Herbs and plants

Turmeric, Curcuma, Indian saffron, ขมิ้นชัน (Khamin chan) Curcuma longa L. Long rooted curcuma, Turmeric, Yellow ginger Habit : Erect, terrestrial, perennial herb, rhizome tuberous, orange-yellow, aromatic Leaf : Simple, alternate distichous, lanceolate Flower : Inflorescence in terminal, cylindrical spike on apex of rhizome, flowers pale yellow with light green or whitish bracteoles Fruit : Capsule, globose, 3-lobed MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS FLOWERING PERIOD HARVESTING PERIOD Fresh and dried FLOWER CAN BE Roots can be used rhizome : USED IN SALADS for???? treatment of peptic ulcer, dyspepsia, indigestion, flatulence; contain volatile oil, curcumin Additional information: HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page101 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Aloe, Aloin, Jafferabad, Barbados วุ้นว่านหางจระเข้ (Wan hang chora khe (jelly)) Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. Habit : Herb with short stem Leaf : Simple, densely rosulate, thickly fleshy, concave or rather flat above, convex beneath, containing very bitter, yellowish brown sap Flower : Inflorescence in terminal raceme or terminal panicle with racemiform branches; flowers yellowish orange, pendulous Fruit : Capsule MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS FLOWERING PERIOD HARVESTING PERIOD Yellow juice from leaf skin : boil gently to dry; used in traditional recipes as purgative. Fresh mucilage from leaf : HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page102 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS FLOWERING PERIOD HARVESTING PERIOD contains glycoprotein, aloctin A; apply to relieve headache, very good for burns, sunburn, radiation burns, wounds and eczema; used internally to relieve peptic ulcer; possesses anti- inflammatory activity and stimulate tissue repairment. Additional information: Cosmetic products as shampoo, soap HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page103 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

พลูคาว (Phlu Khao) Houttuynia, Chameleon plant, Tricolor Houttuynia cordata Thunb. houttuynia Habit : Perennial herb, whole plant has an unusual taste that is often described as fishy Leaf : Simple, alternate, cordate Flower : Inflorescence flower, 4 white bract, small sessile floret, no petal Fruit : Dry dehiscent fruit MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS FLOWERING HARVESTING PERIOD PERIOD Leaf : veneral diseases, dermatitis Whole plant : diuretic, disinfection of urinary tract Additional information: Detergent or/repellent information HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page104 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

HOW TO DRY HERBS

HOW TO DRY HERBS Drying herbs is an easy and useful way of preserving them for use in cooking and craft. Many herbs lend themselves well to drying, and in some cases, you can dry the leaves, flowers and stem portions of an herb. Drying herbs so that they retain their flavor relies on knowing which herbs are best for drying, picking them at the right time and storing them well. Choosing the herbs for drying Some herbs are easier to dry than others owing to their stronger leaves and oils. However, almost all herbs can be dried in one or another. Trial and experiment is the best way to find out which herbs dry best for you, with the expectation that some herbs will shrivel up and look like a brown mess when dried, while others will retain color and texture well. Strong leaved herbs tend to be the easiest herbs to dry. These include bay leaves, rosemary, thyme and sage. A dried bay or rosemary leaf will usually retain its color and shape without any difficulty. Tender broad leaved varieties can be a bit trickier, as they are easily affected by moisture and can quickly turn moldy if not dried properly. The types of herbs in question include basil, parsley, mint, tarragon and lemon balm. These need to be dried quickly to prevent molding. Harvest herbs for drying just before their flowers open. There will be plenty of buds to signify that flowering is about to occur. As for the time of day, generally it is best to harvest herbs after the dew has evaporated but before the sun has had a chance to evaporate the volatile oils in the herbs. This is usually early morning, give or take a bit for the specifics of your location. Although generalist advice is to harvest herbs before the flowers open, it pays to experiment. Sometimes it's better to harvest after. It all depends on which form will allow the herbs to hold their shape and flavor best. And if you actually want flowers, then it makes sense to wait until the herb flowers first. HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page106 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Prepare for drying as soon as you've harvested the herbs. The herbs will preserve best if they're dealt with immediately; allowing them to wilt or sit around and gather moisture or dust will spoil their flavor, color and appearance. Clean the herbs if needed. Some herbs may need rinsing first and a pick over to remove debris such as dried grass or weeds. Herbs can be gently rinsed under cool water, and given a minimal shake to remove excess moisture. Discard leaves with blemishes, bruising or imperfections. HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page107 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Method 1 Simple quick dry for cooking This method deals with having dry fresh (and clean) herbs rather than dried herbs! This is best done at least a half hour before cooking with the herbs, to allow adequate drying time. Pick the herbs for cooking with. Lay a clean tea towel out flat on a suitable surface. A kitchen bench or the sink are ideal spots. Alternatively, use a dish drying rack. Lay the tea towel on the rack; this will allow for greater air circulation. Wash the herbs gently. Use the least amount of water possible to avoid crushing or bruising the herbs. Perhaps lay herbs in a colander under running water, or just hold the herbs under the water. Finish with a gentle shake over the sink to dislodge as much of the water as possible. Lay each herb stem/stalk or sprig on the tea towel. Lay across the tea towel if you have more than one. Try to prevent too much overlapping. Let dry in a warm kitchen. Touch to feel if the herbs are dry. When the herbs are dry enough, use in the recipe as required. HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page108 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Method 2: Drying in the sun or outdoors This is the least preferred method for drying. The reason for this is that the herbs will tend to be bleached and lose their flavor. It can be useful for craft though. Cut the herbs when the dew has dried off them. Tie into a bundle with a rubber band. Keep the leaves and flowers facing downwards. Hang somewhere on the porch or off a hanger in a spot that gets full sun. Leave for several days to dry, checking every now and then. Be sure to tie on securely in case of windy days. Dry outdoors inside a paper bag. After bundling, tie a paper bag around the bundle. Hang the whole bag outside. The bag will provide more protection against the sunshine. It will also catch any seeds that dry too, if you want to collect them. Remove when dried. The herbs are dried when they just become crisp and no moisture can be felt. HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page109 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Method 3: Air drying indoors Indoor drying is preferred as it will keep the flavor, color and qualities of the herb better intact than outdoor drying. Air drying is good for tender leaved herbs. It's also an easy one to do as once the herbs have been prepared, you can leave them to dry without having to do more. Bundle the herbs into a bunch. Tie a rubber band around the stems of the herbs. Any flowers on the herbs should face downward. Drying times will likely vary if bundling together different types of herbs, so consider only making bundles of a single type of herb until you're more experienced and can mix the herbs knowing the drying times specific to each. If you're doing a set of herb bundles, you might consider keeping the bundles sizes similar, so that the drying times coincide. This makes it easier when it comes time to store or used the dried herbs, so that you don't have to wait for the next bunch to dry. But it all depends on what you're doing with the herbs and your immediate needs. Choose whether or not to use a paper bag. The paper bag can speed up the drying process and catch falling seeds, leaves, etc. On the other hand, having no bag means you can have some lovely bunches of herbs on display in your home. Select a suitable drying hanger. All sorts of items can be used to hang herbs from, including ladders, ceiling beams, coat hangers, a nail, etc. Herbs can also be dried on a rack or screen. An old window screen can be used if clean and in decent shape. Position such a screen to allow the air to move freely both sides of the screen. If using a screen, you'll need to turn the herbs daily to prevent curling. Leave to dry. Herbs should dry away from direct sunlight and moisture or they HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page110 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

