The Hilltop Group Family of Companies

Yarrow, Feverfew & Lavender

Kathy's Herb Garden Bouquet

Kathy’s Herb Garden Bouquet

I am such a lucky lady! In my garden I have a number of herbs growing and three of them are in flour right now.

My feverfew, yarrow and lavender combined beautifully in this bouquet but are also extremely medicinal, and we shouldn’t ignore nature’s bounty when we get it.

Yarrow: has properties that help reduce the length of time one is suffering from a cold or flu; it helps for relaxation; and used internally can help itches, rashes, and to stop bleeding in wounds.

Feverfew: is greatly beneficial for migraines and headaches as well as helping to reduce fever and help with arthritis pain and general pain. New research is showing a possible link to helping to alleviate dizziness and tinnitus as well. This would be extremely beneficial for me!

Lavender: lavender has been known for ages as the relaxation herb. But it is also wonderful in cooking and teas. Used externally it is a skin calmer and can help ease rashes, it is also antiseptic and can be used to disinfect minor wounds (in tincture or poultice form).

I use all three of these herbs from my garden in a relaxing tea. Since I suffer from chronic pain, migraines, dizziness, tinnitus and vertigo these three herbs combine in a tes can certainly not hurt my conditions. Externally, I combine them into a mild infusion to help with mild eczema and restless leg syndrome.

Kathy’s Relaxation Tea

1 teaspoon dried yarrow
1 teaspoon dried feverfew
2 teaspoons dried lavender

Steep with boiling water at least five minutes, covered. Sweeten with honey or sugar. Particularly good before bed.

 

Enjoy!  Kathy

NOTE: These herbs are not intended for pregnant women (no exceptions for pregnant women) or people with blood clotting disorders, who are on Coumadin, and who have kidney or liver disease. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure if you can take this tea.

Brand New at Hilltop Herbals

Rocca Butter Calming Skin Balm – a wonderful balm that soothes irritated skin with aromatic properties to sooth the senses. Get yours today.

Cool Tingly Leave in Hair Conditioner  I use this every day and love it! Leave in hair conditioner invigorates my scalp and leaves my hair shiny and silky. Get it here.

Visit the Hilltop Arts store today!

We will be at the Leitersburg BBQ Festival on April 18th, be sure to visit us to keep up to date.

 

Self-Survival of the Fittest

Notes from the laptop of a Fairfield, PA resident:

So I am sitting here, with my wife, watching the Baltimore Ravens trying to have their way with the New England Patriots.  I look around and think how blessed I am to be able to do this in my own (and the bank’s) warm home.  I’ve been in Pennsylvania for four years now and have only witnessed two winter-weather incidents that could have robbed us of this pleasure.

Maybe it is in the nature of those of us in emergency management to think “worst case scenario”.   We are educated and most of us have had some real-world experience with what has happened to others.  We have trained and responded to folks living through the worst day(s) of their lives.  Most of us have seen where an ounce of prevention…..

And aren’t you glad we are this way?   We can remind you of things that you may or may not have thought of in a long time.  Things that could possibly save a life or property.  Most folks go through their days thinking “No, that couldn’t possibly happen to me (us)”.  Why  not?   Aren’t you a human being?

Believe me it is good to have folks like us around because it is usually too late to prepare after the incident hits you.

So, here is the reminder:  You are human and vulnerable!  What provisions have you set aside to provide for your world in the event of a major weather or human related incident?  I mean could you self-survive for three days after the power goes out?  I say three days because that is usually how long it will take to get county, state, and federal intervention to your doorstep.

Folks in my neighborhood are usually well prepared for that first three days.  But what happens when fuel for the generator runs out.  An extended power outage (remember “Sandy” – it was out for weeks for some folks) also cuts the fuel pumps in the area.    What about water?  Most of our portable power generators don’t connect to our well pumps.   And what about our pets?  If you must evacuate to a shelter, what will become of your pets or livestock?

Some items include a pretty common sense:

Hydrology: Several cases of bottled water.  Who wants to waste gas heating bathtub water.  Save that for the toilet.

Lumocity: Plenty of lighting sources AND Batteries.  New LED lights use so little power.   Remember to leave the batteries out until you need the appliance.  Rotate fresh batteries through storage often. Candles are good, some last a long time but they do create a fire hazard.  If your going to use them make sure you have a lighter or two handy.  You may also desire to use an oil-filled lantern or two.  I see them in the hardware and antique stores all the time.  Be sure to keep a supply of oil and always use them in a ventilated space.

