RHUBARB and CORDIAL as HEART MEDICINE 🌸❤️ . I’m in love with rhubarb at the moment. I’ve been peeling the stalks and using the fibres to create twine, baking cakes topped it, fermenting rhubarb and rose kombucha and crafting rhubarb and sage cordial. . Looking into the etymology of the word “cordial” means “of or pertaining to the heart” and in folk medicine, cordials have been used for healing, particularly of the heart. There is no denying that the process of harvesting rhubarb from the garden and crafting a cordial brings joy to the heart, combining it with the heart healing energetics of rose creates a delightful elixir. Whilst chemically rhubarb doesn’t seem to have a particular affinity for heart health, there are a few pieces of research suggesting it may have a lowering effect on cholesterol. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has a long history of use as an anti inflammatory, anti cancer and antibacterial herb. . . . . . #rhubarb #herbalism #folkmedicine #homemade #homegrown #heartmedicine
Today's #FolkloreSunday theme is Wildflowers and Wildlife! 🖤 St John's Wort has been used in folk medicine since late antiquity, and in Medieval England it was also known as "The Devil's Scourge." Its Latin name, Hypericum, comes from Greek and translates as "Above The Icon." This is because it was hung as a protective charm over doors, altars and sacred art, to repel evil spirits. In a macabre twist, it was thought to grow on graves blessed by fairies! Across history there have been loads of recorded medical uses for St John's Wort, including that the Templars used a red oil made from the plant's dried seeds to disinfect wounds to Renaissance alchemists using it as part of the recipe for a panacea known as "Venice Treacle" - a valuable potion traded throughout the Silk Road which was said to cure poisons, plague, and snake bites. Plus, modern medical studies have shown it to be an effective antidepressant, so maybe it is a kind of Devil's Scourge after all! #history #folklore #podcast #myths #legends #folktales #fairytales #folkmedicine #stjohnswort
A New Mexico Favorite! Please check out our website, I’ve worked very, very hard on it!😅 A Brief History The term curanderismo may be translated folk healing. A curandero or curandera, then, is a healer, with the letter at the end of the word signifying whether male or female. All three words derive from the Spanish verb curar, which means to heal. The roots of curanderismo are many. The Moors, for instance, brought in Arabic elements, which came to the New World via Spain. The theory of "the humors", with its emphasis on balance between light and darkness, heat and cold, was introduced this way. Some beliefs associated with curanderismo, particularly the Insistence that all power to heal comes from God, are Biblical and therefore Judeo-Christian in origin. And. of course, there are powerful Indian - particularly Aztec Influences, too, most often in the herbal remedies that are used. https://donsbookstore.com/shop/ols/products/folk-healer-the-mexican-american-tradition-of-curanderismo-9713ef -- Don's Book Store 1013 San Mateo SE Albuquerque, NM 87108 505-268-0520 Tuesday-Saturday 11-5pm MTN #instagrambooks #bookstagram #healingjourney #curandeira #folkmedicine #healingherbs #shoplocal #shopabq #donsbookstore #donsbookstorefamily
WANGA 🕯 WEDNESDAY May 15th 6PM EST Our wombs are a sacred place This Journey of deconizing all of who I am a journey of self liberation and indigenizng my existence which is rooted in my birth story As a birth worker, I know how important it is to empower Black women to make their own choices when it comes to childbirth, especially when they’re already at a disadvantage due to white supremist tactics living in our medical system. The topic of Womb Wellness + healing is so important to me I am honored to have @ingraceyoga as our Guest for Wanga Wednesday🌸 midwives were among the many enslaved individuals who survived the middle passage and continued to practice and train others as the primary source of birth care throughout the country. Thy womb is and always will be a infinite portal of truth and ancient power + wisdom. Womb healing is a holistic practice focused on nurturing and restoring balance to the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the womb space. It often involves various techniques such as meditation, energy work, herbal remedies, and bodywork to release stagnant energy, trauma, or negative emotions stored in the womb. This practice is rooted in the belief that the womb is a powerful center of creativity, intuition, and feminine energy, and that by addressing any imbalances or blockages, individuals can experience greater vitality, emotional well-being, and connection to their feminine essence. Ritual and folk medicine typically take a holistic approach to health and healing, addressing not only the physical body but also the emotional, spiritual, and energetic aspects of well-being. This comprehensive approach is especially relevant to womb healing, as the womb is considered a sacred center of feminine energy and creativity. Many of these ancient medicine traditions often stem from cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. Engaging in these practices can foster a sense of connection to one’s cultural + ancestry, that is deeply in interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit and recognizes the importance of restoring balance on all levels. #wangawednesday #vodou #folkmedicine #wombhealing
🍋 We love using lemon in our drinks! This delicious citrus fruit enhances flavor while also supporting and nourishing your body. What’s your favorite way to use lemon? . . . #lemon #lemondrink #herbalmedicine #plantmedicine #folkmedicine #foodismedicine #herbalist
It’s mushroom month so allow me to introduce my most used medicinal mushroom, Lions Mane! This mushroom has been used in traditional folk medicine for its ability to improve cognitive function, memory, emotional state and over all well being. Thought to give you the “memory of a lion” it was often used my spiritual practitioners as an aid during spiritual practices such as meditation. One of my favorite ways to utilize this mushroom is in the form of a tincture or powder. To craft your tincture fill a mason jar about 3/4 of the way with dried chopped mushrooms. Top with an alcohol of your choosing that is at least 80 proof or above. I prefer 120 proof for this extraction specifically. Allow to sit in a cool dark place for at least 4-6 weeks! As always it is recommended to check with your healthcare provider or trusted herbalist before beginning any new herbal regimen to ensure it is the right fit for you personally! Follow along for more Mushroom wonder throughout the day and join us this month through our hashtags and at plantwondercollective #plantwondercollective #pwcmushrooms Meet the participants! florasfeastbotanicals mamalibelula theherbologyfaerie wineberryadventurescouts lafemmeflorale brittanylgibson botanica_mystica carrietuttle2964 mysimplewild a.farm.to.keep thewoodlandwitchh cosmic.earth.remedies Plant Wonder Collective: Connecting you to nature through food, drink, play, garden, medicine, magic, and art. . . . #folkwitch #folkmagic #folkmedicine #folkherbalism #greenwitch #greenwitchcraft #apothecary #apothecarycabinet #witchcrafting #witchcraftspells #folklore #herblore #botanicalmagic #mushroommagic #witchyvibes #witchtip #herbalists
The green path is calling... . . . #forager #foraging #traditionalwitch #appalachia #wildwitchcraft #herbalmedicine #herbalism #folkmagic #folkmedicine
