Tag Archives: herbalist

Double Extracted Chaga Tincture

I was very excited to source some sustainably harvested Scottish Chaga this year. Chaga ((Inonotus obliquus) is known as ‘The Mushroom of Immortality’ in Siberia. It’s a nutritional powerhouse as well as a potent medicine. One of its many beneficial … Continue reading

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Couch Grass – a Welcome Crop in My Garden

Yesterday I had an hour after my clinic to do some work in the garden.  I planned to dig over a fallow bed and was delighted to find that it contained a good crop of Couch grass.  I know that … Continue reading

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Harvesting Marshmallow Leaf – A Soothing Demulcent

Today I harvested Marshmallow leaf.  You only have to brush against it to understand that it is a wonderful healing demulcent herb.  Marshmallow leaf has a high level of mucilage which accounts for its ability to soothe the mucous membranes … Continue reading

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Gathering Raspberry Leaf – A Herb Under the Dominion of Venus

Today I gathered Wild Raspberry Leaf.  This is widely known as a herb to take during pregnancy in order to tone the uterus and help strengthen the efficiency of contractions during labour.  Rich in iron, it is excellent as a … Continue reading

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Gathering Avens – A Herb of Many Talents

Today I harvested a little Avens (Geum urbanum).  Also known as Herb Bennet, it grows plentifully in my garden so I don’t have to go far for it.  According to herbal lore this plant is collected when the flowers are … Continue reading

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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