2011..A New Year, A New Choice, A New Hope~

The old year will soon be out and the new one will settle in and quickly become the accepted norm.

Many will be making resolutions that are also the accepted norm...nothing wrong with resolutions except most are never realized.

Many things are out of balance in our society right now, jobs are hard to come by, money is even harder, and families who were considered in the middle class of income a few years ago are bordering on homeless, or being forced to let all they have worked for go...in hopes of salvaging a new start.

I find this current situation in my home country to be less than acceptable. We really should be so outraged that our only resolution is to make so much noise that those in power have no choice but to be pay attention.

We have a voice, we must stand up and use it. Each state has a government, know who represents you, they

are there to listen and act on our best interest.

Consider this...if just half of the voting population in each state would spend one hour each month- calling, sending emails, signing petitions, and writing letters...can you hear the shuffling of papers ?

There is power in numbers and in constant motion...if I have a group of  unhappy customers ringing my phone, knocking on my doors, and overloading my mailbox every day with demands ...I'm going to start looking for real solutions~

I hear so many say we don't have any power left. We have the same power we have always had...just more reasons to use it...and use it we must....2011 will see many changes, this is the year to take a stand, make it a priority, fight like your life depends on it...for my friend, it surely does.

If not now...when

If not you and I...who

Be a part of the change we  wish to see~

A mighty and productive New Year to you and yours~

Bea Kunz

Sage Hill Farms

Day's In Waiting~

Between Christmas Day and New Years Day is akin to being in Limbo for me...I never know exactly what I'm supposed to be doing...not being one to lounge around for very many days...I frankly am ready to get busy at something.??

So...I have tackled the project of cataloging all my herb information pertaining to the business of Sage Hill Farms. Quite the undertaking really. Once I have it all in one location it is much more than I knew was waiting for me.

Reading through some of the articles, memo's, and press coverings, it comes to life just how far this project has come. The beginnings started in 2003 with a simple idea of exploring my roots of farming, and maybe sharing that with others who had the desire to come along.

Sage Hill has been a learning project for me on many levels. The idea was to teach the concept of sustainable living through sustainable farming/gardening. While this has always been the higher priority, in the mix a business was born that has been both demanding and so rewarding.

We have meet many wonderful people, learned things we never knew existed, and are healthier, wealthier,(somewhat ) and indeed much wiser for the journey.

Herbs are little miracles that many call weeds...for example...

A new herb we will be adding to the gardens this spring is Borage.
This herb has a very high content of calcium, potassium, and mineral salts.
Research suggest that Borage works on the adrenal glands...where courage begins.
In earlier times it was floated in the stirrup-cups of Crusaders at their departure.....I suppose it was for this reason.

Borage has many culinary uses; the flowers can be sprinkled in salads, and used as a garnish or crystallized for cake decorations.

Leaf of Borage can be added to drinks, salads, yogurt, soft cheese, pickles and sandwiches.
The leaves can be cooked as spinach or mixed with same, added to ravioli stuffing is awesome.

The plant attracts bee's to the garden...which is a must for pollination.

A very cool use for Borage is to toss it into the fire place or outside fire pit. The nitrate potash content will emit sparks and a slight explosive sound like fireworks.

Borage is perfect for a salt substitute as it is rich in mineral salts.

So...if you have need of Borage...you know where to look.

http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Have questions...we are here.
Have comments or shares....we love them.

Enjoy these limbo days....or maybe you are on a cruise and haven't a clue of my dilemma~

Bea Kunz

Merry Christmas/Happy Holiday's from The Sage Hill Farms Family~

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year~

From The Gardens To December~with Mother Nature.

It seems today the gardens are green, lush, and producing...take a nap and presto ! The winter season arrived without a proper invitation....Mother Nature really has few manners, can be cold and harsh, hot and hard to deal with, change her mind more than any of  her sister friends, then  wrap herself in a white skirt and pretty red bow and suddenly be the star of the show.

Ms Rosemary and Lady Thyme adapts well to Mother Nature's dual personalities.
Rosemary bends and sways under the cloaking of the snow and ice, while Lady Thyme snuggles and comes out only when encouraged by a helping hand.

She has more helpers than Santa has elves, and the training she provides would tempt Einstein to start school all over again.

Mother Nature is old as dirt and looks smashing considering how stressful her life is on any given day, any year, any era......she is , without a doubt "timeless."

I suggest we throw a special party and shower her with the best gift of all....Consideration.

May your holiday's be filled with passion and com-passion~

Bea Kunz

Marketing/Advertising/Selling-Avenues~

The season is upon us...if we have a business we are looking for and thinking about ways to market same.

If we are on the shopping end of the season...and who isn't ?  Then we are looking for good buys, great products, and the perfect gift to compliment that perfect person.

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Tobri, RYZE....and so many other social sites are brimming with hundreds of businesses...large and small...how does one zero in and know the best place to spend our time and our dollars.

Well, from my personal assessment , knowledge gained through years of networking travels-this is what I've ended up with.  Do claim it for your own, try it, then share it...

Pay attention to the connections you make. Ask yourself -why do I need this connection, and what can I contribute to the other side. If, you don't have good feedback on these two questions...you no doubt should pass.

Once a connection is offered/accepted, consider it a commitment, keep in touch, ask questions, learn about the person and the business.....then file it away for later needs, share it with others when the need presents an opening.

