Favorite time of year…

What is your favorite time of year?  I think mine might be February, when we can finally visualize the light at the end of the tunnel of winter.  It’s almost time to turn the soil in the garden… but not quite yet.  It is, however, finally time to place those tiny new seeds in the seed starting mix you’ve been itching to get your hands into.  Personally, I love watching new life grow.  I get a thrill as new seedlings (my new babies!) push up and out of the soil.  Yes, February might be my favorite time of year.  Here, at our farm, we are beginning the seed starting process with our fast-growing perennial herbs, like Oregano and Thyme, and annuals, such as Basil and German Chamomile. Chamomile is most commonly known as an ingredient in calming tea blends, but there is so much more to this little plant than that! It has anti-inflammatory properties that make it a great addition to the apothecary for arthritis, rheumatism, and swelling.  Topically, chamomile is known to be soothing to the skin when used for rashes and dry skin ailments.  According to the NIH, chamomile is “promoted for sleeplessness, anxiety, and gastrointestinal conditions” (a).  Myth has it, because of its mild sedative properties, chamomile was even used in some love potions during the Middle Ages! Chamomile is a dainty little plant that is easy to grow in full sun; and if the flowers are left on the plant, it can easily reseed itself, rewarding you with even more flowers the following year!  Some may think February is still winter, but we know better… It’s just the beginning of Spring Fever around here!

(a) https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.