HERBAL ACTION: ASTRINGENT Astringents are a very important class of herbal action! In essence, an astringent is any herb that tones and tightens tissue. Most astringents do this because they contain tannins, a biochemical constituent that knits proteins together. The important thing to know about astringents is that they are LOCALLY drying, but SYSTEMICALLY moistening. This is because they take loose, flaccid tissue that is leaking fluid (think excessive sweating, chronic diarrhoea or frequent urination) and increase its tone. This means that tissue is able to retain its fluid, thereby increasing systemic moisture! As you may have guessed, astringents are best used in cases where the tissue is loose, leaky and sub-functional. This includes everything from varicose veins, haemorrhoids, prolapsed organs, runny nose, connective tissue weakness and may cardiovascular issues. You can tell something is astringent by the way it puckers up your mouth! Some of our favourite astringents include Yarrow (pictured here), Agrimony, Cinnamon, Sage, Schizandra, Shepherd’s purse and Witch Hazel. ❤🌿 #herbalactions #astringents #herbsfordampness #herbalmedicine #folkmedicine #nimbinapothecary #grassroots
My desires to inspire are as strong as my dedication to protection 💚 Fresh batch of the beloved Boo Boo Balm and wee tubes for plant medicine topicals on the go coming at you this spring and all seasons for so many reasons, The Meraki Way Newsies get first awareness of allthethings DMs always open for requests Book your Tea Times Invite me to your networks Without community, it’s just a garden #organicherbals #growninpa #womanowned #herbalist #merakifarmacy #organicskincare #noplasticnopoison #protectkids #seedtoskin #remedies #folkmedicine #herbaltraditions
See you there! Excited for a new season. #wiseowlherbal #frontenacfarmersmarket #herbalmedicine #salve #plantsheal #plantmagic #southfrontenac #kingston #ygk #holisticpractitioner #herbalremedies #folkherbalism #folkmedicine #harrowsmith
Healthy Kids, Happy Families: Traditional Indian Home Remedies #KidsHealth #IndianRemedies #HomeRemedies #NaturalHealing #AyurvedaForKids #HerbalMedicine #TraditionalTherapies #FamilyWellness #Childcare #HealthyLiving #HolisticHealth #ParentingTips #WellnessWednesday #DIYHealthcare #ChildhoodAilments #SustainableHealth #HealthAndWellness #FolkMedicine #KidsWellbeing #NaturalParenting
Healthy Kids, Happy Families: Traditional Indian Home Remedies #KidsHealth #IndianRemedies #HomeRemedies #NaturalHealing #AyurvedaForKids #HerbalMedicine #TraditionalTherapies #FamilyWellness #Childcare #HealthyLiving #HolisticHealth #ParentingTips #WellnessWednesday #DIYHealthcare #ChildhoodAilments #SustainableHealth #HealthAndWellness #FolkMedicine #KidsWellbeing #NaturalParenting
Violet, nettle tops, dandelion leaf, burdock, so many mineral rich plants weaving tapestries on the forest floor right now 🪻💮🌼🌷 Violet in particular is packed with vitamin C and its lymphatic actions really help nourish the body and get those inner waters flowing. I use fresh chopped leaves and flowers in a 1:2 ACV infusion, adding it to salad dressings and grain bowls once infused. Called fiołek (fee-oh-wek) in Polish, these amethyst gems were traditionally made into infusions for severe coughs including whooping coughs. This makes sense with its high mucilage content that soothes and cooled irritated lung lining. I also mentioned last year how violets are a wonderful ally during wildfire season to protect the lungs. Continued over on the newsletter ✨
✨This King of Spices really packs a punch! 👑 How do you incorporate black pepper into your day? . . . #blackpepper #kingofspices #herbalmedicine #plantmedicine #folkmedicine #foodismedicine
Funny Mushroom Shirt-”In a World of Flowers, Be a Mushroom” printed on a Gildan 64000 with DTG method. Starting at $15.17 Want a cool and unique way to show that you love mushrooms? This funny mushroom shirt is all you need! This shirt will look great with your other clothes, whether you like to garden or just hang out in the woods. Also, it makes a great gift for mushroom fans! This lovely modern aesthetic t-shirt is a wonderful present for people who love the outdoors, mushrooms, or just being outside in general. This shirt is also cool and comfy for you, and it looks great too. Get yours right away!! *DETAILS The soft-style, short sleeved t-shirt for both men and women is a new take on casual comfort. The shoulders have twill tape on them to make them last longer. It doesn't have any side seams. Ribbed knitting was used to make the collar so that it won't curl up. The design is a cute mushroom print with “In a world of flowers be a mushroom” written on it. Graphic is professionally printed using leading industry equipment with a “direct to garment” (DTG) method. This is not vinyl. See the production notes below. This t-shirt is made of very soft, solid colored cotton. Polyester is used for Heather colors and sports gray. The "natural" color is made with unprocessed cotton, which results in small black flecks throughout the fabric. Please review the size chart to ensure you receive the fit you want. Size and color options are available using the drop down menu. Colors can vary. Please understand the actual color may vary slightly from your monitor. We cannot guarantee that the color you see accurately illustrates the true color of the product. Care instructions: See listing for details. *FOLLOW US Instagram: @accidentalgrownupcreations Tag us to show off your order!! Facebook: Accidental Grownup Creations *SHIPPING We offer shipping within the USA for $5.19. Items are shipped in 3-5 days. *PRODUCTION NOTES: See listing. Link in bio. #puffball #mycophagists #Psilocybin #folkmedicine #medicinalmushrooms #SelfPublish #OfficeProducts #Stationary #Journals #Notebook #CuteStuff #SmallBusiness #AmazonKDP #Bookstagram #POD #Gifts
I'm delighted to announce my latest guide: Tree Food & Medicine Foraging Guide. Currently at the printers, you can pre-order your copy right now & be the first to receive this lovely booklet very soon! https://www.homegrownbotanica.co.nz/collections/foraging-guides/products/tree-food-medicine-foraging-guide This has been a long time in the works. As in maybe 20 years? The first plant covered is Elderflower (& Elderberry), a plant that I started foraging for 20 years ago in the Italian Alps. The guide also covers Linden, another favorite from the Alps. Both kickstarted my lifelong passion of wild foraging. I've been drawn to these trees and many other trees with European origins ever since my time living in Italy, and always get excited when I find them growing all over NZ. After writing THREE foraging guides focusing on edible wild 'weeds' it brings me so much joy to share this love of tree foraging with you also!! The abundance continues high above ground also! This guide follows the same format as my previous foraging guides, covering: ~ Foraging basics ~ Sustainable foraging practices ~ In-depth information for each tree, including: ~ Accurate identification and tips, distinguishing from common lookalikes ~ Nutritional and medicinal insights ~ Preparation as food and medicine with easy-to-follow recipes ~ Detailed, high-quality photographs depicting each tree at various life stages for accurate identification ~ Fascinating folklore and history associated with each tree, aiding in memory retention The featured trees in this guide are: ~ Elderflower ~ Hawthorn ~ Ginkgo ~ Linden ~ Oak ~ Walnut ~ plus the lichen Usnea, which is NOT a tree but grows on trees! I had to squeeze it in somewhere, so here it is! Each tree (& lichen) was chosen for their spread across New Zealand, as well as their diverse uses in food and particularly medicine. Preorder your Tree Food & Medicine Foraging Guide today! If you don't already own my other guides you can purchase as a bundled set & save. https://www.homegrownbotanica.co.nz/collections/foraging-guides
Where is my energy going right now… Into the cultivation, care, protection and growth of our ultra vibrant garden 💚 Back soon lovely folk with lots more fresh home grown herbs for our teas X :: 📸: our beautiful festooned Solomon’s seal :: #thanks #bebacksoon #greenenergy #flowerpower #newbeds #raisedbeds #seeds #plantgrowing #yorkshiregardener #honeysucklecottage #yorkshiredales #greenismyfavoritecolor #energyflow #recipication #healingwithplants #herbbeds #herbalmedicine #folkmedicine #hedgewitch #cottagegarden #cottagecore #graftinghard #backgardenrenovation #theswiftshavereturned #gardenuntilbed #healingfoods #fairygarden #icanonlydosomuch
