<< a light-hearted interview featuring Herbstalk teachers & vendors >> Arthur Haines has been teaching in the field of human health and human ecology for over 20 years. He runs the Delta Institute of Natural History and his popular classes focus primarily on foraging, herbal medicine, and ancestral lifeways. He will be offering two classes at Herbstalk this year: "Flora for the Fauna" and a plant walk, "Walking with the Standing People." What is the main focus of your work within the realm of herbalism? Wild plants found on our local landscapes. Teaching people to use what is in their place as opposed to importing non-native plants from around the world. Bringing in plants from around the world to use for healing is a step in the right direction but it is still imposing our will on the landscape and it is still a reliance on industry. I like to foster (to the extent possible) learning to use what grows in your bioregion. What challenges did you face when you first started? There were a lot of challenges discerning myth from lore from evidenced-based research and what the value of each was. Finding mentors who could share their expertise and experience was also difficult. Where do you see the future of herbalism going in the next few years? Highly regulated and likely prohibited in some realms with people becoming more and more afraid of allowing people to practice healing in their own families and communities. This is not a vision I wish for, but based on my experiences, I am fearful of things continuing to trend in this direction. Do you have a favorite plant or two at the moment? Whatever I am eating at the moment, so currently, wood nettle (Laportea canadensis). Or maybe black locust as two family members have bows made out of this tree. What advice would you give to budding herbalists? Practice the medicine on yourself. Are there any non-herbal hobbies or interests that you love doing? We practice herbalism to have medical sovereignty but we want sovereignty in all areas of our life … so we gather our own food, we make some of our own clothing, we craft our own hunting weapons, and so on. Any guilty pleasures you’d like to share? I guess California bay laurel nuts because they come from across the continent. But they are as close to chocolate as I have had from a wild plant in North America. Finally, what would be your top five deserted island herbs? (the only herbs you could have around while stuck on a deserted island) Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris), staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), and hemlock reishi (Ganoderma tsugae). Thank you so much for sharing your some of your work with us, Arthur!
You can learn more about him at his website: www.arthurhaines.com Arthur will be teaching at Herbstalk on Saturday, June 2. View the full class schedule here! Our last installation of our "Herbs of the Enneagram" series ends appropriately with Tulsi, our Herbstalk plant-of-the-year. This herb matches with the final personality type of the Enneagram, the harmonizing and peace-loving 9. Learn more about all 9 types and the herbs that balance them at Herb Pearce's class on Sunday, June 3rd at 9am. View the full class schedule here! by Herb Pearce Enneagram Type 9 is called the Peacemaker and there’s nothing more peaceful than having a cup of holy basil tea, what I consider a Type 9 herb. The Peacemaker/Harmonizer likes to make harmony with everyone and everything and tends to avoid conflict. 9s love balance, inclusion, tolerance and acceptance and holy basil has those qualities. Holy basil also has foundation and strength, exactly what 9s need to balance out their sweetness, innocence and going-along-with nature. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), is often called holy basil, an herb that has been used for thousands of years in India treating colds, coughs and flu. It cleanses the respiratory system, relieves gas and is a rich source of an essential oil that eliminates bacteria, fungi and parasites. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is considered holy because the plant is an incarnation of the goddess Tulsi who offers divine protection. Many Indians have a home alter with worship ceremonies dedicated to holy basil, using tulsi with reverence and making meditation beads from the woody stalks. Tulsi is an essential element of the worship of Vishnu, Krishna, Rama and Lakshmi. It is often planted in the middle of the central courtyard of Hindu houses. Now found growing worldwide, holy basil is a woody shrub about 18 inches high with oval, serrated leaves and colors ranging from light green to dark purple, depending on the variety. The flowers are lavender and the fruit is composed of rust colored nuts. In traditional systems of medicine, different parts of tulsi — the leaves, stem, flower, root, seeds and even the whole plant — have been recommended for the treatment of bronchitis, bronchial asthma, malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, skin diseases, arthritis, painful eye diseases, chronic fever, snake bites and scorpion stings. It’s also an adaptogenic herb that balances stress and many herbalists recommend it for daily consumption. In India it is often used as a substitute for coffee. Tulsi can be used to garnish food and sauces, as a tea, powder, supplement, juice, or essential oil. Its leaves are used in many food recipes. It may slow blood clotting as a possible side effect. I just had a cup of fragrant holy basil tea and it makes me feel wholesome. Why not take a break now and have a cup to relax yourself? Learn what’s it like to be a peacemaker with strength! References: https://chopra.com/articles/what-is-holy-basil https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocimum_tenuiflorum https://draxe.com/holy-basil-benefits/ Herb Pearce is an expert on the Enneagram with 28+ years experience. He has authored four books on the Enneagram including his most recent work, Presidential Profiles: Washington to Trump - Enneagram and Myers-Briggs Perspectives. Herb has taught over 2000 Enneagram workshops and has worked with hundreds of organizations, individuals and couples using the Enneagram in his counseling practice. Herb resides in Arlington, Massachusetts where he is a practicing psychotherapist and life coach. He emphasizes developing the strengths of all 9 Enneagram types and is known for his exacting insights, moderated by gentleness, humor and compassion. You can learn more at www.herbpearce.com or email him directly at herb@herbpearce.com. Herb will be teaching his class, Herbs of the Enneagram, at Herbstalk on Sunday, June 3rd! View the full class schedule here. We want you to have the best time at Herbstalk, so here is some logistical info that will help you make the most of the weekend. Read on for everything you need to know!...
We can't wait to see you for an amazing weekend of learning, sharing and celebration!!! Food provided by Farmacy Cafe all weekend:
<< a light-hearted interview featuring Herbstalk teachers & vendors >> Krystina Friedlander is a midwife and herbalist based in Exeter, New Hampshire. Through her practice she uses herbs to manage challenges that arise in pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Krystina serves families outside of hospitals using herbalism as an essential way to help keep people low-risk and to nourish a healthy pregnancy. Can you tell us a little bit about how your herbal work began? How did you first get interested in plants or herbalism? I've been interested in herbalism since childhood, when I read Jean M. Auel's Clan of the Cave Bear series, especially the first book. When I look back on my life, I can actually trace how profoundly those novels influenced me! I loved the connection between the young girl and her wise woman Neandertal foster mother, from whom she learned the herbal skills that enabled her survival. Though I can't say I spent time in nature beyond exploring my suburban landscape, I did find it enchanting. As an adult, I rediscovered herbalism after seeking a second opinion for a health challenge in 2011. My husband directed me to Madelon Hope, a Boston herbalist who he had studied with. I was astonished by the difference in the care that I received from her as opposed to the allopathic care I was so accustomed to; the level of attention, sensitivity and holism blew my mind. I began studying with her and Tommy Priester at the Boston School of Herbal Studies, and it radically redirected my life path. What challenges did you face when you first started? Quite simply, it felt overwhelming. I still feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of plants that surround me everyday, but I don't let it bother me as much. I go out walking and recognize quite a few, but there are many more I don't know. The more you know the more you know you don't know, and that's okay. I wanted to learn everything then, to tincture everything, to use everything. If you could go back in time to meet yourself when you were just starting on the herbal path, what would you say? Slow down, start small, and stay local. What is the main focus of your work within the realm of herbalism? My work is primarily with people who want to be pregnant, are pregnant, or are postpartum. I'm wrapping up my midwifery education this summer and will be certified and licensed midwife by this fall. I serve families outside of hospitals, so to me, herbalism is an essential part of my practice because it helps keep people low-risk by offering safe ways to stay within the realm of normal, as well as to nourish a healthy pregnancy. Can you share some of your go-to herbal books or favorite herbalists/teachers that you look to for inspiration? Absolute essentials for me are Aviva Romm's Botanical Medicine for Women's Health, Matthew Woods' The Earthwise Herbal books, and The Yoga of Herbs by Vasant Lad and David Frawley. I also love Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health, which is a fun and helpful book for anyone interested in getting started with herbalism. Where do you see the future of herbalism going in the next few years? In the area of maternal and perinatal health care, I'm witnessing a greater appreciation for herbal remedies (or at least tolerance of) within the medical establishment. Although studies are lacking due to the ethics of researching on pregnant populations, we do have great information about herbs like ginger and echinacea. I suspect that we'll be seeing more research on herbal alternative treatments to pregnancy and postpartum complaints. Do you have a favorite plant or two at the moment? I've felt really drawn to tulsi this year (perfect timing since it is the Herbstalk plant-of-the-year!), and drink it daily. I'm also obsessed with South Asian cuisine and so my life is full of warming spices--I'm flying through ginger these days. What advice would you give to budding herbalists? Start with your kitchen. Literally! Open up your spice cabinet, because spices are medicines we use most frequently and--considering how important our digestion is to our overall wellness--it's an important place to start. That represents the sort of practical day-to-day herbalism that anyone can use. Learn more about how you're already using herbs. Are there any non-herbal hobbies or interests that you love doing? I've become a fanatic knitter this year. Any guilty pleasures you’d like to share? Dystopian feminist fiction! The Book of the Unnamed Midwife, Red Clocks, The Power, Parable of the Sower and not particularly feminist but another great post-apocalyptic novel is Station Eleven. What’s one fun thing that most people don’t know about you? I haven't touched it in a while but I'm secretly an amazing embroidery artist. I have this incredible piece I did of David Bowie from the cover of Diamond Dogs that would pretty much blow your mind. What would be your top five deserted island herbs? I'd live a sad, bland, meaningless existence without turmeric, ginger, cumin, and coriander. Aside from the obvious culinary uses, those four represent a wealth of anti-inflammatory, immune, carminative, anti-microbial, and so many other uses. The fifth I'd include is black cumin, or nigella sativa. The Prophet Muhammad, upon him peace, called it "the cure for all things except death." Finally, what made you want to be a part of Herbstalk? Boston's herbal community has grown significantly since I began my studies and I'm just in awe of the organizers' vision, energy and hard work in bringing us all together. Herbalism is plants, it's about being in our bodies, it's about our connection to the world around and within us, it's about connection with people, it's about challenging dominant paradigms about health and wellness, it's about decolonizing medicine and society, it's about justice and access to healthcare, it's about universal wellness, it's about our strands of history, and it's about communities. Thank you so much for sharing your work with us, Krystina!