will spoil. Drying times will take anywhere from 5 days to a few weeks, depending on the types of herbs you're drying. Remove when dried. The herbs are dried when they just become crisp and no moisture can be felt. Use for culinary, medicinal, display or craft purposes. Many dried herbs will crumble readily, making them easy to turn into herb mixes such as bouquet garni. Dried herbs are often great additions to potpourri too HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page111 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Method 4: Drying in the Oven Herbs can be dried in an oven and will be suitable for culinary and medicinal purposes. Set the oven to a very low temperature, the lowest it will go. Leave the door open. Arrange the picked herbs across a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the lowest level of the oven. Let dry but turn the herbs frequently. When they appear a little crisp, remove from the oven. For those with a wood oven, screen racks can be placed on top of the wood stove. Lay the herbs across it to dry in their own time. Tips  Herbs that were born to drying include: lavender (will stay looking good for years); rosemary (keeps for years too); bay leaves; hops; soft grey oregano; and pink tinged marjoram.  Herb seeds are best dried using the air drying method, allowing them to fall into a paper bag. Store in an airtight container.  A very simple drying rack can be made from a block of wood (shaped nicely if you like) with wooden pegs attached across it at even intervals. Add a hanging device at the back and paint the words 'herbs' or some leaves to remind you what it's for. Then hang the whole rack against a suitable wall. Attach the herbs from each peg, keeping them from resting against one another. The herbs best used for this rack include rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, marjoram and flower buds.  All crushed or ground dried herbs should be stored in airtight containers away from direct light. For the best flavor when using dried herbs for culinary purposes, use most herbs within 6 months of drying. HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page112 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Warnings  Avoid drying herbs in areas of high moisture, such as the bathroom and kitchen. If you can keep your kitchen toasty warm and draw moisture out immediately, your kitchen might be an exception.  Damp herbs will go musty and moldy. If this happens, discard them.  Many herbs will shrivel and look browned and nondescript after drying. Much drying of herbs is a self-learned art, using trial and error with the herbs from your garden. Sometimes, you'll also need to choose between fragrance, taste or appearance and only go for the one that matters when all three cannot be kept by drying.  High temperatures will destroy herbs; avoid using too much heat for drying.  Use rubber bands rather than string for drying. The reason for this is simple––rubber bands tighten around the herb stems that contract as they dry. String doesn't, which means that the herbs can slip out and fall to the ground when hanging up to dry. Sources and Citations  Nerys Purchon, Herbcraft, (1993), ISBN 0-340-51639-9 – research source  Elizabeth Walker, Making Things With Herbs, (1977), ISBN 0-87983-156-1 – research source  Nora Blose and Dawn Cusick, Herb Drying Handbook, (1993), ISBN 0-8069-0281-7 – research source (note that this book is an excellent source for precise details on drying individual types of herbs) HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page113 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Method 5: Freezing herbs It is possible to freeze herbs. In many cases, this is done to quickly preserve a glut of herbs when there isn't time to do anything more time consuming because few herbs survive the freezing process in a presentable form, although most will retain their flavor profile. Here are some methods to help you keep the herbs longer through freezing. Steps Be aware that most herbs will not freeze in a way that retains their former glory. Many will turn mushy but should retain the flavor provided you are prepared to use them for food such as soups, stews, baked goods and the like, rather than for salads or garnishes. Note that not everyone agrees that herbs can be frozen at all. Some chefs believe it ruins the herbs and should be avoided. On the other hand, others believe it is just fine to freeze herbs. It is recommended that you try it for yourself as an experiment to see whether or not the results work for you. Herbs thought to be amenable to freezing include: chives, chervil, dill, fennel leaves, parsley and tarragon. Herbs that don't dry well are better frozen (for example, chives, basil, chervil, cilantro and dill. Keep in mind that some herbs may be better dried than frozen. For example, rosemary will dry really simply without much ado and retains its flavor for a long time. Collect herbs after the dew has dried from them. The idea is to get them before too many of the oils have evaporated in the heat of the sun but after they're free of the morning dew. However, the need to pick them before the sun has heated them may depend on where you live; if your sunshine isn't too fierce, any time of the day may be appropriate. The reason to avoid picking herbs that are damp is that they can mildew easily. For the purposes of freezing, it's just more water you need to get rid of. Prepare the herbs before freezing. Herbs should be free of dirt, insects and any other plant matter. If needed, wash dirty herbs gently but thoroughly and allow to dry completely before freezing. If you know the herbs are from a clean source and can get away with just brushing them or wiping them, this is preferable to washing them too much. If you have washed the herbs, leave on absorbent paper to soak HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page114 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

