I prefer that I am not misquoted, please! :-) Liquorice is well-researched, and it is well-known that a single cup of liquorice tea will raise the blood pressure. It is therefore not recommended for people who already have hypertension. I'm sure you are able to do your own research if you care to. Nowhere did I say that lemon balm causes thyroid problems. But it is not recommended for use by those suffering from thyroid problems - because it acts on the thyroid and can interfere with thyroid medications. (It has been used to treat Graves' Disease, but is not as reliable a treatment as more conventional medications for such a serious condition.) As Herbalbetty said, "one never knows how someone else will react to advice (taking it to the extreme)". Unfortunately, there ARE people out there who have an immovable opinion on herbs - they believe that all herbs are safe in all situations at all times for all people. It's a wide-spread misconception, sadly. A quick read of any book or website about herbs should at least get a person thinking twice (hope springs eternal!). If only they'd read disclaimers, for starters! They are enough, surely, for most people to be startled. I do tend to come over quite strongly about the safety of herbs and herbal teas in particular, and I make no apology for it. I present the information where I think it may be needed - individuals can dismiss it if they want to. I think it's better to err on the side of caution, and give warnings where appropriate - but if people want to self-medicate, that's entirely their own prerogative. Since I have a conscience, and also a considerable knowledge about herbs, I'd prefer to present the down-side so that they can made educated decisions. Don't get me wrong. Herbs have their place, and I'm very glad of it. But when it comes to medicinal doses of them, I think it's wise to exercise caution - so I give the warnings when I'm in doubt as to a person's intentions. Not being psychic (just a mere mortal), I cannot always tell whether a person asking a question has a good understanding and knowledge of herbs or not. Where there is doubt, I offer the information. It would be remiss of me not too, even if that sounds presumptuous. In this case (and no offence whatever intended to anybody), I assumed that a question involving the basic preparation of herbs for teas came from a person who is fairly new to herbs and their uses - in the original question, there is no indication to the contrary.

Stacie, Look for the book, "Herbal Pantry" by Emelie Tolley. It really is a terrific book (out of print though, search ebay) and she has tons of recipes for herbal vinegars, mustards, jellies, syrups, liqueurs, etc.

Dried lavender buds are better for cookies and other baking; fresh are better for infusing simple syrups or making sorbets, etc. I make a lavender citrus linzer cookie a lot since I also make too much jam for us to eat on toast. There are some varieties that are better flavored--most of the culinary lavenders are English lavandula angustifolia, though a few of the intermedias are also useable in culinary applications. If yours is a French or Spanish lavender, they're usually more ornamental or grown for the oils. My understanding is that they taste a bit more medicinal, but you could try it anyway. To add dried buds to cookies, etc, I usually grind them in my spice (coffee) grinder until fine, then add them to the butter batter before adding the flour. If your grinder doesn't do a great consistency, you can try adding a bit of the sugar to give it some more bulk while grinding. (incidentally--google making lavender sugar or honey). The sugar is fun to sprinkle on top for some extra sparkle and aroma/flavor. I would start with 1 Tbsp for this recipe, going up to 2 if you really like lavender.

I am going to meet my cousin at the band stand in the central area. If you want to join us, we can arrange to meet you there. Just let me know. We can set the time as it draws closer to the date. If you have a little garden wagon or Garden Buddy, bring it. I will be bringing mine. Makes things a lot easier. There is so much to look at and BUY! ~Annie