Home Herbalism...

                                                    my just sorted herb cupboard :)

My ways are those of the kitchen herbalist, partly because I suck at marketing, partly because I love the freedom of small scale experimentation n' brewing in my medicine makings and green witchery.

Fresh plant tinctures from the garden often brew past their allotted 6 weeks, but this does no harm. If anything I feel it makes for more potent medicines than commercial or larger scale prepared ones. The tinctures themselves can last for years, once prepared and decanted, of course smell and taste are going to be indicators. Sometimes, on the other hand I'm awaiting the potions arrival and jump its bones as soon as possible!

                                                    infusing whole dried Calendula flowers

Infused oils are crafted with love into double infused ones, because I have the time to do so. In the cooler parts of the year I may well leave these for longer than 6 weeks too, although in the heat of Summer I have a bar fridge dedicated to herbs, resulting in pretty fine quality products made using them as ingredients. Creams, salves but also the simple oils.

I am an organic processes herbalist walking my path. I come from an artsy, spirited background and am a chaotic liver (domestics came to me late in life), plants are entrenched with me. Our garden attests to this. Parsley self seeds left right and centre, popping up between Croneworts in their patch, Lavendar and Rosemary bushes vibrantly expand, Lemon Balm oozes from her pot, Lemon Myrtles are coming into bloom, a native amidst weeds, she is accompanied by Dune care plants, used to regenerate our local coast.

Astringents....

All over this blue and green planet have evolved systems relating to mapping out the energetics (and actions) of plants. The sensorial experiences of how they effect the body and their relationship with it. Traditional or indigenous medicines from various parts of the globe. Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine are probably most familiar.

I am feeling out some of the language of traditions, including the ancestry of the patterns described in Western Herbalism. There are polarities in this language that have a whole complex spectrum between them in application, but to introduce some of the signifiers, with roots heading to Galen (ancient Greek), here we have: hot/ cold, dry/damp. I am very much on my L plates with this and so acknowledge that I'm turning to other herbalists experiences as reference points, whilst working from my own limits and keeping it on the level.

I come from a lineage of women who work creatively in the kitchen, applying their taste buds and instincts to create food as medicine, and applying aesthetics creatively to make art that feeds the soul as depicting nature. The interface between people and plants came through these mediums in the lives of my mother, aunt and grandmothers. Herbalism is a place where I touch this. Energetics are a grounded use of sensations accessible to experiential learning, through a filter before microscopes were around. I am walking between these worlds in the now.

In patterns of energetics and actions, 'drying' herbs are generally associated with encouraging the flow of fluids out from the body. Diuretics make you wee more, like Nettle, Parsley or Celery seed, diaphoretics encourage sweating through the pores of the skin, like Ginger, Chilli or Fenugreek. Despite the fact these herbs bring moisture to the area they effect initially. Nothing like a spicy curry to work up a sweat!

                                                   Comfrey (Symphytum uplandica x)

Astringent herbs, constrict tissues when applied, giving the feel of being 'drying', like a glass of red (or three's), effects on the tissues of the mouth, or Witch hazels on the skin. Paradoxically when tissues tighten and bind they often hold in fluids. Like the fresh chewed leaves of Comfrey, or Yarrow, which seal and tighten the skin around a wound, whilst preventing furthur bleeding.
They are locally drying, whilst not drying out the body from loss of fluids. So to say astringent herbs are 'drying' is a simplification.
Also, as herbalist Dorothy Hall puts it, proving the old wives tale of putting cold black tea (Thea chinensis) on burns blisters. The astringency will stop furthur fluid loss into the blister, whilst also causing reabsorption into underlying tissues of whats already present. Old wives know what they're about....

                                                      Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

                                                
                                                         Heartsease (Viola tricolour)

Damp herbs moisten and lubricate. Rub a Heartsease, Plantain or Marshmallow leaf between your fingers and you can feel the moisture contained within them as mucilage. These herbs soothe and ease inflamed (or indeed dry) tissues, like Slippery Elm taken internally can soothe an agitated digestive tract or Marshmallow root can a dry hacking unproductive cough.

