Herbs and flowers have many wondrous healing powers; so many more than I could ever imagine. I have learned about some of these healing herbs and flowers from Ellen at Second Nature Herb Farm at the Dorset Market. It’s always a joy and experience visiting her stand on Sundays.

With each of these herbs she picks the flowers in bloom, soaks them in olive oil and then steeps the blossoms and olive oil in honey for 6 weeks, creating a non aromatic salve.

Growing up, I was taught that by touching flowers it might hurt or wilt them. In my adulthood, I have learned that this is not true, and it’s part of the reason why I enjoy visiting Ellen at her stand, as she encourages touching and smelling the herbs. In exploring her herbs, I have learned that by softly touching the leaves, you not only get the sensation of their various textures but also their delightful, and sometimes surprising, aromas.

With a few of the herbs that Ellen grows, including Arnica, St. John’s Wort and Calendula (I love the word Calendula), she makes salves. With each of these herbs she picks the flowers in bloom, soaks them in olive oil and then steeps the blossoms and olive oil in honey for 6 weeks, creating a non aromatic salve. The color of the salve is a delightful deep, golden yellow from the honey, and it’s wonderful to rub into aches, pains, etc.

The Power of Healing Herbs and Flowers with Salve

Arnica: Heals bruises, treats arthritis, and is an all around reliever of aches, pains and inflammation.
Calendula: Is a disinfectant and has antibacterial properties, along with helping in treating slow-healing cuts.

St. John’s Wort: Heals cuts, scratches and relieves muscle strain and tension.

I may not be able to share the incredibly varied and delightful textures and aromas through my blog, but I hope you’ll be able to find someone at your local farmers market who grows herbs, so you too, can experience their wonder and delight.

Second Nature Herb Farm:

Ellen has a wealth of knowledge about the amazing and bountiful world of herbs. She is very happy to share with anyone who is interested in learning about herbs. If you are in the Manchester/Dorset area between now and Columbus Day weekend, come visit Ellen at the Dorset Farmers Market between 10am-2pm or at her farm: 331 Mill Pond Rd, Wells, Vermont 05774. You can also purchase her salve or enjoy an enlightening conversation with her.

Share with me below: What herb(s) do you use for their healing powers?

FEATURED FLOWER
Pot Marigold, Calendula. Photographed @ Tucson Botanical Garden.

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