up moisture, then pat dry. Select a method for freezing based on one of the following. Aim to use frozen herbs within two months, to avoid loss of flavor. Herbs kept frozen any longer than this may taste bland or even unpleasant, depending on the type of herb. Ad Freezing sprigs Select herbs that can be turned into sprigs. Some herbs will stay in sprigs, such as rosemary, parsley or thyme. Bay leaves can be frozen this way. Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper or kitchen foil. Lay the sprigs across the baking sheet or tray. Place in the freezer and allow to freeze. Remove from the freezer. Place into bags or suitable freezer containers. Note the date and contents before returning to the freezer. Use within two months. HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page115 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Freeze Grated or Chopped Herbs Grate or finely chop the herbs before freezing. This will take care of the mush many softer leaf herbs are going to turn into anyway. You can grate or finely chop single herbs this way or do a mixture of complementary herbs. Place into small freezer bags. Date and label the bags. Freeze. Use within two months. Ad Freezing in Ice Cubes This method works around the mushiness by giving the herbs something solid to hang onto. These are great for removing whole and tossing direct into soups, stews and other hot items while cooking, to release both flavor and a little liquid. Wash and completely dry an ice cube tray. If freezing lots, use more trays. Chop or dice the herbs up finely. Sprinkle to about 1/4 of the way in each ice cube hole in the tray. This can work for mixed herb combinations as well as single herb varieties. Cover each herb lot with a little water. Don't overfill the cubes or HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page116 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

herbs will float away. Note: Some people find it easier to pour in a little water, then add the herbs, then pour in the remaining bit of water. Experiment to see what you prefer. Freeze the cubes. Once frozen, transfer to re-sealable freezer bags or freezer containers and label and date as appropriate. Place back in the freezer. Leave until needed. Use within two months. To use, simply add one or two cubes to a dish you're cooking at any one time. To help you measure, one ice cube of herbs is worth approximately 15ml/1 tablespoon of chopped herbs. Freezing in Butter Make an herb butter. There are plenty of possibilities, including thyme butter, basil butter, rosemary butter and herb butter. Wrap the butter in kitchen foil. Place this inside a freezer-proof container with a lid. Label and date the container. HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page117 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

