal products, moderation is the key to avoiding adverse reactions. Some of the potential side effects of chamomile include drowsiness, so use it with caution if you are driving or operating machinery. High doses of chamomile can also cause vomiting and/or skin reactions in some individuals. If you are allergic to ragweed pollen or have hayfever, you may have difficulty using chamomile.

Using chamomile during pregnancy is not recommended, since it is considered to be an abortifacient (a substance that induces abortion). Chamomile is also not recommended if you are currently taking blood thinners, since chamomile contains a substance called coumarin (which is also a blood thinner).

 

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About Heartbleed from Mary @ Mary's heirloom Seeds

I just sent this out this morning!

About Heartbleed

There has been a lot of news in the past few days about a security vulnerability in a version of OpenSSL, commonly known as the "Heartbleed Bug". OpenSSL is a popular cryptographic software library used to help keep Internet communications private, so understandably you may have questions about how this might impact your private information.

At Mary's Heirloom Seeds, our site security is up to date and ALL orders are processed through a completely secure portal...Paypal.
 

From Paypal:

We take the responsibility of keeping your personal information and financial details protected very seriously at PayPal. It is our top concern.

We would like to assure you that with regards to the Heartbleed bug:

1) Your PayPal account is secure

2) Your PayPal account details were not exposed in the past and remain secure

3) You do not need to take any additional action to safeguard your information

4) There is no need to change your password


We hope you had a wonderful weekend.  We're getting ready for EARTH DAY!
Stay tuned!    -Mary

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SURPRISE!!! Happy Friday!!!

Just announced this morning!  What are your plans for the weekend?

SURPRISE SALE                APRIL 2014

*NEW* Mother's Day gift ideas Includes free shipping and a Mother's Day card "Wild about Wildflowers" Includes 6 varieties of Wildflowers  - Marigold  -Bachelor Button -Butterfly Garden -Lupine Arroyo Blue -Purple Coneflower  -Yarrow  Mary's Salsa Pack  Make wonderful homemade salsa fresh from the garden!  One packet of each.  Includes: -Mortgage Lifter Tomato -Jalapeno Pepper -Anaheim Pepper -Red Burgundy Onion -Cilantro Mary's Garden Pack Includes:   -Amana's Orange Tomato -German Giant Radish -Anaheim Pepper -Detroit Dark Red Beet -Jalapeno Pepper -Tom Thumb Lettuce -Blue Lake Bush Bean -Purple-Top Whiteglobe Turnip -5-Color Silverbeet   Swiss Chard -Marketmore Cucumber  Quick Links Mary's Tincture Shop   Supplies  WILDFLOWERS Combo Packs Planting Guide Back to the Basics Mary's Kitchen SURPRISE!!!! We think you're swell!  We've had such amazing feedback lately from customers that we decided to offer a "Surprise Sale" Check out these amazing deals... Purple Plum Radish Forget-Me-Not Tam Dew Honeydew melon European Mesclun Mix Genovese Basil This "SURPRISE SALE" will only last through 4/20/14 at Midnight EST.  Orders placed Friday (4/18/14) until noon will ship out TODAY! If you have additional questions please feel free to ask. Sincerely, Mary Mary's Heirloom Seeds