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You are here: Home / Archives for gardening

Try These Fun Summer Mocktails

Summer in Bellingham means it's finally time for Covid-safe backyard BBQs and beach days. Step one of a fun party is refreshments, but many people choose to limit or completely omit alcohol. I don't drink much myself, but I adore cocktails. Fortunately, we have a wide selection of fun alcohol-free mixers and bases to delight everyone in your crowd. Each mocktail recipe will also include a spirits option to turn these into full-fledged cocktails.

Bright & Sunny Mule

This one uses a local favorite, Bright & Sunny Ginger Beer. Very refreshing, great for kids too.

  • 7 oz Bright & Sunny Ginger Beer
  • 3 oz Sparkling Water
  • 1 oz Lime Juice (fresh or bottled)
  • 3-4 Fresh Mint Leaves, chopped or torn
  1. Combine Sparkling Water and Lime Juice in a glass or mug
  2. Add most of the mint leaves
  3. Fill cup less than half way with ice
  4. Pour ginger beer over the ice slowly while stirring gently
  5. Top with the remaining mint leaves. Garnish with a lime slice if you're using fresh lime juice

Cocktail: Add Organic Bluewater Vodka

Yakima 75

This take of the French 75 features non-alcoholic Hop Tea, made with Citra hops from Yakima. The white tea gives it a bit of a caffeine kick as well. Be picky with your Elderberry Syrup. Some options include lots of herbal additives that will alter the flavor.

  • 4 oz Hoplark Hop Tea, The Citra Bomb One
  • 0.5 oz Mickelberry Elderberry Honey Tonic or 1 oz Elderberry Syrup
  • 1 oz Lemon Juice (fresh or bottled)
  1. Combine Elderberry Honey Tonic and Lemon Juice in a shaker with ice, and shake until chilled
  2. Pour into champagne flute or wine glass
  3. Top with Hop Tea. Garnish with a lemon slice if you're using fresh lemon juice

Cocktail: Add Geranium London Dry Gin

Cardamom Paloma

Tepache is a probiotic beverage originating from Mexico, and lends quite a bit to this Paloma. This recipe also features Seattle-based Scrappy's Bitters.

  • 6 oz De La Calle Grapefruit Lime Tepache
  • 2 oz Sparkling Water
  • 1-2 dashes Scrappy's Cardamom Bitters (dash to taste)
  • Coarse Sea Salt
  1. Moisten, then salt the rim of a glass, then add ice
  2. Carefully pour Tepache and Sparkling Water into the glass
  3. Dash in Cardamom Bitters, stirring very gently to mix flavors
  4. Garnish with a lime slice or two, if desired

Cocktail: Add La Gritona Tequila Reposado

(Vir)gin and Tonic

This fairly simple recipe produces some incredible flavors, and all the ingredients originate from Whatcom and Skagit county.

  • 1 oz Neverclear Tonic Concentrate (adjust to taste)
  • 1 oz Lime Juice (fresh or bottled)
  • 8 oz Sparkling Water
  • 1-2 dashes Woodcutters Douglas Fir Bitters (dash to taste)
  1. Combine Neverclear Tonic, Lime Juice, and Douglas Fir Bitters in a shaker, and shake with ice
  2. Pour into a glass, and top with Sparkling Water
  3. Garnish with a lime slice if you're using fresh lime juice

Cocktail: Add OOLA Gin

Do It Yourself

Get creative and make your own mocktail using some of these delicious mixers, or mix and match with the above recipes for your own twist

Apple State Vinegar Shrub

Almost a mocktail all its own. This apple cider vinegar-based concentrate just needs a little soda water for a delicious fizzy tonic. You don't need much, it packs a punch! Made locally right here in Bellingham.

Tres Agaves Organic Mixes

The award-winning Tres Agaves Margarita Mix and Bloody Mary Mix are perfectly balanced and can be enjoyed on their own, but a little Tepache added in can go a long way.