You can freeze little portions (easiest to thaw), a butter roll or a whole block of herb butter. Do whichever works best for your cooking and storage needs. Use. Herb butter will keep for up to 12 months. You can either slice off a piece of the frozen butter and allow just that piece to thaw, or thaw the whole portion, depending on your needs. Thaw in the refrigerator and once it has thawed, keep it covered in the refrigerator and use within 2 to 3 days. Freezing in Oil (Herb and Oil Paste) Use the ice cube method above. However, this time, use a food processor to puree soft leaved herbs (such as basil, parsley or cilantro) with a little olive oil or a more mildly flavored vegetable oil of choice. The herbs must be completely dry before processing. The ratio is about 1 cup fresh herbs to 1/4 cup oil. Process until a smooth paste is formed. Add the olive oil pureed herb to the ice cubes. Fill about 3/4 of the way. Do notadd water. Place in the freezer to freeze. Remove when frozen and add to freezer bags. Label and date. Use a cube or two when needed. Use within 3 months HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page118 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Tips  Blanched herbs can be frozen for up to 6 months. That said, the sooner you use frozen herbs, the better, as the flavors fade quickly, even when frozen.  Drying tends to preserve the flavor of most herbs just as well as freezing.  If you need to dry herbs after washing, dish drying racks are most useful; use a clean rack, then simply lay out the herbs on it and let the washed herbs dry.  If a little sun comes through the window to warm things up faster, so much the better. HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page119 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Your own dried herbs will taste better than store-bought because they’ll be newer and thus more pungent. If you grow your own herbs, you can also choose the tastiest varieties. HERB DRYING BASICS When herbs are dried, they are safe from bacteria, mold and yeast, and will remain potent for at least six to 12 months. To remove moisture, all you need is air circulation. Some warmth can also help. The methods detailed here fit the bill. Washing herbs usually isn’t necessary if they are grown organically. Harvest herbs in mid-morning before newly developed essential oils have been burned off by the sun, but after the dew has dried. Remove old, dead, diseased or wilted leaves. When you harvest herbs for their seeds, the seed heads should be turning brown and hardening, but not yet ready to shatter. To harvest herbs for their flowers — such as chamomile flowers or thyme spikes — snip flower buds off the plants close to the first day the buds open. Indoor Air Drying Herbs. Tie stems in bundles and hang the herbs upside down. Use twist-ties so you can easily tighten the bundles when stems shrink as they dry. A warm, dry spot is best; avoid the kitchen. Wrap muslin, a mesh produce bag or a paper bag with several holes around the bundle, and tie it at the neck. A drying screen helps dry leaves or sprigs. Make your own from an old window screen or hardware cloth mesh stapled to scrap wood or a picture frame. Lay cheesecloth over the screen, and place herbs on the cloth. Herbs can take a few hours to several days to dry fully. Solar Drying Herbs. This method is easy if you live in a warm, dry place. The ideal solar food-drying conditions are 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 percent humidity or less. Use the sun’s heat to dry herbs, but don’t expose herbs to too much direct sunlight as this could cause them to bleach. Solar drying can be as low-tech as placing drying screens outside until your herbs are brittle (bring them in at night). You can also dry herbs under the windshield or rear window of your car on a hot day. A DIY solar food dryer with stackable drying screens, a glass top to trap radiation, an absorber plate to transmit heat and a vent for air circulation is useful, too. HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page120 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

DRYING HERBS FOR TEA Enjoy your own blends of herbal tea. We will describe how to select, harvest, and dry herbs for tea. Below is a list of safe herbs for making tea:  Chamomile  Catnip  Horehound  Lemon Balm  Lemongrass  Rose Hips  Sassafras Harvesting It is important that herbs used for tea be harvested at the right time during the plant's growth cycle. To make it easy for you, we have created a chart that shows this information. To see it please click on How to Harvest Herbs With a very sharp knife or garden scissors carefully cut the stems. Do not pick or pull them as that will cause bruising on the stem and dangerous decomposition could start there. Cut the plants long enough to have an extra inch or two at the bottom of your herbs for bundling. Be sure to harvest your herbs after late morning when all the dew has dried. This helps to avoid mildew. Visually inspect your herbs and remove any bugs or damaged leaves or flowers with your sharp knife before drying. Clean and mildew free is important for tea. Bundling (two methods) Open Method Gather 5 to 7 stalks together and attach them together using a rubber band near the cut end of the herbs. Be sure the bundled end is secure as the stalks will shrink during the drying process. Caution: you do want the bundled end loose enough to allow a little air flow to prevent mildew. HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page121 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Paper Bag Method You can use paper lunch sacks that you have prepared by cutting many holes in the sides of the bag - but not the bottom or within 1 inch of the bottom. (see picture) Place your herbs in the sack and leave 1 to 2 inches of the stalks outside the opening of the bag. Using a rubber band or a piece of string secure the open end of the bag around the stalks. Note: Do not bundle different herbs together as their flavors and fragrances will transfer to each other during the drying process. Step 3: Drying Hang your herbs on a drying rack by the rubber band or string. Drying times can vary from a few days to a couple of weeks, but you will know they are dry when the herbs crumble easily. Locate your drying rack in a dark warm space, like a bedroom, garage or walk-in closet. If your herbs are bundled in paper bags, you can dry them on a covered porch or patio. be sure to keep the herbs out of direct sunlight, yet in a place with good air circulation. Your herbs are dry when the leave easily crumble. Seeds will be released during the drying process and you may want to place newspaper under your drying rack to keep them off the floor or to gather them for next year's garden. Do not put the seeds in your tea. Step 4: Storing Store your herbs in small glass jars with tight fitting lids. Keep the jars out of the light and away from heat. Do not put them in the refrigerator. Step 5: Brewing Use a metal tea-ball to hold a healthy pinch of your dried herbs. Immerse the tea-ball in a mug of boiling water and let it steep to the color and strength you prefer. HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page122 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

HOW TO DRY FLOWERS

HOW TO DRY FLOWERS http://www.bestdryingrack.com/How_to_dry_flowers.html Tips for Drying Flowers Have fun drying flowers from your garden to create dried flower arrangements, wreaths and bouquets! Below is a list of materials needed for flower drying:  Drying rack, hanging rod, or line  Rubber bands  Clothespins or paperclips  Sharp scissors Optional Items:  Brown paper lunch sacks  Bed sheet  Fan  Dehumidifier When and how to harvest flowers There are so many different herbs and flowers that can be dried, and of course they all have different recommended stages and methods for when they should be harvested. To make it simple for you we have created a chart showing various flowers and herbs and their proper harvesting method. To see the chart please click on: How To Harvest Herbs and Flowers To prepare flowers Inspect flowers and remove additional bugs. Remove thorns as they tend to get sharper when they dry. Remove any damaged leaves or flowers. Selecting your drying location Bundles of flowers can take anywhere from three days to three weeks to dry. So choosing your drying location is important. You need a location that is undisturbed, dry, well ventilated, has adequate air flow, and is dark or out of direct sunlight. It is important to keep your plants out of direct sunlight so that your dried flowers will not fade. It also discourages them from further opening. You do not want dried rose buds to continue opening during the weeks they are drying. HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page124 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

