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Herb
of the Year
Calendula (Calendula officinale)
Pronounced Ka - len' - dyu - la
Calendula is a self-sowing annual, easily grown here
in New Hampshire. The 2-4" flowers range in color
from pale yellow to deep apricot orange, on plants
from 18-30" tall. Calendula is eas y
to start from seed and readily found in nurseries.
For starting at home, it is best to plant your seeds
in a sterile seed starting mix during a waxing
Libra, Cancer or Taurus moon. Seeds germinate in 3-4
days and will be ready for transplant when seedlings
have 2 sets of "true" leaves. Move to garden
after danger of frost, during a waxing Libra, Taurus
or Cancer moon. Each plant should have one
square foot of space in the garden.
Calendula is a favorite cut flower, but is also a
staple in the herbal apothecary. Use calendula
in issues of lymphatic stagnation and to keep skin
clear and peachy!
Calendula is safe for internal use by most people.
Preparations include tea, tincture, infused oil,
salve, lotion, and bath blends.
Misty Meadows ~ Herb of the Month
May
Dwarf American Ginseng
Panax trifolius
Harvest flowering tops in May, then wait for roots until
September. If you wait too long, the little plants
will be gone, so timing is key! You can pull the whole
plant in May, but you'll see that the roots have not yet
formed the signature "ball", making the medicine a bit
weaker. You'll have to wait for fall for those roots,
and even then you might have to return immature plants to
the soil for another year or two. So dig gently so as
not to damage the roots!
 
****************************************************************************************
I began using Dwarf Ginseng in my herbal
practice about 6 years ago. I find it a viable
substitute for the endangered and very expensive
American Ginseng. I find it has gentle but
very effective adaptogenic qualities. Here are
some other very interesting historic uses for Dwarf
Ginseng:
Cherokee: Analgesic, Anti-rheumatic,
Dermatological Aid, Gastrointestinal Aid, Kidney
Aid, Liver Aid, Pediatric Aid, Pulmonary Aid,
Stimulant, Tuberculosis Remedy, Venereal Aid
Iroquois: Analgesic, Hunting Medicine,
Sports Medicine, Pulmonary Aid
Ojibwa, South: Hemostat
An "ingredient to relieve sharp pains in the
breast."
Chewed plant used for headaches.
Infusion of plant taken for breast pains and chewed
plant used for headaches.
Used for rheumatism.
Compound infusion given to children for "bold
hives."
Root chewed for short breath and colic and infusion
taken for colic.
Used for "nervous debility," "dyspepsia".
Root used for "dropsy" and gout.
Used for the liver.
Used for "diseases induced by mercury" and pox.
Decoction of roots rubbed into scratches made for
apoplexy.
Cold, compound infusion of beaten roots given for
fainting.
Infusion used for tuberculosis and "scrofulous
sores."
Root used for stubborn venereal disease.
Compound used for chest pains.
Infusion of roots used as a wash for fishing
equipment, a "fishing medicine."
Decoction of plant rubbed on the arms and legs of
lacrosse players.
Poultice of chewed root applied to cuts as a
coagulant.
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Gardener - Up Before the
Fairies Stir!
from Wendy Snow Fogg
Mid-Spring 2008
It's now mid-May and the gardening season is finally underway here in
southern New Hampshire. I've been scrambling since the new moon on the
5th, getting my peas, beans, corn and other above-ground crops planted under
the best lunar conditions for each. After the full moon on the 19th, I'll be
putting in potatoes, beets, onions, garlic, and carrots.
The sweet little garden at my new house is coming along nicely, with a
fun and efficient blending of herbs, flowers and veggies! I'll post
some pictures as it becomes a little more colorful.
Garden Journal - Remember to keep records of
your plants from seed to harvest. It will help you to determine which
suppliers have the most reliable seeds, which varieties grow best in your
area and your soil, which
varieties give the best yield and which have the best flavor and storage
quality.
Even though it's a chore to remember to journal, you'll save yourself from
repeating mistakes, and remind
yourself of the successes you've had, and the experiences you've had with
your garden.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Astrological Gardening Tips for May 2008
For the best results for all your hard work, consider
which part of the plant you will harvest, then follow these astrological
guide times for planting:
Best Time To Plant for Flowers / Leaves / Berries:
May 5, 8, 9, (new moon), 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 (full moon)
Best Time for Planting Root Crops
May 1, 23, 28 (*except potatoes)
*Planting potatoes in a Pisces moon, will produce
wildly misshapen potatoes!
Try it - You'll have some fun and learn a great truth!
Potatoes are best planted under a waning Scorpio or Capricorn moon.
Best Times To Prepare Soil ~ Till & Cultivate~ Weed
May 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,
Green blessings to all,
Wendy Fogg
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Misty Meadows Herbal Center - 185 Wednesday Hill Road
- Lee, NH 03824
Phone 603-659-7211
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