Your Crunchy Jewish Motha’s Apothecary

Hey! These loofa gourds really DID dry on the vine despite all the rain and snow! So fibrous! 😃😃 Excited to offer these alongside the Miracle Schmutz and the Schvitz Schmutz this spring 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😃

Even though you have many important things to do, which is why you never call or write, and just in case you missed Your Crunchy Jewish Motha’ a little since the summer, you can see me once this month by popping into the Midtown Market THIS Saturday anytime between 10-2! And good news for all you non-cash-carrying types: I got a square! So credit cards accepted 😁

Feverfew, Calendula, Holy Basil, and Lavender—oh my! The New Year ends the previous one, and with that, the last batch of garden-fresh infused oil for the next batch of Schmutz. The herbs begin so open, green, and lovely, only to be mixed in with dried herbs, submerged in oils, ground up, and heated for a very long time. But the result is something—while ugly—well-seasoned and filled with the potential to heal.

I guess I didn’t build a sufficient trellis for this loofah because she’s trying to come in and really give me a piece of her mind…😆

Exciting news: We often toss uneaten squash or used pumpkins in the yard only to find them growing the next season ( ). Usually we have to wait until the gourd develops before finding out what it will be. But once this puppy bloomed, I used the app, “Seek,” to ID this one: Turns out, it’s the “Native Towel Gourd!” This means will be able to offer long luxurious LOOFAHS for dry or wet exfoliation purposes AND scrub-sponges for dishes!

I’m flush with Miracle Schmutz these days because I’m always ready for a market (like the one this Saturday in Broad Ripple from 10am-2pm 😊). You can always reach out to me via email or DM outside of the markets if you decide you could make good use of the Schmutz around your house. And I do love to talk herbs and Schmutz and health anytime or in person—so come for some Schmutz Schmoozing if you’re in the area this Saturday 😁

So happy to see these blossoms emerge this week! This plant, called “Calendula,”(Calendula Officinalis) belongs to the daisy/ aster family and is in the same genus as the pot marigold.

The oil of this flower is used a great anti inflammatory agent and wound-healer. It’s good for acne, soothing irritations, and helping to stop bleeding. Throughout recent human history (and around my house) it’s a go-to for calming tummy troubles like constipation, gas, or diarrhea. Since it has both spasmolytic and spasmogenic effects, it is a big help with abdominal discomfort —especially when with a little lemongrass and/or peppermint oil added.

This year is the first I have successfully grown them from seed! Next stop: a salve with much fresher ingredients ☺️

Noblesville or Irvington friends—two really fun markets are happening in your area THIS SATURDAY (6/18) and YCJM just happens to be at both! Come by to chat and shop and enjoy the atmosphere!