You can learn more about her and her practice, Baraka Birth, at her website: www.barakabirth.com Krystina will be teaching an intensive class -- Midwives' Medicine Basket: Herbs for Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum -- on Sunday, June 3rd. View the full class schedule here! << a light-hearted interview featuring Herbstalk teachers & vendors >> Liat is the founder of Tamim Teas, the nation’s first herbal tea company exclusively dedicated to the benefits of medicinal mushrooms. She'll be one of our vendors at the Herbstalk Marketplace offering her array of wonderful mushroom-based tea blends. What steps did you take to start Tamim Teas? How did your work begin? I was just the average tea drinker - until I first heard about mushroom teas. My good friend contracted HIV and told me about how his herbalist recommended him to integrate medicinal mushrooms into his diet as a means to keep his immune system strong. It wasn’t long after that I, too, started making mushroom teas at home and learning more about all their amazing health benefits and long-time use in traditional medicine. I found that the taste of some of these medicinal mushrooms was not as satisfying as my other herbal teas, though. Simply put, drinking these teas was more about reaping health benefits than actual enjoyment. That’s when I had an epiphany, my spiritual ‘aha’ moment! I realized that if I carefully paired each medicinal mushroom with herbs and spices, I could not only add to the health properties but also make delicious herbal tea blends that I’d actually looked forward to drinking at any point of the day. I began by first making these herbal tea blends for friends and family, and slowly it become something that both health enthusiasts and tea lovers in my community were asking me for. That’s when I formed Tamim Teas and exclusively dedicated each one of my herbal tea blends to the benefits of organic mushrooms. Did you come across any stumbling blocks or challenges along the way? I believe that sourcing medicinal mushrooms from organic local farms ensures the best flavor and functionality. That being said, traveling to farms and getting to know my farmer is no easy feat. It takes time! Of course, it would be a lot easier to simply order mushroom powders or extracts online. But it’s disturbing to discover that most of what is being offered on the internet is from unknown sources, and in the same way that I wouldn't want to consume other foods from questionable sources, I would never want a mushroom tea without knowing that the actual mushroom came from a trustworthy New England family farmer. The second challenge is always a fun one – talking with people who have never heard of mushroom tea. Many people jokingly (or not jokingly) ask if it’s a psychedelic tea, not knowing about other types of mushroom tea that have long traditions of therapeutic use in eastern cultures. Others assume that all mushrooms have the same savory taste as the ones they eat and don’t realize that some - like chaga and reishi - are actually inedible, taste completely different than culinary mushrooms, and have been exclusively brewed as a tea for generations. It brings me no greater joy than to have people first learn about medicinal mushrooms through their sips of Tamim. Do you have any non-herbal hobbies or pursuits? I love dancing. I can’t go too long without closing my eyes and letting music transport me to another dimension. If going out to dance is not an option, I simply plug in my earphones and convert my living room into a silent disco. I'm a firm believer that 'to boogie is a life blessing'. What has been your main focus as of recent? Handcrafting a new blend! I love learning and working with new herbs, and when I found out that holy basil/tulsi was the herb of the year at Herbstalk, I knew I wanted to dedicate a blend to it! I have to admit, it took time and patience to create this newest blend. In fact, I concocted different tulsi-based blends almost daily for nearly two months, even when traveling abroad to visit family on Curacao. I finally nailed the perfectly balanced blend with nourishing tulsi, refreshing ginger, and both revitalizing lion's mane and maitake mushrooms. I am so excited to share this blend and release it to the public for the first time at this year's Herbstalk! Thank you, Liat!
