“By observing nature, you begin to sense the harmonious interaction of all the elements and forces of life.” ~ The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra
The Mystery and Miracle of Plants
I have a passion for understanding plants and their properties. When I heard Dr. Mahtab Jafari, an accomplished researcher and professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of California Irvine say, “Nature is by far the best biochemical formulator,” I felt affirmed in my passion. She was presenting her research on the adaptogenic root rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), which has a reputation for helping to enhance vitality in aging. She said she wished she had the funds to delve into all its 140 constituents to test more mechanisms of action.
I have lived much of my life exploring the interface between plants and people. For example, as brand manager and innovation director for a large health and beauty product company, I spent a decade sniffing, researching, formulating with, and regularly marveling at the many benefits of damask rose (Rosa damascena) for skincare. In that time, we explored only 19 of the constituents that make up 95% of its 250+ components. You can only imagine how small but potentially mighty the chemistry is!
Wait, you’re not fascinated by antioxidants, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, saponins, flavonoids, phenyl alcohols, fatty acids, and other chemicals that protect the plants from yeast, molds, fungi, and bacteria so they can thrive? (Gasp!)
Most of us have experienced aromatic components, which attract pollinators that perpetuate the growth of plants. But it gets interesting when we begin to uncover parallel paths between the extracts and essences that help plants flourish and how they lend themselves to us, too.
Let’s face it, we are novices about Nature’s intelligent design. So, let’s endeavor to respect plants as if they know more than we do about their superpowers. Possibly applaud this link: Nature’s intricate powers include our body’s design as well!
Naturally Powerful and Easy to Grow – Two from My Garden
Responsibly growing and extracting healthy herbs is a fine way to value Nature’s helpmates. I want to tell you about two herbs in my garden: bee balm (Monarda fistulosa) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). For me they have been endless resources for study, experiments, formulas, and pleasure for bees and humans.
I am a huge fan of bee balm Monarda fistulosa (purple flowers) and Monarda dydma (red flowers) for so many reasons. They are perennial, full of antioxidants, the flowers attract and nourish pollinators, and they are easy to grow. Their spicy leaves are wonderful to chew on if you’re feeling the beginnings of a scratchy throat or heavy chest or stomach upset, as they contain carvacrol (like oregano, Origanum vulgare) and thymoquinone (like black seed, Nigella sativa). Look up Oswego Tea for some historic uses. *
I have used solubilizers such as pure water, glycerin, heat, or organic ethanol to break down the cellular walls of the leaves, flowers, roots, and fruits to make their constituents freely available. You’ll find the Monarda extract in glycerin and the versatile herb used in custom formulas such as facial serum and ABC salve in the Earth Family Trust offerings.
If you have enough space for a pot, or a patch of earth wherever you are, I urge you to plant bee balm. I love the square maroon stalks, the zesty fragrance, the color progression of their leaves; a light forest green, darkens into deep forest, turns a beautiful blue green hue, then edges with maroon. They are incredibly therapeutic and beautiful.
Anyone can grow Melissa officinalis! It’s another perennial that isn’t fussy, which is basically my M.O. It will enhance your emotional wherewithal (balance). You can uplift your vibe anytime of the day by rubbing the leaves between your fingers. You’ll feel like an instant herbal pro! I mean what’s not to like?
The soothing leaves are wonderful for calming all kinds of things. When our daughters were teething, I would add the delicate lemon mint flavor to small chunks of root vegetables steamed in parchment paper; the girls could eat the softened sweet potato, carrot, parsnip, and potato with their hands as they tamed their gums. I also like the herb freshly chopped on baked fish, in herbed creamy cheese, and in almost any topical product.
After cleansing my face, I adore misting the lemony mint fresh hydrosol for therapeutic aromatherapy as a morning ritual. Then I pat on facial radiance oil, massage the jawline, and capture the water essence into the natural moisturizing layers of skin. Can you imagine the simple grace of such a daily gift!
Talking about a plant that keeps on giving, I harvested the last of the herbs before the first hard frost to make a delicious Lemon Balm Cordial. It seemed appropriate to give during the holidays, sweet, relaxing, softly sedative, and infinitely gentle, this (not-for-sale) liqueur got rave reviews!
So, I’ve written about a couple of choices from my garden, that have been safely used for hundreds of years. As various plants proliferate and mature, I hope to share many more, such as saw palmetto, loquat, willow, birch, and maybe goji.
Perhaps you will plant some bee balm and lemon balm. Or perhaps they will just appear somewhere near you. There is a grace to letting the plants show themselves. If they do, chances are you would benefit from noticing them. ∞֍♥
*I don’t claim any curative qualities. Do not use while pregnant as it is known as an emmenagogue (uterine stimulant) in therapeutic doses.