Wen-Chia Tsai Parker

Teacher, Author, Illustrator, Designer and Architect

Monthly Archives: June 2025


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Soothing Chamomile, harvesting flowers & buds for homemade herbal tea

I love a soothing cup of chamomile tea before I go to bed or in the late afternoon. Even better is when you grow your own chamomile you know that it’s organic and it’s so easy to harvest and smells absolutely amazing. Here’s a little informational guide on how to make your own chamomile tea and the benefits of it. Chamomile flower, derived from the Asteraceae family, is widely used to make chamomile tea, a popular herbal infusion known for its calming and health-promoting properties. Chamomile tea contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, which act as antioxidants, helping to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Drinking chamomile tea may offer several benefits, including improving sleep quality due to its mild sedative effects, aiding digestion by soothing stomach discomfort and reducing symptoms like acid reflux and bloating, and supporting heart health by potentially lowering the risk of heart disease. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects, which can help reduce menstrual discomfort and promote relaxation. Additionally, chamomile may boost the immune system and provide some protection against certain cancers. However, people with allergies to pollen should be cautious, as chamomile may trigger allergic reactions. Overall, chamomile tea is a gentle, natural remedy that has been used since ancient times to support wellness and relaxation. #Composting, #GardenCompost, #DIYComposting, #CompostTips, #WormComposting, #Vermicomposting, #LazyComposting, #CompostBin, #OrganicGardening, #GardeningForBeginners, #HotComposting, #SustainableGardening, #EcoFriendlyGardening, #HomeGardening, #UrbanGardening, #SoilHealth #PlantNutrition, #GardenHacks, #FallGardening, #ZeroWaste, #MomLife, #GardeningWithKids, #FamilyGardening, #KidsInTheGarden, #GardeningMoms, #SustainableLiving, #EcoFriendly, #ZeroWasteLiving, #GreenParenting, #NatureLovers #rooftopgarden #guava #herbs #fruitbearingplant #fruittrees #fruitrees #greenparenting #ecofriendly #gardeningtips, #rooftopplants #reducecarbonfootprint, #rooftopplants, #ZeroWaste, #MomLife, #GardeningWithKids, #FamilyGardening, #KidsInTheGarden, #GardeningMoms, #SustainableLiving, #EcoFriendly, #ZeroWasteLiving, #GreenParenting, #NatureLovers

Check out more videos on my youtube channel @wenchiat


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Planting Basil in my Garden

I’m planting some beautiful fresh Thai basil in my garden from stems that I purchased from a farmers market. These beautiful stems are easy to root to propagate to make new plants to grow into full basil plants that can be harvested and use in all sorts of delicious food. In this video, I show how easy it is to plant basil into pots and in directly into the soil in my garden. Thai basil, scientifically known as Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora, is a staple herb in Southeast Asian cuisines. It is easily recognizable by its striking purple stems, small and narrow bright green leaves with serrated edges, and clusters of pink-purple flowers that bloom in late summer. Cousins to the sweet basil; Thai basil has a robust, spicy-sweet flavor profile with pronounced notes of anise and licorice, making it highly prized for its ability to withstand high cooking temperatures and infuse dishes with bold, aromatic complexity. Commonly used in dishes such as Thai curries, Vietnamese phở, and stir-fries, Thai basil is valued for both its culinary versatility and its nutritional benefits, including high levels of vitamins A and K. Its sturdy leaves and stems are all edible, and the plant is often grown as an annual in temperate climates, thriving in warm, sunny conditions. This plant is very easy to grow in the warm temperatures of SoCal as long as it gets enough water. Enjoy the fragrant and beauty of Thai Basil in your garden and home cooking! #Composting, #GardenCompost, #DIYComposting, #CompostTips, #WormComposting, #Vermicomposting, #LazyComposting, #CompostBin, #OrganicGardening, #GardeningForBeginners, #HotComposting, #SustainableGardening, #EcoFriendlyGardening, #HomeGardening, #UrbanGardening, #SoilHealth #PlantNutrition, #GardenHacks, #FallGardening, #ZeroWaste, #MomLife, #GardeningWithKids, #FamilyGardening, #KidsInTheGarden, #GardeningMoms, #SustainableLiving, #EcoFriendly, #ZeroWasteLiving, #GreenParenting, #NatureLovers #rooftopgarden #guava #herbs #fruitbearingplant #fruittrees #fruitrees #greenparenting #ecofriendly #gardeningtips, #rooftopplants #reducecarbonfootprint, #rooftopplants, #ZeroWaste, #MomLife, #GardeningWithKids, #FamilyGardening, #KidsInTheGarden, #GardeningMoms, #SustainableLiving, #EcoFriendly, #ZeroWasteLiving, #GreenParenting, #NatureLovers #basil #greenlove #herbs #cookingwithlove #plants


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Making Taiwanese Pickled Cabbage Easy & Yummy & inexpensive healthy side dish DIY ;-)

Making super yummy tasty pickled cabbage side dish from NY Times cooking recipe: Especially extra tasty using the Taiwanese variety of cabbage!

https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026314-yamitsuki-addictive-cabbage

Health Benefits of Eating Pickled Cabbage Nutrient-Rich and Low-Calorie Pickled cabbage is packed with essential nutrients. It is rich in vitamin C (even more than fresh cabbage), B-complex vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, iron, and folic acid It is very low in calories (about 20 calories per 100 grams), making it a great addition to weight management diets. Probiotics and Gut Health Cabbage is a natural source of probiotics—beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora. These probiotics aid digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and can help prevent or reduce digestive issues like diarrhea and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Immune System Support The combination of probiotics, vitamin C, and iron in pickled cabbage helps strengthen the immune system. Probiotics support gut health, which is closely linked to immune function, while vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant. Regular consumption may reduce the risk of infections such as the common cold and urinary tract infections. Potential Cancer Protection Cabbage contains antioxidants and plant compounds that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, including breast, colon, liver, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. The fermentation process can create additional compounds that suppress the growth of precancerous cells. Studies have shown a significant reduction in breast cancer risk among women who regularly consume pickled cabbage. Heart Health The fiber and probiotics in pickled cabbage may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, contributing to better heart health. It is also a rare plant source of vitamin K2, which may help prevent calcium deposits in arteries, reducing the risk of heart disease. Digestive and Detoxification Benefits The lactic acid produced during fermentation cleanses the digestive tract of harmful bacteria, aiding in detoxification. Both insoluble and soluble fibers in cabbage support regular bowel movements and provide fuel for beneficial gut bacteria.