Tag Archives: herbal remedies

The Golden Answer

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In June, I had the honor of teaching at the 4th Annual Herbal Hoedown. I am happy to say, my class on Goldenrod was well received and I loved sharing all the amazing properties of the Golden Beauty. This opportunity made me realize how much I miss teaching and sharing face-to-face. Although, this blog has the ability to reach countless people all over the world, it simply cannot replace the excitement of the physical interaction and feedback of old-school teaching.

This desire has planted a seed. Over the past couple of years, Mike and I have been discussing the possibilities of how to cultivate our little company Know Your Roots. We both have a strong knowledge base, a desire to share and to make a positive difference. Although, our passions overlap (hey, we are married), our approaches are rather different. Basically, I am a forager and he is a cultivator.

I am so excited that we are starting a series of classes. My classes will focus on foraging, herbs, medicine making, and exploring the natural world. I will lead a variety of hikes. Some for people of all ages others for parents with babes in arms and toddlers, who would like to spend time in the woods with their little ones but needs some support and guidance.  Mike’s classes will focus on cultivating and caring for fruit trees and small fruits as well as transitioning them to organic. Most of our classes will be held in Trumansburg, NY, which is about 10 miles outside of Ithaca between Cayuga and Seneca Lake.

I am very excited to announce that I will be teaching the first class:   

The Golden Answer

Saturday, September 13, 2014

1:00pm-3:00pm

During this class, we will explore the amazing world of Goldenrod and discuss the countless healing powers of this Golden Beauty. I hope you will join us and learn about its abilities to ameliorate allergy symptoms, support the urinary system, and soothe pain. And that’s just for starters. You will also learn to make a tincture to bring home.

$40 includes materials

Space is limited so please pre-register. For more information debbie@knowyouroots.com

We look forward to seeing you.debbie and goldenrod

 

 

 

First herb of the year

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Okay, I know I am not alone when I state that, “I am ready for some rebirth and all the glorious wonders that spring has to offer.” Winter has outdone itself this year. When I wake up to a small blizzard and it’s March 30th, it is time for a change. I am done with the bitter cold, high winds and layering my clothes for warmth. Stick a fork in me, I am done!

yarrow emergingAlthough there was still snow on the ground, I decided to take a walk to see if any of my herbal friends were peeking up through the mud and snow. I was overjoyed to see the distinctive featherlike leaves of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) emerging. Thank goodness, it’s about time!

Not only does it validate spring has actually arrived but Yarrow is an herb that I rely on during most of the year. I welcome its return.

Yarrow is a very versatile herb. It is best known for its hemostatic (stops external and internal bleeding) and diaphoretic (reduces fevers) properties. But it is so much more. Yarrow is known as a normalizer; while it can stop bleeding, it can also promote blood circulation, which is very helpful with varicose and uterine congestion.  Yarrow is very bitter and aids in digestion. Its diuretic and antiseptic properties make it helpful with bladder infections too. It soothes and relieves pain making it great for aches, bruises and arthritis.  It pretty much assists and aids in all the major body systems.

Throughout folklore and history, uses for Yarrow have been mentioned over and over again. I believe the most famous mention is in Homer’s Iliad, where its legendary warrior Achilles uses Yarrow to treat the wounds of his fallen comrades. Recently, I came upon an interesting use for Yarrow. Apparently, in the Orkney Islands (north of Scotland) Yarrow was widely used for dispelling melancholy. It helps lift the burdens of troubled emotions, while cleansing them of sorrow or depression, which has lasted too long. Perhaps that is why I was so happy to see Yarrow on this fine day. It lifted my sorrows of a winter that’s gone on too long.

May spring and Yarrow emerge for you.

All information is shared for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition.