Nervines....

I am learning the ways of anatomy and physiology and how they relate to plant medicines, it seems a vast and far ranging task that is a case of the more you know the more there is to learn. Yet I remember, when I first drank a cup of Skullcap tea, the words 'protects the nerve sheath', came to me loud and clear. This was before I had any knowledge of the fatty myelin sheath that surrounds or insulates every nerve fibre, enabling messages to travel along nerves, without 'wires getting crossed'. So, I hold that experienece close when it feels overwhelming, that teachings come if we listen. That there are many ways to absorb and gain information.

The nervous system has drawn me in because of its direct links to mental health, which is my focus, however a recent journey with back pain reminded of its furthur relationships, unity of, with and to the body. That there is no nice tidy line betwixt, and that I may have artificially created one. Thanks for that pain, at least some good came of it. That and learning to listen for when to pause, or stop to rest.

As herbalist Dorothy Hall put it...
"Many and varied disease symptoms arise from prolonged overloads. Its common today to call the overloads 'stress'. Depending on whether the brain end or the body end is the 'overheated' zone, you can experience almost any symptom at all, from mental irritability to nervous breakdown (at the brain end) and from ordinary fatigue to pain and limitation of use, swelling, inflammation and tissue damage.

When your body says rest, then rest! If you can not or your head over rides your body's plea for mercy, be aware that you've started an illness pattern as well as that larger bank account or whatever special goal you hope to achieve."

Dorothy never minced words eh.

Rest as called for, and strengthening the nervous system are a pretty deadly combo. That and connecting with and to nature in a way youre comfortable with. Doesnt have to be extreme sports, although it may be. A simple walk is a great way to start, as has been shown in the charity Mind UK's research in conjunction with Stanford University. Also by the Japanese phenomena of 'Forest Bathing', which is now recognised as a health treatment by insurance companies there. The weird world of insurance meets the Trees and Ents, or rather Japanese folks do. Ha!

When it comes to strengthening the nervous system the 'nervines' are who we can call upon in the world of herbs. To be combined with medicical model treatments, or other modalities to create a full picture of nourishment for the nervous system. Nervines are divided up into furthur tribes, the examples of which i give from my experiences n experiments....

Nervine Tonics:
These plants feed and strengthen the tissues directly. Time spent with these herbs over a longer period can help rebuild frazzled nervous systems, aswell as having gentle but potent results in a cuppa or short term imbibing. Includes Oats (Avena sativa), which can be made part of the diet easily as porridge, as 'green milky tops' tincture, or Oatstraw infusions. Skullcap (Scutellaria longiflora) is here, for those myelin sheaths I drink a tea, and I find her shy nature belies her value (also as a Nerve Sedative). Then there's Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), who can also relieve cramping and spasms with her touch ('nerve relaxant', as you can see, these descriptions are just that, and the herbs themselves may cross language). We are about to do some experimentings with Ashwaganda, so Ill let you know how that goes. The preparing of the root in a milky base with Cinnamon and Honey sounds delicous!

Nerve Relaxants:
Rather than 'blocking' nerve signals with sedation, these herbs relax, ease and soothe the intrinsically linked physical, emotional and soul states. They can indeed result in sensations of calm where distress existed, or even sleepiness where anxiety or worry. Motherwort (Leonuris cardiaca) tincture I use with people in states of crisis like distress.

She won't 'stop' crying or sounds, but she will ease their flowing through and on, into a more peacefull state of process. I have found that her tea is an excellent bedtime accompaniment for those who have trouble getting to sleep, or on waking if sleeping through is an issue. If a form of 'immunity' to her effects builds up, you can alternate with another herb like Passionflower (Passiflora incarta). Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) is often thought of a Grandmothers plant, well need I say more? You don't reach Grandmothering age without knowing a few tricks. Sipping on and gazing into a tinted cup o Lavender tea can be enough to ease anxious thoughts and body sensations, during, or after a surge.  I suppose each herbalist has their reach for nerve relaxants. I also find Rose (Rosa centifolia)  a gift for lifes heart breaks or aches, and at times I add a little of her to the mix with the other green folk mentioned here.

Nerve Stimulants:
The aforementioned Coffee (Coffea Arabica) comes to mind almost instantaneously, yet a gentler herb like Spearmint (Mentha spicata)  brings blood to the nerves and stimulates alertness. The scent of a crushed Spearmint leaf goes straight to the brain and says hello focus and clarity!
A cuppa can do similar first thing in the morning or between study spurts. Spearmint has also told me an infused oil of her leaves will stimulate circulation, although her cousin Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is better known for this, aswell as being a nerve stimulant. In the same family Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has that similar 'awakening' mint scent, that places her with this tribe along with on a roast. These herbs are for the person in a depressed state of debility and fatigue who doesnt necessarily want to have so many cups of Coffee that they end up anxious on top of that, or drain their systems longer term.

References:

"Herbs for Stress & Anxiety: How to Make and Use Herbal Remedies to Strengthen the Nervous System" by Rosemary Gladstar 2014

"The New Holistic Herbal" by David Hoffman 1990

"Terms of the Trade: Nervine" by Kiva Rose 2009
http://bearmedicineherbals.com/terms-of-the-trade-nervine.html

"Whats Wrong With You? How Natural Therapies Can Help." by Dorothy Hall 1986

"Ecotherapy:The Green Agenda for Mental Health: Mind"

https://www.mind.org.uk/media/273470/ecotherapy.pdf

"Stanford Researchers Find Prescription for Mental Health: Nature"
 http://news.stanford.edu/2015/06/30/hiking-mental-health-063015/

Smudging Sage and healing family trauma....

Lets be honest here, I'm a handmade herbalist, home brewed.

When I was first held a bag of 'Grandfather' Sage in my own two hands, Id like to say I knew before me was a being who could make shifts, but I'm also pigheaded, and I was abused as a child by my Grandfather, so well the name didn't really impress. Yet I'd heard he was a good space clearer, and well the feng shui at my place read congested n clogged, so I bought a small bag of loose leaves to burn as incense. Upon lighting the leaves the smoke curled into nooks n crannies, and indeed the feel was better. The translucent tendrils seemed to know just where to go as I walked through the rooms, and it wasn't necessarily towards the nearest open window, somewhat surprisingly.

Later I went to a two day workshop on skin care with local herbalist and generous teacher Sharn. We made a spritzer, my co-maker and I using some Grandfather Sage essential oil. A treat cos Sharn had some of the rather special oil (I know it can be considered blasphemy using essential oils, but the scent, earthy!). When I sprayed some of it for a friend who works shamanically with clients she asked if I could make her one, and i wondered, or rather half mused, if I could. Hhhmmm...

