Todays Blessing

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

May everyone everywhere be happy. May the whole world be joyous.

Activate your flower power

Simple Flower Recipes

By Amanda Powell

Flowers are one of nature’s best presents to us. They have a plethora of uses from wedding bouquets to plate decorations. Some are even edible.

Such as Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) Common to North America this 12­-inch-tall annual has richly colored red, orange, and yellow flowers from midsummer until the first frost. The leaves have a distinctive round shape. Nasturtium flowers have a peppery, zesty taste that can substitute for mustard in sandwiches. Add to salads or cure in vinegar. They make an attractive garnish on a plate or add color when petals are added to butter.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) Also known as pot marigold, this annual produces pale yellow to deep orange flowers atop erect, 18-inch stems. Plants bloom from late spring to midsummer, then decline in hot weather. Sow seed in early spring in full sun and well-drained soil; repeat in early July for a fall harvest. Calendula flowers have a slightly bitter flavor and are valued mostly for their color. Use petals in salads, soups, butter, rice, stews, poultry, or in tea. It is sometimes used as a saffron substitute. Dry individual petals on paper (petals shouldn’t touch each other); store in a moisture-tight container.

Even Roses (Rosa species) Flower size, fragrance, and flavor vary among the many rose species and varieties. Generally the flowers of the older types, such as rugosa roses, are the most flavorful. Roses need full sun and a rich, well-drained soil. They usually require regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning. Roses have a perfumed taste. Pick off the petals and remove the whitish, bitter base. Add to salads or make jelly.

We can use them in flower essences, and chocolates are popular to adjoin with flower waters. Commonly skin care products include flower extracts.

According to the Dr. Hauschka way the cleansing routine is a physical process while the toning routine stimulates the skin's own ability to self-cleanse. Strong and elastic pores mean proficient removal of excretions and free-radicals. For a night time routine get into the habit of cleanse, tone and leave it alone. The reason for this is to allow the skin to recuperate from our daily activities and regenerate for the next day.

Start with a cleanser to remove debris and dirt. Practice a slow and gentle cleansing to unwind. For all skin conditions the Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream has sweet almond meal for a gentle exfoliation and extracts of Chamomile and St. John’s Wort for restorative and protective properties.

One of my favorites is the Clarifying Toner by Dr. Hauschka. With botanical ingredients formulated for oily and blemished skin, the nasturtium extracts lead to radiant balance. Calendula (calendula officinalis) also bestows great balance to the active lifestyle and allows the skin to be receptive to the cleansing process.

After your nightly routine settle down with a good book, a warm cup of tea and a few Rose Infused Chocolate covered strawberries. They are simple to make and scrumptious to devour.

Chocolate Infused Strawberries

1 block of Dark Chocolate

1 bottle of Rose Water

1 Basket of Fresh Picked Strawberries

Wax Paper

Double Boiler

Slow melt dark chocolate in double boiler; add Rose water to taste about 2-3 tbsp Dip strawberries in melted chocolate and place on wax paper to harden.

There are an abundance of flowers to utilize. So many recipes and uses for flowers. From the garden to the kitchen Mother Nature supplies us with numerous ingredients for health and beauty.

For more information on Dr. Hauschka Skin Care log onto www.drhauschka.com to locate your nearest provider.