Made an awesome find today, frostbitten meadowsweet! Quite often cold shocked herbs will increase in beneficial substances, and these ones have a scent almost as strong as blooming meadowsweet does. Meadowsweet has a range of medicinal uses, as it's anti-inflammatory and contains salicylic acid, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic acids. It's also been used to flavor mead some 3000 years and it's been used as a diuretic to dry the body in cases of diarrhea and vomiting. Spiritually it's one of the three most sacred plants to the druids, and it was Áine, Goddess of summer, wealth and fertility, banisher of baneful spells ruled by the sun, who gave the flower it's fragrance. According to a tale from Irish mythology, it was the only medicine for Cuchulainn's fits of rage and outbursts of fever. . . . #nature #meadowsweet #herb #herbalife #herbology #herbalifenutrition #folkmedicine #folktales #medicinal #medicinalherbs #plantmedicine #frostbitten #springtime #may #tea #mythology #forage #plants
Midweek slump is NO MATCH for the plum trees blooming in our orchard! I wish I could take a picture of a smell for you...we have 7 varieties of plums growing, including 2 native American plums, which are prolific bearers (if less sweet than other cultivars) but dramatically enhance the pollination of the other trees since they bloom for longer and are way better adapted to serving the native pollinators. Speaking of which, can you find the first ladybug of the season? She's blurry (she was very wiggly) but my 5 year old was very happy to sing her a welcome to the orchard so perhaps we'll get a better picture another day Llnk in tree for more herbal homestead thoughts & the upcoming cIass whisperings #herbalism #apothecary #folkmedicine #vermontfarm #medicinemaking #makeyourownmedicine #herbgarden #apprenticeprogram #harvest #herbalmedicine #recipe #localplants #herbalistofinstagram #herbstudent #oldwaysherbal #herbschool #homestead #farmstead #farmkids #vermontfarm
Bridging slow-paced ancient medicine to the modern fast-paced context requires Time. In the past and still in the indigenous traditions of now, for those people naturally attuned to Nature and more sensitive to its spiritual forces (shamans, herbalists, healers, and medicine wo_men), it was a time spent in seclusion. It spanned across years, often decades of everyday training and practice, meditation, dreamwork, inward journeying, being in relation with the land, learning from nature spirits, and then embodying their wisdom and messages – to truly become the wise ones in service to Life. Can you imagine taking a decade or two now before selling your first product or an offering? But the seeds in us are very old and ancient, and they follow a different timeline – the ancestral pace of growth that requires Patience. ___ Art: @lunarlilt
Your liver could use support. Anyone that is alive is exposed to a higher level of toxicity than ever before. Your liver is the chief organ that has to filter out toxins. It’s responsible for about 500 bodily functions! In Ayurveda, it is believed that all disease stems from the accumulation of “ama” – undigested matter that is toxic to your body. Ama aggravates the doshas and pollutes your body. The liver, as the main organ of detoxification, plays a pivotal role in maintaining balance and eliminating ama. Therefore, if disease occurs, it’s likely that ama is present and the liver isn’t functioning optimally. Our upcoming Love Your Liver workshop will provide insights into supporting liver health, addressing imbalance and restoring harmony to your body’s systems. We’ll delve into essential aspects of liver health, including: 🔅 Signs of a Healthy Liver: Learn how to recognize the indicators of a well-functioning liver, from clear skin to balanced energy levels. 🔅 Signs of Liver Imbalance: Understand the red flags that may signal liver dysfunction, such as fatigue, digestive issues, and skin problems. 🔅 Causes of Liver Imbalance: Explore the various factors that can throw your liver out of balance, from poor diet to environmental toxins. 🔅 Supporting the Liver: Discover practical tips on how to support your liver through diet, lifestyle adjustments, and herbal remedies. 🔅 Q&A: Get all of your questions answered. You can submit them beforehand or ask them after the presentation. Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. The session will be recorded and sent to all registrants. Learn more & register: indraholistic.com/liver And as always, if money is an obstacle, please let me know and I’ll do my best to work with you 💛 #liverlove #loveyourliver #liverhealth #hormonehealth #hormonalimbalance #pmsrelief #menopausesymptoms #perimenopausehealth #naturalhealingremedies #immuneboost #folkmedicine #traditionalmedicine #ayurvedamedicine #ayurvedayoga #ayurvedahealth #migrainesupport #headacherelief #allergyrelief #clearskin #angermanagement #sleepbetter #healthyliver #detox #cleanseanddetox #preventativemedicine #ayurvedaforall
Rainy day labeling project getting done! Also made free samples of CBD muscle rub to give away at @brickkilnfarm254 Saturday May 11 , 10-3 #herbalmedicine #herbalremedy #herbalsalve #plantallies #folkmedicine #arnica #cbd #greengoddessherbals
Trolldom materia, spring sun 🌿🌞 All of these plants are grown at my home for use in my folk magic tradition- yarrow, mugwort, valerian, sweetgrass, violet, mullein, clover, nettle, St. John’s wort {and more not shown!} Each of these plant spirits has a rich history of uses in Scandinavian folk magic and healing! The lore and stories about uses by our ancestors throughout history is enriching and fun to learn, and meaningful if it stirs something within us. But in Trolldom, we explore our personal relationships with materia and spirits- and we empower our work by utilizing those relationships to build spells and make change. I’ll be talking about this and students will be exploring this in my class this weekend: Trollpåse, Spring Spells in Scandinavian Folk Magic. We will be working with the theme of what would we like to grow more of in our lives, what would we like to cultivate for ourselves right now? We will build trollpåsar {spell bags} to support our personal goals. I opened 3 extra seats for this in person class- link in bio! And we will explore, develop, and put into practice our relationships with materia in-depth during my yearlong course, as well learning the folklore and traditional uses of a wide range of materia. I love the traditional stories and lore and love to share! The waitlist for my year course is getting pretty long, I’m going to close it shortly so if you’d like to get on the list to receive further details, email me at [email protected] or contact me via my website. Happy spring, cunning people!
Can’t wait to sink my teeth into these beautiful prickly pears! Also called nopal, when eaten it helps manage blood sugar levels. And the pads - spines removed - are an excellent way to soothe and heal infected wounds. #nopal #folkmedicine #herbalmedicine #native #nativeplants #cactus #pricklypear #garden #spring
Mushroom Mortar & Pestle 🥹 available online and in-store now 🍄
The preserving tools are getting tucked away, and most of this season's seeds are now waiting to find their new homes (check them out on the website!). As the days grow shorter, it's time for me to turn inward and dive deeper into the world of medicine making. There's a quiet magic in this shift, a feeling that pulls me towards creating more potent concoctions to nourish and strengthen us all through winter's chill. ✨ While I haven't set a date for the next product launch, I can promise it will be worth the wait! I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to connect with ancient traditions and share their wisdom through creation of these natural remedies. These potent elixirs, like The Hawthorn, Elderberry, and Rosehip blend pictured above have been used for centuries to support our bodies' natural defenses. Often, I find myself questioning why traditional remedies get overlooked when they hold thousands of years of wisdom.While modern medicines certainly has their place there are many ways we can support ourselves first in our home with a well stocked pantry and herb store 🌿 What are your favorite natural ways to stay healthy during winter? Let's chat in the comments!
