Grandma put together a small encyclopedia of herbs she commonly used in her products and at home.
What is it?
Jasmine is a type of plant that produces fragrant white, yellow or reddish flowers. The plant spreads and climbs trees, vines and shrubs. Jasmine is native to Europe, Asia and Australia.
What are its benefits?
Jasmine’s fragrant scent is thought to have calming properties.
How is it typically used?
Jasmine is often used in teas. It is often the base of green, oolong and white teas. It is also used in one of Grandma’s soaps.
What is it?
Lavender is a plant that produces fragrant purple or blue flowers. The plant has over 39 known species and is native to the Canary Islands, Europe, eastern Africa and the Mediterranean.
What are its benefits?
Lavender’s scent is thought to have calming and restorative properties.
How is it typically used?
Lavender is often turned into an essential oil, tea, other drinks such as lemonade, for desserts and is also in one of Grandma’s herbal soaps.
What is it?
Mint is a leafy and fragrant plant. Leaf colors range from dark green to gray-green to purple or even yellowish. While the plant produces flowers, it is known for its fragrant leaves.
What are its benefits?
Mint is thought to aid with digestion, sooth the stomach and reduce inflammation.
How is it typically used?
Mint is often used a palate cleanser. It is commonly used in herbal teas, desserts, as essential oil and is used in one of Grandma’s herbal soaps.
What is it?
Roses are grown on a thorny bush. Flowers vary in size and range from white to yellow to red. Most species of rose are native to Asia. Roses have cultural significance in many societies.
What are its benefits?
Roses are thought to have antiseptic, laxative, calming, astringent and healing properties.
How is it typically used?
Products like rose water are sometimes used in acne treatments. Roses are used in teas and as essential oils. They are even used in lip coloring. Grandma also uses white roses in one of her herbal soaps.