Resources:

'Dorothy Hall's Herbal Medicine'. Lothian. 1988.

Plant Healer Magazine http://www.folkherbalism.com/

'Traditions of Western Herbalism' by Mathew Wood. North Atlantic Books 2004. 

Sweet Briar in the subtropics?

The Rose has long been associated with the feminine. The five petals of the single Rose, form a pentacle, symbol of the Goddess. Isis. Aphrodite.

In Rome she was known as the Flower of Venus, and was the sign of her sacred prostitutes. Things spoken 'under the Rose' were oft secret mysteries of Venus. The red Rose represented full blown maternal sexuality, while the white Rose, that of the virgin. Christians transferred both of these flowers to the virgin Mary and named her the 'Holy Rose'.

The Christian 'Rosary', a portable prayer wheel, also has roots in pagan practices. The Hindu japamala 'rose-chaplet' called the 'Rosary of the Mantra's' was worn by Kali Ma, Goddess of Creation and Destruction, in India. Its alternate red and white beads also symbolised her Mother and Virgin forms (she wore a rosary of skulls at times). Arab poets called their rosaries wardija "rose garden". The same word in Latin, rosarium, described early rosaries devoted to the virgin Mary.
                                                      
I came to appreciate Roses, and Geraniums, later in life. My Grandmother, Alice, grew both by the sea, in her garden, which she (and I) loved dearly. Sitting in her favourite chair, or walking, with her small dog beside her, Alice would look 'down the garden' to see who was flowering that day. She made her own potpourri from her Roses and had it in bowls around the house. Petals featured in handmade paper alongside letters, fragments of words, from the recycled phone books and newspapers she used for the base pulp.

I have two large Rose Geraniums growing, which are blended with or used as an alternative to Rose essential oil, because it takes so many petals to make. About 5000kg to produce just 1/2 k oil. I am as yet to grow a Rose here in the coastal subtropics. The wild Rose found in Australia is usually Rosa rubignosa (aka eglanteria), who's hips can be worked with to make tea, and are a main source of the Rosehip 'carrier' oil. She is known as a weed in high rainfall areas of the south east, escaping gardens and reverting to her uncultivated form (as you do). My Mum tells me she's used as root stock to graft less sturdy Roses on to. The late Isabelle Shipard, herbalist and nursery owner described her as 'a vigorous grower to 2 metres, bright pink flowers with a strong fragrance, which can be smelt at quite a distance' (scent indicating medicinal properties). She says Roses will grow in the subtropics, simply flowering less profusely than when in cooler climates, speaking well of trying Rosa rugosa, or 'Japanese Rose', because of her disease resistance. Roses have tendencies to mould and mildew, which the subtropics would perhaps inflame.

While they do grow on the red clay soils of the hills around us, I have only seen one Rose, cultivated, on the sandier soils of the coast and she didn't look real stoked. Pots mayhaps. Until then, dried Rose petals are on my list of the herbs I buy in, Rosa centifolia so far. To double infuse in almond oil as an ingredient in the face cream I make, because of her fabulous affinity with the skin.

                                                   straining Rose petals from infused oil

The more I learn about this flower, the more I see her as a stand alone medicine for easing inflammation of the skin. Now I find through the experiences of herbalist Kiva Rose working in her Gila home with the wild Rose there, Rosa woodsii, that she uses a vinegar of the Rose petals (diluted with water) applied as a compress for sunburn, and brewed in honey for burn dressings.
I blend Rose Otto water with Witch hazel flower water, delicious on a hot day, or after time spent in the sun, to mist on to cool down red places. This mix generally takes heat out of the skin and is astringent.