OUR AMAZING AUTUMN 2024 ZINE CONTRIBUTORS Before we turn towards the Winter 2024 edition we wanted to give a shout out to our amazing AUTUMN 2024 Zine contributors and share with you what’s tucked inside this editions pages. Autumn 2024 Zine contributors included: ~ Warming Autumn herbs @lani_naturopathy ~ Herbal First Aid @sage_raye_botanicals ~ Kid friendly Fire Cider Recipe @everyday.empowered ~Nutritive herbs @hannahforest.herbalist ~ Amber Autumn memories in an unfamiliar place and time @herbae_thylacini ~Autumn Lifestyle Mood Board @ignaria_wellness ~Nourishing your body with Autum root tonic @i.am.samantha.jane ~Slow, Slow and Steady @weavingthedreaming ~Olive leaf oxymel @heartland.folk.apothecary ~Late Summer Cooler @theclairemurray ~Metal Element @luc.ille.potts ~Herbal Electuaries @wildwoodslane_apothecary ~The Sacred Apple Tree @gather_australia It is always an honour and a privilege to put together this zine, to share your voices and your herbal wisdom. For those interested in contributing to the upcoming Winter edition of our zine, submissions are open now until Friday 31st of May 2024. . . . . #herbalzine #radicalherbalism #folkmedicine #herbalmedicinemaking #grassrootsherbalism #plantpeople #zine #wisdomkeepers #radherbaustralia #autumnherbs
so keep it up🩷 . . #witch #witchy #metaphysical #ancestorveneration #earthmom #countrygirl #geechiegirl #godparents #plantmom #brujas #brujavibes #spirit #congo #birthright #blackspirituality #africanspirituality #spiritualawakening #spiritualgrowth #ancestoraltar #wayoflife #vodoun #hoodoo #oshun🌻 #hoodoopractitioner #rootwork #rootworkersofinstagram #ancestors #woo #folkmedicine #conjure @kandle2grave
🪔 Brew Deux Vous Sefirot Oil now available for gentle, custom somatic and cosmeceutical infusions 🪔 This esoteric oil base is a 3.5 month decoction of dried aerial parts cannabis, locally grown organic mum & vitamin E rich oil of grapeseed; crafted with patience in Chicago, Il 🌿 #brewdeuxvous #midnitemaven #sefirotoil #anointingoil #cannabisoil #folkmedicine
This stunning flower has many uses and benefits! In addition to supporting healthy skin and hair it also supports digestion, stabilizes blood sugar levels and reduces stress and anxiety. ✨How would you use this flower? . . . #butterflypea #butterflypeaflower #butterflypeatea #herb #herbal #herbaltea #herbalism #herbalist #herbalmedicine #plantmedicine #folkmedicine #holistic #holistichealth
yes you, NEVER hide your magic🧚🏾♂️ nah gone on and enjoy ya day🥰 🪄 🪄 🪄 #spiritual #spirituality #hoodoo #hoodoopractitioner #conjure #conjurewoman #woo #geechie #folkmagick #folkmedicine #ancestors #rootwork #oshun🌻 #vodoun #wayoflife #ancestoraltar #spiritualawakening #spiritualgrowth #blackspirituality #africanspirituality #birthrights #congo #spirit #brujas #brujavibes #ancestorveneration #plantmom #witch #countrygirl #metaphysical @kandle2grave
As a certified Horticulturalist I worked for 15 + years growing plants of all kinds but was truly drawn to herbs. When i became a mom i stepped back from my greenhouse work and started blending herbal teas. This bloomed into a tea company. At the beginning my little kitchen garden sustained my few customers but soon we started to grow. We still purchase from Canadian growers and only suppliers with direct to farm relation ships. That way we know our teas are 100% organic and truly loved from seed to cup. This year marks 10 years of making tea ❤️🫖 #herbalism #herbalmedicine #herbs #medicinalherbs #folkmedicine #herbalistsofinstagram #herblove #makeyourownmedicine #plantallies #healingherbs #wildmedicine #herbalistlife #botanicalmedicine #medicinalplants #plantmedicine #organicherbs
Echinacea was widely used by the North American Indigenous peoples as folk medicine dating back to the 18th century. At Lig & Ceptor, we have included Echinacea Extract in the RESIST Viral Formula because it has been proven effective in the prevention of symptoms of the common cold after clinical inoculation, compared with placebo. . . . #proveneffective #folkmedicine #prevention #immunity #immunesystem #flu #viral #resist #curcumin #turkeytail #echinachea #elderberry #inflammation #botanical #naturalmedicine #medicineevolved #plantbased #traditionalhealing #ligandceptor
E M E R G E N C E Mayapple awakening in the Old Ways Herbal Botanical Sanctuary, under the dripping trees #oldwaysherbal #herbalism #apothecary #folkmedicine #vermontfarm #medicinemaking #makeyourownmedicine #herbgarden #apprenticeprogram #herbalmedicine #localplants #herbalistofinstagram #herbstudent #greenwitch #herbschool #homestead #farmstead #vermontfarm #mayapple #herbalistsofinstagram
Exciting news ~ I'm in the final stages of editing my upcoming & latest Foraging Guide!!! Suprise! Yes whilst I've been beavering away on writing & photographing not just one but TWO more guides for the last year, I am now actually forcing myself to sit still and finish at least ONE of them before I go overseas (and to fund the trip!!). It's with great excitement that I'm now putting the finishing touches on my next comprehensive foraging guide. As soon as I'm happy with it I'll send it to the printers!...any day now... The hardest part about writing foraging guides has been deciding what exactly to focus on, what to call it, and what to include and not include!! There's so many options! It's naturally turned into a bit of a 'Tree Food & Medicine Foraging Guide'. Focusing on TREES that you can forage from (plus one lichen which grows on trees, I'm not going to write a whole guide on lichens, so it's getting thrown in the mix with trees!). I'm beyond excited about sharing what I've learnt about various other trees over the past 20 years of my foraging journey. My foraging adventures began in the Italian Alps, where I first learnt about foraging for wild medicinal plants. Combined with my Nordic roots & bloodline, as well as the time I spent living in Italy, there's many great trees with European origins that speak to me on the deepest level. OK, that's all for now as I promised myself not to get distracted writing fb posts and actually finish this thing! You'll find my foraging guides focusing on wild edible weeds on my website: www.homegrownbotanica.co.nz
MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF WILD GARLIC 🌱 . Similar to garlic, wild garlic (aka ramsons) has been traditionally used to treat cold and flu, acting as an expectorant, diaphoretic and diuretic. In folk medicine, the leaves were worn on the soles of the feet to ward off infections and the bulbs made into a cough medicine by pickling in brown sugar and rum. . Research suggests that it may act as a cardio tonic, lowering blood pressure, reducing blood cholesterol and improving circulation. It’s also been suggested for use as a digestive aid (which has many positive knock on effects in other parts of the body - such as the skin). 🌱💚 . . . . . #wildgarlic #ramsons #wildfood #foraging #folkmedicine #herbalism #plantmedicine
It’s a new week and a new chance to cheer yourself and your community on 🫶 When you share your authenticity with the people around you, you can ignite and inspire those who may need a little boost…your story might be the medicine they need right now. No struggle is wasted in this way. I am so thankful for those who shared their experiences with me as their stories help me stay focused on what IS possible and that life is filled with nuance. Take what you need. From my heart to yours <3 xo, Greta The Kitchen Witch Thank you for supporting my work and for being a patron of my little shop 🩷🙏 🖤A portion of purchases goes directly to Domestic Abuse Survivors (& other causes near & dear to our hearts) 🖤
wild mushroom elixirs🍄 two herbs i take daily. reishi for spirit, turkey tail for wellness~ i make my elixirs care-fully, intentionally, and a little differently than most, in two main ways that make a big difference to me: 1. i only work with ethically wildcrafted mushrooms. "wildcrafted" meaning grown in the wild, in a natural community of plants, fungi, animals, organisms, imbued with sunlight, moonlight, wind and rain to enliven these fungal beings with a deep spirit. so much truer and stronger than you'd find in commercially crafted growbags or even a farm.☀️ 2. i work with raw honey. many mushroom elixirs contain glycerine to which i have never truly felt aligned. something in me tells me "don't use that" so i don't. what's beautiful is my substitute, raw honey, is one of the most magkical and highest vibrational foods on earth with so many incredible benefits of its own.🍯 these variations in my method make these elixirs extra potent and soooo tasty. just opening the bottle and smelling these has an effect on me. what about you? have you tried these magical elixirs?🍄 #herbalism #herbalist #folkherbalism #folkmedicine #naturalmedicine #naturalwisdom #fungi #foraging #wildcrafted #functionalmushrooms #medicinalmushrooms #magickmushrooms #elixiroflife
Todays Blend: Rose: - Magical: Love & Heart Opening - Medicinal: Inflammation, Stress, & Depression Lavender: - Magical: Clearing, Cleansing, & Grace. - Medicinal: Headaches (Anti-inflammatory), Anti-Microbial, and reduces anxiety. Hawthorn Berry: - Magical: Protective, Heals Heartache, Strength, & Faith. - Medicinal: Protects against heart disease, controls high blood pressure, & High cholesterol. #herbalism #herbs #tea #masterherbalist #lavender #hawthorn #rose #magic #plantmedicine #plantmagic #folkmedicine #Gaia #pachamama For the Legal Fun Stuff😋⬇️ (Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only. Please speak to your health care provider before taking any herbal supplements)