Time passed. I returned to Grandfather Sage for his assistance in clearing and began to dip my toe in with his reputation for making space sacred. It was a little strangely fit for such a woman centred woman, but I went with the flow.
I burned a few dried leaves before journeying, lighting a candle, and gathering objects close to my heart nearby, as I lay down to close my eyes.

I grew two plants, the resinous nature of the fresh leaves is amazing first hand, the silvery leaves almost sticky to the touch at times, potency apparent, growing in sand.

Now my Grandfather had a reputation too, in our family, that was apart from the witty mad science teacher who blew the end off his finger demonstrating jet propulsion, with a homemade rocket, to his students, but I didn't hear of that for some time. It was a story pieced together through self protective denial and shame within our family. Some years after I first spoke up about the feeling I had that he had abused both me, and his daughter.

This isn't easy for me to write about, but I do it to illustrate how deeply the healing powers of plants, especially in combination with other modalities, can touch.

Now it came to the point when i wished to contact the source of those bags I was purchasing in the shop. When I contacted him he was just 'happening' to be on his way to our area with his wares. Michael was a genuine plant dude and devoted to his ally. I decided to invest in some essential oil, hydrosol and a bigger bag of those dried leaves. I was brewing up an idea to make an infused oil to create a salve, portable sacred space maker.

Whilst working with the local Community Mental Health team, with my trusty pagan Case manager, I was being supported by Contemporary Shaman, Odette, to work with spirit in retrieving soul fragments, lost to my Grandfathers actions.
Work I couldn't have done alone. Safe friendship and mentoring allowed it to occur.
It was not easy, but in the end I saw him as a small boy, daggy pulled up socks, bowl haircut n all. Being hit by his very Victorian and strict mother and screaming 'nooooo!'.
In turn there was her tragedy of losing her parents at a young age.
Intergenerational trauma.

This journey shifted my feelings, towards the herb called Grandfather and all that the name had evoked.

When my dear Dad, was dying, this work enabled me to speak to him of his father, whom he knew he was going to meet, from a place of forgiveness rather than the rage that had previously existed within me towards my Grandfather (and indeed my family). My Dad deserved that peace of mind for his journey to the other side. The ease I was able to offer is a bittersweet memory.

Now times a little jumbled up in this at times loaded tale, the orders a bit disordered, but it builds the aspects up nevertheless. So you'll excuse my brain and hearts ways if they ramble.

We now move back to those bigger baggies of dried leaves and I indeed did infuse them in oil and make Smudging Sage Salve. Recently a dear sister put my quiet Salves on her face book page and I had a surge of visitors to my little medicine nook. In fact, I have more leaves I'm yet to infuse,so the journey with Grandfather Sage continues.

The gifts of Grandfather Sage are metaphorical, but also, I believe, real.
As both a smudge and in salve form.
He has bufferrd sensitivity to the overwhelming stimulus that can result from trips into town, or other busy places. Practically, creating the touch of being watched over by a wise Elder.
He has allowed me to clear built up stagnant energy from my aura and HQ repeatedly as I worked with my healing journey, sacred tools and activities. That included assisting lost spirits or beings to let go and move on from my aura. Also as an ally in cutting energetic chords that bind, which no longer served, or needed a clean break to begin fresh. He has carried both my prayers to Spirit, and my desires for setting intentions, on the breeze....

Nowadays, I have a plant Grandfather, who has walked beside me. Just as my paternal Grandfather would have, could he have wholly been the man I believe he wanted to be, had it not been for the effects of the war he served in.....

Resources and Links:
Sharn at Byron Botanicals http://byronbotanicals.com.au/
Michael at Australian Alpine 'Grandfather' White Sage
http://sagedreaming.com.au/
Odette at Contemporary Shaman https://www.contemporaryshaman.net/
Vicki at Sacred Skins and Medicine Things https://www.facebook.com/Vicki-Liddell-Sacred-Skins-and-Medicine-Things-190659384298635/ 

Calendula, Rose and Lavendar Face Cream Sale.....1/28/2017

The Nook's Calendula, Rose and Lavender Face Cream. A small batch handmade cream designed for sensitive skins, including those prone to eczema, and hence preservative free. This is my double infused oil batch I brew, and some of their labels are a tad on the original side, the off centre and wild side. I am also shifing and will no longer be under 'The Nook'.For this reason alone they are on sale for $18 for a 60 ml jar. Postage is extra, being $8.50 within Australia for a jar.

Heres a post with some more info about the process of making them...http://thenookmedicinegardensandstudio.blogspot.com.au/2016_03_01_archive.html

If you're interested leave a comment and we'll take it from there. Thanks..

Restfull cups o tea 12/28/2016

Sleep is as much a part of our lives as waking hours, yet many have challenges to restfull sleep for periods in their life. Sometimes it's beneficial, as in creative all nighters of those touched by their particular muses. Sometimes not, as in tossing and turning to nightmarish visions, anxious wide awakes at 3am, or racing thoughts leading to an inability to get off to sleep. There are herbal allies who can be worthy travelling companions in the search for a good nights rest.

My beloved has been pained regularly by insomnia this last year or so, and despite pharma support, is often awake long before sunrise in the mornings including 2.30am. If he can later arise to face the day, watch the sun coming up on our local easterly facing beach, have a swim, perhaps do some yoga, it is a starting of the day that sets up what follows. Despite the challenges of hauling ass there after a night lacking in sleep. Here's a photo he took on one of those rattled mornings....

At the opposite end of the day he is best eased into a state of preparation for a hopefull nights sleep by a blend of more gentle yoga postures to apt music, drinking some Motherwort (Leonuris cardiaca) tea and /or taking tincture. His ways of working with sleep distubance show this as being a process requiring adjustments, kindness to self and a toolbox of approachs. That and sheer determination.


I have taken tranquilisers in periods when sleep evaded me to the point of psychic distress, and reduced them again. I admit theres a place and time for them, Reducing and coming off them takes time and they should be tapered slowly. Whilst these medications can be addictive in action, I believe few people wouldn't trade them in for the capacity to have a peacefull nights sleep without them. Tasting cup o tea allys like Motherwort, Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) and Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia, formerly officinales) can support this. There's comfort in a cup o tea. Medicine ways too.As dried plant teas brew for about 10 minutes, one teaspooon of herb to a cup.

Motherwort tea, (5-10 drops fresh flowering and spiking plant tincture may be added) for getting off to sleep, or to assist returning to it if one wakes during the night, for those transitioning off or on pharma, gives strong results in a warm sense of relaxation (and at times mumbling).Motherwort is like a protective mothers embrace, asking you to tell her all about it, and then listening with an open heart. You know she has your best interests at her centre. She will sit by your bedside and smooth that furrowed brow away, tell you a tale of dreams to come...

