Herbs for Cold and Flu Season: Class Notes
According to the US Center for Disease Control (CDC), flu and cold season typically covers October through May with its peak somewhere in December to February. In the Pacific Northwest, the rainy season’s damp and chilly weather provides the right conditions for viruses to thrive; for us, with the rain comes the flu and cold […]
Roses: Symbolism and Flower Essence
We have cultivated and appreciated the rose as both a symbol of love and a gentle yet powerful medicine of the heart for centuries. Many of us have heard the stories of how Queen Cleopatra strewed rose petals through her room to entice lovers like Marc Antony, for instance. Particularly around romantic holidays such as […]
44.The Versatile Rose
Standing among herbal celebs like Licorice, Sage, Rooibos, and Chili Pepper, Rose is no hot house flower though her medicinal uses may seem more limited. Rose covers the gamut from a long history of medicinal, culinary, and beauty uses to a symbol of love, virtue, purity, and courage. That is, perhaps, what makes the humble rose so intriguing. Today, we’re talking about a few of the many petals the rose has to offer.
Calendula: Symbolizing Warmth, Better Communication, and Success
Calendula has been a symbol of sunshine and fire for many centuries. In India, calendula flowers were traditionally included in wedding bouquets and decorations to symbolize passion and creativity or fertility for the new couple. They were also laid at the feet of or hung in wreathes about statues of the Gods and Goddesses in […]
Radical Mycology by Peter McCoy
Best audience for Radical Mycology: Folks who are serious about mycology: Moderate beginners who aren’t afraid of a lot of information all at once to Pros after a more broad perspective or ideas for new dimensions of study, experience, and exploration. Note: This is not a mushroom ID book. Candace said: This is truly a thorough […]
43.The B Show – Locavore Digested, Chickweed, and Cannabis in the News
This week, the team spent a little time reviewing last week’s show on the Locavore Movement with Leda Hermecz then moved on to answer an herbal 101 question and Cannabis in the news.
42.Locavore, an Interview with Leda Hermecz and 100 Mile Bakery
Locavore, Farm-to-Table, Slow Food, artisan foods can be found amidst all these movements. As we get in-touch with the roots of our food, our appreciation for what it takes to make truly delicious cuisine grows. Today, we’re talking with Leda Hermecz of 100 Mile Bakery about her roots in the Slow Food movement and how she brings local foods to her community.
Tea for Better Communication: Practical Magic
Calendula offers a magical boost when you’re working on shedding old patterns. As a sunny, drying friend, this flower knows how to cut through the mucky, swampy thoughts that can pool about and create stagnation in our growth. This tea blend is all about clearing out that damp, old crud that’s making it hard to […]
41.The B Show – A Recap of Show 40 and Herbal 101s
This week, the team spent a little time reviewing last week’s show then moved on to answer a couple of Herbal 101 questions.
Calla Lily: The Beauty of Balance
AKA: Arum Lily Cala Lily symbolizes purity and innocence, according to popular mythology. This flower is used at transitional times like weddings and funerals to symbolize a wish for fertility and purity for those who are making the transitions. In art, the Cala Lily has often been used as a connection between seemingly opposing forces. […]
40.Herbs of Iceland with Anna Rósa Róbertsdóttir
As herbalists, we often rely on a combination of current research and historical records to understand our medicinal plants. For the most part, we’ve been free to experiment and gain our own experiential knowledge, too. Iceland, among others, has passed a lot of legal restrictions limiting herbalist and those who use plants to care for themselves and their loved ones.
Cleavers + Grape Seed Oil = Goodness from the Garden
My garden in spring overflows with Cleavers, aka Galium aparine. Most years, I spend hours in early spring picking cleavers seeds out of Mr. Jet’s long black fur. This year, I decided it was high time I made use of the skin nourishing properties of this weedy friend. Galium aperine is chock full of trace […]