Need help lets chat 15 mins is free see what we can achieve! Picture this: you get one-on-one time with a licensed healthcare pro who listens to your concerns, digs into your medical history, and even considers your daily habits. They whip up a personalized plan, just for you! No cookie-cutter fixes here! Once you get your hands on that tailor-made prescription, you can sit back, relax, and let it come to you. No need to fuss with pharmacy lines. It's like having a personal health genie at your fingertips! So why wait? Book your online consultation today for the ultimate health hack. you're in! #herbalmedicine #herbs #herbalist #plantmedicine #herbalism #naturalmedicine #holistichealth #instahealth #wellness #nature #herbalremedies #naturalremedies #medicinalherbs #naturalhealing #naturalremedy #folkmedicine #herbsforhealth #healthandwellness #SupportSmallBusiness #plantbased #instagood #healing #herbalistofinstagram #FertilityJourney
Join Ranger Holly at the park office (125 Village Green Circle) to learn about folk medicine traditions in Appalachia, and plants that our people used and still use today for healing! This presentation starts at 2pm. This program is free to attend, however please consider registering and donating on our website! All of your donations stay in Norris Dam State Park and are used for future programs and park improvements. Thank you for your support! #norrisdamstatepark #folklore #folkmedicine #naturalremedies
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Some aspects of religion can quickly form a box in which God allegedly resides…God is so much bigger than some of the confines constructed by humanity…God is bigger than humanity…but resides within us all 🙏🏾✨🕊️ . . . 🙏🏾Follow: @kandle2grave 💛✨ . . #conjurewoman #conjure #folkmedicine #folkmagick #woo #ancestors #rootwork #hoodoo #oshun🌻 #hoodoopractitioner #vodoun #wayoflife #ancestoraltar #spiritualgrowth #spiritualawakenings #blackspirituality #africanspirituality #birthright #congo #spirit #brujavibes #brujas #plantmom #godparent #geechiegirl #countrygirl #earthmom #ancestorveneration #metaphysical #witch @kandle2grave
✨This herb truly has so many uses and benefits. It can help you: 🌱boost immunity 🌱regulate digestion 🌱support the respiratory system 🌱heal infections 🌱reduce stress and much more! Tulsi tea is one of our favorite staples for supporting nervous system health and regulation. It’s also delicious! 😊 . . . #tulsi #holybasil #tulsitea #herb #herbs #herbal #herbalmedicine #herbalist #plantmedicine #folkmedicine #ayurveda #herbaltea #herbalism #holistic #holistichealth
Life is just so delightfully distracting around the farm lately that we never took down the Beltaine sale in the online shop! 😂🌸🐝 We’ll keep the sale going through tomorrow (Sunday) so you can still shop your favorites from our ethically wildcrafted & farm grown Florida apothecary. 🌿 There’s plenty that’s sold out from the sale… But also plenty of faves that are still in stock! 🎉 🌿 “Safeguard” 🌿 is our herbal antibiotic blend and a nationwide favorite because of its efficacy to fight off ANY funk instantly. It’s truly a tincture that you want to have in your medicine cabinet year round (as countless people can attest to). 👇🏽 🌿 Safeguard is perpetually sold out but we’re uploading more to the online store now and there’s free shipping with orders over $100. ☺️ Enjoy! 🫶🏽 T
For me, Foraging is my sanctuary. It is a place where I can fall into my senses, fall into the arms of the wild, surrender into the loving arms of the plants and their medicine and messages. It’s a place where I feel like I come home to myself, a place where I can be truly human in the most beautiful and expansive sense, and that is why foraging in reverence is a vital part of my personal practice of nature resonance and remembering. I’ve got a couple of foraging walks coming up in Suffolk over the next few months, sharing this bone-deep natural knowledge that we all remember somewhere deep inside. 🪶 #lavenhamsuffolk #foragingwalks #folkmedicine #eatthewild
I got a request to talk about this more so here we are: Tonight is Oíche Bhealtaine, that is May Eve, as tomorrow is the astrological day. Na Daoine Maithe (the Good People) are closer at this time. Generally speaking, that is not a good thing if you're trying to live an average life without excess suffering. To keep Them from stealing your luck, it's best to put a line of gorse in the openings of the house. The windows and doors, not the doors inside the house. Opinions are torn as to whether they are repelled by yellow flowers or whether it's an offering. My opinion is that they don't like them, especially gorse. If you don't have gorse (the picture), use yellow flowers. Buttercups are least effective. Now, if you have Him and that's real, you don't need to do or worry about anything. I tend to do this because I lack confidence in myself, and also because I want us to remember, and you remember by doing. If I thought it would offend Him or there were a lick of doubt in His power or authority in my heart, I wouldn't do this. There's maybe some soul searching that needs done first if that's your position. Avoid business, contacts, and deals right now, especially with strangers, and avoid old roads. If you MUST do business, and they get at your luck, that will be the area of your life most affected, so do what you must to restore that balance as soon as possible. My experience is that this is as relevant in Appalachia as it is in Ireland. I wonder if people brought them over or what happened there, but it doesn't matter. If you have customs around this, family stories, or theories on how They got here, I'd love to hear about it. 🙂
this is my favorite clay thing I've ever made🏺 i adore all the little details. the circle/cycle, the full moon and stars, the soft speckled texture like skin, the women and children dancing around her. she is the earth mama that holds all us earth babies🤎 she holds some of my spirit, and i feel honored that someone resonates with a thing like that. from my heart. off she goes 🌄 #mothersday #motherearth #mothernature #pachamama #madre #earthmedicine #greenwitch #folkmedicine #folkherbalism #holymother #divinefeminine #goddess #mothergoddess #motherofgod #motherwort #earthbaby
It’s mushroom month so allow me to introduce my most used medicinal mushroom, Lions Mane! This mushroom has been used in traditional folk medicine for its ability to improve cognitive function, memory, emotional state and over all well being. Thought to give you the “memory of a lion” it was often used my spiritual practitioners as an aid during spiritual practices such as meditation. One of my favorite ways to utilize this mushroom is in the form of a tincture or powder. To craft your tincture fill a mason jar about 3/4 of the way with dried chopped mushrooms. Top with an alcohol of your choosing that is at least 80 proof or above. I prefer 120 proof for this extraction specifically. Allow to sit in a cool dark place for at least 4-6 weeks! As always it is recommended to check with your healthcare provider or trusted herbalist before beginning any new herbal regimen to ensure it is the right fit for you personally! Follow along for more Mushroom wonder throughout the day and join us this month through our hashtags and at plantwondercollective #plantwondercollective #pwcmushrooms Meet the participants! florasfeastbotanicals mamalibelula theherbologyfaerie wineberryadventurescouts lafemmeflorale brittanylgibson botanica_mystica carrietuttle2964 mysimplewild a.farm.to.keep thewoodlandwitchh cosmic.earth.remedies Plant Wonder Collective: Connecting you to nature through food, drink, play, garden, medicine, magic, and art. . . . #folkwitch #folkmagic #folkmedicine #folkherbalism #greenwitch #greenwitchcraft #apothecary #apothecarycabinet #witchcrafting #witchcraftspells #folklore #herblore #botanicalmagic #mushroommagic #witchyvibes #witchtip #herbalists
🤧 Today I will be addressing a question that came in about addressing seasonal allergies in a Kitchen Witch friendly way. 🧙🌿 The good news is that Mama Earth has given us a few weapons of choice when it comes to the dreaded symptoms of allergies during the changing of the seasons. The not so great news is that from my experience, many of these remedies work best over time as opposed to being a ‘quick fix’...so have patience when working with these plants and nutrients and give them time to help you combat allergies of the season. I hope these are helpful for those on the quest to combat seasonal allergies. Please send me your questions at [email protected] pertaining to herbalism, nutrition, and self care modalities and I will do my Kitchen Witch best to answer them and hopefully help you improve your quality of life while connecting more with our beautiful Mama Earth. From my heart to yours <3 xo, Greta The Kitchen Witch Thank you for supporting my work and for being a patron of my little shop (new collection drops tomorrow)🩷🙏 🖤A portion of purchases goes directly to Domestic Abuse Survivors (& other causes near & dear to our hearts) 🖤
✨ Have you ever tried Mugwort?🌿 This magical perennial is widespread in the Eastern United States and Canada, so chances are you’ve been around it! . . . #mugwort #mugworttea #herbal #herb #herbalist #herbalmedicine #plantmedicine #folkmedicine #botanical #holistic #holisticwellness #naturalmedicine
the mother mary bowl❤ when i look at her face, my heart instantly connects to her radiating heart. i feel waves of love pouring from my heartspace. can you feel this? i have never connected to a sculpture this way before, where i feel embodied reflection of its image. but i have felt this with some paintings. its amazing the way that we can interact with art this way. i feel it is the great power of art, to lead us to a deeper or higher place. i remember when i first saw the image of the holy mother in anatomy of woman. a colorful painting of a yoni, from afar i saw her but when i approached it shifted into the form we all share. she lives in all of us. isn't it fascinating? it makes me curious about the signature of this shape. one thing i know is sacred power lives within it. [available in my shop] #holymother #goddess #divinefeminine #motherearth #mothernature #earthmother #pachamama #earthmedicine #folkmedicine #folkherbalism #mothermary #mothersday #mothersdaygift #woman
