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Jerusalem Artichoke
Mon, 01/07/2008 - 21:21 — DawnBlackBotanical Name:
Helianthus tuberosus
Zones:
hardy to zone 4
Other Names:
sunroot, sunchoke, topinambur, canada potato, earth apple, girasole, tuberous sunflower, lambchoke
Native to eastern North America. Grown for its tubor, root vegetable.
Propagation:
Jerusalem artichokes are very hardy, vigorous growers. Tubors, or chunks of tubors can be planted in spring or autumn in fertile soil in a sunny spot or dappled shade and they will grow like weeds. Mine are planted in a row with part of the row in mostly shade and the other in in part sun. The ones in the shade are considerably shorter than the ones in the sun, but they are all taller than I am and I have to stand on tiptoe to reach the flowers in the part sun plants.
Don't worry if they take awhile to sprout in the spring. They generally make their first appearance in late spring to early summer and look like little baby sunflowers. They should be heavily mulched every autumn. Lack of proper fertilization will result in loss of flavor. That being said, the plants themselves are not picky and will grow in just about any soil. They do not like to grow in places where there aren't significantly defined seasons, however.
Don't be afraid to harvest the first year as each plant produces about 75 tubers. Wait till after the first frost to begin harvesting. If you are going to grow sunchokes, make sure to harvest every year to prevent them from going crazy. Don't worry, it's almost impossible to dig up every tuber, even when you want to. Seeds ripen in November. Best not to let the plant reseed itself (although the birds and squirrels like them). It will spread just fine by tubers, you don't want it in the neighbor's yard too!
Sunchokes don't play nice with other plants. They aren't bothered by weeds and will smother out bedmates. This year I planted sunflowers with them and they seemed to do well as they were in full bloom before the sunchokes were even thinking about blooming and it was a nice affect. Then the squirrels mowed down the sunflowers and that was the end of that. (The Japanese Beetles like the sunchokes but not enough to cause any serious damage) Next year I am thinking of planting more sunflowers and maybe some beans with them so the beans can climb the Sunchokes and sunflowers, though I have been warned against this because all three are susceptable to the same Sclerotina or white mold disease.
Be careful! These plants can be highly invasive. In fact, it is listed as a noxious weed in Minnesota.
Baby sunchokes are susceptable to slug damage.
Plants can also be started from seeds but will be very delicate their first year. They take up to 17 days to sprout.
History and Folklore:
Jerusalem Artichoke is a native to North America (not Jerusalem) and is not an artichoke (artichokes are members of the thistle family, Sunchokes are members of the sunflower family). Early settlers first called the plant girasole, the Italian word for sunflower. Apparently this word sounds like Jerusalem. It may also have occasionally been specified as the articiocco (edible) girasole, which sounds similar to artichoke.
The flavor of the root is said to be similar to the flavor of artichokes. But I think it's closer to a water chestnut.
This plant was first cultivated by Native Americans who called it Sun Root. It has been propegated for over 500 years. It was "discovered" by Champlain at Cape Cod in 1605 where it was grown by the natives there along with beans and maize. Lewis and Clark were also fed Sunchokes by Native Americans during their trek across the US.
Today this plant is grown in the US for human food, livestock fodder (it is especially loved by pigs), alcohol production and as a source of fructose.
Harvesting & Storage:
Roots can be dug in the autumn after the plant dies back. For best flavor, wait until after you get a good hard frost before digging up the roots. Store them in a cool place that isn't too dry. Wrapped in plastic in the fridge will do nicely. They will get bitter if kept too long in storage. It is best to leave them in the ground and dig them up as you need them. You can continue digging them right into early spring.
Household Use:
The flowers are pretty and the seeds will attract birds and squirrels and can be used in crafts.
Magical Attributes:
Like all Helianthus flowers, this one is sacred to Helios, the Roman Apollo, Ra and other sun Gods.
Healing Attributes:
Because it stores its sugar as inulin, which converts to fructose, which is safe for diabetics, Sunchoke is recommended as a potato substitute for diabetics. It does not cause sugar spikes like starch does (in potatoesi) and, according to some herbalists (of the Edgar Cayce school) has a healing effect on the pancreas.
A flour can be made of roasted sunchokes and this is recommended for use by people who are allergic to grains.
The tuber's high potassium content needs to be taken into account, however, especially by those with kidney disorders. It has six times the potassium of a bananai.
Sunchoke is also said to encourage the growth of natural probiotics, or helpful bacteria, in the gut. This is helpful for people with problems with candida or yeast overgrowth.
It is recommended that sunchokes be added to the diet slowly to allow the body to get used to it. There is also the occassional inulin allergy to watch out for.
Culinary Use:
Jerusalem artichokes are high in potassium, iron, fiber, niacin, thiamine, phosphorus and copper. Scrub and cut them immediately prior to eating them, as they brown quickly. Do not peel them as most of their nutrients are stored close to the skin.
The tubers can be prepared like potatoesi, but tend to get overly mushy when boiled. They are best very lightly steamed or stir fried and some people enjoy them raw in salads. They are crisp and sweet if they've been subjected to cold.
