I've been working so hard and the tension is building. Suddenly I found myself with the start of a migraine. I haven't had one in a few years, ever since I went through that (clear throat) female stage of life. I almost forgot what to do. My first thought was to go for the Tylenol, but I knew that wouldn't do any good on this type of pain. Then I remembered that yesterday I noticed the feverfew is up and looking healthy, as you can see above. I took a walk out to the garden and broke off a small leaf and popped one in my mouth. The fastest way to curb that headache is to chew little bites into the leaf, extracting the juice, but keep the leaf in your mouth, no need to swallow. It tastes very bitter; try to chew it as long as you can stand it, up to 2-3 minutes. Then it's okay to spit it out. If this is too strong for you, try making a tea with the bruised leaves. Go lie down for a few minutes, and if you caught the headache in time it should go away. Warning: Do not use this if you are pregnant; it has a stimulant action of the uterus. Hint: Harvest some leaves and freeze them in baggies for use later in the year.
My valerian is doing quite well this year. I'm very pleased. I also like that it has lovely flowers which not all herbs do. It's good for headaches,too, as well as insomnia. Valerian is an anti-spasmodic ; therefore good for cramps, but be careful it's also a sedative and will make you very sleepy. Take only at night and no driving! It's really not time to harvest yet, you should wait until late fall and unearth the roots. Wash thoroughly, and allow them to air dry in a shady area. To make an infusion, pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the root and let infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink as needed.
Now I'm going to sit back with cucumber slices on my eyes and dream of beautiful gardens full of healthy herbs and gorgeous daylilies. Maybe I'll actually get in a nap. And who am I kidding?
Flowers and plants are silent presences: they nourish every sense but the ear. May Sarton
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