As we welcome May, let’s welcome the Earth element, as Taurus begins its reign. Earth, the conduit of senses, guides our perception’s journey, Enthralling us with the raw reality of this earthly plane, Through the sacred vessel of our bodies, life’s essence does sustain.🤎✨🪹✨🌎✨♉️ Am ersten Mai begrüßen wir das Element Erde, da der Stier seine Herrschaft beginnt. Die Erde, der Leiter der Sinne, lenkt unsere Wahrnehmungsreise und fesselt uns mit der rohen Realität dieser irdischen Ebene. Durch das heilige Gefäß unseres Körpers wird die Essenz des Lebens aufrechterhalten.🤎✨🪹✨🌎✨♉️ Mientras celebramos el inicio de Mayo, damos la bienvenida al elemento Tierra, ya que Tauro comienza su reinado. La Tierra, el conductor de los sentidos, guía el viaje de nuestra percepción, cautivándonos con la cruda realidad de este plano terrenal. A través del sagrado recipiente de nuestros cuerpos, se sustenta la esencia de la vida.🤎✨🪹✨🌎✨♉️ #ceremonialcacao #cacao #spiritofcacao #cacaoceremony #healingjourney #plantmedicine #folkmedicine #crystalhealing #earthspirit #earthling #healer #curandera
mary mary month of may💙 rose(of)mary, mother mary, and my mama's hands came together to bring it all home. 11 new clay pieces, inspired by the mother, added to my shop. i'd love if you'd check them out :) they are some of my favorites ive been able to bring to life (yet) #mothersday #motherearth #pachamama #earthmother #gaia #earthmedicine #mothernature #holymother #divinefeminine #mothermary #beltane #folkherbalism #folkmedicine #motherwort #loveyourmother #honoryourmother #motherofgod
Looking back on the very first festival we vended at and reflecting on how much we’ve grown since then. ☺️ Can’t wait to do it again this year! . . . #festivalvendor #festival #musicfestival #festivalvibes #festivalready #edmfestival #herbalmedicine #plantmedicine #folkmedicine #holistic #holisticwellness #cacao #herbalelixir
~ Calendula ~ One of my favorite botanicals, which makes it's way into most of my botanical skincare range, given it's amazing skin healing & soothing properties! Read on for folklore & medicinal properties. You'll find Calendula in my Botanical Skincare, much of which is currently on SALE to fund an overseas trip. Found in: ~ Wild Everything ~ St John's & Wild Weeds handbalm ~ Rosehip & Calendula facial moisturiser ~ Hempseed & Maychang body massage oil https://www.homegrownbotanica.co.nz/collections/botanical-skincare First named Calendula by the Romans, observing that the flowers were in bloom on the first day of calends, of every month. Calendula actually flowers all month, all year. The 17th Century herbalist & astrologer Nicholas Culpeper described Calendula as the ‘herb of the Sun, and under Leo’, pointing to it’s sunny disposition & bold orange flowers. Calendula has marvelous healing properties, both internal & external, particularly relating to the skin. Boasting antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, vulneraray & emmenagogue properties. Touted as one of the best herbs for treating skin problems, especially where there is inflammation on the skin (through infection or physical damage), Calendula is used to treat all types of wounds & skin infections. With it’s antispectic properties, & strong vulnerary actions, it heals the body by promoting cell repair. It’s believed to promotes wound healing and skin cell regeneration by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels and skin tissue working particularly well for slow healing wounds. Calendula has anti-inflammatory properties and is used externally to treat bruises, burns, sores and skin ulcers, along with cuts & scrapes. There’s been a lot of research into the compounds called triterpenes in Calendula which have proven anti-inflammatory benefits. Calendula’s antifungal properties are useful both externally on the skin and to treat internal fungal infections. Calendula can be used internally for fevers, gastrointestinal problems such as cramps, indigestion & diaarrhea, & can aid in the relief of gall bladder. A strong infusion of Calendula can be gargled to soothe sore gums.
* 🌞 Spring Garden Stroll 🌸
🌿 Polygonatum spp. Solomon’s Seal 🌿 The Polygonatums, solomon’s seals, have long been worked with as deep medicinal tonics, and are a revered bone & joint support herb. The long bowing stems start to emerge early spring, adorned in white flower bells by beltaine (May Day). There are native american, european, & asian species, all attracting a host of pollinators & worked with for medicine. It is the root of Polygonatums that have been traditionally harvested in the autumn to make fresh medicine. The roots are dried for tisanes (herbal teas), or chopped into a fresh tincture. From @plantsforafuture pfaf.org :: Polygonatum biflorum :: “A poultice or a decoction of the fresh roots is applied to cuts, bruises, sores. Polygonatum odoratum :: “…in the form of a poultice…stimulates tissue repair, [& for] bruises, small wounds ” From @eclecticschoolofherbalmedicine :: “Solomon’s Seal is a sweet, moistening, slimy, demulcent [herb], that, unlike many slimy demulcents, works well in tincture. It promotes appropriate fluid production and movement to the fascia & connective tissue. It’s the most reliable structural system remedy I know, useful in both dry states, and connective tissue hypertonicity.” I find the fresh tincture to be one of the most delightful root remedies; sweet & earthy, uplifting & grounding, all at once. It’s been helpful in my community for sore knees & hips from long working hours & standing on one’s feet, especially on hard floor & for athletes. From @plantsforafuture pfaf.org :: “The roots are rich in starch, this can be extracted by beating or grinding the dried root, the starch can then be used to make bread or can be mixed in other foods such as soups” **This information is for educational purposes. Before ingesting any plant or mushroom, always do your own research and be 100% sure of identification. Consult your health care provider for possible drug/herb contraindications & precautions.**
🌿 Community Earth Day Celebration 🌍 This past Sunday we celebrated Earth Day with a Community Day at the Green Farmacy Garden! Families & friends gathered to enjoy the garden, connection, pond picnics, eco-art, & more! There was fresh tisane (herbal tea) & herbal infused water from the garden to be enjoyed by the patio fire all day. The garden welcomed children & adults to partake in a day of fellowship, exploration, creativity, nature connection, and native tree planting! 🌳 Nature educator, longtime friend of the garden, & Jim’s former student, Julie, lead children & adults to create their own eco-prints using fresh plants from the garden! We harvested our specimens, arranged them on natural cotton cloth, pounded their colors & silhouettes in, then dipped them in an iron solution to bind the pigments! The chemical reaction changed some of the colors into deeper surprise hues, & bonded the pigments to be sun-fade & wash proof! Everyone had a joy tapping into their creativity, exploring natural colors & shapes, & slowing down to get just the right plant prints. The end results are absolutely breathtaking, & we are all excited to experiment more. 🌸 While eco-printing was happening, a heartfelt engagement to connect with nature was facilitated by Michael & Meadow during Climate Cafe. Participants gathered in the large lower gazebo, tucked down by the wood edge & wild pond at the brink of the field of possibilities. Folks were encouraged to sit with a plant or nature being’s energy in the garden, & relax in meditative moments. They gathered together to share & reflect on their quiet time if called to, and converse about the current state of our climate, & positive actions to take. 💙 ..(con’t in comments or full list on Facebook, linktree in profile)
💜 Viola species Violets & Pansies 💜 Viola leaves are another favorite spring wild edible green, & probably my favorite edible wild flower. There are hundreds of Viola species and most of them are worked with for food or medicine interchangeably, with the exception of yellow varieties. Viola leaves & flowers are a long beloved medicinal herbal remedy with cooling, moistening, toxin cleansing, anti-inflammatory, & anti-tumor properties. They are considered a mucilaginous, expectorant, lymphatic stimulant, & antiseptic herb. Violas are high in vitamins A & C, soluble fiber, rutin, & quercetin. Fresh Viola leaves are a wonderful base or addition to salads, pesto, & sandwiches, and make a lovely tea fresh or dried. They can also be steamed, sautéed, or added to soups as a nutrient-dense thickener. The leaves are a traditional soothing herbal remedy for many skin conditions such as acne, eczema, impetigo, & itching when made into a tea or applied as a fresh poultice, infused oil, or salve. They are also a traditional herbal remedy for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, mucus, coughs, asthma, & general lung health. Viola flowers have the same edible & medicinal properties as the leaves, and the violet ones impart vibrant blue-purple to purple-pink hues when made fresh into a tea, syrup, or infused vinegar. The tea in particular is a really fun activity to make with children; when you add a base such as baking soda the tea turns blue-green, and when an acid like lemon juice is added it turns bright pink! In Jim Duke’s book The Green Pharmacy, he writes about pansies, Viola tricolor, and other Violas containing the compound rutin which naturopaths often recommend 20 milligrams 3 times a day for the treatment of glaucoma. Jim calculated that one fresh pansy or Viola flower would offer about 20 milligrams of rutin! He also writes that rutin is a helpful compound to prevent & treat some varicose & spider veins, as rutin helps maintain the strength & integrity of capillary walls. Jim states that medical texts suggest 20 to 100 milligrams of rutin a day can significantly strengthen the capillaries.