"Honey of roses is used in gargles and lotions to wash sores, either in the mouth, throat or other parts, both to cleanse and heal them."
                                          Culpepper

When I open the jar of dried Rose petals to make tea and breathe in deeply, with the inhalation of her scent I can easily imagine why she has so long had associations of touching places of sensuality, spirit and the heart. This is where Rose is perhaps most familiar, for the easing of heart soreness or tenderness, leaning into grief and mild depression. I add her to Oatstraw for a sweet nourishing and mood lifting combo, or brew her with Motherwort, for anxiety, and the courage to face it when present.

I have recently been making a tincture from Rosa centifolia which I made (gleefully) from a stash of dried pink petals and grain alcohol. I find her gentle but potent touch, good heart chakra healing, and having a flower essence like energy. I feel she works to help heal past wounding and scar tissue that may be triggered in the now, whilst encouraging one to 'take heart'. I have been taking 5 drops twice a day. A friend I gifted a bottle to feels she's having less regular heart palpitations, so if you have any experiences around this I'd love to hear from you.  


Resources:

'Australian Weeds : A Source of Natural Food and Medicine' by Gai Stern. Harper & Row. 1986.

'How can I use Herbs in my Daily Life?' by Isabelle Shipard. David Stewart. 2003.

Article on Rosa species by Kiva Rose http://animacenter.org/rosa.html

'The Herb Tea Book' by Dorothy Hall. Pythagorean Press. 1980.

'The Women's Book of Myths and Secrets'  by Barbara G Walker.

Some spirit practices in my Medicine pouch.......

In my previous post I alluded to the deepening of spiritual practices that has accompanied the recent reductions of a psych med. So, in this one I felt to go into that a bit, with the acknowledgement that the tapering and its accompanying restlessness can make it difficult to focus on some of these practices at times. I engage to the best of my abilities with what I got on any given day.

I don't work with a lot of complex rituals, however the medicine pouch of ones I do engage with are pretty important to me. I would like to acknowledge one of my mentors Odette (see Resources) who has supported me in finding my path with her earthy, safe and open minded ways.

My support crew in spirit are my Spirit Kin. A group of power animals who travel with me in all realms. Since a child I have held strong relationships with the animals, around me and this aspect of my spirituality is an extension of that. They offer comfort, guidance and have my back. One of them approached me as an ally in a nightmare, one amidst daily reality and one journeying in non-ordinary reality. Some have come for a time and teachings then moved on, but this core group remain. Connecting with them offers me deep nourishment.

On a day to day or weekly basis I've learned that I need some practices to be the equivalent of psychic showers, or the ocean dips I replace them with. This includes:

Cutting 'cords' ( a manifestation of the energetic 'ties that bind' but which absorb the crud from these links) from my body. Connected to people, the collective, and situations, the cutting of which doesn't mean a desire to sever or break off relationship (although it can where needed), but does allow for a kind of fresh start afterwards.

Clearing my aura of debris gathered in daily interactions (just as dust collects on furniture, or grease near the hearth fire), negative thought forms (the days stagnant, dead end or tape loop thought processes), and also entities or wayward souls. All of which, I find, can take on the form of archetypal beings. I find there's a strong 'trickster' like approach coming from them. They manifest in this type of form, or dialogue, with me repeatedly. It requires of me to maintain an alertness and sense of humor (I sometimes find in short supply), determination and firm boundaries, whilst assisting them to move on. When asked 'who are you really?' there's a tendency to shape shift, which lets me know, like the trickster in many cultures, whilst beguiling at times, these beings are not my friends. Teachers yes, friends no. 

I am a very visual person, so I use a lot of (and receive information from spirit through) imagery, accompanied by feelings. For example when 'cutting cords' I see my body hovering above a light filled Cauldron (despite the fact that I'm usually lying down) who's inclined to give me a thumbs up, as a rather enthusiastic Sword slices his way through the black sludge like cords, which drop into the Cauldron and are there transformed with accompanying boiling and bubbling.

