Tag Archives: herbalism

Gathering Hawthorn Blossom – A Herb for the Heart

I am relieved to have been able to make a start on the gathering of Hawthorn blossom today.  I use a lot of Hawthorn in my clinic so during the brief period that it is in flower I need to … Continue reading

Posted in Herbal Harvesting Year, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Herb Foraging Courses – Reclaiming an Ancient Dying Art

It’s wonderful how things work out, when they are meant to.  Last weekend I had a phone call, out of the blue, from someone asking if I ever offered herb foraging and identification courses. I should explain that I am … Continue reading

Posted in News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Ancient Ointments Thanks to the Romans

Ointment making is a good wet weather activity – as long as the herbs are air dried before you use them.   You can make ointments out of all sorts of herbs , Comfrey, Calendula, Hypericum, Yarrow, Arnica – the … Continue reading

Posted in News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Gathering Cleavers – Hedgerow Support for the Lymphatic System.

It has been very wet this last couple of weeks and I am having trouble keeping up with my usual schedule of herb gathering.  Normally at this time of the year my dehydrators are whirring 24 hours a day.  As … Continue reading

Posted in Herbal Harvesting Year, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Gathering Dandelion Leaf – an Ancient Medicine with a Modern Twist.

With spring getting seriously under way my herb gathering becomes a daily activity, squeezed in during sunny spells and in between other work.  It is lovely to go out into the fields and green lanes for some quiet reflection and … Continue reading

Posted in Herbal Harvesting Year, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gathering Nettle – a Powerhouse of Goodness

A few days ago I was able to gather my first batch of nettle (Urtica dioica).  Nettle has a really good range of therapeutic actions but on top of that it is an absolute powerhouse of goodness.  I use a … Continue reading

Posted in Herbal Harvesting Year, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Where Weeding and Harvesting Meet. Gathering Dandelion Roots.

I love working at my herb field.  There is plenty to do at this time of year, but while most horticulturalists are concentrating on ground preparation, sowing and weeding, I am harvesting.  Or am I?  I’m removing dandelion plants from … Continue reading

Posted in Herbal Harvesting Year, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gathering Ranunculus ficaria, Known With Good Reason as Pilewort

With the warm Spring weather it is very cheering to see the beautiful yellow stars of  Ranunculus ficaria popping up everywhere.  Its common names are Lesser Celandine and Pilewort, this last because it is a very effective treatment for piles … Continue reading

Posted in Herbal Harvesting Year, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gathering Viburnum opulus – The Start of My Harvesting Year

Viburnum opulus or Cramp Bark is the first herb that I gather each year.  As its name suggests it is the bark which is used and this is easiest to strip from the stems in early spring time, just when … Continue reading

Posted in Herbal Harvesting Year, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nasturtium – More Than Just a Pretty Face!

I love having Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)  rambling around my herb beds. Not only do the flowers look so pretty, they also have excellent medicinal properties. Nasturtium was first introduced to Europe from Peru by the Conquistadores.  It is said that … Continue reading

Posted in News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments