Hi! I’m Kelsey. I started working at Open Field in March 2017 as part of the veggie crew. Over the last few years, my position has evolved into part-time veggie harvester and part-time herbalist. I consider tending the herb and perennial gardens, harvesting and drying the herbs, and blending them into teas to be my meditation and my creative outlet.
This past week I harvested the first round of Chamomile, to be dried and used for tea blends come fall. As I was harvesting, taking in the sweet scent of the blossoms, I felt so grounded and grateful for the many, many ways that plants can help keep us healthy. Feeling inspired by the chamomile, I wanted to share just a couple of it’s properties and possible uses.
-Chamomile soothes the nervous system and helps reduce stress and anxiety. It may be added to your bath water for an extra-calming soak, especially when combined with lavender, lemon balm, and/or rose petals.
-I often get dry, itchy eyes this time of year with all of the wind and the dust. A chamomile compress can made by pouring hot water over chamomile flowers in a bowl, steeping (covered) for 15 minutes, then soaking a clean washcloth in the tea, folding it and putting it over your eyes while lying down. You can keep it on for however long feels good, continuing to re-soak the cloth in the tea to re-warm it.
I hope that you are enjoying all of the fresh herbs currently growing in the U-pick gardens!
This week’s pick list:
Eggs
Strawberries
Beets
Carrots
Kohlrabi
Summer Squash
Cucumber
Fennel
Hakeuri Turnips
Scallions
Leeks
Garlic
Lettuce
Kale
Collards
Chard
Spinach
Basil, Cilantro, Dill, and Parsley
Olive Oil
Revolution Bread