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The mission statement of the Herb Society of America is to "promote the knowledge, use and delight of herbs through educational programs, research and sharing the experience of its members with the community".
The Society is committed to protecting our global environment for the health and well-being of humankind and all growing things. We encourage gardeners to practice environmentally sound horticulture.
The Motto of the Society is taken from the herbalist, John Parkinson: "For Use and Delight"
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Attention Members
We have a new permanent meeting place:
The Hill Country Unit meets the third Wednesday of the month, September through May, at 9:30 a.m.
at the Craft Lab in the Wimberley Village Library, 400 FM 2325, Wimberley, TX.
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Program Info
NOVEMBER Meeting: "Herbal Gift Making"
When: November 20, 2024
9:30am - Herbal Treats
10am - Discussion / Meeting
Where: Craft Lab at the Wimberley Village Library
400 FM2325, Wimberley, TX 78676
The Unit's Program Director,
Kathy Boyle will demonstrate how to make decorative gifts, including an herbal wreath and decorating a Fall candle holder and participants will make items to take home.
Contact Lisa Valentine for membership or attendance information.
RSVP to Lisa Valentine at valentine_lisa@msn.com
2024-2025 Calendar of Events
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Herb of the Month - December 2024
(Click on the image below for recipes)
Star Anise (Illicium)
 The eight-pointed seed pod from an evergreen tree native to Southwest China and Vietnam, is the spice known as star anise. This small evergreen tree is in the magnolia family, Schisandraceae.
Star anise flowers are yellow and from a little distance look similar to narcissus.
Star anise has been used in China for flavoring and medicine for over three thousand years.
The “seeds” are actually half of the caraway fruit, which splits down the middle and strongly resembles cumin seeds. They have a distinctive fragrance when crushed.
The seed pods are harvested before ripening (green) and sun-dried, resulting in the rich brown color.
Both the seeds and the pods contain the flavor and are finely ground together. When used in recipes whole, they should be removed before serving.
Star anise is one of the five spices in the blend, Chinese five-spice.
In Japan, the bark of the star anise tree has been used to make incense.
The deep licorice-like aroma has subtle sweet and herbal notes. The flavor is used in sweet, spicy and savory dishes, including baked goods, chilled desserts, sauces, beverages and even red meats.
The liquors absinthe, Sambuca, and pastis all have infused star anise flavoring.
Though the flavor is similar, it is not related to anise seed. However, both plants have anethole, a compound responsible for the anise flavor in both seeds.
Historical medicinal uses included Chinese herbalists using star anise as a stimulant, an expectorant and to treat indigestion to European healers using it in teas for rheumatism and chewing the seed for indigestion.
Though there is now a synthetic way to manufacture it, star anise contains shikimic acid which is one of the primary components of the influenza-fighting drug Tamiflu.
Research continues on extracts from star anise, including testing antifungals and antimicrobial compounds.
According to Chinese folklore, finding a star anise with more than eight points was considered good luck. Star anise was also considered protection against the "evil eye".
While similar to Illicium verum, the seeds of Japanese star anise, Illicium anisatum are quite toxic.
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Web Links of Interest:
Herb Society of America
Austin Herb Society
North Texas Herb Society
South Texas Herb Society
San Antonio Herb Society
Member Benefits:
Free or discounted admissions to participating gardens and arboreta nationwide though AHS Reciprocal Garden Program
Specialized district and annual meetings
Connection to fellow herb enthusiasts through the exclusive, online HSA Membership Directory
Subscription to the annual journal THE HERBARIST as well as national and district newsletters
Admission to the members-only section of HSA's website, which includes special educational programs
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