"Motherwort is especially valuable in female weakness and disorders (hence the name) allaying nervous irritability and inducing quiet and passivity of the whole nervous system." (pretty old school language Maude but the cores there)
                          
                           Maude Grieves, in 'A Modern Herbal', 1931

I have found Passionflower tea to work similarly, as a relaxing brew, perhaps for different individuals, shes less bitter in flavour, sweeter, with more of an Oatstraw flavour (an excellent nervous system nourisher drunk as an infusion). Perhaps a step along in tranquiliser withdrawel when remaining asleep can be difficult. A slower and deepener of states of ease, to settle with in hand, when waking during the night.

"Passionflower is an old wives remedy for women with nervous insomnia, hysteria, restlessness and headaches."(Susun recommends the fresh flowering plant tincture before bed each evening but I have also found the tea of dried leaves and stems effective)
                           Susun Weed, in 'New Menopausal Years the Wisewoman Way', 2002

Lavender is more floral in taste, and scent, she will ease you gently into dreams with recall of swaying flower spikes. The blue colour of her brew can lift the mood in the wee hours, and is a soul soother to ponder sipping to aid one drifting off.

"Lavendar...These flowers are also burned or smouldered to induce sleep and rest, and are scattered about the home to maintain its peacefulness."

                           Scott Cunningham, in 'Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs', 1985

Living in a coastal area where soils are sandy, I grow my herbs in raised beds and pots. This has allowed me to make Motherwort tincture from the fresh flowering plant. I buy in dried herbs for some teas, and infusions, but all the tinctures I use are from fresh plants. So I'm singing to my six Motherworts as we head into January's upcoming harvest time, as they have risen from a rosette of leaves upon the ground into waving stems!

Nightmares can disturb sleep, causing one to awake distressed or confused. I have found journalling helps, keeping a  book and pen by the bed. Somehow writing them out diffuses their hold on you and can show you themes which are repeating, if you actually need a reminder and therefore to locate a key. The other strategy i use is 'reentering' scenarios and rewriting their endings, which may begin as visualisation and end up as sleep.

 If your night of wakefullness is caused by a desire to create, like this blogpost (ok so it aint high art!), then why not? Late nights, or even greeting the sun after an all nighter by choice are a luxury!

Working out the tools we can utilise to aid sleep creates a self reliance, especially if we are transitioning from or working to reduce drugs, by learning our personal ways to create a relaxed and peacefull state. Please do not jump off tranquilisers sharply but go gently with yourself and allow beings like the herbs to build up your systems nourishment first and as travelling companions.

 As always, this is written from my experiences, keep what works for you and discard what don't.         

                             

Opalplantways Smudging Sage Salve 12/13/2016

Smudging, a related kindred to incense burning, is a tradition with many indigenous tribes, where the leaves and branchs of a dried plant are held in sacred intention. Several plants are burnt for their scented smoke, the one which I have worked with mostly is Salvia apiana, otherwise known as 'Grandfather Sage', traditionally from Turtle Island (North America). Grandfather Sage is renound as a clearer of peoples auras, spaces n circles, sacred tools and to delineate a shift from ordinary reality into the realms of spirit or trance.

Generally I light him up, using matches from a box drawn with Reiki symbols from my lovely cousin for the element of Fire. The leaves themselves bring in the Earth, while an Abalone shell gifted me by a dear sister, represents Water. I use my Eagle feather fan, made from feathers my brother gathered from an Eagle killed on a Central Australian highway eating roadkill, to encourage and direct the smoke, whilst symbolising Air. Thus the Four elements, and loved ones, are with me as I go. The smoke becomes the Fifth element of spirit.

Grandfather Sage has supported me with healing of the male lineage of our family, particularly going back to my paternal Grandfather who was both a Veteran of World War Two and a family man. Aspects at odds with each other in some moments of his life. He was at heart, I believe, a loving and kind man, but also a pretty damaged one. Grandfather Sage has helped me to see this, whilst walking beside me in ways he wasn't able, and allowing forgiveness to grow.

Last year I infused a batch of Grandfather Sages dried leaves into Virgin Sweet Almond oil with the intention of making a salve that could be carried easily, and invoke all his benefits by annointing oneself at various points on the body, like the third eye, heart and wrists, mmm. The oil came out a dream and the salve was successful. Now I aint no marketing wizz, mostly its gone to family and friends and that's just perfect, but this year I thought to offer some for sale, or trade.

They are in metal cannisters with screwtop lids and I have them in both 60ml and 15ml sizes. The 60 ml ones have a few specs of more solid wax in them, a la handemade, and so they are reduced to $AU20 each, the handy sized 15ml ones are $AU15. Postage is roughly $8.50 in Australia, less for a single 15ml, but being similar for several salves, which could then be packaged together.

These babies will last you a fair whack of time as you need only a small amount, the 60mls a year or more mayhaps, and to be honest the bits are so small they will melt betwixt your fingers as you apply it but there you go, quality control etc. Both contain the Grandfather Sage oil that infused for well over 8 weeks and beeswax, that's it, so keeping em in the fridge is best, but they will survive out of one. I tested one out of the fridge for 6 months and it lasted fine, but for best quality refridgerate. Its not great for salves to melt and resolidify repeatedly.

An important word of advice, they look like lip balm but are not to be used as it, due to some of the ingredients within the leaves not being good taken internally.

If you're interested leave a comment and we'll take it from there eh.

Resources: Australian Alpine "Grandfather" White Sage Dreaming: http://sagedreaming.com.au/

I am enamoured of Cronewort 10/4/2016

I am enamoured of Cronewort, who you may also know as Mugwort. The fabulous herbalist Susun Weed tells the tale of 'Mugwort; speaking up 'ahem, I'm no mug!'. Artemisia vulgaris and also Artemisia argyi (Chinese) both are called by these names. Both have whiskers and silver hair. Artemisia vulgaris has a reddish stem and prefers cooler climates, whilst Artemisia argyi does just fine in the subtropics as one of my thickly populated garden beds now attests.

                                              Artemisia vulgaris, note the colouring in her stem.....

                                                    

                                                          
                                                                        Artemisia argyi...


 This plant opens a lense of green wisdom for me that can clarify and make sense of some pretty bemusing situations. She's like the shawled Wisewoman who pulls you in close and whispers, "Dearie you's needs be take some time to be quiet' or ' Sweet you's need some raucous belly laughter with your beloved' or 'Dear one go immerse yourself in the nearest body of water'.
I also understand her as a 'gateway' plant. One who can deepen our connections and relationship with other green folk by opening a lense or veil to the fascination there.
I tend to eat a leaf or two fresh from the garden when in need...

