Uncategorized – Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy

Menopausal Electuary (CHASTE TREE)

This was my year to experiment with honey as a medicinal base. I have used it in a burn ointment, to make floral infusions, and as electuaries. What is an electuary? It is a powdered herb mixed with raw honey. The texture can vary from more like a syrup when less powder has been addedContinue reading “Menopausal Electuary (CHASTE TREE)”

Pinto Bean, Purslane and Oregano Salad

I have a bumper crop of oregano this year. Homegrown fresh or dried oregano tastes so much better than anything you could ever buy in a store. Purslane also grows in my garden in great abundance. Highly invasive but also high in nutrients like Omega Fatty Acids and vitamins A, C, and E. Thankfully itContinue reading “Pinto Bean, Purslane and Oregano Salad”

A Time to Plant (and die)

I can’t believe that it is already March and that spring is less that two weeks away. There has been a lot of bad news posted on-line lately. Not to mention fear, panic, and chaos that is only going to get worse. It is too easy to get distracted by it and for valuable time andContinue reading “A Time to Plant (and die)”

Trick or Treat

I don’t enjoy shopping anymore. Too much noise, crowds of people, challenges to park, visual stimulation, and traffic just to get to the brand name store. Buying and driving less is a good thing. But there are things that I really do need and fewer options for where to buy them. I have come to dependContinue reading “Trick or Treat”

A Bitter Pill To Swallow

I was shopping at the local grocery store one day when I overheard one of the employees complaining about a new policy. “Why are we phasing out plastic bags in the produce department when we should be focused on getting rid of all those plastic bottles in the supplement aisles?” Good question! Why do we put herbalContinue reading “A Bitter Pill To Swallow”