De La Calle Tepache

Tepache is a non-alcoholic beverage made from fermented pineapple rind, then sweetened. We carry a wide variety of styles from Mexico-based De La Calle, and we can't get enough of them. Try the OG Pineapple Spice to start, or toss in some of the Chamoy for a spice kick.

HOT OFF THE PRESS| LOCAL| RECIPES| SPECIALITY DIET| WINE, BEER, & SPIRITS catnip| chamomile| dandelion| gardener| gardening| herbal wellness| herbs| homeopathic medicine| naturopathic medicine| plantain| yarrow

Grow and Forage Medicinal Herbs

basket full of foraged medicinal herbs

Despite the recent erratic weather we have been experiencing, Spring has officially sprung. As soil temperatures warm and the daylight hours continue to expand, many eager gardeners are already well into their gardening season. Whether you are a seasoned gardener, a novice wanting to flex their green thumb, or simply curious about growing herbs, below are some common medicinal plants that can be easily incorporated into your garden plots, raised beds, soil pots, or even countertop planters.

Many medicinal herbs are easy to grow and do not require a lot of space to produce a decent harvest. If you do not have an existing garden, you can purchase terra cotta pots and other small, mobile planters at most garden supply stores. These can be set outside on a porch or even inside by a window as long as they are able to receive a fair amount of sunlight. If growing herbs is not an option, skip to the weed section to find common weeds that can be used as medicine. As always, talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new herbal regimens.

a field of bright orange calendula flowers, medicinal herb

Calendula (Calendula officinalis): Calendula is a personal favorite of mine. Its bright colored flowers are edible and can be added fresh to summertime salads. The dried flowers make a pleasant tea that helps to lower inflammation, soothe the gastrointestinal tract, and help to promote lymph movement throughout the body. The flowers can also be used to make salves, helping to ease inflammatory conditions of the skin and to help shorten the healing time of shallow wounds or burns.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Chamomile’s small white flowers can be dried to make a mild tea that helps to improve digestion, settle an upset stomach, reduce cramping, and ease an unsettled mind.

field of white and yellow chamomile flowers, medicinal herb
close up photo of a lemon balm plant, medicinal herb

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): A common garden favorite, lemon balm leaves have a pleasant citrus taste that makes it perfect for teas or adding directly to smoothies. Lemon balm is a nervine, meaning that it helps to promote a sense of calm and can help reduce feelings of anxiety. It has been shown to improve cognition and to help reduce insomnia. Additionally lemon balm has antiviral properties and can be especially useful topically for cold sores.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria): Not just for cats! Catnip is a gentle mint that is calming to the nervous mind and can help settle digestive complaints associated with anxious feelings. It can be especially helpful for kids who get upset stomachs when under duress, easing symptoms of loose stools while simultaneously promoting a sense of calm. Catnip is another tasty herb whose leaves make a great tea when dried. If you have a cat at home, it is also fun to watch as they interact with this plant, often rubbing their backs and faces in the fragrant leaves.

close up of catnip plant, medicinal herb
close up of peppermint plant, medicinal herb

Peppermint (Mentha piperita): A common herb, peppermint leaves add flavor to teas while also helping a myriad of complaints. It is especially effective at decreasing nausea and easing abdominal cramping and pains. Caution should be used in people who have heartburn or reflux though as peppermint can worsen these symptoms via its ability to relax the lower esophageal sphincter. In these cases, spearmint make a great substitute (along with calendula and chamomile).

