healingwords: poetry for the soul

Herbal infusions are popular in Spain, many different kinds are sold in supermarkets and locals still make their own with herbs picked from the countryside. In my local area rosemary, thyme, chamomile and fennel grow wild. Thyme is recommended as an antiseptic and for use with coughs, colds and respiratory infections. It is also said to have a calming effect, bringing serenity and strength. Folklore calls thyme tea 'infusion de las hadas', as it said if you drink this and sleep on a fairy hill or in a fairy wood you will meet with the fairies and goblins or speak to them in your dreams. 

Rosemary grows wild in this area of the Mediterranean. The latin name means 'rocio del mar', or dew of the sea and when it is sprinkled with blue flowers, it takes on the colour of the Mediterrean sea.  It is not a small patio herb but grows as large, woody bushes that cover the hills, complementing pine and holm oak. The herb is thrown on barbecues or on the flames beneath a paella pan and its aromatic scent reminds me of the woods. Dried rosemary is a protective herb and is said to be kept by the front door or under the bed to keep you safe in your sleep.  

I have been reading about the folklore around the use of rosemary at this time of year. It is a culinary herb flavouring stuffings but is also brought into the house for remembrance or lit to smudge away the negative before the New Year. I am lucky to live near hillsides covered in wild rosemary. They grow into head height woody bushes and even in December are in flower. Today I saw tiny blue butterflies and larger speckled red and black butterflies on the bushes, flitting too fast too capture.  © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

I have always loved how nature provides for us and would like to learn more about plants, herbs and their uses in the kitchen and as cures. Seeing nettle and dock growing together takes me back to childhood, the instant lumpy rash of nettle sting, the green stain of dock rubbed on skin, the surprise relief that it really did work.  © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.