Grocery: Plenty of canned goods.  Look for ones with “ring-pull” lids.   Either that or keep one or two can openers in your cache.  Look for your favorite food items that are made for long-term storage.  Then rotate them through your pantry to keep stored foods as fresh as possible.

Pharmacy:  You’ll want to make sure you have plenty in the house if we predict a possible incident in your near-future.   Farther out is hard to keep prescription meds for any length of time.  Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information here.  Do keep other things like aspirin, Benadryl, tylenol or whatever you deem necessary.  Remember a good first aid kit, or build your own from the FEMA list.  You’ll also want to consider special needs like glasses, contact lenses, deodorant, soaps, etc.  Just think about what you take for granted…it won’t be available in a crisis unless you make it so.

Communication:  You can pretty well forget the cell phone when the power goes out.  If the cell towers aren’t working or overloaded, so is your phone.  If that happens turn the thing off for a few hours…save the battery!  It would be a good idea to invest in a small radio that has its own crank/solar/battery power.   Even if you can’t get out, you can still hear what’s going on outside your door.

Social Network: Look out your window (any direction will do). You see those building to the right, left, in front and behind yours?  The folks inside them are called your neighbors.  They are your first tier, real world social network. Most are friendly when it comes to an emergency.  I have a great one next door who plows my driveway (another blessing).  Talk to your neighbors, get to know them.  Besides making friends…your life may depend on them!

To be really prepared go to Ready.gov and see what the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has for you.  You’ll find instructions, checklists and suggestions for stuff you probably never considered.  AND IT IS ALL FREE ADVICE.  Well not totally free your tax dollars paid for it. Keep in mind it is the little things that can really make your life a nightmare.

Another idea is to help out the folks who are helping your world.   Check in with your county emergency management agency, talk to your local police and fire agencies or volunteer some time at your local hospital.  You’ll be amazed at how grateful they are.

In our area we also have the Fairfield Emergency Management Association (FREMA).  This group of dedicated citizens are working to “foresee and provide” local assistance (especially during that first three days).

These are just some thoughts coming from an interested citizen and FREMA Deputy Director.

PS…It is not too early to start planning for the extremes of summer.  I’ll have more later.

Mike

Upcoming Shows!

09/27/2015 We will be showing at Pippenfest in Fairfield, PA – our 3rd year!  Look for us at 109 W. Main Street in Fairfield, all day on Sunday 9/27/15.

 

We are happy to be showing at the CVCA Yard Sale on May 17 in the Ski Liberty Parking Lot. Pretty excited since we’ll be using the new show tent and will have shade from the sun! 🙂

And, on June 21 we will be at the Taste of the Valley Food & Wine Festival in Hagerstown, MD. Visit our website for more details.

20140425-150614.jpg
We will be selling Edible Birdhouses, Michael’s Glass Art, my herbals and photography and small crafts.

Hope to see you at our upcoming events!

Thanks, Kathy

Fennel Seed Tea for Weight Loss

WP_20140326_002Fennell Seed is a centuries old fold remedy for weight loss and is still used today. Drink fennel seed tea about 20 to 30 minutes before a meal to curb your appetite.

Fennel Seed is helpful in reducing bloating, gas and aids in digestion, and can help to alleviate abdominal cramping.  As an added bonus for women, fennel seed can help level hormones during menopause. (Also try my Hot Flash Buster which has been life altering for me!)

Fennel Seed Tea
1 teaspoon fennel seed for each cup of boiling water
Bruise the seed in a mortar and pestle (if you don’t have one you can bruise them on a cutting board with a spoon or rolling pin)
Steep for at least 10 minutes – COVERED (we don’t want those valuable herbal properties escaping!)
Strain and Serve hot (you can warm it back up if its not hot enough).  You can use honey if you don’t care for the taste. However, I find it very good without sugar or honey.)

Did you know? Fennel seed is also good for our pets.  It can help with gas, colic, bloating and can increase appetite for picky eaters, and help with bad breath. You can put fennel directly into your pets food or add a little fennel seed tea to their drinking water.

Enjoy!  Kathy