“Our Children no longer learn how to read the great book of Nature from their own direct experience, or how to interact creatively with the seasonal transformations of the planet. They seldom learn where their water come from or where it goes. We no longer coordinate our human celebration with the great liturgy of the heavens.”
Wendell Berry
As the veil thins, this can be a great time to explore herbs to support our visions for the future and our health. Regardless of your views on this time of year, knowing herbs that can support your health are always great to learn about.
There are many herbs that could be associated with this unique time of year so I thought I would share a few of my favorites this week.
You might choose to do a mini lesson about each of the herbs throughout this week and into next week, or you may wish to just focus on one.
My first choice is Mugwort. I love this herb for all things digestion but I also love it for dream enhancement. Take a few doses of the tincture over a few days and your dreams become more vivid and memorable. This herb has been burned as a smudge to keep away spirits but it has many medicinal properties as well. Burning a smudge bundle or Mugwort can help to clear the air of bacteria and other germs and is great for keeping insects away during warmer times of the year. This plant is versatile in its uses and forms. Whether burnt, or turned into a tea, vinegar, or tincture for ingestion, or an oil or salve for external application there are many ways to harness Mugwort’s power.
Apple is another great choice for this time of year. It’s traditional to bob for apples at holiday festivities and caramel apples are a delicious treat that both adults and kids love. One year I made an apple cake with a caramel drizzle that was delicious. Served with a hot cup of tea or apple cider, it’s an easy dessert that makes a wonderful annual tradition. From the Rose family, Apple gives us many nourishing options. Applesauce is often the first food we feed a baby starting solid foods and the first food we will reach for after a bout of a ‘stomach’ virus that leaves us feeling queasy and unsure if we can hold food down. Apple bark can help to quell diarrhea as well. This time of year herbalists around the world start to prepare their fire cider, using Apple cider vinegar as their vinegar of choice for the base. Apple water is a traditional remedy for lowering fevers while Apple juice can help ease the pain of tonsillitis and sore throats while waiting for other herbs to kick in.
A third herb that is often thought about this time of year is Garlic. Considered to ward off vampires and other nefarious creatures, we shouldn’t overlook the usefulness of Garlic for warding off the real villains – colds, influenza and other illnesses that strike at us during the dark time of the year. Another ingredient of fire cider, adding Garlic to your soups, stews, and pretty much any savory dish can help to keep your family healthy. Fermented Garlic is one of my favorite things to make and is super simple. The drawback is it takes 3 months to complete the recipe so the sooner you get started, the better! I learned this recipe from Rosemary Gladstar and I share it in the Garlic ebook but all you need is a bunch of peeled whole garlic cloves, a jar to put them in apple cider vinegar or a soy sauce type sauce (coconut aminos or other aminos or tamari all work great) and honey. Start by filling the jar with the cloves then cover with either apple cider vinegar or the soy sauce. Vinegar will give a sweet tangy end result while the soy will release a sweet and salty flavor so choose what your family enjoys the most. Or, make a jar of each to compare! Now here’s where the time kicks in. You have to let the Garlic sit for 6 weeks. If you’re using the vinegar, don’t be alarmed if your Garlic turns green, that is a natural process. After 6 weeks, strain off (and save to use as a condiment on food) half the liquid then top off with honey. Shake well and let sit another 6 weeks. After 12 weeks total, you have a delicious remedy. The Garlic mellows out and turns tangy or salty sweet and can be eaten daily for an immune system jump start.
There are many other herbs that could be studied this time of year but hopefully those will give you some starting points with your family or homeschool group.
Toast to the Ancestors
The ancestors have trod the paths
our feet are treading now.
They’ve known the same
ecstatic joys,
wept with self-same sighs.
Heed their softly whispered words,
knowledge from the wise.
Hear it in the sighing of the trees
blowing in the breeze,
in the patter of raindrops falling.
Hear it calling.
To those who came before us,
and those who came before them,
we raise this cup in honour of your lives.