When I 'Journey' or 'Hedge Ride' it's a very visual experience for me, accompanied by sounds and emotions. I see with my inner eye the landscapes and beings I meet, in the Otherworlds, and when I do so I know things are flowing. I create sacred space and ask my Spirit Kin to be with me. Then to begin a Journey, I play pretty repetitive music, to distract that ol left hand side of the brain, and that seems enough to get me going. I don't use hallucinogens, as I'm bent towards such tendencies already by nature, and knowing my sensitivities am likely to get freaky on them. With some plants, proximity is enough, for me. For example, we have Datura and Peyote growing in our garden but you wouldn't catch me imbibing either, oooohh nooo. I believe all plants are working with us spiritually and have teachings to share, so there's plenty for me to learn without blowing a fuse. I'm running low already! 

That being said, I do have an affinity with Artemisia's. I care for and perform prayers with a Sioux pipe which you 'smoke' without inhaling. The smoke serves to carry your prayers to the sky and Great Spirit. I work with dried Artemisia vulgaris for now. However, we also have growing in our garden an as yet unidentified Artemisia (other than as safe to consume) that I bought from a herb nursery as Artemisia argyi, which I am drying to smoke. This herb I also chew fresh leaves of, to connect more deeply with plants especially, and nature generally. She to me is 'Cronewort'. Holds that 'Elderwoman' wisdom and creates a green lense, or filter. A gateway plant. Gentle but not to be messed with, as any feisty ol woman.

                                             
                                                               young Cronewort...

Her counterpart for me is Grandfather Sage (Salvia apiana), another Elder herb, originating on Turtle island (USA), known for his use as smudge. This herb cleans, clearing away negative or stagnant energy when burnt, his smoke curling around to where it's needed. I call on Grandfather Sage's assistance, when making offerings to spirits / ancestors of a place, or creating sacred space. He brings tools and folk into these realms for ceremony.

I smudge our home. I also draw a boundary around The Nook that says 'safe space' or 'sanctuary' in energetic language, by setting wards. This involves reactivating a visualised stone circle that sits upon the borders of our property, with Reiki symbols (I know, a bit flakey you may say, but hey it works), and pentacles that run the width of our roof and front door.

These practices are part of my journey of Recovery. As my connection to them deepens, what may sound like a simple process, gains potency and becomes more vivid. Affirming connection to the world of Spirit, whilst having Nature as a constant companion to earth these experiences in body.
So, these are some of the ways I find myself calling upon at the moment, taking one or several at a time out of my Medicine pouch, to work with and enjoy. 

Resources:

'Animal-Speak: The Spiritual and Magical Powers of Creatures Great and Small.' by Ted Andrews. Llewelyn Publications. 1998.

'Animal Dreaming: the symbolic and spiritual language of the Australasian animals.' by Scott Alexander King. Blue Angel Gallery 2007.

Odette Nightsky and her lineage of Contemporary Shamanism:
https://www.contemporaryshaman.net/

Removing a psych med from my Medicine pouch....

 

Travelling the roads of this life has seen me carry in my medicine pouch, amongst the herbs, stones, fur, bones and feathers... psychiatric medications. If you judge this, feel free, at times I do the same! The medical model has only been the dominant paradigm in Western culture for some hundred years or more. It has at times assumed it alone is the most well aligned, yet healing wise folks have been working with peoples distress through time and place, using many strategies around the way one lives on planet Earth. In my current journey to taper off one med, a benzodiazepine family drug, originally prescribed for panic attacks I'm calling out deep to all kinds of resources, including herbal allies.

I'm naming the feelings I'm getting in my body as I taper down, 'restlessness'. A restlessness which is at its worst for the first days, being neither comfortable nor easy. I'm walking. When the adrenaline begins to rise, so do my feet. We're lucky enough to dwell near bush and beach, where I can put one foot in front of the other amidst nature for a goodly span of time with relative ease. Often when I begin there's a lot going on with my thoughts as well as in my body (surprise, surprise!). If I can keep moving, generally they reach a still or quiet point. As a counter to their content I may offer prayers, blessings and slightly out of tune song, honouring the landscape that supports me in its beauty, and my own  reemerging voice.

