Roots in Bloom Wellness Farm
Sow. Grow. Heal.
The history of lavender dates
back for millennia. Many cul-
tures have used lavender to
improve their quality of life in
different aspects. It was bibli-
cally referenced multiple times.
Egyptians recorded use of
Lavender in their mummifica-
tion process. Other cultures
used is as a room freshener,
for bathing, in perfumery and
more.
Folklore offers stories of an
infusion to help ward off in-
fection. This story suggests
that during the plagues of Eu-
rope, “grave robbers” would
wash their hands in a vinegar
infusion including many herbs
such as Lavender, Clove, Rue,
Sage, Mint, and Rosemary. It is
thought that lavender was used
for its camphorous attribute.
This tale varies greatly in de-
tail. The infusion has been
coined by varying names, with
the most common reference
being “Four Thieves”. Today,
herbalists make their own ren-
dition of this blend for use in
many different applications.
While similar in ingredients,
the application often deter-
mines variances in the recipe.
The herbs used in this infusion
are said to be antiseptic, astrin-
gent, antibacterial, antifungal,
and antimicrobial. We call our
variations “Healthy Human”.
Lavendula is a genus of 25 or
so species of aromatic ever-
green perennials and shrubs.
The two most commonly used
are L. angustifolia and L. latifo-
lia. While both are high in
essential oils, they differ slight-
ly in constituents and
strengths.
L. angustifolia, or English Lav-
ender, grows at higher eleva-
tions and offers a sweeter
scent. It is commonly used in
perfumery and aromatherapy.
It has also been documented
to be useful internally for di-
gestive complaints, anxiety,
depression, irritability, head
aches, exhaustion, and bron-
chial complaints. Externally
used, it can assist with minor
burns, sunburn, rheumatism,
muscular complaints, neural-
gia, skin complaints, cold
sores, insect and snake bites,
head lice, insomnia, and more.
The flowers are used for culi-
nary purposes being crystal-
ized and added to salads, jams,
jellies, and ice cream. It is also
infused into vinegar and
brewed for a tea. It’s economic
uses include perfumery, toilet-
ries, and potpourris.
L. latiflia, or Spike Lavender,
grows at lower elevations and
has a much more camphorous
aroma. Most commonly this
species is used externally for
bronchial complaints, sinusitis,
as well as muscular and rheu-
matic pain. This species can
also be used in for culinary
purposes in salads, marinades,
and for flavoring soups and
stews. The flowers and leaves
can be made into an herbal
tea. L. latifolia has a pleasant
flavor. Economically the oil,
known as “Oil of aspic, is often
used in cleaning products,
disinfectants, less expensive
perfumes, potpourris, topical
sprays, shampoo, bug repel-
lants, varnishes, and ceramic
paints.
Lavender has been used for
medicinal, culinary, and eco-
nomic uses for millennia. It
has long been known to be a
versatile herb. This herbs is
definitely one of my favorites
to use in making salves, tonics,
and extracts.
Sow On & Sow Forth– An Herbal Profile
A chronical of self sustainability in the Ozarks.
RiB Vo lume 1, Issue 1
An Herbal Profile– Lavender
1
Sustainability– Ram Pump
2
Garden Basics– Growing Lavender
2
Recipes- Healthy Human Hemp Vinaigrette
3
Recipes– Lavender First Aid Spray
3
Sustainable Kids- Lavender Play Dough
3
About Us– The Farm 4
Featured Product 4
Inside this issue:
Summer 2016
Lovely Lavender
During the plagues
of Europe, it is said
that “grave robbers”
would wash their
hands in a vinegar
infusion with many
herbs including Lav-
ender, Clove, Rue,
Sage, Mint, and
Rosemary.
Page 1
Written by Mee McGill
When we started to design a
water system for our Boston
Mountain farm, we wanted to
be certain that our efforts
weren’t wasted. Sustainability,
by definition, dictates that sys-
tems designed to make every-
day life easier should not re-
quire extreme effort toward
maintenance. For that end
result, we decided to let nature
and it’s forces aid us in attain-
ing our day-to-day needs.
Because we were fortunate and
smart enough to acquire land
with a decently sized pond, our
watering requirements had a
nice head start.
Due to the fact that almost 300
acres of neighboring land
drains through our pond, it
refills each time we have sub-
stantial rainfall. We are able to
use this water to meet the
needs of any given season.
Even though we have such
great access to water, we quick-
ly realized that we needed a
water tower closer to our gar-
dens to assist in their daily
needs.
By building a water pump
powered only by water flowing
due to gravity, we are able to
lift water automatically into our
own tower. This ram pump
provides somewhat pressurized
water where and when we need
it. With this ram pump system
running smoothly, we are able
to have a full tower of water
every day. There is a great
comfort achieved in securing
water to feed our gardens and
for any other daily needs of the
farm.
Watch for the next newsletter
to learn how we will turn flow-
ing water into energy, hopeful-
ly enough to light up our even-
ing hours and fill our neck of
the woods with music, sweet
music.
To learn more about our sus-
tainability projects or to assist
in our efforts, visit the blogs
on our website.
What’s Growing On– Updates & Basics
Ram Pump in action!
Page 2 Sow. Grow. Heal . RiB Volume 1, Issue 1
Garden Basics– Growing Lavender
When choosing which lavender
to grow, you will want to pon-
der the purpose for which you
are growing. Will you be using
your lavender as a bug repel-
lant or topical spray? Maybe
your interested in making sa-
chets or a tea blend. You will
also want to consider your
elevation, zone, soil health, and
location.
Lavender is commonly used in
herb gardens for their subtle
shades of purple and lovely
fragrance. L. angustifolia prefers
higher elevations and is hardy
in zones 5-8 while L. latifolia is
a lowland species and is only
hardy in zone 7. Lavender pre-
fers well drained, neutral to
alkaline soil in a sunny loca-
tion. They can grow to 4’ tall.