Last weekend at the Green Farmacy we had two days of fun, full events! Saturday was the monthly herbal medicine making class, with the theme of Spring Wild Edibles. Participants learned about common spring wild edibles including chickweed (Stellaria media), violets (Viola spp.), stinging nettles (Urtica dioica), garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and gout weed (Aegopodium podagraria). We took a walk on the land to learn about identifying, harvesting, and medicinal & edible properties of the plants in season. After our walk we processed our harvest & made a wild pesto to enjoy together! Sunday CEI volunteer Terri lead an informative bird class & observation walk. We learned about several resources for identifying birds, tracking their migrations, recording our bird sightings publicly, & seeing other birders’ sightings. We then took a walk around the garden with binoculars in hand to put what we had learned to practice. We heard and/or spotted 17 species in the short 30 minute walk! (see last picture for list) After a lunch break we got to work building brush pile habitats for birds along the woodland edge. Everyone was super enthusiastic about building their bird homes, & we look forward to seeing which species choose to inhabit these new spaces! 1*:: Event welcome area: Tisane du jour (herbal tea of the day), teacups, & some of Jim Duke’s books 2*:: Herbal medicine making participants processing their harvest 3*:: Making wild pesto together! 4*:: Tasty snacks to share 5*:: Terri’s birding tips & resources presentation 6*:: Bird walk 7*:: Participants moving wood debris to build bird habitat brush piles 8*:: Brush pile build group photo! 9*:: Examples of some participants’ bird habitat brush piles 10*:: Birds heard and/or sighted at Green Farmacy Garden Sunday April 14th 11:30am - 12pm
❁ ❁ Wild Woodland Spring ❁ The bluebells are ringing their final tune, As the sweet scent of Packera dancing on the breeze, Is sure to make you swoon. The Dutchman did quickly retire his breeches, Dainty dapplings o’ Stellaria, ever leaving one speechless. The trout lily treasure hunt, a fleeting glimpse of gold, The sweet Trillium lips, sealed with secrets untold. Gems of Claytonia & Viola, decorating the forest floor, Enticing the child-self glee, We all hold at our core. The brilliance of wood poppies, reflecting the sun, Treasured goldenseal thriving, Slowly harm comes undone *❦.A-S 🌸 Native Spring Woodland Wildflowers 1*:: Mertensia virginica :: Virginia bluebells 2*:: Packera aurea :: golden ragwort 3*:: Dicentra cucullaria :: dutchman’s breeches 4*:: Stellaria pubera :: star chickweed 5*:: Erythronium americana :: trout lily 6*:: Trillium sessile :: toadshade 7*:: Claytonia virginica :: spring beauty 8*:: Viola spp. :: violet 9*:: Stylophorum diphyllum :: wood poppy 10*:: Hydrastis canadensis :: goldenseal
This week our friends from MOM’s Organic Market of College Park @momsorganicmarket volunteered with us to help plant native nut trees in the woods here! Native nut trees play a major role in feeding wildlife, and unfortunately they have become few & far between. Nuts offer valuable nutrition for a wide variety of critters including squirrels, bears, chipmunks & deer, as well as birds such as jays, woodpeckers, wild turkeys, & wood ducks, and humans too! The dense nutrition of nuts that are ripe in autumn is vital for wildlife to pack on the calories before winter. Many nut trees, including some we planted, are also host species & food sources for many insects & butterflies. Oaks in particular are trees that support the widest range of wildlife, & we planted 3 white oaks (Quercus alba) with our volunteers! We also planted shellbark & shagbark hickories (Carya laciniosa & ovata) and chestnuts (Castanea dentata x sp.), with more to come! The current mature trees in the woods at the Green Farmacy are not very diverse, with a majority being tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera), beech (Fagus grandifolia), and some maples (Acer spp.). This week’s tree planting was another project supported by a grant we were awarded from The Chesapeake Bay Trust to help increase the biodiversity of native plant species in the woods here. Thank you @chesapeakebaytrust , we are so grateful for your generous support & wide-reaching efforts for conservation!
❀ Stellaria media, chickweed ❀ Stellaria media is probably my favorite springtime wild edible green. It is a deeply nourishing food & medicine, adored by countless generations before us. It is a superb lymphatic mover, a testament to Mama Nature’s divine timing in offering just what we need at just the right time. After heavy winter meals often lacking in fresh-from-the-Earth nutrients, & our typically more slow, stagnant lifestyles, Stellaria is a most welcome mover of the body’s fluids & soul’s energy, preparing us for the upsurging season of regrowth, creative energy, & inspiring movement. ❀ Stellaria media is a mat-forming, self-sowing annual ground cover. It blooms from early to mid spring, often returning in autumn, with teeny white flowers at the ends of the stems. The flowers appear to have 10 petals, but are really 5-petals that are deeply divided. The leaves are opposite, toothless & stalkless. The stems can be erect though typically sprawl along the ground, rooting at nodes. ❀ I find chickweed tastiest eaten fresh in salads & sandwiches, though it can also be cooked as any other vegetable in various dishes. It is also made into a lovely green-fresh tea, from the fresh or dried whole plant. Chickweed is rich in antioxidants, saponins, vitamins A, C & B, as well as calcium, fiber & protein. ❀ Medicinally, Stellaria media is worked with as poultices, oils & salves to help with itchy skin irritations including rashes & eczema. It is also made into a tincture from the whole, fresh plant. It cools inflammations both internally & externally. ❀ Stellaria poultice is also wonderful for eye health with its cooling & moistening properties which can soothe discomfort, dryness, styes, & allergy irritations, another testament to Mama Nature’s divine timing in providing what we need. ❀ **Before ingesting any plant or mushroom, always do your own research and be 100% sure of identification. Consult your health care provider for possible drug/herb contraindications & precautions.** *❦Annie-Sophie & the Green Farmacy team
🌼 April Events at the Green Farmacy Garden 🌸 * April Foraging Walk SOLD OUT - Saturday, April 6, 2024, 1pm- 3pm You can add your name to the waitlist and/or join us for April Herbal Medicine Making : Spring Wild Edibles next Saturday April 13, 11am-2pm :: April Herbal Medicine Making : Spring Wild Edibles Saturday April 13th, 2024 11am - 2pm “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Come nibble through the garden while harvesting to make herbal wild pesto together! We’ll discuss how to identify early spring wild edibles as well as how to work with them for food and/or medicine. :: April Volunteer Day: Bird Walk & ID and habit building- brush piles Sunday, April 14th, 2024 10:30am - 2pm Learn tools to ID the many birds soon migrating through our area, then the community onsite construction of brush piles to enhance the Bird habitat on the land! Registration for just the bird walk, or the brush pile build, or both! :: Tool Sharpening Workshop Thursday April 18th, 2024 6pm - 8pm Learn all you need to know to keep your blades & edges keen :: Community Earth Day Celebration Sunday, April 21st, 2024 11am - 4pm Celebrate Earth Day with facilitated activities connecting with plants and people. The day’s schedule is as follows: * 11am Arrivals, Tea, Picnics, Mingling, Settling in * 12-1:30pm Eco-Printing / Climate Café * 2-3:30pm Native Tree and Flower Planting * 3:30pm Closing Circle This is a family friendly event. Please register each attendee aged 2 and up! :: Earth Day Climate Café Sunday April 21st, 2024 (an activity at Earth Day Celebration) 12pm - 1:30pm Join us for an open, inclusive space to share emotional experiences of navigating the climate crisis. Michael and Meadow will offer activities based on Joanna Macy’s ‘Work that Reconnects’ to facilitate connection with ourselves, each other, and the earth through eco-centric mindfulness practices. Today’s Climate Café will be offered as part of our Community Earth Day Celebration - participants are welcome to join us for all the day’s activities, or just come for Climate Café. :: Follow the links in our bio for more information and registration! We hope to see you in the garden🌿✨
