By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Do you want an herb to signal you need a man or a crown of green that may help you remember the answers for you next test? Herb Day of Hays might have what you need.
The Hays Herb Study group is sponsoring a free Herb Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 28 and is currently looking for vendors.
The event is the first of its kind in Hays and herb study founder Pam “Herbie” Herl said she hopes the Herb Day will become an annual event.
Vendors will be set up in the Downtown Pavillion. There is no cost to be a vendor. You only need to bring your own table. Vendors can sell herbs, herb products or other plants. You can sign up for a spot by texting Herl at 785-259-9741, and she will get back to you with more information.
In addition to the market, the event will feature a series of speakers from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the gallery at Hays Public Library.
The schedule is below:
10 a.m. L.b. Brewing Co.—hops and brewing
11 a.m. Chef Tim Pfannenstiel— cooking with herbs and cooking demonstration
1 p.m. Swobee Honey Farm—honey
2 p.m. Haskell Indian Nations University—medicinal herbs
3 p.m. Wyldewood Cellars—elderberry and elderberry wine
4 p.m Morford Lavender Farm—lavender and lavender products
If more individuals or groups would like to offer lectures or do demonstrations, Herl said she would try to make space at the pavilion.
Herl, a herbalist, started the herb study nine years ago. It is now a part of the Hays library programming. They meet at 5 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month in the gallery on the ground floor of the library. The programs are free, and you do not need to make reservations to attend. See the library website for upcoming programs.
Herl’s mother was Cherokee. As she was growing up, her mother used many natural remedies on cuts and bruises, and she learned much about herbs and their uses from her.
Many herbs with medicinal or culinary uses are native to Kansas. Some of these include echinacea (cone flower), mullein, yarrow, skull cap and yucca root.
Echinacea was used by Native Americans for snake bites and arthritis. The native people infused echinacea into animal fat and used it on their joints. It is also used in modern times as an immune booster. It can be found in teas, pill form or can be made into a tincture.
Lavender is known for its aromatic smell, but it also can be used in cooking and teas. Kansas’ dry climate creates good conditions for growing lavender. Lavender, a perennial in the state, is wind and heat tolerant, likes Kansas’ alkaline soil and does not like to have its roots’ wet. Herl said lavender was used during Word War I and II as an analgesic when medical supply lines were cut. It can also help with muscle spasms.
Rosemary and basil also grow well in Kansas. Students in Greece used to wear crowns of rosemary when they studied to enhance memory. Basil acts a bug repellant. Woman in Italy once placed basil plants in their windows to let suitors know they were looking for a man.
Sage grows wild in this part of the state. It is not only used in cooking, but to smudge or cleanse homes of evil energy.
Herl owns the Herb House, 914 Easter Ave., WaKeeney. She sells more than 150 herbal products ranging from a zit zapper to lip balm to massage oil.
However, Herl said her goal of the herb day and herb study is to spread the word about herbs.
“I want people to learn about herbs and share the knowledge of herbs for their use and delight,” she said.