I find Chinese Cronewort just as magical as her sister plant, renouned for her support of lucid dreamstates, hedgeriding and trance journeying, perhaps a little more in the way of the Dao. She opens perception of that which is, containing beauty and wisdom. Hence her gift as a gateway plant. Be aware though, this Crone is not to be trifled with, eat a leaf before entering a shopping mall or busy town centre and you will find your senses assaulted and sanity thinning. She, like her sister, is natures familiar not a consumerist high. Mayhaps there is a difference in how these plants act in my system at least, only being able to speak from my own experience, but Chinese Cronewort is a fine journeying companion. This is how Ive come to know this plant.

I bought both as the same from a nursery and its simply through word of mouth from fellow plant lovers, indeed another lovely Artemisia ally, that Ive learned to tell them apart as two species. Mostly by how well argyi has grown here and the size she reaches, I must admit.

Lavender's blue dilly dilly, um well actually, it seems pretty purple but the bee's dont mind! 8/13/2016

Lavender ( Lavendula angustifolia) is a plant with lore long associated with wholth. This variety more so with others mayhaps grown for specific forms or colours rather than medicinal properties.  Her softly blue violet couloured flowers and velvety silver foliage soothing to the eye and fingers echo her effects. I love to run my hands along her stems and inhale deeply the scent which touchs them. The above picture taken by Miles is of one of our Lavender plants we were hanging out with one sunny morningk, as you do.

Previously I had had no luck growing her despite my best efforts. I had thought as we are by the ocean and shes a native to Mediterranean climate all would be well, but alas! The breakthrough came when I bought tubestock (Im unsure of the species name) who had time to acclimatise and then proceeded to take off, as you can see. I have since planted several more, all babies doing well!!

 The sight of her flowers bobbing in the breeze rocks. Her softness can  bring a smile to hearts worn by grief or loss, writes herbalist Judith Berger and I can second that motion. Both magically and physically. For myself I have begun to make a massage oil combining her flowers infused in almond oil, bllended with Rosa centifolia petals prepared in the same way, and a lil Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) essential oil.

When one of the characters in the English series 'Black Books' swallows 'The Little Book of Calm' and begins espousing its virtuous advice with more than a small touch of messianic piss take, 'Try a little Lavender oil in the bath' is one of the sardonic gems, which may well hold more truth than the situation allows!!

Taken internally her violet tinted tea, only needing brewing for a short time with her potent volatile oils, can deepen stillness and relax agitation or shakyness. Although as a wise friend pointed out, she's a little astringent and may ask for a touch of honey or maple syrup :).

"The difficulty with anxiety responses is that the strong emotions they produce often paralyze us or cause us to take ill-timed or ill-placed actions. The life preserving emotions which accompany hysteria must be calmed before we can look deeply into the causes underlying anxiety and concieve of a fitting response. The scent and rich purple hue of Lavenders blossoms inspire our sensuality, reminding us of beauty where there has been devastation. Lavender melts numbness, nourishing and keening our senses, the antenae of our instinctual knowing."
                                                Judith Berger in 'Herbal Rituals'

This herb can clear the  air of a sickroom of infection and can be used as a 'smudge' or incense. For these reasons I have added infused Lavendar oil to Calendula salve, or creams.. One of my teachers always adds a few drops of the essential oil to her Calendula salve. Ive also heard it spoken its a fine thing to add a little Lavendar to Comfrey salves just in case infections present when and where its applied to surface wounds.

 I suffer from Eczema on my face at times. When its in the 'dry' phase I use herbalist Rosemary Gladstars 'Miracle Grains' scrub recipe, based on oats, white clay, blended with Lavender and Rose flowers all finely ground, to gently remove some of the dead skin cells. Its a wonderfully pampering mix at a time when the eczema makes one feel vulnerable, rawly exposed and a little like the creature from the black lagoon! It can be used at any time for a softening of skin and you could eat it if the pantry ran out! Lavender porridge! Infact her leaves go well sprinkled over potatoes and chicken for roasting, with salt, and lemon juice, now we're on the subject of food (again).

No wonder Lavender's  been planted out as a hedge in gardens and the wilder species invited in for centuries!

Pictured below: A glamourous cousin of Lavendular angustifolia

 

Words pondering....8/3/2016

Life is fluid, uncatchabley casting rainbow shards of light upon storm clouds in exquisite moments of vision and temporary blindness.
Tactile in its engulfment of the senses in the Earths abundance, in a moment of body presence we may become completely absorbed, and the beings we share her preciousness with carry us away beyond our selves lost up our own navels.
Spirit support surrounds us loosened from unnecessary fear into an embrace that may pour tears from our soulstone, ancient beyond our years.......

Vasalisa and Baba Yaga 4/3/2016

This artwork came from an art and storytelling influeneced workshop where a version of the Russian tale of Vasalisa the brave and Baba Yaga, the mortar and pestle flying in witchy poo, was told, with gusto and edge of your seat skill. This image is, of course, rooted in my own interpretations. Some say in stories, the characters are aspects of self, the teller, or perhaps the listener, who's to say? Creativity is simialr mayhaps whatever the form, this is my version...

Vasalisa loses her mother, traditionally she dies, and weaves all her wisdom and love into a Doll which she gifts Vasalisa from her deathbed, requesting only that she feed her. A vessel or container of guidance from the nurturing feminine, who loves us, and wants the best for us. Handy eh. Couldnt we all do with some of that? Don't we all contain a little of that if we can simply (yeah easy) conjure it into being. One could ask what rituals or practices do this for self, or feed this...

Of course on her mothers passing, Vasalisa's father remarries in poor judgement, tis the way o things, resulting in a stepmother and sisters who treat her like personal shit kicker to them. Do this, do that, clean this, and she does so with pure heart (oh da polarities!). Meanwhile gaining consolation from the realm of the Doll's magic imbued with the energies of her maternal lineage. This eats at the (always) wicked step women.

Now another version of the wicked woman is the old witch, the Crone lets say. Traced from time immemorial the Wise Womans become the scary one with the advent of botox, consumerism and a few other faintly dogmatic belief systems used to justify mass murder. So back to the Crone, who's now become the pop you in the oven n gobble you up version of the woods dwelling solitudinal aka time for nature listening healer. (I warned you this was my interpretation!) Goddamn she should settle down and behave in a more respectable out of the way manner. One that has less to do with her heart chakra and more to do with bowing and scraping. Less eccentricity more conformity. That's not to say, however, that some older women aint scarey, or tough as. I caught the bus with two of them this morning.

So, one set of wicked women hear that the other one, the Crone, is in town, or clearing in the woods rather. That her chicken legged cottage, (eggs being fertility symbols of birth and beginnings tabootsky), which can move about has landed nigh. They decide a fab way to get rid of Vasalisa goody two shoes boring shmoring exwife child is to put out all the household fires and send her to Baba Yaga for replacements, sure she'll never return. Hence thats exactly what they do....

BUT, and don't you love BUTS...

As Vasalisa sets out scared out of her wits, in distress at entering said dark scarey forest, where wolves dwell, trolls, ghosts, ghoulies etc ol witchs, all those beings (slash aspects) that jump or creep up from behind to knock us into places of no returning to sanity or safety ever again. You know the places, we all have them, its just a matter of degree. She is carrying her trusty Doll, come Guide, Ally, Mentor, Peer. Therapist I hear you say, yes, possibly, although I hope your not making any assumptions! Spirit Kin, Mates. The part of life that shes nourished by paying attention to it, what else is feeding? Giving of energy, sharing. It leads her straight to Baba Yaga's door, bugger that Therapist, Practitioner, Friend, Trigger, Emotion, Lover, we say at this point. Past the skeletal fence with eyes a glow and straight on into the lair/ cosy home. Every half decent ol witch has an excellent lair / cosy home, which maybe her sleeping bag, or blanket, under a bus shelter and a pack of rollies. Just watch the pneumonia.

Im taking a long time to tell this tale, but basically Baba Yaga sets a series of imposssible and eeevvvil tasks like sorting wee Poppy seeds from a massive pile of black soil, and the Doll (inner Shamanka) assists her in doing the impossible. Having a life! Ooops, I mean, doing the sortings, cleanings (more) and weavings of straw into gold and such. Think I may have just blended another story in there somewhat. So in the end Baba Yaga goes 'Oh alright girly I shan't eat you after all, bugger it, Ill give you fire, so your peoples wont freeze to death or starve (which they are currently doing cos' Russia and Siberia get pretty chilly, something their wicked stepnesses didn't foresee in their planning or lack thereof).

So preparing to thank this frightening being, she stops as her Doll has jumped up and down in her pocket, 'Just get outta here' says she. So Vasalisa the brave, fair or wise, depending on which aspect the teller likes best, gets outta there and returns to the uncosy home. Making her ways through the woods led this time by the eerie lights of a skeletons head whos eyes are embers a glowing. The stepnesses are pretty cold and hungry by now, and hence pleased to see Vasalisa, who lights the fire and places the skull in the corner of the room. From whence it watchs. Watchs, looking, looking, at the usual dynamics.

What I enjoyed about the version we were told is that there were multiple endings, only one of which saw the stepnesses burnt to cinders by the skull. Theres enough of that goes on in the world. The endings I liked is where the stepnesses behaviour was changed by the process, or didnt but Vasalisa no longer cared. For she has faced the Crone, dark forest, trolls, ghosts, suchness (within and without) and lived.

I know this is a blog about plants and pencils, but also it is about Recovery, as was the workshop I attended. A word I will here spell with a capital R, because its important.
The specific word used will probably change in coming times (everything will), but the vibe is what counts. It counts because it is a vibe that describes our way/s through. Gardener, warrior, chef, artist, maker, healer, bush regenerator, taxi driver, crafter, cleaner, dish washer, academic, psychologist, Crone heh heh, poet, storyteller, social worker, peer support worker, apprentice, winemaker, farmer, grower, student, teacher, actor, ecologist, walker, journalist, meditator, shamanka, case manager, the possabilities are endless. Thats the point....
Its just there's a few Baba Yaga's n forebidding forests we needs be learn to navigate through along the way.

BUT, and don't you just love BUTS
there's a Doll in our pockets, if we can remember to feed her....
with our ways through...
By the by, its not always shes and hers, for the brothers who also walk this path....

Thanks...

Linkages:
Jenny Cargill-Strong http://www.storytree.com.au/

Echinacea Flower Developing 4/2/2016

Calendula, Rose and Lavendar Cream brew up 3/19/2016

The arts of nourishing, sustain and support systems, tis the way of things. Herbal teacher Susun Weed retaught me this in allying to the green, rememberance. Ive not long been introduced to the realms of doing so through our largest organ, the skin, and it kinda happened organically (uncertified but certifiable). I was reacting to most store bought moisturisers and sunscreens, living in a hot, humid climate, and copping mild eczema like blistering and stress rashes that had me reaching for steroidal creams for some relief.

Then I met Calendula, her petals more specifically, as an infused oil. Liquid sunshine. Admittedly at first the neat oil was slower to heal my face then the steroidal creams, taking more like a week than ta da overnight, but results came, I became determined, and fascinated. After double infusing my own Calendula (Calendula officinales), Rose (Rosa centifolia) and Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) oils, the experimentation with Rosemary Gladstar's (thanks lovely) preservative free moisturiser recipe began. Nowadays the rashes clear quickly (I have also found cool Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) infusions really helpfull) and The Nook's face cream has evolved. Not bad for an ungirly girl, so far!

It all began with a face to face weekend workshop with a lovely and generous local herbalist who mentored me in such ways of caretaking. Lotions and potions, a magical lineage. As is women sharing such knowledge...

I add in small amounts of essential oils of Grandfather Sage (Salvia apiana) for assisting to clear stagnant energy or entitys in need of healing, and Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) for a touch of similar vibe plus the physicality of skin inflammation easing. 

There's also soothing aloe vera gel and rose water. Rose has charmed me with her capacity to gently touch grief, heart break and injury. So there's the infused oil and the floral water included, life requires it at times. Rosehip and Shea butter, I know, fancy eh but noice. When you stop smoking ciggies and drinking booze you need some treats aside from sugar :)

The flash from the camera makes these look like real whiteys, but in actuality these babies are dyed by the infused oils they contain....

Calendula petals straight from the flower

Dried petals

Infusing oils n the billy on to celebrate

Comfrey 19/3/2016

We have two types of Comfrey, growing...
This morning lit, vibrant leaf belongs to Symphytum uplandica x, who has a pink to purplish flower, whilst Symphytum officinales is a white bloomer.
I just love the glow through the veins in these shots, which for me emphasise this plants ability to regenerate and encourage cell growth. The forms in the leaves, echo clusters of cells. She achievs this so potently that its said, best not to apply her to deep wounds, as if there's any infection beneath and she heals the surface, it can become trapped inside the hurt. One can add a little infused or essential lavendar oil to her salve too.

