Update on medicinal plants: Blooming Ocotillos

I went for a hike last weekend to see what the desert is currently producing.  There are no pods yet on the mesquite,  and no wildflowers yet.  However, I did see several Ocotillo plants in full bloom. Above: Blooming Ocotillo plant. According to Herbal Medicine of the American Southwest by Charles W. Kane the bark and flower can [...]

I am pleased to say I was stung by a bee

While I was trimming the mesquite trees this weekend I was stung by a bee. I have always been nervous about bees since I was stung as child and swelled up like Charlie Sheen’s head.   Also, once in Oaxacca I ate a bunch of grasshoppers and woke up that night covered in hives, and sweating [...]

It rained in Phoenix this weekend

So I planted winter squash, bush beans, and seedlings of tomatillos. It might be a little early to do so but wanted to use some of this wonderful rain. Seeds made it into the earth not 15 minutes before the skys opened. Above: The tomatillo seedlings, there is also a habanero in there but I [...]

Two medicinal herbs: Brittlebush and Creosote

I have succesully turned Brittlebush and Creosote into medicine. I have yet to actually try either of the medicines yet. I am a little scarred they might kill me. I cut a large hole in the top of two thin rectangular boxes and dried the leaves and stems in the boxes. Creosote on top and Brittlebush below. [...]

Weekend plans: Brittlebush, Creosote and a hole

I am looking forward to the weekend.  I had to work last Saturday, which made the last two weeks go long.  I have not been able to do many experiments in the last couple of weeks, so I spent more time doing internet research.    This weekend’s plans include the following: Turn Brittlebush leaves into medicine. [...]