You can learn more about Tamim Teas here and view the full line-up of Marketplace vendors here. The Market is open on Saturday, June 2nd from 10am to 6pm & Sunday, June 3rd from 10am to 4pm by Herb Pearce Nettle is often considered a weed but don’t overlook it as one of the most nutrient rich plants in the world! Type 8 in the Enneagram is called the Director, who tends to be bossy, in charge and strong in willpower. They tend to speak up, act on instinct and like things direct. Indirectness, roundabout statements and hinting can drive them crazy. I chose nettles as my Type 8 herb – with its strong flavor, richness in color and stinging hairs. Roman soldiers once rubbed stinging nettle on their skin to stay warm and be tough! 8s are strong but sensitive underneath their tough exterior. With their flat-out honesty they can hurt people without wanting to, as their directness can be abrasive and stinging. However, 8s are also nurturing like nettle and will take the shirt off their backs to help those in need. Nettle is both a food and medicine. It has a widely spreading rhizome and stolon underground (like the underground strength of an 8). The roots and underground parts are bright yellow, contrasted with the dark green of the leaves, abundant in Northern Europe, America and much of Asia. It grows especially in the Pacific Northwest but also in moist climates throughout much of the world. There are many literary allusions to nettle. Shakespeare's Hotspur urges that "out of this nettle, danger, we pluck this flower, safety" (Henry IV, part 1, Act II Scene 3). The figure of speech "to grasp the nettle" probably originated from Aesop's fable "The Boy and the Nettle". In Seán O'Casey's Juno and the Paycock, one of the characters quotes Aesop "Gently touch a nettle and it'll sting you for your pains/Grasp it as a lad of mettle and soft as silk remains". The metaphor may refer to the fact that if a nettle plant is grasped firmly rather than brushed against, it does not sting so readily, because the hairs are crushed down flat. In German, to sit in nettles means to get into trouble (as 8s can do without meaning to because they are outspoken and impulse action oriented). In French there’s an idiom that means “don’t push grandma into the nettles,” which means be careful not to abuse a situation. Nettles when cooked tastes like spinach and is rich in Vitamin A, C, potassium, manganese and calcium. It has plenty of amino acids and is rich in antioxidants. Soaking or cooking removes the stinging hairs. At peak time, the leaves can be 25% protein which is high for a leafy vegetable. Nettle recipes often are used in polenta, pesto and soups. There’s even a World Nettle Eating Championship (8s tend to love eating and competition)! Nettles has been used to treat just about everything. As a tea, tincture, extract or capsule, it can help to detoxify the body through its diuretic action. It also can promote healthy blood circulation and cardiovascular health. Nettle is also well known for helping to alleviate allergic reactions due to environmental irritants. So gather your nettle (with gloves) and go into action. Don’t be shy. Nettles can be great for 8s to remember their vulnerability and that stinging can hurt themselves or others. This is also a great plant for non-8s to remember to be strong and direct. Herb Pearce is an expert on the Enneagram with 28+ years experience. He has authored four books on the Enneagram including his most recent work, Presidential Profiles: Washington to Trump - Enneagram and Myers-Briggs Perspectives. Herb has taught over 2000 Enneagram workshops and has worked with hundreds of organizations, individuals and couples using the Enneagram in his counseling practice. Herb resides in Arlington, Massachusetts where he is a practicing psychotherapist and life coach. He emphasizes developing the strengths of all 9 Enneagram types and is known for his exacting insights, moderated by gentleness, humor and compassion. You can learn more at www.herbpearce.com or email him directly at herb@herbpearce.com. Herb will be teaching his class, Herbs of the Enneagram, at Herbstalk on Sunday, June 3rd! View the full class schedule here. << a light-hearted interview featuring Herbstalk teachers & vendors >> Clair and Amanda of Willow Provisions are herbalists and friends who believe that the most powerful and healing magic is made of mundane things like shared meals. They are passionate about food, community and creating unique dining experiences. Can you tell us a little bit about how your herbal work began? How did you first get interested in plants or herbalism? Amanda: I came to herbalism shortly after I became a witch. I wanted to learn more deeply about the earth and my own health and body as a critical part of my spiritual life and practice, so I sought out a program to help me do that. I was also struggling with my health and feeling resistant to taking the myriad medications I had been prescribed, so I sought a consultation for myself as well. Developing relationships with plants, learning to make my own medicine, and making other lifestyle changes (like sleeping more, moving more, and eating differently) changed my health in profound ways, and I have continued deeper in my spiritual connection with the earth and all its creatures. It is a gift to be able to share this magic with others as I continue to learn and grow. Clair: I always remember loving the beach and the forest growing up, but it wasn’t until I was much older that I began to develop a relationship to the earth. Through