I have used her also for pain relief, particularly 'restless legs', which strike as cramps during the night. I reached for a jar of salve by my bed and rubbing it in experieneced some sweet relief. Also a dear friends sister reports, the nerve pains of MS, have been eased by her salve. These are results I had not heard of prior to experienecing them. So, mayhaps plants gifts may clarify with listening, gentle sense-ible experiements and openess....
 

Dining with Weeds 3/8/2016

Traditionally in some Gaelic speaking cultures, the base of stew in the pot on the hearthfire was added to, day by day, according to what vegetables, and if in luck, meat, was available. That this fine brew gradually grew in  flavour and taste so that it was treasured (infact handed down to newlyweds, experiential tales or correcting welcome!). I do the same with this recipe, adding a little each day, although if you too live in a subtropical climate, you have to put the lot in the fridge during between times, or you will end up with something fermented, and thats not what you want in a stew. More in a sourdough bread starter, beer or mead brewing.

So, when I'm in need of a protein hit, and some of the nourishment that comes from wild greens, I make my version, 'Amaranth Stew', dining with weeds. Several species of Amaranths grow well here, and now they have seed heads upon them. The seeds can be used like a vegetarian mince in recipes, but being an omnivore I mix them up with mince, beans or lentils in this brew. All in a tomato, garlic, onion, thyme n rosemary saucy type base.

Popping up left, right n centre in our garden is Amaranthus viridus 'Green Amaranth' who's seed spikes turn brown when ripe. Her leaves may not be as voluptuous as some species but we get multiple harvests from a single plant, she's generous indeed, and tough. Chooks love her too! 

I simply use a pair of scissors to dice her finely, excluding the tougher bits of stem.

Add her to the mix towards the end of cooking, once Ive thickened the stew some, putting in any spare veg like potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, mayhaps some chilli for added ooompf. Making sure Ive made a shitload, scuse me, to last a few days, cos once your body has some of this, gonna want more! Speaking for myself anyways...

Great with some melted cheese or an egg ontop! I forgot to take a shot of the plated up fancy version cos I simply tucked in! Ooops, but you get the gist of it eh. Hope you get to enjoy sometime!

Reconnection: A Practice to Ground and Rejuvenate 2/3/2016

I've found this practice usefull, particularly in the morning before heading into the foray o life, aka public transport, town. What I like about this is its portable and if its a rough day and you aint up to going into the world you can still connect... 

Begin with the breath. Take a few deep easy breaths. If you are able to, breathe in, 1,2,3,4 hold,1, 2, 3, 4 out 1,2,3,4  hold, and repeat that cycle a few times , till you sense you are slowing. Or in 1, 2, 3, 4 then out slow, and deep. You can say internally or out loud, rreeellaaxxx, chhiiillll, ccaaallmm ddooowwn, or any key words that work for you...or simply breathe...

Visualise a lotus, magnolia (or your favourate type of) flower at the top of your head. Acute / Sensitives often walk through life with this area in full openess, which can be overwhelming or distressing. An overloading from the input of environmental stimulation, ordinary reality interactions, yet also connection to spirits, or otherworldly energies. They can all end up somewhat jumbled together.

So, as we begin to see the petals of the flower at your crown, closing gently, a few at a time, not blocking, simply rejuvenating for a time. Finally, the green sepals fold around them, until just a green bud remains.

You can still see light emanating from it, a rose pink if you like...

Now bring your awareness down into the Earth, to the place where the centre of the front pad of your foot touches her. See the shimmering roots of light that run into this place, connect the two of you. Watch and feel as the light spreads through your toes, one by one, to your heel. A hue that feels right to you, with a luminescence.

The light moves up your ankles, into your calves, knees. Around and up your thighs. Between your legs, up through your fanny, (or willy), your bum. Up the front of your belly, and rising through your spine. In your belly there is a soft edged ball, or perhaps, a flame, or campfire, of light which you can sense the warmth from. A gentle easing spreading heat....allow that to be...

Continue up through your chest, front and back together, like slowly spiralling dna. This Earthlight shifts through your body, through your breasts and up your back. 

Pause here, and shift awareness to your fingers and hands. The tips of your fingers (for the hands hold much magik) exude aerial rootlets. See their light channelled through your wrists, forearm and wrap around your shoulders to your heart centre. 

Visualise a rose coloured light and warmth here, and feel it wrap around your neck up the back of your head, ears, the front of your neck, chin, lips, nose, eyes and forehead...

Here we are back with the closed bud, resting quite content with it. Reconnected to Earth....

This is a good time to reconnect with Spirit Kin. Sensing where they are, what’s happening with them, if they have any guidance for you, are picking up on something to share some insight, or can crack a funny and make you smile. Some days you need that..

Just a note. I believe in life there are both places of light and dark, this is as it is. The womb is a place of darkness, caves, the night sky which allows rest n regeneration, new moon, innards of our bodies, tree stumps, beneath the ground where seeds dwell, so don't get me wrong. Visualising light though, can be a tool to clear debris, blockages n buildup, just as candle light can create sacred space, Hecates torch be a guide for Demeter through her grief in the underworld. If it doesnt feel right for you, don't go there. 
 

Wounded Healers 1/27/2016

Some of the first tales of shamanism that drew me in, spoke to me, were those of an initiatory health crisis transformed. That transformation mayhaps being an awakening, to practices and approachs, that also shift symptoms, or our relationship with them...

A healer like the centaur Chiron, is an example of this in a very humane way. He, an immortal, was pierced by a poison arrow, leaving a hurt which never healed. Yet he was both a medicine man and teacher, also musician and wise one. To this day in modern astrology charts, the presence of the centaur planet shows where in each of our birthcharts, lies the wound which, if transformed in life, may become a blessing, or calling. Yep, we all gotta touch o' da Chironic.

Health, seems to me, rather than a static endpoint we reach and go 'woo hoo!! I is there', a process. Dis-ease can make sense, in direct relationship to circumstances, or come from beyond order / comprehension. Also, someone with a so called chronic health challenge, or dif-ability, may experience wholeness of being, within and through, living with this. That, often after struggle, our personal wounds, and how we learn (or unlearn) to manage them, can later allow us to see into places previously hidden, or guide us. If we can translate this, the experience can be a fine, though at times humbling, or straight up difficult, mentor.

 

The wounding may be not of the self, but someone loved, or yet little known to us. When we are caring for those dear to us, including those who are dying, or indeed dead, portals open (perhaps more obviously in the latter case). We carry ourselves furthur, and more deeply than if it were for self alone. Even when alongside moments of comfort given, intimacy shared, humour, such intentions in the same breath threaten to swallow, are messy, or lead to confronting challenges. Still, the grace of the calling to offer healing may resound, in myriad forms and diverse manifestations. Conciously, or otherwise, simply drawn out from ones innards. I would offer up that plant, animal and spirit allys respond in these ways aswell, as do our creative and soul lives.

