A Herbal Apprentice's Journey: End of Spring
May, 2021.
The paper-like sunshine of morning cradles me these days. I rise early. I sip a coffee. I blink into each day as they grow longer, warmer, with dew and pollen shooting upward like tiny sprites into the air. I put on a pair of boots to step into the barn. It is here where I greet the chickens, goats, barn cats and the reverent elder donkey named Bob. They tell me what they have dreamt of sometimes and the baby goats eagerly demonstrate their skills in climbing and hopping off of things. We laugh into the stillness of the countryside. I like it when the trees join us in the riotous chorus of the morning too. Swaying and chuckling in joy that the sun has returned yet again. Here we are once more... Beginning together. What a blessing.
I walk along the driveway and into the garden beds. A trellis waits patiently for the scarlet runners to reach their arms up and to twist their bodies into its support. Brussel sprouts wave back and forth. Motherwort is quick to reply from her perch alongside catmint in the shade of a cedar bush. The apple tree has just burst into fragrant blossoms. It’s surreal to look at this tree. The breath of it is almost overwhelming. She is so alive! The maiden that is Spring is at her deepest dance of seduction and fertility. Every time I walk outside there is the crescendo of the spring symphony; birds, insects, flowers, even the soil and the waters that have thawed of ice now rejoice. Once stretching into the world slowly waking, and now an unruly ecstasy of movement. The joys of spring.
I pack my car with my fiddle and a jar of tea to drive to spend the day with my mentors. During my week, I shift between two gears. One of which is farm work, and the other is in a production lab. I greatly revel in each of these opportunities, which only begin to outline the amount of options while following the plant path. There is no one way of practicing herbalism.
We shovel. We carry. We drive out on 4 wheelers into the forest to identify and rescue at-risk plants. We ask the plants how they would like to live and set out to the fields once the dew dries. We carry baskets to gather dandelion flowers to infuse in oil. I eat dandelion greens, cleavers, chickweed, catmint, nettles with nearly every meal. Spring salts and minerals. Deep nourishment. Dug up roots dry in the sun. We pour tinctures and smile at them with our hands on our hips, remarking their magnificent chlorophyll shine. We rescued Valerian in a spot where it would have otherwise been thrown out. We dug the roots and held them up to each other's faces to inhale the aroma. Deep, dark, somehow like honey. We all sighed at the plants in their transplanted spot of the plant sanctuary. Home at last!
Penny spoke of splitting the seasons into smaller segments; early spring for harvesting roots, late spring for harvesting blossoms and flowers and, of course, everything in between. I’m seeing it now as I recognize that the time for wildcrafting certain plants has come and gone, or that I am anticipating the harvest for another plant weeks away. My interest in plants has become an immersed life of study for me since taking on this apprenticeship. I am encouraged to play with recipes and ask questions! I love walking and putting leaves in my mouth, and talking about plants while working with them. I’m using herbs now more than ever and it truly feels wonderful.
I have learned so much from Penny and Nick in a short amount of time. I came from a foundation of books, home experiments, a good amount of internet research and a community of people that were also into herbalism as a hobby. I had a novice level of knowledge, and I still do. I’m learning. I had said that I believed I was moving beyond the level of, “curious plant enthusiast” and in order to truly know more, it was time to take courses and find mentors. This manifestation has come to me with overflowing gifts. The time to work one-on-one and ask questions from two experienced and devoted herbalists is absolutely priceless! For me, it is the best way to learn. I’m humbled and honoured and endlessly curious.
(Blog photos provided by Penelope!)
Creative Wellness at Eagles in the East Studio
Welcome to my Studio
Or, more accurately, my life on the eastern shores of the Georgina Island First Nation.
Here, from my home and small studio, I can look across the waters of Lake Simcoe and see Beaverton, Ontario. Although one can witness a spectacular sunset on the west side of the island, I so enjoy the sunrises – when I’m up in time!
I am Anishinaabe Kwe, an artist, a plant medicine practitioner and a spiritual seeker. I love all things that support creativity and well-being, and believe my purpose in life is to be inspired or be “in spirit” and to inspire others. One needs to be inspired to create! To create a painting, to create a medicinal tea, or to create a life full of joy… In the end creativity is a way to well-being.
Art and Medicine
I create eastern woodland style First Nation art pieces that are inspired by my island environment. Georgina Island has unique flora and fauna and a variety of birds and animals that fill my spirit with such joy. I paint loons, herons, eagles, hummingbirds and anything that calls to me to create. My work also captures floral patterns that are based on traditional Ojibwe beadwork designs. My first creative love was Ojibwe beadwork that my mother taught me when I was 12 years old.
My other passion is for the plant medicines, particularly the traditional medicines that have blessed our territory for hundreds of years. It is an honour when our elders pass on the traditional teachings of these medicines for both their spiritual and medicinal uses, as those teachings are meant to live on. The elders tell us that the plant medicines may speak to us, but only if we choose to listen will they will heal our bodies, minds and spirits. In Anishinaabe culture we have four sacred medicines; tobacco, sweetgrass, cedar and sage and we use these medicines in our ceremonies.
I have a vision of the plant medicines in my art. They are asking that I include them and capture their essence in another medium, other than tinctures, salves and teas. I can’t wait to see what more comes!
