 by Patrice Green As I write this, it's the day after the Summer Solstice, and a few days before Saint John's Eve/Day. We are in the midst of midsummer herbal magic! One of the most prolific plants at this time of year is the mysterious Saint John's Wort, Hypericum perforatum. I say mysterious because Saint John's Wort will suddenly appear in an area, stay for one or a few seasons, then will disappear only to re-appear in another location where it is most needed. This plant has a rich history of being used medicinally from Ancient Greece to the Crusades. Used to treat a variety of ailments including pain and bruises as well as mood swings, bed-wetting, and emotional issues, Saint Joh's Wort's Latin name is derived from the tiny perforations naturally occurring in the leaves (perforatum). The other half of its name symbolizes the sun, hypericum - named for Hyperion, the Greek Titan who fathered the Sun, Moon and Dawn. A sprig of Saint John's Wort over the door was traditionally thought to protect against evil spirits. Traditionally this plant was harvested on the morning of the Summer Solstice or the morning of Saint John's Day (June 24th), when the plant and its flowers were at their peak. It is always best to harvest this plant after a series of hot days for increased potency.  We hope that the knowledge, inspiration and connections you made at last month's Herbstalk will keep you going strong throughout the summer months. Summer is one of the best times to keep learning about herbs while all the plants are blooming and flourishing. So get out there and harvest your herbs, learn how to identify new plants, or just enjoy all the botanical beauty! To help you continue your herbal education throughout the next few months we've compiled a list of upcoming herb classes being offered by our Herbstalk teachers in July and August. Read on for the full details...
Upcoming Herbal Classes: Permaculture for Herbalists
Wednesday, July 8th, 7-9pm CommonWealth Center for Holistic Herbalism http://commonwealthherbs.com/permaculture-for-herbalists/ Somerville Street Plants Thursday, July 9th, 6:00 - 7:30pm Somerville Bike Path, Davis Square http://www.flowerfolkherbs.com/classes--events.html Herbs for Everyday Living: A 6 Week Introductory Course / Session 1 Mondays, July 13th - August 17th, 6:00 - 8:00pm The Armory, Somerville http://www.flowerfolkherbs.com/herbs-for-everyday-living-series.html Herbs for Everyday Living: A 6 Week Introductory Course / Session 2 Wednesdays, July 15th - August 19th, 6:00 - 8:00pm Union Square, Somerville http://www.flowerfolkherbs.com/herbs-for-everyday-living-series.html Hall's Pond Herb Walk Wednesday, July 15 5:30-6:30pm Hall's Pond, Brookline http://commonwealthherbs.com/halls-pond-herb-walk-brookline/ Practical Herbs for Diabetes Wednesday, July 15th, 7-9pm CommonWealth Center for Holistic Herbalism http://commonwealthherbs.com/herbal-remedies-for-diabetes-class/ Herbal Infusions July 16th, 7:00 - 8:30pm Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Wellesley Details here Adapt to Stress Using Herbs July 18th, 10am - 12noon City Natives, Mattapan, MA http://www.thetrustees.org/things-to-do/greater-boston/event-1882.html The Art of Formulation & Infused Honeys & Syrups July 18th Old Ways Herbal, South Newfane, VT oldwaysherbal.com Four Season Tree Identification July 19th, 1-4pm Old Ways Herbal, South Newfane, VT oldwaysherbal.com From the Roots Up: Bioregional Herbalism Series Summer Session: July 19th & Aug 9th Amherst/Northampton, MA www.milkandhoneyherbs.com Wild Herb Week 1 July 20-23rd, M-Th. 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Littleton, MA (exact address provided on registration) http://meridiansofhealth.net/wild-herb-week/ Medicinal Plant Walk July 21st Lincoln, MA http://bostonherbalstudies.com/bostonherbalstudies.com/Classes.html Make An Herbal First Aid Kit Wedneday, July 22nd, 7-9pm CommonWealth Center for Holistic Herbalism http://commonwealthherbs.com/make-an-herbal-first-aid-kit/ Medicinal Herbs in the Vegetable Garden Intensive August 1st, 10-4pm Old Ways Herbal, South Newfane, VT oldwaysherbal.com Herbs for Health: A Garden Tour August 15th, 4:00 - 5:30pm The Stevens-Coolidge Place, North Andover http://www.flowerfolkherbs.com/classes--events.html Medicinal Oils & Salves (Home Medicine Maker Course) August 15th, 11-3pm Old Ways Herbal, South Newfane, VT oldwaysherbal.com Wild Herb Week 2 August 17-20th, M-Th. 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Littleton, MA (exact address provided on registration) http://meridiansofhealth.net/wild-herb-week/ Mint Family Plant Walk August 27th, 6-7:30pm Northampton, MA www.milkandhoneyherbs.com |
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