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Like many culinary herbs, thyme is also a potent medicinal. It is a strong antimicrobial and can be added to teas and foods to help fight off infection. Additionally, it is anti-spasmodic and so can be useful for helping to control coughs. For respiratory complaints, its leaves can be added to a hot bath or a simmering pot of water, its fumes gently inhaled to access the lungs and help fight off colds and other infections.

side view of thyme plant, herb
field of medicinal herb yarrow in evening sun

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow’s flowers and feather-like leaves act as a mild bitter, helping to improve digestive function and decrease abdominal cramping when used as a tea. It also has antimicrobial properties and helps to modulate inflammation. Topically it can be added to salves to help fight infection and reduce bleeding.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium): Not for the faint of tastebuds as this herb has a potent bitter taste. Its leaves can be eaten fresh or in teas to help with chronic inflammation. It can be especially helpful for headaches and migraines. Use with caution, as sometimes the fresh leaves can cause some people to get canker sores. In these cases, discontinue use.

close up of feverfew flowers, medicinal herb

Forage Medicinal Weeds

Let’s be honest, the definition of a weed versus an herb is more of a matter of opinion rather than a key distinguishing feature. Indeed, many of the weeds growing in our lawns, along sidewalks, or at the edges of walking paths have a multitude of medicinal benefits and would fit right at home in a cultivated medicinal garden. Below are some common “weeds” that can be found locally. Be careful before harvesting to make sure they are not in an area sprayed with chemicals. And be sure to leave some behind for the bees and other wildlife.

grass with dandelions

Dandelions (Taraxacum officinalis): all parts of this plant are medicinal and edible. This time of year, the leaves are at their most palatable. Slightly bitter, they make a great addition to salads or steamed greens. In the colder months of the fall and winter, their roots can be harvested, chopped up, and dried (or lightly roasted) to make a tea with a pleasant nutty aroma. Dandelions are helpful for digestive complaints, especially slow digestion and constipation. The inulin contained in the plant acts as a prebiotic, meaning it helps feed beneficial gut bacteria. Its roots and leaves help support gallbladder and liver health, can help ease skin conditions like acne and eczema, and its leaves act as a mild diuretic.

Plantains (Plantago spp): The leaves of plantain are great at healing superficial wounds. They can be applied directly onto intact skin or used in salves for more topical uses. They work well for mild burns, insect bites, bee stings, skin abrasions, and rashes.

close up of broadleaf plantain plant
close up of red clover flowers in field, medicinal herb

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Taken internally as a tea, the red-purple flowers of this common plant have many uses. They act as a sedative, helping to support a sense of calm and relaxation. The flowers also help support liver function and thus can be useful in chronic skin conditions such as eczema and acne. They are a potent phytoestrogen and can be helpful for those experiencing menopausal symptoms.

Cleavers (Galium aparine): Also known as bed straw this sticky plant is fun to play with as it’ll attach to clothes and hair easily. The leaves of cleavers help aid the lymphatic system, especially of the head and neck and so can be useful for congestion issues. Pairs especially well with calendula.

close up of sticky cleaver plant, medicinal herb
Dr. Kelley Garrison, ND

By Kelley Garrison, ND

Dr. Garrison is a licensed naturopath at Northwest Life Medicine Clinic who specializes in stress and stress-related conditions such as anxiety, panic disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome. She enjoys working with patients to find the root cause of their symptoms and helps them cultivate the resources needed to feel healthy and resilient. You can find her at nwlifemedicine.com.

FLORAL & GARDEN| HOT OFF THE PRESS| NUTRITION| WELLNESS catnip| chamomile| dandelion| gardener| gardening| herbal wellness| herbs| homeopathic medicine| naturopathic medicine| plantain| yarrow

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Holiday Gift Giving

Shop the Co-op for your holiday gift giving! We’ve got something for everyone: the universally loved Co-op gift card, creative toys & crafts for kids, vibrant houseplants, wine & food, pretty home decor, apparel, and more!

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Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Here are a few of our favorite Valentine’s Day products for the sweet people in your life. Choose from beeswax candles, local flowers, bakery items, sparkling wine, and so much more.

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Shop for Houseplants at the Co-op

Did you know you can buy houseplants at the Co-op? We’ve expanded our selection of indoor plants to help you enhance your space. Find succulents, ferns, cacti, leafy foliage and more!

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