1. HYSSOP - Herb of
spring, summer & autumn

Hyssop (Hyssopus officionalis)

Used in France as a culinary herb, especially for bean and lentil dishes, Hyssop is best-known as a soother of coughs.

Also heals bruises and wounds, no matter if the flesh is crushed, and relieves the pain of them.

Superb remedy for bronchitis, especially the chronic form, and aids in the removal of stuck mucus.

Has a pleasant spicy-ish flavour, especially the blossoms, which are a good addition to salads in summertime.

Is much visited by bees, especially native bumble bees.

In my home, hyssop is used extensively in cooking and in salad dishes, and is always present in bean dishes.

It is used in tisanes - best used fresh to be ingested, as the dried herb does not taste pleasant.

Extracted into oils and is an ingredient in balms.

2. LAVENDER - Herb/FLOWER of summer & autumn

Lavender - Lavendula angustifolia/ officinalis

Calming and soothing to the nerves and entire body, used often for burns and small cuts; it cleans and heals.

Energetically, lavender cleanses and brings peace and ease.

Soothes an aching heart, emotionally speaking, and as a sedative nervine, aids calm, peaceful sleep.

Aids with anxiety and relieves tension headaches.

Soothes grief, calms, and refreshes the spirits.

The fresh flowers can be cut and used as decoration in the home, to bring a refreshing scent and beautiful colour.

Flowers can be dried and used to keep clothing & linen fresh smelling and pest free.

A tisane can be made using fresh or dried lavender - it is usually part of a herbal mix.

Oil can be extracted - it is strong and used sparingly.