Such processes happen to their own rhythms. Who's to say how long a healing journey should take? Its both rare, and consumerist, to expect for it to happen in any one session, regardless of what any advertising, or promise, may say. Infact, especially if they say so. The journey may indeed be re/inspired by a single connection, event or being, but generally a series of adjustments will follow. An integrating, or filtering through, at ones own pace. Wrought over a brief period of time, part of a lifelong voyage or yonder human folk time. A re/gathering. To decipher the message/s ones bringing back from the experiences.

When we are working with plants (or indeed other personal practices) to assist this reweaving, the path is unlikely to be straight and narrow. More likely meandering, seeking, like water, or a root system searching for it. Flowing back a lil, forth a few steps, into that crevice, round that rock to take a peek, stretching out to full extension, withdrawing or retreating, pausing for a still moment. What was that I saw, heard, felt, sensed?

Echoing the many unusual forms green folk themselves may take, plantological learnings vary. Growing seasons and harvests change. Gardens and soils shift. Wild plants appear one year, are absent the next. One form of medicine or modality comes to the fore. A preparation is honed or goes mouldy / ferments. Becomes more itself like that, or otherwise becomes optimised, and beloved by those we share it with. Good reasons to journal our voyages!

Yet, some days, simply hanging with plants is the magic...

No products made, no procuring of anything more, or less, than being, offering, presence...

Plants not only gift us breath, healing, a place where magic touchs, but connect us to, and speak as reminders of the call for stewardship of the places where we are. Voices for Earth who herself is undergoing transformation, a wounded healer...

Mrs Klaws and the Untold Story of the Flying Reindeer 19/12/2015

Rue 'Herb of Grace' 11/1/2015

The Rue (Ruta graveolens) growing in our garden has flowered for the first time this year. She was one of the first herbs planted in then sandy soils some 5 years ago. She was shifted once, then has stayed where she now blooms. I read (in rather a blinkered fashion, given her also recorded virtues) from herbalist Dorothy Hall, that fresh, she could irritate the skin and eyes, and so I kept a distance. Not now. She has called me to her beautyways with her delicate yellow green flowers that have small stars at their centres. The silver greys of her leaves vary, darkening as they grow, wreathing the blooms in a circle of delicately curvaceous Eucalypt like colours. So, today with her permission I tasted a leaf, a little bitter but to me delicously earthy, of scent especially. Amidst the shadows another beloved. Although I do realise she is a potent plant requiring small doseage, that her unusal taste may provide in and of itself.

I now remember I also knew her from a series of books called 'The Chain of Charms' by Kate Forsyth. The story of two gypsy children, Emilia and Luka, with their friends, a bear, monkey, dog and horse, who journey to save their imprisoned family from the noose, under Oliver Cromwell in England. Their task, encouraged by their Grandmother, is to gather  six magical charms from several separate branchs of their tribe. When reunited they, especially Emilia, believe their mission will be blessed and their family safe. One of the six charms is a silver sprig of Rue, the 'Herb of Grace' and well might it be for both its medicinal and magical reputation.

Rue was one of the ingredients in the 'Vinegar of the Four Thieves' a recipe brought to the fore during the times of the bubonic plague in Europe. Possibly created and used with success by the apothecary, Richard Forthave, however there is another tale....

Four thieves who had managed to ransack empty plague ridden homes and remain unharmed, were captured and brought infront of the French judges in Marseilles. The judges pondered aloud questioning how they achieved this, and the thieves replied that they washed with a particular vinegar preparation every few hours. In return for the recipe, the thieves were set free.

There are several  recipe versions for Four Thieves Vinegar, here is one:

2 quarts apple cider vinegar
2 tablespooons Rue
2 tablespooons Lavendar
2 tablespoons Rosemary
2 tablespoons Sage
2 tablespoons Wormwood
2 tablespoons Mint
2 tablespoons Garlic buds

Combine the dried herbs, except the garlic, and steep in the vinegarin the sun for two weeks. Strain and rebottle. Label. Add several cloves of garlic, and allow to steep furthur for several days, then strain. You can add 4 ounces of glycerine as a preservative.

It is said this aromatic and antibacterial vinegar can be used as a sickrooom wash, or diluted for a body wash, but that because of the strength of some of these herbs it must be diluted for the skin. Internally the dose is a teaspooon at a time in water-no more than one tablespoon an hour (3 teaspooons = 1 tablespoon) to act as a preventative during an epidemic. I haven't tried this recipe myself, hope not to need to either but looking at the ingredients it kinda makes some sense eh?

When I spoke with Rue, wondering at those flowers, she spoke of a capacity to dislodge beings/ entitys from ones aura, which I suppose is the energetic version of helping to clear physical space, perhaps also part of her ancient reputation for curing insanity. I hope to learn more from Rue with time, now we've been properly aquainted.

Gail Faith Edwards gives a recipe for a 'Happy Home Magic Bag' made from a favourate fabric. Place inside: some Rue, a morsel of bread, ash from your hearth and something from each family member. Hanging the bag in your home to bring family (all species in my book) happiness, health, harmony and prosperity.

References:

'The Chain of Charms' (series of six books) by Kate Forsyth. Pan Macmillan Australia Pty Ltd, starting in 2006.

'Opening our Wild Hearts to the Healing Herbs' by Gail Faith Edwards. Ash Tree Publishing, New York, 2000.

'Dian Dincin Buchman's Herbal Medicine: The Natural Way to Get Well and Stay Well'. Gramercy Publishing Company, New York, 1980.

'Dorothy Halls Herbal Medicine. Lothian Publishing Company Pty Ltd, Melbourne, 1988.

Wisdom is what works...10/12/2015...

I love herbs, in a dirt under the fingernails, watching em grow, drying, making stuff with em, learning their stories and names makes me go squee, kinda way. I also take pharmaceutical medications on a daily basis. Whoa, hang on, paradox and contradiction? Nope. In my world in the now the two coexhist, and no it aint an always easy or polite conversation, but there is a dialogue going down. Particularly when one can settle into a rhythm of doseage that works. This will ask for shifts, as life does, and may request humility, as life does.

I'll be real honest here, from apprentice medicine woman, to certifiable loon facing the looming chasm, to acute sensitive, all aspects have their moments. The last few years have seen some major loss that tipped the scales, resulting in higher doses or changes to pharmaceutical meds. I wont kid you, it can be disheartening, but so is the alternative trauma vortex. Mmmm friendly, not.