L. latifolia will tolerate slight
acidity. Lavender can be affect-
ed by gray mold, scab, leaf
spot, and honey fungus. Flow-
ers of L. angustifolia are harvest-
ed as they begin to open and
used fresh, distill for its volatile
oils, or dried for infusions,
spirits and tinctures. Harvest
young leaves and flowers of L.
latifolia for culinary uses. The
flower heads and flowers of
the other lavender species are
gathered as they open for dry-
ing.
Growing lavender can be easy
if it has the proper environ-
ment and care. It adds esthetic
beauty to your garden that
smells lovely. The best part is
that the herb is useful in so
many ways!
Sustainability– Ram Pump
During the plagues of
Europe, it is said that
“grave robbers” would
wash their hands in a
vinegar infusion with
many herbs including
Lavender, Clove, Rue,
Sage, Mint, and Rose-
mary.
Written by Keith McGill
Written by Mee McGill
Lavender First Aid Spray
Heal’s the Deal– Recipes
This is a refreshing and healthy dressing that invigorates any salad. It also makes a deli-
cious marinade for veggies or a fish dish. It is best to use fresh herbs, however, dried herb
can be used as a substitution. Use half the amount called for in the recipe.
Ingredients:
2 2/3 cups Hemp Seed Oil
1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1/3 cup Lemon juice
4 Cloves Garlic, chopped
2 Tbsp. fresh Marjoram
2 Tbsp. fresh Sage
2 Tbsp. fresh Rosemary
2 Tbsp. fresh Lavender flowers
1 Tbsp. fresh Mint
1 Tsp. fresh Lemon Zest
1/8 Tsp. ground Clove
1/4 cup hemp seed (optional) Preparation:
Finley chop all herbs and place all into a quart sized mason jar with the vinegar. Cover
and let stand for 24 hours. Add oil and hemp seed. Serve immediately with your favorite
salad or use as a marinade.
Page 3 Sow. Grow. Heal . Volume 1, I ssue 1
Healthy Human Hemp Vinaigrette
Written by Honoria and Zephy Smith
Sensory dough is a great tool for playtime. Here is an amazing recipe for lavender play dough that’s fun to make together. Other scents can be made by using different natural food coloring, herbs, and food grade essential oils. This recipe is non-toxic and safe if inadvertently consumed. 1 cup salt 2 cups flour 1 1/2 cups boiling water 2 tbsp. oil 10 drops lavender
essential oil 1 tsp. lemon juice 1/2 cup lavender flowers Mix all dry ingredients. Add oils. Slowly add enough water while stirring until desired consistency is reached. Let stand until cooled. Store in a sealed Tupperware for up to 6 weeks.
LAVENDER PLAYDOUGH
SUSTAINABLE
KIDS
Lavender First Aid Spray
I just wanted to share a recipe for a new product we make. Make it yourself or
contact us. Great for minor sunburns, burns, scrapes, and bug bites. This spray
will cleanse and soothe your skin as well as aids healing. Spray on as needed.
1 8 oz. Amber Glass Spray Bottle
4 oz. Distilled Water or Apple Cider Vinegar
2 oz. Witch Hazel
2 oz. Aloe Vera Juice
80 drops English Lavender Essential Oil
Using a funnel, pour Witch Hazel, Aloe, and Lavender oil into an eight (8) ounce
amber glass spray bottle. Add water or vinegar. Shake well before each use. Store
in a cool dark space for maximum shelf life.
Written by Mee McGill
Written by Mee McGill
Roots in Bloom Wellness Farm is dedicated to providing exceptional plant starts, produce, herbs, and all natural wellness products to those in our community and around the world. RiB is Certified Naturally Grown and Home-grown by Heroes.
Roots in Bloom focuses on reducing waste in the landfills by repurposing materials whenever possible. We take pride in our efforts to replenish the land and care for the local wildlife. RiB’s members and volunteers are passion-ate about healthy values, nutritious food, sustainability and helping others in need.
To learn more about our farm, upcoming events, and new products, visit our website at:
www.rootsinbloom.weebly.com
West Fork, AR 72774
Find us on:
Do you have an unmanageable mane of hair? Do other leave-in treatments make your hair feel brit-
tle or greasy? While other leave in sprays can contain harsh ingredients, Roots in Bloom Nourishing
Hair Tamer is full of hydrating, strengthening, and calming herbs that soothe and nourish your
beautiful locks. It smooths and strengthens your hair naturally while making it quite manageable.
This leave-in spray contains no alcohol or harsh chemicals so it won’t leave your hair brittle or
greasy. RiB’s Nourishing Hair Tamer is great to use just after shampooing and is mild enough for
your sensitive skin.
We grow many herbs on our Certified Naturally Grown farm and source all natural, organic, and
wild crafted ingredients when necessary.
Find this product at:
www.rootsinbloom.etsy.com and at Ozark Natural Foods Coop in Fayetteville AR.
Featured Product– Nourishing Hair Tamer
479.502.2491
www.rootsinbloom.weebly.com
www.rootsinbloom.etsy.com
Sow. Grow. Heal.
Roots in Bloom Wellness Farm
The information and products offered by Roots in Bloom are intended as educational resources.
Roots in Bloom does not diagnose disease, disorders, or illness. Please use caution when trying new
herbs. Roots in Bloom assumes no liability for adverse reactions, contraindications, or any injuries
due to use of any information or herbs presented. Some herbs are contraindicated in elderly, preg-
nant and nursing mothers, children, and patients taking certain medications. As always, speak with
your health care professional before changing your diet or using new herbal remedies.
Disclaimer
About Us– The Farm
Page 4