A bedroom or other room out of the general traffic flow will work well. Walk-in closets or attics can also be used with success if air-flow is encouraged with a fan. Bathrooms and kitchens are not good choices since they are too humid. If you live in a dry, arid part of the country you may choose a covered outside location like a car port, covered patio or porch. Selecting a location in your home with a ceiling fan or place that you can plug in a floor fan will create air flow around the plants and help with both the drying time and reduce the risk of mold or mildew on the plants. If you live in a very humid part of the country, or if you just want to speed up the drying process, using a dehumidifier in your drying space will decrease the drying time and minimize mildew. Proper position - hanging, flat, or upright? For the best results in drying your flowers it is important that they be dried in the correct position or orientation. We have created a chart of all the popular dried flowers that shows which position they should be dried in. To see the chart please click Best position for drying flowers Bundling Flowers Bundle a small amount of flowers together. The woodier the stems the more you can put in a single bundle as they dry faster than plants with fleshy stems. Take anywhere from 6 to 16 stalks and hold firmly towards the bottom of the stems, leaving an inch or so for you to wrap a rubber band around. Snugly wrap the rubber band over the stalks about one inch from the end of stalks. Try to keep the flower ends of the bundles spread out for air flow and even drying. If you do not have a location that is out of direct sunlight, or if you do not have a room you want to darken for multiple weeks, then there are tricks that can keep your flowers dark even in a bright room. One trick is to use brown paper lunch bags. If you have a small number of bundles that you are drying you can use paper sacks with a hole cut at the bottom of the bag for the stems to come through. Also cut slits in the bag to allow air circulation through the bag. After bundling your flowers simply place the bundle in the bag so that the stems are sticking out through the hole in the bottom of the bag. Attach the bindles to your drying rack like normal. HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page125 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Another trick, especially if you are drying a large number of bundles on a drying rack, is to simply use an old thin cotton sheet draped over the rack. Cut ventilation slits in the sheet. You may also need to trim some material from the bottom of the sheet so that there is space between the floor to allow air to easily circulate. Hanging your bundles When you have your flowers bundled and your drying location selected, simply hang your bundles on your drying rack, rod or line. If you are using clothespins just hang the flowers like laundry, but clip the pin to the rubber band. If you are using paperclips, bend them so they look like ornament hangers or s-hooks, then hook one end over the drying rack or line and the other end through the rubber band holding the flowers. Checking to see if the flowers are dry Most plants are checked by snapping off a small piece of the stalk on the bundled end. If the stalk snaps off cleanly, and sounds and feels dry, then your bundle is dry and ready to use. Another testing method is to puncture the stem near the flower head with a sharp knife. The stem should be dry and solid. For some flowers with fleshy heads, like cardoons or artichokes, test by inserting a sharp knife into the underside of the bloom. There should not be any softness when fully dry. Determining dryness is another part of the flower drying process that is both art and science. You will learn with experience when your plants are completely dry. If in doubt, let them dry longer. When a bundle of flowers is dry Remove the rubber bands by cutting or unwinding. Gently separate each individual flower and look it over for any damage. Use your scissors to remove any parts that are broken, droopy, or unattractive. HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page126 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

YOUR OWN TEABLEND

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN TEA BLEND From a sustainability standpoint, herbs are one of the easiest plants to produce. Many of the herbs we grow are perennials and will produce for many years. Drying herbs is a great way to save money and use for cooking or to enjoy for aromatherapy needs. That said, we haven’t completely put these perennials to their full potential. Harvesting Your Tea Growing your own tea blends is almost effortless. Many herbs prefer to be on the “dry” side during the growing season, so you can skip a few waterings and they will be ok. In fact, many herbs can be grown in containers on a sunny window sill or patio. Most herbs will fit into a 1 gallon sized growing pot, but make sure your container has a nice-sized hole so that surplus water can drain away. Herbs do not prefer to have their roots sitting in water saturated soil. A larger volume of potting mix dries out more slowly, so use the largest pot you can. It’s better to combine two or more plants in a large pot than to use several little pots. Further, fertilize your herbs once a month to ensure your herbs have adequate nutrients. Prune your herbs regularly to harvest the tender leaves. This will also keep plants bushy and discourage them from blooming; often, blooming will change the flavor of the leaves. Harvest the oldest stems individually with scissors rather than pruning the whole plant to keep a steady stream of leaves coming. As well, if you are using fruit trees, when you are pruning them, save the leaves and cut leaves or blossoms to make teas with. Harvest the leaves, blossoms, or the root in some cases such as ginger, dandelion and echinacea, and thoroughly dry outdoors for 10 days, or use your food dehydrator at a setting of 95 degrees Farenheit until completely dry. Some of the easiest herbs to grow are:  Mint  Lemon Balm  Sage  Thyme  Dandelion  Calendula  Lavender  Stevia And, the easy fruit bearing plants to grow are:  Rose hips HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page128 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

