Alongside the usual chocolates and flowers, why not go for something different this year?
Editor Jane Garton suggests some herbal treats that will make this year’s Mother’s Day one to remember.
Make Mother’s Day on March 19th her best one yet with a herbal gift basket. Think lavender to help sleep, rosemary to instil calm, ginger tea to revive, some peppermint to ease indigestion and perhaps some echinacea to protect against the sniffles.
Lavender
Lavender has been popular for its calming, soothing properties for thousands of years. It was also used to scent water used for bathing by the Romans and Greeks hence its name – the Latin word lavare means to wash.
For stress relief on busy days why not take a leaf out of the Roman’s book and show Mum how restorative it is to indulge in a lavender soak. Infuse one cup of dried lavender flowers or two cups of fresh flowers for about five minutes until the water is cool enough to bathe in. If you don’t want the buds floating around in the bath, simply tie them in a bundle with muslin or cheesecloth before adding to the water.
Rosemary
The name rosemary comes from the Latin ros marinus meaning dew of the sea and refers to its original habitat – the Mediterranean coastline. Legend has it that the flowers were once white, only turning to blue after the Virgin Mary hung her cloak on a rosemary bush when the holy family stopped to rest on the flight into Egypt.
Rosemary has long been associated with improving the mind and boosting memory as well as being valued as a tonic for the heart and nervous system, Suggest Mum tries a drop or two of essential oil in an aromatherapy oil burner to lift flagging spirits or to help concentration.
Peppermint
The refreshing flavour and medicinal qualities of mint have been valued for thousands of years. Traces of mint were found in an Egyptian tomb dating from between 1035 and 332 BC. Records show it was also popular with the Greeks and Romans.
For bloating and digestive problems why not show Mum how to make an infusion. Simply put a handful of leaves in 150 ml of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 10- 15 minutes, strain and suggest she drinks one cup before meals. A cup at night before going to bed may also help her to sleep soundly.
Ginger
Lovely ginger has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties and is ideal if Mum suffers from daily aches and pains. Several drops of ginger oil mixed with a tablespoon of almond oil can be rubbed on the affected area. It is also a popular circulation booster and warming remedy.
Ginger tea is wonderful for reviving flagging spirits. It is available in tea bags, or you can show Mum how to make her own. Simply add half a teaspoon of grated ginger root to a cup of very hot water. Add a pinch of cinnamon to spice it up.
Devil’s Claw
If Mum’s joints are causing issues, this herb may help to make them run more smoothly. It’s not known exactly how devil’s claw works but its tubers have several active chemical compounds that have been studied extensively by scientists. One of the most important are called harpagosides, which research shows have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Echinacea
It may be March, but colds and coughs are still about, so why not include some echinacea in case Mum is unlucky enough to go down with the sniffles. It’s one of the best herbal remedies for strengthening the immune system. Echinacea comes from the Greek word ekhinos meaning hedgehog, referring to the spiky nature of the flowers’ centre.
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