struggles with my own health, I started to turn to plants, when it seemed that traditional medicine couldn’t help me. As I started to see positive changes in my body, I slowly began to realize how connected we are to the plants and other beings. The teachings I’ve received from the plants and from other herbalists have flipped my life upside down in the best way possible, and I love getting to share these teachings with others. We're just a couple of friends passionate about food, community, and fun! Cooking together and sharing meals has been a beloved part of our friendship as well as our healing and learning as individuals and as community herbalists. We experience so much beauty and connection together through cooking that we thought -- why not share?! Willow Provisions is born of our joint conviction that the most powerful and healing magic is made of mundane things like shared meals. We want others to experience love and connection through the caring and sustainable preparation of healing plants and animals. We want to bring memories of learning and connection right into your home or community, where you feel most at ease, and share with you the healing magic of plants. What is the main focus of your work within the realm of herbalism? Our business offers locally focused herbal immersion experiences for individuals and groups through supper clubs and a wide variety of workshops. We say immersion experience because we feel strongly that people learn best and most fully by engaging all of their senses, and we strive to practice and cultivate whole body self care. So at each event whether it's a supper or a workshop, we offer people a multiplicity of ways to engage with the plant and/or skill that we're sharing. Everything we do is centered around herbs - we're both herbalists, trained in the vitalist tradition, which emphasizes the importance of herbs in facilitating healthy movement, sleep, nutrition, and stress management. Everything we do is focused locally - we strive to connect people with the allies that grow right outside their doors, helping them understand that they can find exceptional healing from within their own communities. We connect people to local farms and vendors, hopefully ushering them a little closer to a sustainable way of living. In addition to being trained herbalists, we have an array of critical skill sets between us that give our business a unique flare. Clair is also a private chef and yoga teacher. Her experience in the restaurant business brings a high level of professionalism and efficiency to our supper clubs, and her proficiency with leading meditation and movement allows us to provide people with opportunities for deep relaxation and reflection. Amanda is a seminary trained witch and tarot reader, exceptional home cook, and sorceress of southern hospitality. Her home crafting skills and knack for creating ritual space bring a welcoming and magical atmosphere unique to the Willow Provisions experience. Her distinct way of finding enchantment in the everyday moments reminds our guests to pause, notice, and appreciate the gifts that exist all around us. What are some of your favorite go-to herbal books or herbalists/teachers that you look to for inspiration? We both studied herbalism at Commonwealth Center for Holistic Herbalism with katja and ryn. They are extraordinary teachers and wonderful human beings who we feel privileged to know. They are very rigorous in their study of herbalism, and accessible in their teaching. As it happens, they have a new book out we’d definitely recommend. It’s a beautiful overview of many of our favorite plants, and explains how to apply them to different situations and bodies. It’s wonderful for anyone just starting out as an herbalist, and as a reference for experienced practitioners. We also love Tammi Sweet! She is an exceptional herbalist and massage therapist who teaches physiology and herbalism with contagious charisma. She offers online classes, and you should definitely check them out! Another inspiring herbalist is our friend Kinsey Rosene, who owns CroseNest in Lowell. She has cultivated a beautiful space and community of learning there. Her store is a magical place where you can pick up all the necessities, as well as learn medicine making and other skills at one of her lovely workshops. It is definitely worth a trip! Where do you see the future of herbalism going in the next few years? We find ourselves in the crossover of two rapidly developing industries -- food, and wellness. We are starting to see huge shifts in the food industry as more and more chefs and restaurants start to focus on using locally grown, small farm ingredients. We love this change, and hope to see more of it in the future! We have really appreciated getting to know our local farmers, and find that being able to chat with them about the rain, the soil, and sometimes even being able to pick our own food brings a connection to our food supply that makes us appreciate the heart and soul that goes into providing nourishment to our bodies. In the wellness industry, we are starting to see a shift from product dependency to skill set development. Our aim with our workshops (and our suppers) is to teach people how to work with herbs, food, movement, and everyday, accessible resources to support their health in a variety of safe and reliable ways. While we love creating formulas and remedies ourselves, we want people to feel empowered to make their own choices about what they need, feel confident in their knowledge about how to work with plants, and empowered to take ownership over their own health and healing. What advice would you give to budding herbalists? Vary your education. Herbalism in this country is a vast and varied landscape - explore it! Spend time in silence or in conversation with the plants. Be willing to take risks and create things that are unexpected. