My boys kept me super warm last night with their perfectly running fevers and kept me up with their irritating coughs. So I'm off to give hugs and make soups, and syrups, and herbal pastilles and sleepy teas and probably some kinda cookies, maybe big soft ginger molasses cookies....because you've gotta have lots of herbaly goodness and hugs and kisses and cookies when this kinda madness goes down.

Herbal medicine is the medicine of the people, and plant medicines are not only simple, but safe, effective, and pretty much free. Our ancestors used plant medicines, and our neighbors around the world use plant medicines, and you can use plant medicines for healing just the same. It's super easy and super fun and I even let my littles help sometimes.

I've always liked to make my own Valentine love letters....all handwritten and colored with leaves and sticks and twigs and rocks and plant dyed spots, or whipping up my own chocolatey and sticky and sweet confections, and irresistible luscious liqueurs....but this year, I'm stringing wild jewels too. A little something special for my girls. They're easy enough to be a children's project but I'm keeping this one a secret because I'm making these ones for my Valentine girls. I will say though, that my fingertips didn't go without the occasional needle poke so some children my need help with this one.

Personally, I'm not one for store bought jewelry like gold rings or trinket laden necklaces. I have a lustful eye and a heart for the treasures gifted and hidden amongst Nature. I do love sea jewels and shells and seed pods and gems and stones and twigs and precious metals and such and I , especially like to find these treasures myself and make my own jewelery with wild jewels.

My budding herbalist Lena loves hanging out with me in the herb shop. She comes in, grabs this jar and that jar and say's, "can I smell?" It's really rather cute, and it gives us the opportunity to discuss the aroma, remind her of their names and what we can use them for. She loves to do little taste tests on orange peel, chamomile, rose hips and cinnamon chips. You can tell she's recognizing the different characteristics of each plant as she patiently smells and tastes each one.

So, I've decided to give her her own personal shelf amongst the big jars where she can tuck her very own baggies of herbs in. Together, we scooped, bagged and labeled individual herb bags. And, now whenever she comes in she can grab them, open them and give them a good ol smell.

Sometimes while I'm working I'll send her on a scavenger hunt for herbs. I'll have her locate simple herbs that have a specific smell or taste, like peppermint or licorice. Or, I'll send her on a journey for herbs of a particular color or shape too. I'll say, Lena can you find me 4 different jars with yellowish herbs in it, or maybe 3 different jars with roots? So, whether or not she grows up to be an herbalist, she's going to have some knowledge of our healing plants. And for now, since I can't keep Lena out of the herbal pantry, we have found a way to have fun playing and learning together!

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Jessica Morgan, M. H., Morgan Botanicals.

Disclaimer - The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for self-diagnosis or to replace any prescriptive medication. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem, suffer from allergies, are pregnant or nursing.

Jessica Morgan, M.H.

Washable herbal wipes are a super green and economical way to wash baby’s bottom, plus, it’s a great chemical-free rinse! The diaper service here in Tehachapi suggests that by using natural products like your own diaper wipes and natural herbal baby balms such as our Sweet Cheeks Baby Balm and baby powders such as our Happy Hiney Herbal Baby Power, that the diapers last longer.

We suggest at least a couple dozen or more if you go longer than 2 days between washings. You can store your wipes in a container and simply toss used ones into the diaper pail and wash with your diapers.