Herbal Remedy #2, Mint

- Illustration from "Fuchs Botanical" - 1545

Mint (Mentha spp.) in all its varieties is useful medicinally.  The mint used most commonly is peppermint (mentha piperita) because of its strength. The constituent valued in mint is menthol. Mint has great value in the easing of fevers, colds, and flu. What does it do?

Anti-catarrhal - helps remove excess mucus

Diaphoretic -  promotes sweating: useful in fevers

Mint also is a mild anesthetic(will "numb" affected areas) and is useful internally against nausea and externally in soothing minor scrapes and burns. It is also anti-microbial (kills germs).

Remedy: 1 heaping teaspoon  to 1 cup boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes. Drink as often as needed.  Use infusion (the tea) as a wash for itching skin or minor cuts, scrapes, or burns.  The essential oil may be used as a concentrated ointment for the same injuries. It also has a "cooling" affect on the skin. Some find it unpleasant.

Where to find: Grow the herb (very, very easy to grow!) or find the dried herb as an Herbal Tea in your favorite supermarket.

All Day Armory

Saturday, November 21st, from 10:00am - 5:00pm there will be held an All Day Armory  at  Mike Prahl's shop.  http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=Mike's%20Shop%20%4044.052214%2C-94.163684

Bring something to grill for lunch!

Lupercalia Needs An Event Steward

Lupercalia is the Roman spring feast of fertility and our event in February. February 27th at the Nicollet Legion, Nicollet Mn.  We are in need of volunteers, Event Steward being most pressing. Any volunteers contact the Seneschal at:   seneschal@rivenwoodtower.org

Herbal Remedy #1, Fennel Seed

Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare) is a useful culinary and medicinal herb. The seeds have a mild anise/licorice like flavor. These seeds were once widely used to ease the stomach and as a remedy for flatulent dyspepsia.

Dyspepsia: indigestion.

Dyspeptic: a) of, causing, or having dyspepsia. b) gloomy, grouchy - noun. a person who suffers from dyspepsia.

Flatulence: excess gas in the stomach or intestines.

Flatulent Dyspepsia may indeed cause you to be gloomy or grouchy as it may drive away those who otherwise would cheer you, and being alone with your own flatulence can only deepen the gloom.  Flatulent Dyspeptic can be a term of derision or an accurate description of your husband.

Remedy: Chew fennel seeds throughout the day or take an infusion of: 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds to 1 cup boiling water, three times a day until feeling less grouchy or flatulent.

Were to find fennel seeds: The spice aisle of your favorite supermarket.

Oubliette Sewing Day

The Shire of Rivenwood Tower is sponsoring the newly forming group of Oubliette. This new shire will exist to the south and west of Rivenwood Tower and share borders. The members of Oubliette are a mix of individuals with long SCA experience and a good handful completely new to the Society.

Saturday, November 7th, Oubliette will be holding a Sewing Day for the creating of basic garb and teaching sewing techniques to those participating. The activity will be held from 1pm - 5pm at the Red Rock Center for the Arts, 222 East Blue Earth Avenue, Fairmont, MN 56031. http://www.martincountypreservation.org/redrock/index.html