This is the season to go back over all the special connections we have made over the last year and include as many as possible in our holiday options for shopping.

When we don't utilize the businesses that we connect with...then it makes networking a bit of wasted time and effort...yours and mine.

Looking forward to a happy and eventful holiday season~

I trust the same for you.

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Sage Hill Farms
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Herbs and Halloween~Beware !

It hasn't been that long ago when superstition was a main thread in common, ever day life.
Witches , or those believed to be witches, were burned at the stake  in 1692 in Salem Mass., by high ranking, educated, and supposedly christian men and women.
.
Marie Laveau was a famous Voodoo Queen in New Orleans who produced 15 children  and left a very long history of what fear and superstition can do and cause. http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/l/laveau_marie.html
Many herbs, plants, and weeds that we now take for granted to be on the side of goodness, has roots in Ancient history as defenders of evil.

I've included the uses that these same plants are known for today.


Mugwort-was, in the Middle Ages thought to be a magic herb to defend against witches, and even the Devil himself. Long stems of this herb, which can grow to be five feet tall, would be hung in doorways and from ceiling rafters.....Today Mugwort is used in medicinal ways or as a tea for better digestion and bloating.
It is also known that if not used with care it can bring on very vivid dreams.

Mullein- is a familiar herb in unattended places,  old railways, vacant lots, and overgrown farmland. Its soft, grey leaves were once thought by the Romans to be a powerful repellent to demons. In the Middle Ages mullein was called “hag taper” –but not because the dried flowering stems were used as torches (which they were), but because it was thought that witches used it in incantations and in their brews. ....Today Mullein is used to flavor liqueurs and to relieve respiratory discomfort from mucus. In homeopathic medicine it is used to treat migraine's and earache's.  All parts except the flower are mildly toxic...
Rue- has also been used since ancient times as a weapon against evil. Medieval folk used rue as a defense against witches, and against the plague, to the modern mind a much more real threat. Witches used rue in their enchantments too. “Double, double toil and trouble,” said the witches in Macbeth as the cauldron of magical herbs roiled and boiled......Today Rue is a popular plant in the garden for many uses. In culinary it can be used to infuse marinades, cream cheese, egg, and fish recipes.
Medicinally it is used to treat wounds and for arthritis . It is very irritating to the bare skin, handle with gloves.

Birch- the silvery-barked tree that we cherish in our landscape, was the witches’ choice for their broomsticks.....Today, birch leaf tea may be used as a mild sleep inducer....Today Birch is thought of as strictly a landscape plant/tree...but, the sap is used in wine and vinegar and beer from the bark. Tea from the leaves, and oil extracted from the bark is used to treat leather, and in medicated soaps for eczema.



Angelica, a Strong Defence Against Witches

In a class by itself is the Halloween herb whose name says it all. Thought to be the strongest defense against witches and the plague, angelica was revered as the best herb in the medicinal plant arsenal. An angel revealed the secrets of this plant to a monk while he dreamed and from then on no witch dared to use angelica in any brews or spells. Medieval monks continued to use this imposing plant’s roots in their wines and liqueurs, free from witch-like ties.......Today Angelica is still used to flavor gin, vermouth, and chartreuse.
The leaf is also used in teas to treat colds and  cooked with acidic fruits to reduce sugar requirements.
The leaf is also used for relaxing baths.


If angelica was the most potent anti-witch herb, then mandrake, the super strong, all-purpose herb for working every spell, invoking every curse, was the witch’s most desired plant. European mandrake, also known as Satan’s apple, is a narcotic root of human like appearance, long known as a mystical plant. When a face was carved into the root, the resulting manikin became a potent weapon, capable of great evil....

Mandrake, the Witch’s Ally

Mandrake has history in the book of Genesis-30:14

Today it is used in some alternative medicine for a non harsh relief of constipation issues.

Mandrake has some safety issues...Do Not Use Without A Doctors Supervision.

Isn't history the most exciting place to poke around~

Bea Kunz...share your Halloween frights with us, please...

Art from Tacuinum Sanitatis -1474...a Medieval handbook on wellness.

Discover Garlic~A Good Thing~

Garlic is so much more than a seasoning for a few specific dishes...dating back more than 4,000 years, garlic has been used for many different ailments...digestive issues, respiratory, fatigue, bacterial infections, toothaches, arthritis, and heart disease...all according to a review in the Nutritional Journal.

A quick guide to using garlic...again from the Nutritional Journal.

( please see your health care provider if you have health issues )

For Heart Health... take 1,200 mg daily of aged garlic extract.
For Strep Throat...gargle with a garlic solution (mix content of a garlic capsule and warm water )
Ear Infections...Use ear drops that contain garlic, (they are often combined with other herbs.) They can found in any good health food or alternative/compounding pharmacy.
Staph skin infections...use a topical garlic product...again look for this in the same places as above.

Fresh garlic bulbs will last for months..but once the bulb is broken apart it is only good for a few days.

According to Decker Weiss, NMD, a naturopath cardiologist in Scottsdale,Ariz., bugs don't develop resistance to garlic the way they do to antibiotics, Dr Weiss says he often gets better results with botanicals than antibiotics for non-life threatening infections.

Studies have shown that garlic helps protect against many cancers.

A simple and good thing~

To free choices and better health~

Bea Kunz