13/06/2024
Dear plant lovers,
As the winter solstice approaches, it's time to call upon our internal fire herbs to warm our core and roots to ground and nourish us during the colder months. Root vegetables like sweet potatoes and yams are excellent for nourishing the spleen, while ginger, turmeric, and dandelion promote digestion, helping us process heavier fats and grounding our energy. This season is about nurturing our internal world and building our core strength.
I've also been reflecting on how herbalism can play a part in addressing the climate crisis. Recently, the UN's climate chief, Simon Steill, announced that we have maybe only two years to make a difference and slow the impending climate catastrophe. This made me reflect on the saying, "Think global, act local," which is particularly poignant at this time. Grassroots herbalism embodies this principle.
By harvesting home-grown or locally foraged flora for our remedies, we reduce carbon emissions from imported herbs, which may not be grown using regenerative land practices. We also lessen our reliance on pharmaceutical companies, which often use excessive packaging and produce chemical waste.
In Australia, many introduced species considered weeds, such as St. John's Wort (a natural antidepressant), Nettle (a nutrient-rich superfood), and Hawthorn (a natural heart tonic), offer valuable medicinal properties. By wildcrafting these herbs and using them as medicine, we create space for biodiversity and allow native species to regrow. If we resort to pesticides, we further pollute our waterways and fail to address deeper issues like soil depletion and ecosystem disruption.
Observing and interacting with our landscape and learning about the plants that grow around us helps us build a relationship with the natural world. It reminds us that we are not separate from nature; we can listen and make a positive impact instead of causing disruption and destruction.
If you feel the calling to herbalism and are ready to go further and understand more, I have a new podcast out in which I interview the inspiring Naomi Ingleton from FarmacyCo, a herbalist and herbal farming educator from Eldorado, Australia. She shares her inspiring journey from chef to dairy farmer to herbalist. Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6bqxplhce8p5QSGafb1ig7?si=5b06c17882904fb6
Finally, there are only two spots left in my four-month online training, The Way of the Herbalist. If you are interested in joining, please send me an email or read more: https://www.lilyoftheherbs.com/herbalismfoundations.
Let's use this winter solstice to reflect, connect, and make mindful choices that benefit both our health and the planet.
Warm wishes,
Lily of the Herbs