The Herb Haus

05/30/2025

10/07/2023

🌿🍵💛 HERBS FOR COLD + FLU 🌿🍵💛

The unwanted tickle in your throat sets in and you are starting to feel rundown... yep, we are making our way into cold and flu season.

Here are some other tried and true herbal allies we're leaning on right now:

🍃 Garlic (Allium sativum): boosts the immune system, antimicrobial, and helps to move congestion.

🍃 Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): opens the sinuses, thins and moves congestion, antimicrobial.

🍃 Ginger (Zingiber officinale): soothes an upset tummy or nausea, antiviral.

🍃 Echinacea (Echinacea spp.): stimulates the immune system and helps to shorten the duration of a cold or flu.

🍃 Astragalus (Astragalus mongholicus): rebuild the immune system and strengthen your body after fighting off germs.

PS: we've got a fun spin on a classic herbal recipe coming your way this week that you won't want to miss. 🍂🙌 Tell us about the herbs and recipes filling your home apothecary right now!

02/27/2023

ANGEL FEATHERS

They say when you find a feather, a loved one has drawn near
Or an Angel guide of comfort, to soothe your worries and fears
But it also could be washday, when an Angel's wings are cleaned anew
With sunbeams and a little stardust, along with a drop of morning dew
I know this, for one morning, I saw a washing line
In a wooded clearing, made of gossamer so fine
Upon the line were several pairs, of pristine Angel wings
Drying in the sunlight, and dancing round in rings
Upon the grass beneath them, were some Fairies fair and dainty
Like tiny ballerinas, as pretty as a painting
Their dancing had created, a will-o-the-wisp type breeze
Which rose up to the Angel wings, and gently tossed and teased
The feathers so that they would dry, and be ready to fly once more
Upon the backs of their Angelic hosts, but that was not before
A beautiful aroma, was added to the feathers
A pinch of jasmine, a waft of rose, and some lily of the valley for good measure
So if you should find a white feather, or experience a Heavenly scent
It could be that it's washday, and you have just been sent
The gift of Angelic presence, an exquisite gift of love
From those who dwell in the Heavens, and the higher realms above...

JK 27.2.22

Image by kind permission of Charlotte Bird

02/27/2023

Lavender is such a wonderful herbal plant. Learn how to easily incorporate and enjoy the benefits of lavender in your family's home.

02/07/2023

*rescue
LATTE

ANIMAL ID - ACCT-A-131761
BREED - Terrier, Pit Bull
S*X - Female
WEIGHT - 38.6 lbs

Latte ACCT-A-131761 is currently considered urgent and at risk of euthanasia due to medical and behavioral concerns. Latte must have confirmed placement with a RESCUE PARTNER by Thursday, February 9th by 10:00 am. Should Latte's medical or behavioral status change, her urgency and timeline for placement may also change.

Latte is a 4 year old female who came to ACCT as a stray on 2/3/23. Latte was very nervous when coming into the shelter and staff noted, "unable to examine her due to behavior. She kept backing away from me as I tried to scan her for a chip, she turned, snapped and bit the scanner. She became more fractious after being muzzled so we stopped the process and unmuzzled. Latte has been understandably nervous in the shelter and is having a tough time adjusting and trusting her handlers. Upon examination the vet said that Latte is presenting severely underweight. She has pressure sores on limbs and hip appear fresh but likely more chronic due to regular crating. She also appears painful in the hind limbs as seen by her frequently holding up the left limb or very slowly crouching to sit down. Latte's medical exam was limited due to her behavior and not being very tolerant of handling. Latte urgently needs to leave with rescue to help her gain weight without putting her at risk of refeeding syndrome and can manage her behavior and help her learn to trust.

Essence and Latte: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21IbXm6CVoI

Latte and Velma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=394TAQzovQg

Latte promo: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/08nB3xo8mLo

Confirmed placement is considered confirmation of an actual rescue pull. Possible placement, interested parties, and other "TBD" statuses are not considered confirmed and do not indicate an animal is no longer urgent.
ACCT Philly is located at 111 West Hunting Park Ave in Philadelphia. We are open for adoptions 7 days a week. Please visit www.acctphilly.org/adopt for details.

02/06/2023

THE WINGLESS FAIRY

A little Fairy sat, looking through her window to our world
Across all of the dimensions, with her Fairy cat all cosy and curled
Filled with peace and calm, she knew she must leave soon
And take on human form, as she gazed up at the moon
In the blink of an eye, she left her Fairy realm
There was important work to be done, the human world was overwhelmed
It had forgotten Fairy magic, the sort that's fuelled by love
Soon there would be changes, and the peaceful returning of the dove
So the Fairy sacrificed her wings, to fit in with her new abode
Fully awake and aware, as into the world she strode
From childhood through to adulthood, she took every opportunity
To spread her Fairy magic, and help the world to see
That there's more than meets the eye, nothing's as it seems
The possibilities are endless, for man to live out his dreams
She told them all they had to do, was spread their wings and fly
To look up into the Heavens, and see the rainbows in the sky
Every step she took in this world, Nature responded to her feet
Flowers grew and trees they blossomed, to the rythm of her heartbeat
And every person who came across her path, she placed a hand upon their arm
Each one would leave enlightened, and healed by her soothing balm
And indeed the world was changing, as hearts opened everywhere
Just like the flowers beneath her feet, and love filled the very air
For she was by no means the only one, other Fairies came here too
They too had left their wings behind, and knew just what to do
For in their flightless sacrifice, they were showing humanity how to soar
And fly above adversity, where darkness could dwell no more

JK 4.2.23

Artist Unknown

02/06/2023

By Maryann Readal Cumin, Cuminum cyminum, is The Herb Society of America’s Herb of the Month for February. When used in cooking, this spice infuses a warm and earthy flavor into dishes, which is es…

02/06/2023