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. What’s one fun thing that most people don’t know about you? We have a YouTube Channel! It’s new - a diamond in the rough. It’s called Chic & Chat - the show where a couple of chics sip a cup of chic and chat about magic. Chic is herbalist slang for chicory, fyi. Tell your friends; pass it along. Each Sunday we share a different chic recipe and chat about the magic of something we love. Check it out and try some of our recipes! What made you want to be a part of Herbstalk? We love being able to share our passions with our local community, and we love that Herbstalk is such a fun and accessible event for everyone. What would be your top five deserted island herbs? (the only herbs you could have around while stuck on a deserted island) Damiana! First of all, damiana grows in desert like climates, so we might actually be able to cultivate a little garden of it! But also, damiana is an amazing problem solving ally that helps you channel anxious energy into creative solutions, which we’d definitely need to survive a Castaway situation. Nettle! A nutritive and mineral rich plant, to help provide our bodies with necessary nutrients while we learn how to forage a strange island for food. Nettle is also very grounding and centering and would help remind us that being stranded on a deserted island might actually be kind of amazing. Catnip! A cooling and soothing plant inside and out. Catnip could help sooth a sunburn or settle us down to sleep while we’re still getting used to sleeping on sand or palm fronds. It’s also a great digestive aid, which we’d likely need as we get accustomed to all that strange food we forage for ourselves. Catnip is also the BEST hangover cure, which would be handy after all of those nights we spend guzzling our homemade mango wine. Ghostpipe! An amazing ally that helps ease the anxiety and overwhelm that come along with huge transitions, like going from modern day living to being stranded on a deserted island! Linden! Well, we’re on a desert island, so we need a good cooling and moistening plant, and linden is one of our favorites! Also, being stranded on an island might be pretty stressful, and linden is so soothing (because it’s moistening to heart tissues) for anxiety and distress. Thank you, Clair and Amanda!
You can learn more about Claire here, and Amanda here. Their joint business is Willow Provisions. Clair and Amanda will be offering their class "Tulsi for the Resistance" at Herbstalk on Saturday, June 2. Check out the full class schedule here! Each year we feature one herb at our annual Herbstalk event. This year the plant is Tulsi -- a.k.a. Holy Basil -- a beautiful, aromatic, uplifting herb that grows readily as an annual in New England. We have a special write-up about the qualities of Tulsi, provided by Katja Swift and Ryn Midura of the CommonWealth Center for Holistic Herbalism. What follows is a plant profile excerpted from their wonderful & newly-published book, Herbal Medicine for Beginners, released just this month! Read on to learn more about this beautiful and important plant remedy. by Katja Swift & Ryn Midura Tulsi, or Holy Basil Ocimum sanctum, and O. tenuiflorum Qualities: drying, relaxant, warming Taste: aromatic, bitter, pungent, sweet Family: Lamiaceae Medicinal parts: leaves and flowers Actions: adaptogen, antimicrobial, anxiolytic, aromatic, diaphoretic, diffusive, exhilarant, hepatic, hypoglycemic, immunomodulator, nervine Common Preparations Tulsi, also known as holy basil, can be infused in water for tea, or made as tincture or elixir. Fresh tulsi leaves and flowers can be infused in honey. Ideal for Addressing ADD / ADHD Anxiety Depression Fatigue Fever Food sensitivities Headache Heart palpitations Hypoglycemia Hypothyroid Menopause / andropause PCOS PMS Seasonal depression Stress Effective Applications Tulsi has traditionally been the herb of choice for “stuck emotions,” whether that’s depression or PTSD or just a case of the grumpies. Recent discoveries have shown that one reason it works so well is tulsi’s ability to restore function to the part of the brain that processes short-term memory into long-term memory: Tulsi, literally, helps move us past difficult experiences and emotions! Tulsi is also an exhilarant, uplifting the spirit, which is a vital part of the work of releasing tension, depression, and stagnation that prevent people from successfully making lifestyle changes. Tulsi is an adaptogen, meaning it helps keep hormones in check. Most people think about reproductive hormones first, but there are many hormones in the body with many different functions. Because it can help keep hormones in balance, tulsi can help with a wide variety of issues—from trouble sleeping to blood sugar regulation to menopause. Tulsi also has a special ability to help moderate cravings, which makes it the perfect partner for people trying to reduce sugar intake, eliminate food allergies, or working to quit smoking or drinking. Another of the mint family diaphoretics, tulsi is a handy helper for fever and flu. Tulsi relaxes the body and stimulates circulation, helping “sweat out” a fever. Recommended Dosage Tulsi makes a tasty tea you can drink all day