Educational Resources

Growing and wildcrafting the plants we use are beneficial in many ways. Simply being aware and in nature with the plant world is healing. It is the ultimate in quality control since you personally are overseeing the process from planting to picking to processing to medicine making to the actual use of the herb or food. Being involved in this process deepens our connection to nature and makes us pro-active in our own healthcare. A well trained herbalist has precious skills and knowledge that can benefit many people. These come with a responsibility; to the plants and their environment and […] See More

Aconitum is a part of our local flora and a plant that has long fascinated me. This plant, commonly known as Monkshood, is found in only a few places locally. It requires extra moisture so it prefers riparian habitats. It is a beautiful deep blue flower that strongly resembles the hood of a medieval monk and it is easy to see where the common name comes from. The plant is quite toxic and I once met a guy who was interested in this plant due to its traditional use for poison tipped arrows in a variety of separate cultures in […] See More

Herbs work in very different ways than modern pharmaceutical drugs. This difference is rarely well explained in books and is the source of much confusion for folks who are new to using herbal medicine. This article comes from my desire to explain and provide some clarity in this area. These Herbal Actions & Categories are explained and applied in depth during our longer herb programs, especially the Foundations of Herbal Medicine. A general outline is provided here. Many of the herbs listed were chosen because they are locally available in the SW. There are many other plants from other parts […] See More

There are many methods for preparing and extracting the therapeutic benefits of herbs. Using them in tea and tinctures are two of the most common methods. An herbal syrup is another excellent way to take herbs although this method is not as well known. The basic recipe for an herbal syrup: 1 cup of herb 2 - 3 cups of water 1 - 1.5 cups of honey Simmer the herb over a very low flame in a covered pot for 30 minutes. Take off the burner and steep for another 30 minutes. Strain out the herb and continue to simmer […] See More

The validity and safety of essential oils are two areas of ongoing confusion in the alternative healing community. This article gives my views on these challenging topics. Education v Marketing Some of the gatherings and classes in the industry are advertised as education when, in fact, they are nothing more than a sales pitch. There is nothing wrong with making a living selling a product, but be honest about what you are doing. Don't call it education if all you are doing is promoting products from one company. With any type of class, talk or gathering centered on essential oils, […] See More

Interest in wild foods has been steadily growing over the past several years, both in the herb community and in the mainstream culture. In this article, I will be sharing background information and guidelines that have been helpful in my own ongoing journey of being a modern day forager. Learning the lifestyles of our long ago ancestors has been especially helpful in this area. They ate wild food out of necessity rather than by choice. They had a time-tested way to survive and thrive long term and much of this information is still applicable today. Hunter-Gatherers are in all our […] See More

Here is a list of books that have been published recently and that I have either read and recommend or that I am eager to read because they look great. 1. Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism: Elite Herbs and Natural Compounds for Mastering Stress, Aging, and Chronic Disease by Donald Yance The author, Donald Yance is one of the world experts on adaptogens (also known as tonics in TCM or Rasayanas in Ayurveda). I have attended workshops with him on this topic and left feeling very impressed by the potential of these plants and Donald’s expertise in helping people. This book […] See More

Elderberry Elixir This is definitely the time of year to use elder berries. They are abundant, affordable, delicious, easy to work with, adaptable to many recipes and effective for immune support, especially the viral-based colds and flu. Like vegetable soup recipes, there are endless versions for elderberry teas, extracts, syrups, elixirs and oxymels. This is my current favorite which includes the addition of clove. This well known spice adds a pleasant flavor and a warming, blood moving quality to this recipe. To make, use a canning jar of any size. 8 or 16 oz sizes work well. Fill the jar […] See More

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum, Lamiaceae, also known as Holy Basil) is one of the most revered medical and spiritual plants in India and is becoming increasingly popular in this country. The use of Tulsi as an essential oil is less known. However it is one of my favorite oils and it makes a valuable addition to any home pharmacy or healing practice. Extraction: Traditionally, much of the tulsi on the market has been grown in India. In recent years, more growers in the US are have joined in. It is not considered a difficult plant to cultivate. It is often grown […] See More