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

sowgrowheal@gmail.com

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