long. It blends well with other herbs and makes a tasty elixir, too—take as needed in any stressful moment. Work with tulsi freely: This mood booster also has mineral and vitamin content. Important Considerations Tulsi is a safe herb for all ages, including people taking antidepressant and psychiatric medications. However, if you take blood sugar management pharmaceuticals, monitor your glucose levels regularly because tulsi can have a significant blood sugar-lowering effect. Tulsi Formulations: Rescue Elixir Makes 5 fluid ounces (40 to 80 doses) When you need a quick respite from a hectic day, this is your best friend. This remedy works best if you can step away to a private space for a moment. Center yourself, breathe deeply for a few breaths, take your tincture, breathe a few more times, and return to the world. A little ritual goes a long way! 1 fluid ounce tincture of tulsi 1 fluid ounce tincture betony ½ fluid ounce tincture of catnip ½ fluid ounce tincture of chamomile ½ fluid ounce tincture of elderflower ½ fluid ounce tincture of rose ¼ fluid ounce tincture of goldenrod ¼ fluid ounce tincture of sage ½ fluid ounce honey In a small bottle, combine the tinctures and the honey. Cap the bottle and label it. Take 2 to 4 droppersful whenever needed. Everything Will Be Fine Makes 3¾ cups dried herb mix (enough for 22 to 30 quarts of tea) Another of our old reliables, this tea has gotten us and our clients through some tough times. It’s great for those days when you feel like everything is falling down all around you—just make a cup, drink it as deliberately as you can, and let the warmth and relaxation move through you. If your stress manifests with a feeling of heaviness and downtrodden exhaustion, include ¼ cup of goldenrod and/or sage. If it shows up as digestive upsets, include ¼ cup of chamomile and/or catnip. Drink a quart or more every day. 1 cup dried betony leaf and flower 1 cup dried tulsi leaf ½ cup dried linden leaf and flower ½ cup dried rose petals ½ cup dried elderflower ¼ cup dried St. John’s wort leaf and flower (see tip) In a medium bowl, mix all the herbs. Store in an airtight container. Make a hot infusion: Prepare a kettle of boiling water. Measure 2 to 3 tablespoons of herbs per quart of water and place in a Mason jar or French press. Pour in the boiling water, cover, and steep for 20 minutes, or until cool enough to drink. Safety tip: Omit the St. John’s wort if concurrently taking pharmaceuticals. You can check out Katja & Ryn's wonderful book here!
And you can learn from them directly at Herbstalk on June 2 & 3. They will be teaching two classes: "Herbs for Dreaming" and "Business Skills for Herbalists." View the full Herbstalk class schedule here. << a light-hearted interview featuring Herbstalk teachers & vendors >> We are happy to continue our interview series with Lana, a college professor, drug information pharmacist and herbalist. She teaches pharmacy students how to take care of their health with the right herbs, food and self-care techniques and also hosts a wonderful weekly podcast called "Wellness Insider Network." Can you tell us a little bit about how your herbal work began? How did you first get interested in herbalism? I began becoming interested in herbal medicine during pharmacy school. Even though I was learning about conventional ways to treat patients with complex illnesses, I didn’t know how to take care of myself. Soon enough I began exploring herbal and vitamin shops, and as a pharmacy student began digging into databases and books. What challenges did you face when you first started? One of my biggest initial challenges was learning from books. It gave me a lot of comfort to see that people were writing about natural therapies, but evaluating the recommendations were tough. The other difficult element was fear of experimenting with plants. I got over that fear by taking classes with herbalists and by trusting their guidance. If you could go back in time to meet yourself when you were just starting on the herbal path, what would you say? Find that tribe of people and teachers that you trust and start experimenting with confidence. What is the main focus of your work within the realm of herbalism? In addition to being an herbalist, I am a college professor and drug information pharmacist. Working with college students is where I feel I can offer the most impact. I hope that my journey and new podcast, Wellness Insider Network, will help my students to take their first steps in exploring the amazing world of herbal medicine in their lives. Can you share some of your go-to herbal books or favorite herbalists/teachers that you look to for inspiration? My typical go-to books and resources are written by Rosemary Gladstar and David Winston, but there are new younger teachers that I very much enjoy learning from -- Maria Noel Groves and Rosalee de la Forêt are some of them. Do you have a favorite plant or two at the moment? Tulsi! Somehow I always come back to it. And what would be your top five deserted island herbs? (the only herbs you could have around while stuck on a deserted island) I would choose: Calendula, Chamomile, Yarrow, Thyme and Ginger. What advice would you give to budding herbalists? Herbal medicine is a lot like cooking, trying new ingredients and flavors make you more comfortable and confident in the long-term. What’s one fun thing that most people don’t know about you? I got interested in Astrology a couple of years back (I took a course on the connection between planets and plants), and love exploring natal charts of