Dr Clarissa Pinkola Estes in her audio book 'Mother Night' speaks of researching wisdom. Reading through volumes of religious, philosophical, historical texts, seeking trails that would lead to its essence. Like phosphorescence in water though, the path was elusive, and she came to a point where she felt confused and unclear. So what does a sensible woman do in such a situation? Calls out for guidance as she goes to sleep, 'please, send me a vision, a clarifying dream'. What did she get? A disembodied voice, 'Wisdom is what works'. She awoke, suitably impressed with the sense it made, and I share her sentiments.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Herbs, plants and nature are a source of healing and unconditional support that can bring great pleasure....

There is something about interactions with plants, and plant based medicines, that is like remembering for me. I find them deeply comforting, and surprising in how their complexity can touch. Its definitely a case of the whole is more than the sum of its parts. It's what Hildegard of Bingen called the 'viriditas'.

Growing herbs as a way to learn from them is the reason I built our garden. I believe in the potential for direct perception, and dialogue with / from plants as teachers. That connecting to our heart space, senses, and being with nature encourage this medicine.

There's not heaps of information out there on interactions between herbs and psych meds, the best way for me to learn has been to experiment gently and cautiously on myself. That has involved small doses taken over time spent learning how a plant feels. In crisis there are definitely herbs who can offer relief, as a supplement to, and an alternative of, pharma mediciations.

These include;

*Motherwort (Leonuris cardiaca)- Her tincture, for me is a dose of 10-15 drops, both regularly, and as prn, shes good for anxiety, including first thing in the morning, otherwise known as the wake up hee bee gee bees, or cranked volume. To find your personal dose, in a time of need try 5 drops, then rest 10  -15 minutes with that, if the anxiety eases thats your base dose, if not try another 5 drops etc, without going too ballistic. I will take a dose every 20  minutes to half hour in acute situations. Also her tea. The tea is pretty potent, and can be used to gain some rest, or indeed sleep. 1 teaspoon of dried herb, for a cup of boiling water, brewed for 10 -20 minutes, and its usually goodnight from me. Possibly theres an amplification with Seroquel, or other SSRIs to be aware of.

A general note on herbal tinctures. I take these straight from a glass dropper under the toungue. This means they get into the bloodstream faster than pills / tablets, so for this reason they are great prn, or first aid.

*Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) - In a 'herbal infusion' I have found her a great tonic for and strengthener of the nervous system. An infusion a la Susun Weed uses a relatively large amount of dried herb (a couple of handfulls for leaves / one ounce) brewed in a canning jar with a lid for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The next day i sip away. All the good shit that has mothers saying 'eat your greens' nettle has in kickass amounts.

Other 'nourishing' herbs to infuse include Oats (Avena sativa) who is great for soothing traumatised nervous systems that have been on high alert, scanning for danger without reprieve (as in PTSD). She also builds emotional flexability. Red clover (Trifolium pratense). A word of advice I also find the latter two do tend to get the wild thang juices flowing, you may find yourself nude in various circumstances, 'he's off sowing wild oats' didn't come from nowhere.

*Skullcap, or Scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). The first time I tried this tincture I just sat with the vibe a while, and heard 'restores nerve sheaths' ( before I knew what a nerve sheath was, or if it existed). Now you can do what you want with that story, but I choose to drink the tea, and also find it gently easing. I have taken the tincture in small drop dosages, twice daily for some months, particularly in crisis, in hope of restoring some of those frayed and fatigued edges. Baikal Scullcap, or Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis) in Chinese medicine is a different plant, with other talents, as I understand it.

*Cronewort (Atemisia vulgaris) - Mostly I connect with her as a tea, but also as incense. She seems to have a gift for taking the wounded soul and re-envisioning its lack of lustre into gentle guidance, back upon ones medicine path. I have heard she has a reputation for bringing on prohetic dreams and active night journeying. So it seems she has a talent for shifting perspectives, as only a wise ol Crone can.

*Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) root tea, and leaves green from the garden. May be bitter but they prevent you ending up that way. ;-) Rage, and anger, are often difficult emotions for those with trauma, or abuse as part of their story, to experience safely. They are linked to the liver, and that’s where Dandelion works with them. If I am feeling cantankerous, like lashing out, a brew of Dandelion root tea can process a shift. Depression is also linked intimately to suppressed, or indeed o-ppressed, rage. Righteous anger can be motivating, but violence ain’t cool. We know that from experiencing its effects. Dandelion root roasted is a great coffee substitute, taste and colour wise, without the caffeine. Can also be drunk with milk and sweetener, so a great intro to herbs that still has some familiarity as a comforting cuppa. The associations of, you wanna cuppa? For those with alcohol scarring, can begin to ease the ol liver, and still go with a fag (didn't say that). Something to keep in awareness is that liver 'flushing' herbs may reduce the effects, or duration of effects of pharma meds.

*Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Citrus scents and flavours tend to be slanted towards lifting mood, in that crisp, cutting through mind fog / haze kinda way. Melissa has this vibe, rub a fresh leaf between your fingers and have a whiff. I love to pick leaves straight off staggering out in the morning (with thanks, part of the effect mayhaps) and brew them up as a start to the day. Two teaspoons for fresh herbs, let it brew a lil longer n it'll be a lil stronger type situation.

Some general note on 'taking' herbs:

If we are used to, or have been raised on pharma medications, or medical models, there can be fear or suspicion around plant medicines, and whether they will work in 'the same way'. They won't, they aren't manufactured drugs, but they may heal in surprising, and deep, ways. For those of us unwilling to completely trade in quality of life to high levels of sedation, or side effects, we can look to green allys for ways to approach staying well. Wholth. Herbs do seem able to rebuild damaged or fatigued systems, and support the capacity within us to heal.

I'm not knocking pharma, probably wouldnt be here typing without it, its roots are often in plants anyways. Which is why it would be a particularly nice gesture on the part of large corporate manufacturers to share with us exactly which plants they sourced their 'active ingredients' from.

Just as pharma works best taken regularly, herbs like to hang out. Taking a tincture once won't 'cure' you, although it might give some ease. Getting used to drinking herbal teas can seem 'disappointing' to coffee lovers. Give it some time.

In 'acute' phases where adjustments and changes to / I may need more pharma, Ive found it helpfull to ease back on the herbs until i get used to how medications effect my system. Just as when first getting to know a herb, I use 'simples'. That is one herb at a time, so as to sense out how they interact with my innards. As I mentioned earlier its a dialogue, or dance.

Please note this info is based on my personal experience, and Im no 'qualified' expert, seek information and resources for yourself, I am simply sharing what Im learning as I go.