Herbal Traditions and Rituals: Spotlight on Willow (Salix sp)
One of the things I enjoy most about working with plants are the rituals and opportunities for deepening the relationship that our ancestors long had with plants. One of the plants I enjoy working with during the winter months is Willow (Salix sp). Willow is one of the plants that invite me to integrate […]
Women and Animals Interview
I was recently interviewed about the animals that I share space. This is the extended interview which was part of a podcast, below is an additional link to the full podcast. I thought some of you might enjoy listening in. Edition 56: Women & Animals
Five Reasons To Include Mushrooms For Better Health
By Linda M. Conroy For those who enjoy sautéed mushrooms on their steaks or grilled portabella as a source of protein, they need no convincing to make mushrooms a staple in their diet. However, there are many more benefits and reasons to turn to mushrooms for better health. 1. Vitamin D – Similar in how humans convert […]
Herbs for Stressful Times
I doubt there is a person on the planet right now whose nervous system is calm and collected. Many of the changes we are experiencing we could not have fathomed only a few months ago. I have been using the analogy of waves that keep coming, as you just barely catch your breath. Adjusting to […]
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Flower Soda Recipe
I love to make this soda when the dandelions are in full bloom. I harvest right along side the bees. Along with the bees I find this spring flower one of the first delicies of spring. Instructions: ~Pick 3-5 quarts/liters of Dandelion Blossoms (you can use other flowers for this recipes as well ie red […]
Foraging for Sustainability and Nourishment: Spotlight Garlic Mustard
by Linda Conroy Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a plant that is often identified as a nuisance. Gardeners and farmers work to eradicate it and fail to see the potential food source that this plant offers. While I understand that it is quite vigorous and it does exude sinigrin a chemical that inhibits other plants, […]
Root Medicine: Focus on Elecampane
It has been a busy year. Summer and fall were quite busy and I am looking forward to some hybrination time this winter. As the weather changes, I have been working with my students on digging up roots. Digging roots is probably one of my favorite herbalist activities. Roots provide deep medicine and I always […]
Dandelion: A Spring Tradition by Linda Conroy
“At least three green leaves a day for 30 days” I declared as I stood in the center of my overgrown “weedy” garden. I was planning to undertake a personal experiment. I was preparing to test the hypothesis of wild forgers, herbalists and the practices of traditional cultures around the globe. I wanted to know […]
The Most Important Meal: Breakfast
This morning as I ate breakfast, I was thinking about how important breakfast is.i often hear from clients and students that they either don’t eat breakfast or they ingest sugary foods. Breakfast sets the stage for the day and for overall metabolism. I often brainstorm with folks about how they can realistically ingest protein, greens, […]
Aronia Berries: Foraging this Native Shrub
Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) is a native shrub in the eastern part of the United States. It is also grown as ornamental shrub in many areas. This shrub produces a berry that has become popular in the past couple of years for it’s health benefits. It is sometimes called chokeberry. This common name gives a clue […]