Starch is stored in Sunchoke tubers as inulin which is not easily digestable by humans, so it is a good food for diabetics and dieters who can tolerate it. Some folks have a hard time digesting it and in these folks it can cause gas and bloating. I am told that if you starti out with small amounts and get your body used to it, it'll learn to digest it.
Sunchokes have been used in France for wine and beer production.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Notes: I cooked my first Jerusalem Artichokes last night. These are the babies I planted last spring. I don't want to eat too many now because I want them to establish, so I only made a few. For science. I scrubbed them (didn't peel them) sliced them thin and sauted them for about 10 minutes in olive oil.
Oh my goodness.
Are they good.
They do taste a bit like artichokes- not like those pickled artichoke hearts you get on your pizza, but like properly steamed artichokes. The kind you pick out one petal at a time and dip in butter and scrape the meat off with your teeth and marvel allowed that we go through so much trouble for so little food just cause it tastes so good. Those. And these jerusalem artichokes taste buttery and rich and warm. It sort of reminded me of back in the day when I wasn't a vegetarian and I used to fry my potatoesi in bacon grease. Yum. Oh, and ah.. they seem to have digested fine too.
Chamomile
Sun, 01/06/2008 - 19:53 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Chamaemilum nobile and Matricaria recutita
Zones:
4-9
Other Names:
(German Chamomile) Wild Chamomile, Scented Mayweed, Hungarian Chamomile, (Roman Chamomile) Garden Chamomile, Ground Chamomile, Low Chamomile, Whig Plant, English Chamomile
Chamaemilum nobile- Roman Chamomile
Propagation:
Roman chamomile is usually propagated by division.
German chamomile is usually grown from seed. Sow directly into soil in the spring. It will reseed itself each year if you allow the heads to go to seed.
Chamomile prefers sandy, slightly acidic soil and direct sunlight, but likes a bit of shade if it gets too hot on a regular basis.
History and Folklore:
The word Chamomile comes from the Greek meaning "ground apple", probably because of its apple-like fragrance.
The Romans used Chamomile for incense. Roman Chamomile gained its name, not from ancient Rome, but because a 19th century plant collector found some growing on the ruins of the coliseum in Rome.
Chamomile was used in ancient Egypt for fevers and was dedicated to their Sun God Ra.
To the Anglo Saxons, it was one of the nine sacred herbs.
Harvesting & Storage:
Cut flower tops as they form and hang or spread on cloth to dry.
Household Use:
Chamomile added to the bath is very relaxing. It is especially good for fretful babies.
Chamomile tea is an excellent rinse for brightening blonde hair.
The dried flowers are excellent in potpourri.
Infuse chamomile flowers in milk for a soothing skin cleanser that both fights acne and moisturizes. Use within one week.
Chamomile planted near sick or delicate plants will help them return to or maintain their health.
Water young plants with chamomile tea to prevent "damping off".
Magical Attributes:
Chamomile is associated with the Sun, Leo and the element of Water. It helps cleanse and invigorate the throat chakra (5th). It is associated with various sun Gods, including Ra, Cernunnos, Lugh and others.
It is used in spells for money, peace, love, tranquility and purification.
An infusioni used to wash thresholds (doors and windows) will help keep unwanted energies or entities from passing through. Sprinkle powdered chamomile flowers around your self or home to remove spells cast against you and to prevent fires and lightening strikes. You may also use herbal water, if you prefer.
Use it in a rituali bath before performing spells for any of these purposes. Just a simple chamomile bath while visualizing will increase your attractiveness to the opposite sex. Also, use it in a bath as part of a spelli to release a loved one, or to release feelings of pain, loss or anger.
Washing your hands in chamomile water before gambling will increase your luck.
Add to sachets for luck or money. Or place pressed chamomile flowers in your wallet to attract money to it.
Use in meditationi incense.
Healing Attributes:
German chamomile is most often used in healing in the US, but Roman chamomile works as well.
It relaxes the body and mind and promotes a good night's sleep. It's safe enough to use for children. Also for teething stress and colic. Scientific studies have shown that it acts like leading anti anxiety medications, check with your doctor if you plan to use it this way. For nerves and insomnia, drink warm at bedtime. Can mix with warm milk and honey.
It is also a gentle muscle relaxant, anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory. It can be used, especially in combination with similar herbs, to sooth problems associated with muscle cramps and spasms. Especially useful for menstrual cramps. Drink two or three cups of tea per day.
It aids in digestion and sooths gastric complaints and colitis including irritable bowel problems. It also safely relieves morning sickness and restlessness that comes with pregnancy. For stomach problems, including gastritis, colitis and morning sickness, drink a cup of tea an empty stomach first thing in the morning hot or cold.
When used topically, it speeds the healing of cuts, scrapes, blisters and burns. It is also helpful for rashes, eczema and other skin inflammation. Add it to a salve, rinse the affected area with chamomile tea, or add a few drops of essential oil to bathwater.