At times I may have a moment and need to do a couple of round the blocks, or blockies to shift through it. Also we're swimming in the ocean, and I'm practicing tai chi. I'm lucky enough to be with a wonderfully supportive partner, something I have great appreciation for, and which I hadn't forseen happening a few years back. Doing this work is hard enough, gather your Kin in spirit and flesh and let them in on this.

"Many people report having to "re-learn" how to cope with difficult emotions when they come off psychiatric drugs."

                     from Harm Reduction Guide (see Resources)

  

Thing is about these processes, we may have previously been forced, or even from a place of empathy been advised, without full understanding, to suppress symptoms to ease our intense distress, but when we have then been on and reduce pharmaceuticals, it rises up and comes back to haunt us. This can suck, and also be dangerous.  I am working with a psychiatrist, and my Gp, on doseage issues and timing so far.

  

Working with the herbs as a deeply embedded part of our lifestyle, wildcrafting or growing, and making medicine from them, is a reclamation of our mental, indeed whole health, as we learn to take back our power and how to nourish different states with their help. These plants are beings of compassionate and giving natures when treated with respect. Their assistance can ease distress states and form a bridge to the natural world, a world feeling as much suffering and new growth as we are.

Motherwort (Leonuris cardiaca) who I met, grew, and tinctured, several years ago, has become an indispensable ally to turn to in this process. Having a cup or two of Motherwort allows me to feel 'held' in her soothing embrace, but like her flowers as they mature there is also maternal protectiveness. I am drinking 3 or 4 small teapots a day, using 2 teaspoons of dried herb brewed for 10-15 minutes.

  

Her fresh plant tincture is great for a quick response to anxiety or panic, however I find I'm calling more on the dried herb tea. It feels like she is building up my reserves of resilience whilst also answering the call of that restlessness in my body with a responsive calming effect. I now find her somewhat bitter taste goes down just fine, as I know the ease she will bring.

                                                             young Motherwort plant.....

  

I am also currently connecting with Rose, in particular at this time, Rosa centifolia. The tincture of which I made (gleefully) from a stash of dried pink petals, when I read words from herbalist Kiva Rose saying that this is how to bring out her best qualities in this form of medicine. I find her gentle but potent touch, good heart chakra healing for depression or grief, and having a flower essence like energy. I feel she works to help heal past wounding and scar tissue that may be triggered in the now, whilst encouraging one to 'take heart' or find courage. I have been taking 5 drops twice a day.

  

Then there are nourishing herbal infusions a la Susun Weed. Nettle (Urtica dioica)and Oat straw (Avena sativa) mostly, as they both nourish the nervous system. Nettle brings me right home to the present earthy moment, whilst giving minerals to nourish the nervous system. Oatstraw, and oats, strengthen the nerves, soothing frazzled edges. I'd had a pause in these but have picked up the thread again, and a couple of 2 litre canning jars to prepare the brews.

Just as the exercise and herbs combine in a beautiful way to build up resilience, empowerment and allow nourishing through some of the states I am experiencing, spiritual practices I am engaging with are deepening.

As we reduce medications, we need to simultaneously build up the contents of our medicine pouch. I hope this process will give me ways to continue tapering the pharmaceuticals, yes, but in the process and perhaps more importantly, recover more aliveness....

  

Resources:

'Ease your Mind: Herbs for Mental Health' by Janet Kent

 available for $US5 post paid from Medicine County Herbs, 2014.

 http://www.medicinecountyherbs.com/

  

The Ashton Manual

https://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/

The Harm Reduction Guide to Coming Off Psychiatric Drugs

Published by The Icarus Project and Freedom Centre,

http://www.willhall.net/files/ComingOffPsychDrugsHarmReductGuide2Edonline.pdf