friends and family. What made you want to be a part of Herbstalk? This is a vibrant community in my native town. I respect and admire the creator, Steph Zabel, and the mission of the organization to get more people to become educated and comfortable using plants. Where do you see the future of herbalism going in the next few years? I hope that more people will continue discovering this important and empowering way of taking care of themselves and their loved ones. Thank you, Lana! You can learn more about Lana's work and podcast at her website and can join her intensive class, "Herbal Safety & Drug Interactions" on Saturday, June 2. Check out the full class schedule here! << a light-hearted interview featuring this year's Herbstalk teachers & vendors >> Can you tell us a little bit about how your herbal work began? How did you first get interested in plants or herbalism? I think I’ve always had an affinity for herbs and the natural world. As a toddler, my mom said I used to just wander our property, observing and sitting with the plants. She had to watch me closely, because I tasted everything if I got the chance! While my senses were always attenuated to the natural world I didn’t begin to study medicinal herbs more closely until I was a teenager. I became interested in herbalism because I had health challenges myself that made me start looking at nutrition and natural means of healing. Herbalism was also what brought me to Naturopathic medical school, so it’s been a guiding light for me in many ways. What is the main focus of your work within the realm of herbalism? In my private practice, I work primarily with women that have chronic digestive issues and/or autoimmune disease. But my focus within that population is generally using the herbs for longterm, nourishing, restorative and emotional healing work. I’m a huge proponent of teas, and that’s how I prescribe a lot of my herbal preparations. I also am focusing more these days on bringing people outside and connecting with the plants directly as a healing modality. What advice would you give to budding herbalists just starting out? Use all of your senses to get to know the plants and the spaces they live in. Practice building the acuity of your senses. Learn about the mycorrhizal connections that unite the plants in a space. Deeply connect with your bioregion if you are able, and plant native species often. Can you share some of your go-to herbal books or favorite herbalists/teachers that you look to for inspiration? So very many, but if I had to choose, the work of Robin Wall Kimmerer has been my largest inspiration in the last few years, particularly her two books, Braiding Sweetgrass and Gathering Moss. I also consider natural plant relationships a lot in my practice, and am very interested in art and design. Relating to that, The Garden Awakening by Mary Reynolds has been hugely influential for me in the last couple years. I’ve always resonated with the work of Susun Weed and was introduced to medicine making techniques by her and the work of Rosemary Gladstar. I love the reclamation of an astrological and alchemical perspective of herbalism presented by Sajah and Whitney Popham at the School of Evolutionary Herbalism. Finally, I get into my kitchen-witch mode by following the Gather Victoria blog, which is put forward by Jennifer Aikman and Danielle Prohom Olson. Where do you see the future of herbalism going in the next few years? I think there will be an even bigger push toward educating individuals on how to make their own medicine and what they can use within their own bioregion. I also think there is a great urge rising for individuals to explore their own, individual ancestral relationship to herbalism. As people connect with their own ancestors, it will be natural for them to further explore those methods of healing. Do you have a favorite plant or two at the moment? I’m really connecting to the spring-time pioneers at this time of the year in Maine. I’m enjoying the flavors of the season; the bitterness of dandelion, the light sweetness of violets, the combination of those two flavors in the hosta shoots. Their awakening is waking me up from Wintertime. If you had to choose, what would be your top five deserted island herbs? (the only herbs you could have while stuck on a deserted island) This is such an epic question! Here they are: Nettles, White Pine, Plantain, Hawthorn, Lemon balm. What’s one fun thing that most people don’t know about you? When I was a medical student I worked frequently as a medical actor, so I would be a standardized “patient” for the upper class-men and interns that were completing exams or needed additional practice with diagnostic techniques. It was an opportunity to educate future doctors on how to refine their sensitivity as practitioners, and it taught me a lot about the experience of the patient that I may not have gotten otherwise. It also gave me a lot of writing material for short stories I’ve worked on since. What made you want to be a part of Herbstalk? I really loved the accessibility of the event and believed in the mission of finding unique ways to look at and work with plants. These kinds of community events that are open to all will become even more important in the future, I think, and I wanted to be part of that. Thank you, Dr. Aline!
You can view more about her work and practice at her website and can join her plant walk on Evergreen Herbalism taking place on Sunday, June 3rd. Check out the full class schedule here! |
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