 Lemons  Blackberry  Strawberry Harvesting Tips:  Most herbs are at their peak just before they bloom.  Harvest all your herbs at the end of the season, once a frost is forecast. You can dry the herbs whole and store for winter teas or for use as seasonings.  Harvest early in the day, after the dew has dried, but while the herbs are still lush in the cool of the morning.  Be careful not to tear or crush the herbs until you are ready to use them. You don’t want to waste any of the essential oils. Tea blends can make great gifts for friends and family! You can easily make homemade tea bags out of coffee filters. For an easy tutorial, follow these instructions. My family usually enjoys a cup of tea with raw honey and some fresh lemon, but that is not always the case. Here are some of my favorite tea blends. Storing Your Tea Blends After mixing up your favorite blend of herb tea, add them to a glass jar and store in a dark place. I use large mason jars for storing my tea blends. As a general rule, figure on about one to two teaspoons of dried herb(s) per cup of tea. (Double the amount of ingredients if you’re using fresh herbs.) And remember that you can get more flavor out of the leaves, blossoms, and berries if they are crushed before using. Consider adding these medicinal plants to your garden and enjoy them year after year. In addition to tea blends, many of these herbs can be used for other natural medicinal needs, such as salves, lotions, tinctures and decoctions. HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page129 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

RECIPES

RECIPES: Being self sustainable means a lot to all of Eco-Logic’s staff. No matter where they work: in the garden, with the foundation, at the office or in the kitchen. We all work very hard, together, to reach our goal: to become self sustainable. Financially, as well as providing all of us with our own home grown food. Our kitchen shares gladly some of their recipes with you, like Sweet chili sauce with fresh ingredients Jam with fresh ingredients And the Eco-Logic Tea blend HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page131 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

SWEET CHILI SAUCE WITH FRESH INGREDIENTS HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page132 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

JAM WITH FRESH INGREDIENTS HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page133 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

THE ECO-LOGIC HOUSE TEA BLEND HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page134 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

10 Herbal Tea Blends Tension Soother Tummy Tamer 4 teaspoons lavender 1 teaspoon Calendula 3 teaspoons chamomile 1 teaspoon chamomile blossoms 2 teaspoons lemon balm 1 teaspoon fennel seed 2 teaspoons rose petals Sleepy Blend Immune Booster 1 teaspoon chamomile 4 tablespoons rose hips 1 teaspoon lemon balm leaves 1 tablespoon cinnamon chips 1 teaspoon catnip 1 teaspoon hibiscus flowers 1 teaspoon lavender flowers 1 teaspoon fennel seed ½ teaspoon lemon peel Cold/Flu Tea Autumn Blend 2 cinnamon sticks 3 teaspoons nettle leaf 4 teaspoons thyme 2 teaspoons spearmint leaf 1 teaspoon sage leaves 2 teaspoons lemon balm 1/4 cup dried Echinacea leaves 1 teaspoon mullein leaf ¼ cup dried peppermint leaves two teaspoons dandelion leaf and root, ¼ cup dried lemon balm leaves combined 3 tablespoons dried elderberries or ¼ cup 1 teaspoon rose hips dried elder flowers 1 teaspoon ginger root (dried, cut and sifted) 4 cups of water Winter Blend Pregnancy Blend Juice of two oranges (approx 1 cup) *check with your healthcare provider to make 3 teaspoons dried pomegranate seeds sure this blend is right for you. 1 4″ cinnamon stick 3 teaspoons dried red raspberry leaves 1 teaspoon whole cloves 2 teaspoons dried rose hips 4 black tea bags 1 teaspoon dried nettle 2 tablespoons honey ½ teaspoon cinnamon chips 4 cups water ½ teaspoon dried fennel seed ¼ teaspoon dried spearmint leaves PMS Tea Blend Chai Spice Mix 2 teaspoons chamomile 3 tablespoons cardamom HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page135 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

2 teaspoons nettle 3 tablespoons cinnamon 2 teaspoons red raspberry leaf 4 teaspoons ground cloves 1 teaspoon lemon balm 2 teaspoons nutmeg 1/8 teaspoons cayenne pepper 2 teaspoons allspice 4 teaspoons ground ginger Tea Preparation: To make a nice tasting cup of tea, first warm your teapot with scalding-hot water. Then place your ingredients directly in the pot (or tea ball). For a mild tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. of dried leaves or blossoms. Cover the cup with a lid or plate (this helps keep the vital nutrients and beneficial properties of the herbs in the cup and not evaporating into the air). Let steep for at least 10 minutes. Serve the hot drink “as is”, or — if you wish — flavor it with grated fruit rind, lemon juice, or honey. For a greater medicinal effect, make a decoction by gently boiling 1/4 cup of the tea blend in 1 qt. of water until about half of the water has boiled off. Drink 2-3 small cups of the tea daily. HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page136 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

