As I noted in my newsletter, I planned to begin the "Romancing Herbs" series on February 1 and end on Valentine's day but since I have more than 14 herbs to highlight, I decided to begin early! 

When it comes to matters of the heart, I’ve found that there are no limits to the human imagination in pursuing, wooing and attempting to ensure that their love will be returned.  Herbs have been associate with love and romance for centuries. Some of the uses you’ll find in this series are romantic and beautiful, elegant and sublime. Some are tender and heart warming. Others border on lunacy! 

Herbs can add a sensuous dimension to all aspect of life. Their beauty, fragrance, flavors and touch delight. Some are fragrant, showy and enticing. You may walk by, or on, others and not even notice them! 

My fascination with herbs, as with people, is that often the greatest gifts are found in those that you might not immediately notice. 

Enjoy, the series and always remember, when using herbs, there are no guarantees and results may vary. 
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We'll begin with Amaranth, especially relevant because it is a zodiac herb for all of you Aquarians celebrating birthdays in late January and early to mid February. 

Amaranth has several folk names including ‘Love Lies Bleeding’! In matters of love, it is most valued for its aid in rapidly healing broken hearts. It also has the capacity to make you invisible and bullet proof!  Many a jilted lover will find both valuable!

Angelica provides protection and can ensure a happy home, safe and stress free. Sprinkling the herb around the perimeter of your home will keep your darling from wandering and ensure that you both will feel content and secure!

When people are born they are gentle and soft.
At death they are hard and stiff.
When plants are alive they are soft and delicate.
When they die, they wither and dry up.
Therefore the hard and stiff are followers of death.
The gentle and soft are the followers of life.

Thus, if you are aggressive and stiff, you can't win.
When a tree is hard enough, it is cut. Therefore
The hard and big are lesser,
The gentle and soft are greater.

     - Yi-Ping Ong, from the introduction, Tao Te Ching