Herbal healing with Archeus Gardening Balm

Herbalist Georgina Langdale reminds us to stop and smell the roses from time to time.

Einstein said, "Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better," and spring is a perfect time to do just that. Numerous studies have shown that getting outside into some green space is good for you and connecting with nature brings a host of benefits from reduced anxiety to increased fitness. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, summarised its findings by saying that the closer you live to nature, the healthier you're likely to be.

Einstein reminds us not just to be in nature, but to really observe nature in order to understand more about ourselves and the world around us. Learning how plants have been used in health, ritual and tradition over the centuries adds another rich layer of perspective to how one sees nature. In the garden, this means that all sorts of plants suddenly take on an added dimension and even the most diminutive species can grow in stature. Like getting to know a person, plants become even more interesting when you get to know their story. What once were weeds can become ingredients for teas or tonics to help support body systems, or valuable additions to balms and creams for topical application.

But healing herbs aren't just the modest weeds, many of the show queens of the garden are more than just a pretty face.

Take the lovely, shy little violet; viola tricolor or 'heartsease' has more than a delightful scent as an attribute. It has been used since the Middle Ages mainly as a remedy for various skin ailments. More recently there have been studies into its possible use in helping treat cancer. The flowers are edible and make a beautiful addition to any salad, while the leaves make a nice tea which is said to help ease nervous headaches.

Take the beautiful golden flowers of the calendula; who could not love a plant that has the legend that if a young girl walks barefoot on its petals she will understand the language of birds? They are a delightful addition in any garden, with their vibrant orange blooms reminding us that spring is here. Calendula also offers up many healing gifts and can be used in a variety ways; externally as an effective remedy for helping with skin problems like cuts, burns, nappy rash and cracked heels. Internally it can help soothe the digestive tract. I love it and use it alongside other herbs in balms and tea blends.

You can easily make your own calendula oil and this simple act is another lovely way of deepening your own connection to nature. Pick calendula flowers in the morning before the heat of the day has got to them, you'll notice they are quite sticky to the touch and it is this resin which is revered for its healing attributes. Gently tear them up to increase their surface area, put them in a jar and cover with cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil or sweet almond oil. Do the lid up tightly, put the jar in a paper bag and place it somewhere warm like a windowsill. Give the jar a gentle shake every day for a couple of weeks, then strain and voila, you have your very own bottle of golden calendula-infused oil for external use.

From communing with little gems to blousy beauties, take some time out for yourself, get out into the garden or a local park and observe nature in its myriad forms in spring. Just being aware of how each plant is bursting forth into bud, or how each seedling starts to rise up out of the earth and unfurl itself to the sun, teaches us about the resilience of nature and how she travels through her cycles of decay and renewal - and that insight is a little bit of healing magic in itself.

Working in the garden, things like scratches, insect bites and chapped lips seem to come with the territory. Handcrafted Archeus Gardener's Balm contains a blend of natural and organic plant oils, extracts and beeswax that have been carefully selected to support the speedy healing of the bits and bobs that come with a good day in the garden. Ingredients include calendula, olive, tea tree and turmeric. Love Nature - love gardening!

Visit archeus.co.nz for more information. A portion of proceeds from every purchase is put towards Archeus plant conservation activity.

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