MAKE YOUR OWN TEABAGS

TUTORIAL: Make aTea Bag from a Coffee Filter This is a great, quick, and easy way to make a disposable tea bag for my loose tea leaves. It takes only a matter of minutes, and are perfect for single serve tea's. Once you complete this you will have a cute teabag, which mimics the shape of a Lipton Teabag, and filled with your own personal tea leaves! Step 1: Materials  Loose Tea Leaves  Coffee filter  Scissor  Staple  Extra: String Step 2: Cutting the Coffee Filter Start by cutting two sides off of the coffee filter. This should give you a rectangular shape. Start by cutting a small amount off the sides and testing the loose teas. Step 3: Add in your tea leaves HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page138 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Now, take the proper amount of tea leaves and spoon them into the center of the cut filter paper. Spread the leaves out along the length of the paper, leaving space along the edges Make sure to leave a space in the center of the paper with no tea leaves. This space is where the tea bag will be folded in half in the next step. Next, fold the two cut sides in towards the middle of the bag evenly. You may need to move some of the loose tea a bit to properly fold the bag. Try and overlap the two folds. If they are overlapped a bit, when they expand in the hot water the tea bags won’t open and release all the loose tea into your water. Step 4: Final fold and Staple Finally, fold the tea bag in half along the center line of empty space you made. Fold the tea bag so that the folded sides are on the inside of the fold. Finally, make a small fold at the top of the open filter. Then fold the excess top of the filter down and staple. If you want, before you staple the fold down you can add a string to the tea bag. If you do not have string handy, just place the tea bag as is in your tea cup and fish it out with your spoon when you are ready to remove it. HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page139 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

TUTORIAL: Make Reusable Teabags If you are looking to decrease your dependence on paper products a great way to cut down (and save money) is to make some reusable teabags. While one teabag may not seem like much, the cost accumulates over time. And with how ridiculously easy they are to make it is certainly a worthwhile project. Step 1: Materials First, you need to be willing to sew a little. Don't worry if you are a novice, this is a great little project to try when you are starting out. I will be using a sewing machine in this instruction but this project can easily be done by hand. So if the task of applying needle and thread to cloth isn't too daunting, gather the following materials:  1 piece of cotton or muslin (loose weave) 4'' x 3'', larger if desired.  12'' of cotton string  2 charms, buttons, or beads (to act as counter weights to the teabag)  And of course needle, thread, and/or sewing machine. Whichever you prefer. Step 2: Tea Bag, Assemble! 1. Tie the beads onto the ends of the string with a not on each side. 2. Fold top of the cotton (4'' side) over the string. Sew down, being careful not to sew the string. 3. Fold the cotton in half with the string on the outside of the fold. Sew the bottom and outside edge stopping just short of the strings. 4. Turn the bag inside out and VOILA! You are done. 5. Fill with your favorite tea then steep. For cleaning just rinse out the bag and let dry inside out on a dish rack or hanging from a hook HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page140 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Addendum

LINKS AND WEBSITES Next to the knowledge of our staff, local people and the things we knew ourselves, we visited a number of websites to gather more information for this handbook. http://thaiherbalexpert.com/ http://www.thaicrudedrug.com/ http://www.supatra.com/pages/thaiveggies.html http://www.supatra.com/pages/thaifruitguide.html http://www.rain-tree.com/plist.htm http://www.wikihow.com/Freeze-Herbs http://www.motherearthnews.com/real- food/drying/drying-herbs-zm0z13fmzmat.aspx http://www.bestdryingrack.com/Drying_herbs_for_tea.html http://readynutrition.com/resources/make-your-own-10- herbal-tea-blends-you-can-grow-in-your- garden_09032015/ http://readynutrition.com/resources/make-your-own-10-herbal-tea-blends-you- can-grow-in-your-garden_09032015/ HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page142 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

HOW TO HARVEST HERBS (schedule) Flower Name Bud Stage Early Flower Full Bloom Late Flower Seedpod Stage African Daisy Yes Agastache Yes Artichoke Yes Baby's Breath Yes Cardoon Yes Carline Thistle Yes Chinese Lantern Yes Cornflower Yes Delphihnium Yes Drumstick Yes Gay Feathers Yes Giant Knapweed Yes Globe Thistle Yes Golden Rod Yes Golden Yarrow Yes Hens & Chicks Yes Honesty Yes Hops Yes Immortelle Yes Lady's Mantle Yes Larkspur Yes Lavender Yes Leeks / Onions Yes Linseed / Flax Yes Love in a Mist Yes Love Lies Yes Bleeding HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page143 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Flower Name Bud Stage Early Flower Full Bloom Late Flower Seedpod Stage Mop Head Yes Hydrangia Opium Poppy Yes Orach Yes Pearl Everlasting Yes Peony Yes Poker Statice Yes Rose Yes Safflower Yes Sea Holly Yes Sea Lavender Yes Sneezewort Yes Statice Yes Strawflower Yes Sunflower Yes Sweet Marjoram Yes Sweet William Yes Teasel Yes Thyme Yes Transformer Yes Wild Marjoram Yes Winged Yes Everlasting Yarrow Yes HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page144 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

