Rose Petals & Green Herbs

Romance is in the air this month, and in Herbs with Barbara, our resident Medical Herbalist Barbara Wilkinson joined Phil in the Morning for another wonderful wander through the herb garden — with love at its heart!

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Barbara invites us to look beyond the shop shelves and reconnect with nature’s gifts.

Roses, the timeless symbol of love, can bring joy far beyond a bouquet. Their petals make a gently refreshing tea, a soothing addition to your bath – or even the star ingredient in a delicious Persian love cake – a sweet treat that truly comes from the heart.

But roses aren’t the only botanical reminders of affection. Green herbs carry their own romantic meanings:

• Basil has long been a symbol of love and good wishes.
• Lavender stands for devotion and calm.
• Oregano, said to be a favourite of Aphrodite herself, is linked with romance and protection.

Why not celebrate Valentine’s this year with these natural tokens of love — perfect for homemade teas, scented gifts – or simply a moment of quiet appreciation for the world around us.

Folate

Barbara also chatted with Phil about folate (vitamin B9) and why it’s so important to our health.

There’s increasing talk of foods being fortified with folic acid — the synthetic form of B9 — but nature already provides us with plenty of folate if we embrace whole, unprocessed foods.

Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and asparagus, alongside beans, chickpeas, citrus fruits, avocado, nuts, and seeds, all help naturally boost your intake.

Her message is simple: adjusting how we think about food and choosing natural ingredients can make a big difference to our wellbeing — and our connection with the world around us.

So, pour yourslef a cup of herbal tea and enjoy this month’s Herbs with Barbara — full of love, wisdom and gentle inspiration from the garden.