🌿 Urtica dioica stinging nettle The gardens first nettle harvest was last Tuesday, in tune with the full moon. Super foods have been popular the last several years, & my vote would be for Urtica to be one of the most talked about & worked with! Urtica dioca, stinging nettle, is likely the most nutrient dense wild spring green gifted in abundance. Urtica emerges just as the spring equinox is turning the wheel. It’s opposite, toothed leaves flaunt a purple underside during still-chill weather growth, & are decorated with tiny hollow hairs called trichomes. These hairs act like microscopic hypodermic needles, introducing our body to the plant forms of histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, and formic acid. Formic acid is the same chemical that some ant species inject humans with when they bite. The trichomes in stinging nettle are a means by which the potent medicine is transferred to the body; urtication, the act of a burning/itching sensation, is an ol’folk practice working with nettles, to smack oneself with the stems to relieve arthritis & gout pain. Urtication is likely how nettle got it’s botanical genus name, Urtica. Jim Duke favored nettle urtication on his lower legs more than medications(over the counter or prescription “pharmaceutical poisons”, in Dr. Duke’s words) for gout relief. The nettles’ sting of acetylcholine & formic acid does in fact stimulate the capillaries, and improve blood & lymph flow, which is how it is so effective at reducing inflammation & helping support the body’s more speedy healing process. As Jim Duke was also a proponent of “let food by thy medicine & medicine by thy food”, stinging nettles was one of his favorite herbs for mineral rich nutrition. He would likely add nettle to the modern “super food” lists, as it is a well-recognized traditional nutrient dense wild food. Urtica dioica is extremely high in fiber, calcium, magnesium & zinc, as well as rich in amino acids, proteins, potassium & iron. **Before ingesting any plant or mushroom, always do your own research and be 100% sure of identification. Consult your health care provider for possible drug/herb contraindications & precautions.**
Caulophyllum thalictroides (kaw-lo-FIL-um) (thal-ik-TROY-deez) Blue Cohosh ❦ This is one of our most stunning & botanically unique native plants in the woods at the Green Farmacy Garden. This photo series shows the mystical growth from deep purple sprout to bright yellow flower. Caulophyllum thalictroides unfurls & blooms quickly in early spring. It is one of our earliest blooming herbaceous woodland flowers, and an early nectar source for pollinators, especially early solitary bees. In the second picture, Caulophyllum displays the beginnings of its enchanting unfurling dance. The perennial, slowly spreading rhizome pushes the deep purple bud sprout through the late winter earth. Once its grown a few inches tall it reveals miniature flower buds & leaves, entangled together to chase the lengthening spring sun. In the fifth & sixth picture, the unique leaf & flower stem structure is evident. Caulophyllum comes from the Greek kaulos (stem) & phyllon (leaf), referring to the way the main stalk branches into 3 stems for each compound leaf. When a stalk is mature it will make a fourth stem from which flower clusters & another compound leaf will grow, as seen in the fifth picture. In the sixth picture the large leaf structure is becoming more visible, as we see the unfurling of several leaflets at the top of each compound leaf stem. As seen in the eighth picture, the leaflets are usually tri-divided & subtly lobed, with a gorgeous blue-green sheen. In the seventh picture the deep purple stalk is lightening to it’s pale blue hue, showcasing how Caulophyllum got it’s common name of blue cohosh. Blue cohosh & black cohosh have rhizomes with some similar medicinal properties for women’s reproductive health & birth labor, but they are not botanically related. Cohosh is an Algonquin word meaning “gnarly root”. Once established, blue cohosh will form a bushy growth habit, as seen in the ninth picture, sending up a few new stalks each year. The yellowy-mauve, six petaled flowers sit at the tip of their own little stem, growing from the top of the main stalk, surrounded by leaflets.
Our native woodland plants & spring ephemerals are continuing their enchanting re-emergence. We have a small variety of native herbaceous plants in our woods, and with the generous help of the Chesapeake Bay Trust @chesapeakebaytrust grant we were awarded, we have plans to add many more this year! We are so grateful for their support in our goal to add more native biodiversity to our woods, and help reinforce the stream beds and buffer zones on the land here. 1 & 2*:: Jeffersonia diphylla :: twinleaf. You can see the “twin leaves” it is named for in the second picture 3*:: Pachysandra procumbens in flower :: mountain/Allegheny spurge. This is a great shade-loving ground cover alternative to the aggressive non-native Pachysandra terminalis commonly planted. 4*:: Claytonia virginica :: spring beauty 5*:: Packera aurea :: golden ragwort. This is another great option for a native, shade-loving ground cover. This will fill an area faster than the native Pachysandra, and potentially compete with aggressive non-native plants due to its evergreen basal leaf habit. 6*:: Trillium sessile :: toadshade. This unique native spring ephemeral is considered “threatened” in Michigan and “endangered” in New York by the United Plant Savers @unitedplantsavers . Many other species of this plant fall under these categories in various other states around the country. 7*:: Mertensia virginica :: Virginia bluebell flower buds 8*:: Stellaria pubera :: star chickweed. This is our native chickweed, different from the non-native chickweed Stellaria media. 9*:: Podophyllum peltatum :: mayapple leaves at various stages of unfurling 10*:: Xanthorhiza simplicissima :: yellowroot tiny flowers
Forsythia suspensa This traditional Chinese medicine plant is a favorite in ornamental plantings, though few people likely know of it’s edibility & long history as an herbal remedy. You may have seen the bright yellow flowers blooming in hedgerows around your neighborhood or shopping areas. Here at the garden, we let most of our forsythias grow in a more natural “weeping” form (pictures 6&7), though the neatly trimmed hedgerows create a much more dense flower bloom. Forsythia suspensa is native to China & East Asia, and is an early nectar source for pollinators. The 4-petaled flowers bloom before the plant leafs out, readily attracting the pollinators. The bright yellow flowers are edible, & have a mild bitter taste. The green calyxes (pictures 4&5) impart more bitterness, so I like to just pick the individual petals off; they’re a fun addition to salads! Though I’ve never tried it myself, there are many recipes for forsythia syrup & jelly available. Here at the garden, Forsythia suspensa is included in several plots including Colds & Flu, Liver, and Fever. It was one of Dr. Jim Duke’s go-to remedies whenever he felt a cold or flu coming on. He would always include honeysuckle in his tea with forsythia, as they are a revered pair in traditional Chinese medicine. Lian qiao is forsythia’s name in Chinese medicine and has been a staple remedy in this tradition for thousands of years. It is the unripe yellow fruit & seeds ground together that are worked with for a myriad of ailments. **Before ingesting any plant or mushroom, always do your own research and be 100% sure of identification. Consult your health care provider for possible drug/herb contraindications & precautions.**