BEST POSITION FOR DRYING FLOWERS (schedule) Flower Name Hanging Bundles Flat on a Screen Upright Bundles African Daisy Yes Agastache Yes Alchemilla Yes Anise Hysop Yes Yes Annual Statice Yes Artichoke Yes Yes Baby's Breath Yes Cardoon Yes Carline Thistle Yes Chinese Lantern Yes Cockscomb Yes Yes Cornflower Yes Delphihnium Yes Drumstick Yes Yes Yes Gay Feathers Yes Yes German Statice Yes Giant Knapweed Yes Yes Globe Thistle Yes Golden Rod Yes Yes Golden Yarrow Yes Gomphrena Yes Helichrysum Yes Hen & Chickens Yes Honesty Yes Yes Yes Hops Yes Hydrangea Yes Yes Immortelle Yes HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page145 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Flower Name Hanging Bundles Flat on a Screen Upright Bundles Lady's Mantle Yes Larkspur Yes Lavender Yes Leeks / Onions Yes Linseed / Flax Yes Love-In-A-Mist Yes Love-Lies-Bleeding Yes Mop Head Hydrangia Yes Opium Poppy Yes Orach Yes Pearl Everlasting Yes Peony Yes Poker Statice Yes Rose Yes Safflower Yes Sea Holly Yes Yes Sea Lavender Yes Silver King Yes Yes Sneezewort Yes Statice Yes Yes Statice Latifolia Yes Strawflower Yes Sunflower Yes Sweet Annie Yes Yes Sweet Marjoram Yes Sweet William Yes Tansy Yes Teasel Yes HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page146 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Flower Name Hanging Bundles Flat on a Screen Upright Bundles Thyme Yes Transformer Yes Wild Marjoram Yes Winged Everlasting Yes Yarrow Yes HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page147 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Noortje Guldenaar HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page148 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

INDEX . 74 Ageratum ....................................................................................................................................... 95 Ageratum conyzoides .................................................................................................................... 95 Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. .................................................................................................................... 103 Aloe, Aloin, Jafferabad, Barbados .............................................................................................. 103 Arabian jasmine............................................................................................................................ 97 Arabica coffee ............................................................................................................................... 67 Asiatic pennywort ........................................................................................................................ 100 banana ........................................................................................................................................... 68 Basil ................................................................................................................................................ 25 betelnut .......................................................................................................................................... 48 Bird chili ......................................................................................................................................... 84 C four-o’clock flower ..................................................................................................................... 37 candlesticks .................................................................................................................................... 39 cashew .......................................................................................................................................... 49 Cassia Alata .................................................................................................................................... 39 Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. .............................................................................................................. 100 Chili ................................................................................................................................................. 21 Coconut .......................................................................................................................................... 71 Coreander ..................................................................................................................................... 24 Corn ............................................................................................................................................... 83 Curcuma longa L. ........................................................................................................................... 101 Dill .................................................................................................................................................. 19 dragonfruit ..................................................................................................................................... 50 durian ............................................................................................................................................. 55 Etlingera elatior ............................................................................................................................. 30 fern ................................................................................................................................................. 82 Guava ............................................................................................................................................ 60 Houttuynia cordata Thunb. ........................................................................................................ 105 Houttuynia, Chameleon plant, Tricolor houttuynia ................................................................... 105 hunbergia laurifolia Lindl ............................................................................................................. 44 Jackfruit ......................................................................................................................................... 58 jasmine .......................................................................................................................................... 98 Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton ................................................................................................ 97, 98 Labiatae piperita .......................................................................................................... 22, 23, 24, 25 Laurel clockvine ............................................................................................................................. 44 HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page149 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE

Lemongrass.................................................................................................................................... 27 lime ................................................................................................................................................. 52 Long beans ................................................................................................................................... 80 Longan ........................................................................................................................................... 59 mangosteen .................................................................................................................................. 56 Maracuja, passionflower, carkifelek, charkhi felek, maypop, maypop passionflower, saa't gulu, ward assa'ah, zahril aalaam, granadilla, passionvine, maracoc, apricot-vine, saa't gulu, ward assa'ah, zahril aalaam ............................................................................................................... 42 Mimosa .......................................................................................................................................... 41 Mimosa pudica ............................................................................................................................. 41 Mint ................................................................................................................................................ 23 Morning glory ................................................................................................................................ 85 Mullberry ........................................................................................................................................ 69 Nyctaginaceae jalapa .................................................................................................................... 37 orange ............................................................................................................................................. 51 Pak Chi Farang ............................................................................................................................ 10 Pakliang ......................................................................................................................................... 78 Pakwan .......................................................................................................................................... 77 Palm ............................................................................................................................................... 72 Pandan leaf .................................................................................................................................... 28 Papaya, chich put, fan kua, kavunagaci, lechoso, lohong si phle, mapaza, mu kua, papailler, papaw, papaye, papayer, pawpaw tree, pepol, tinti, wan shou kuo, betik petik, gandul, katela gantung, kates, kepaya, kuntaia .................................................................................... 74 Pepper, Black pepper, White pepper ........................................................................................... 99 Peppermint .................................................................................................................................... 22 Physalis angulata. ........................................................................................................................ 42 pineapple ....................................................................................................................................... 46 Piper nigrum ................................................................................................................................... 99 Psidium guajava ........................................................................................................................... 60 Pumpin .......................................................................................................................................... 88 purple chili ...................................................................................................................................... 12 rambutan ....................................................................................................................................... 53 Red torch ginger ............................................................................................................................ 30 roseapple ...................................................................................................................................... 54 Solanceae Physalis .......................................................................................................................... 93 Sweet Basil ..................................................................................................................................... 26 tamarind, ....................................................................................................................................... 63 HERBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS IN PAKSONG. Overview and use. Page150 At Eco- MEDICINAL FOOD DRINKS TEA DETERGENT REPELLENT Logic USE