Do not use ointments for burns, use compresses or light lotions instead. Oils hold in body heat and don't let the burns heal.
A chamomile tea bag makes a good compress. Chill or use warm.
Eye inflammations can be treated by placing a cool compress soaked in chamomile tea over the eyes.
Chamomile mouthwash helps keep gums healthy and soothes mouth inflammations.
Chamomile Teai- 2 teaspoons German Chamomile flowers to 1 mug of boiling water. Cover and steep five minutes.
Chamomile may cause allergic reactions in those allergic to ragweed.
Chamomile should not be used by people who are already using blood thinners because some constituents may have anticoagulant action.
Culinary Use:
Roman chamomile is most often used in cooking.
The fresh leaves are good mixed with butter or sour cream for potatoesi.
In Spain it is used to flavor Mantazilla, a light sherry.
Chamomile flowers were used in Anglo Saxon Europe for making beer until they started using hops.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
Arnica
Sat, 01/05/2008 - 15:54 — kitchenwitchBotanical Name:
Arnica montana
Zones:
5-9
Arnica is a member of the Asteraceae (or Compositeae) family along with sunflowers and dandelions. It is a hardy perennial native to the mountains and pasturelands of Central Europe.
Propagation:
Arnica enjoys a well-drained, slightly acidic soil. To increase drainage, if needed, add some sand to the soil. To increase acidity, you can add some peat moss. If using potting soil, mix equal parts sand and peat moss and combine that mix with equal parts potting soil.
You can propagate by root division or by seed. Roots should be divided in the spring, and seeds collected in the fall. Plant as early as you dare in the spring; ideally starti them in a cold frame and set them into the ground in May. This plant requires full sun and does grow well in a pot. It prefers high altitudes.
Arnica is a great addition to a rock garden.
Collect the flowers as soon as they bloom and hang upside down in a dark place to dry. The root may be collected in the fall after the flowers die down. The root can then be dried in the oven.
History and Folklore:
The word arnica comes from the Greek arnikis which means lamb coat. This refers to the flower's furry sepals.
The German name for arnica is Wolfsblume, or Wolf Flower. In ancient times, the people believed that the spirit of the Corn Wolf wandered among the cornfields adding his strength to the coming harvest. Arnica was placed around the fields to prevent him from escaping before the corni was ready to be harvested. His spirit then entered the final sheaf that was cut and it was later carried to the village in honor. (Note: Corn then was not what we think of corn now, but grain in general.)
Arnica has been wildly popular in Germany for centuries where it claims over 100 medicinal uses for everything from heart disease to anemia. The American variety was used by Native Americans and the early settlers for a variety of uses as well.
Harvesting & Storage:
Household Use:
Magical Attributes:
Arnica is masculine in nature and associated with Midsummer, the harvest and harvest spirits. It is sacred to Freya, Ra and Apollo. It is aligned with the sun and the element of fire.
To drive away thunderstorms (why you would want to, I don't know) burn arnica and say "Set arnica alight, set arnica alight, thunderstorm take flight."
Arnica can be used in general protective rituals as well as rituals for fertility of crops.
Arnica can be planted around an area to keep a spirit from entering or leaving. It will only work until the plant dies back in the fall.
Healing Attributes:
Arnica is topically soothing and aids healing in bruises and sprains and should be applied as quickly as possible after the injury occurs to aid healing. The essential oil can be added to massage oils for use before and after strenuous physical exercise to prevent muscle aches and strains. It is great for muscle aches of all sorts (including PMS) as it reduces inflammation and sooths pain. Arnica actually reduces clotting, however, and does not speed the disappearance of bruises, merely soothes the pain.
It should never be applied to open wounds, rashes or any broken skin. However, a compress of the flowers and roots can be applied in a compress over a bandaged wound to relieve pain and aid in healing. A hot compress can also be applied to aching, arthritic joints and wrists afflicted with carpal tunnel syndrome.
A good salve mix for bumps, bruises and sprains is witch hazel, comfrey and arnica.
Some people are allergic to this plant and repeated or continuous use can cause some people to develop an allergy to it. Use with caution and only for first aid purposes. Use something else for daily maintenance.
If you are allergic to any other member of the Compositae family (ragweed, for example) you are probably allergic to arnica! If you allow yourself to develop an allergy to arnica through overuse, you will most likely develop allergies to other members of the Compositae family as well.
Do not take arnica internally. It can cause intestinal irritation, inflames the mucus membranes, and affects blood pressure and heart rate. Even a small amount can kill you or, failing that, cause permanent damage to your heart.
Homeopathic arnica is safe.
Culinary Use:
Arnica should never be eaten as it is bad for the heart and can cause severe gastrointestinal upset.
Practical Kitchen Witchery:
A. montana is threatened in the European wild. If you must use this species, do not use those collected in the European wilderness!
In the US, however, it's a weed!
Midsummer
Tue, 02/13/2007 - 17:56 — DawnBlackDate- The Summer Solstice, June 20-22 or the fixed date of June 21.