China Bayles' Book of Days (76 page)

1

Almond meal and almond oil are recommended for cosmetics throughout this book, because both are superior moisturizing and softening agents. If you are allergic to nuts, or intend to make the cosmetic as a gift for a friend, you may substitute oatmeal (oat flakes ground fine) and a non-nut oil of your choice.

2

Even ash: leaves with an even number of leaflets

3

Garlic was fed to cocks because it was thought to make them better fighters.

4

Don’t confuse calendula or pot marigold with the French marigold (
Tagetes sp.
). Although
Tagetes
is used for the same culinary purposes, it has a very different taste; it does not have a history of medicinal use in the West.

5

This famous vinegar (the recipe exists in many versions) takes its name from its legendary use as a plague-preventative. Thieves were said to wear vinegar-soaked rags over their mouths as they robbed corpses.

6

The many creatures of the borderland.

7

In some states, it is legal to possess the seeds, but illegal to possess the plants. Check the laws in your state.