Cooking with Herbs: Stinging Nettle Soup
Recipe
- 1 lb/450 g or more of Stinging Nettles (young tender shoots preferably harvested in early spring)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion
- 1/2 cup uncooked basmati rice
- 8 cups vegetable broth stock (or use 2 organic vegetable bouillon cubes)
- More salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish: cashew nut cream or regular cream (optional)
Method
1) Wearing latex/rubber gloves sort out the harvested stinging nettles and remove any thick stems.
2) Wash the stinging nettles and drain.
3) Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 tsp of salt added. Blanch the stinging nettles in the boiling water for about 2 minutes. This will remove the sting so you can chop it.
Use a large spoon strainer to remove nettles from the pot. Put them in a colander and run cold water over it to cool it down.
Do not drain the nettle water, reserve it to make your vegetable stock broth.
4) Fry a chopped onion in the pot. Add the reserved nettle water along with two stock cubes.
Bring to a boil and add the rinsed basmati rice. Always rinse your basmati rice a few times with water until the water is clear.
Add rice to the pot and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
5) Now add the chopped stinging nettles. Simmer for about 5 minutes, do not overcook this nutritious pot herb. Add ground black pepper to taste. You may not need to add more salt.
6) Turn off the heat. Using an immersion blender puree the soup. You can enjoy this soup with or without cream served in the bowl.
Enjoy!
– Recipe contributed by Karin M
Did You Know?
- The botanical name for Stinging Nettle is Urtica Diocia
- Nettles are a Nutritive (a class of plants that are rich in vitamins and minerals; a source of easily assimilated nutrients. Ideal for those suffering with anemia.)
- Cooked nettles are both salty and sweet. The stronger, salty flavor indicates the high level of minerals and the sweet flavor encompasses elements that build up tissues and strengthen the body.
A Herbal Apprentice's Journey: Arrival
April, 2021.
Sprinkled across the hood of my car were a cup of tea, a handful of bolts, and a borrowed socket set. I was hanging off of the roof rack with one hand and eating a sandwich with the other. I told my roommates that I would catch up with them. I needed to finish installing this bike rack. I smiled to watch them glide down the road on their bicycles. A few minutes later, I had tidied up and I was pedaling to meet them at the ocean to catch the sunset. It was already beginning. The sun rays fanning low through the streets, dancing on rooftops, cartwheeling through branches. The city of Victoria has many neighborhoods lined with cherry trees that had erupted into clouds of blossoms. Riding down to the water in a world swaddled in roses, perfumed with the springtime sweetness of cherry blossom air. This is how I remember leaving the west coast. The following morning, we walked along the beach once more to splash saltwater on our faces and say farewell to The Pacific. I got into my car with two of my roommates carpooling east with me.
The railway follows alongside your car on the Trans-Canada, similar to the way the moon chases you through the highways in the night. She is unwavering no matter the direction you take. It’s as if the world is made for you at that very moment. A drive through The Rockies or along Lake Superior. They are friends that choose to stay with you for a while just to keep you company. Road trips have this sort of romantic longing that I’m beginning to discover has less to do with gas station coffee and more to do with the time you spend making eye contact with the spirits of the country.
I was in the back seat looking down the side of the mountain to the running river below, listening to a lesson by Evolutionary Herbalism about herbal astrology. As a hands-on, big-picture learner, I love learning to link planets, bodies, and plants. I’m able to embody what I am learning if I can reflect on the connections of all things. In our initial zoom conversation, Nick had mentioned using astrology for planting and harvesting herbs. I’ve been interested in biodynamic farming for that very reason. I spent the afternoon daydreaming through the Rockies about how much there is to explore in an extensive apprenticeship like this one. It’s exciting and overwhelming to think of how much I don’t know yet. Though it is comforting to know I have gentle and wise mentors welcoming me, and I feel excited about how they will take to my questions very soon.
I arrived in Ontario one day into Aries season, the energetic new year. As I type this, my eyes linger over my journal still half-filled with reflections from the full moon that has recently passed. I’ve taken some time to read over the first lesson on the course that accompanies my apprenticeship; The Science and Art of Herbalism, by Rosemary Gladstar. The homework assigned in the first lesson requires the student to produce two different infusions and two different decoctions. On the full moon, I knew that I would soon menstruate. I thought it to be a perfect time for a lunar infusion. I used a blend of raspberry leaf, nettles, pineapple mint, motherwort, mugwort, and calendula in a glass jar, filled with fresh room temperature water. The jar sat on my windowsill in the moonlight, for me to drink when I woke the next morning.
I have used herbs, and specifically, cold water infusions, to support my menstrual cycle for many years. I bleed heavily and I have intense cramps. Both of which I find easy to use herbs for. Only in the last year have I noticed my emotions fluctuating with my cycle. I have been experimenting to find what is best for me to support clarity of mind and regulate hormones. The lunar infusion that I tried for my homework felt great. My body feels nourished with vitamins and minerals. The soft encouragement of the moon draws out such a sweetness in the herbs that brings a gentle energy to my body when I drink this type of infusion. It is by far one of my favourites!
I have gathered notebooks that will soon become a broad reference library of notes and wonders. Thank you for joining me on this journey! These spring days stretch out before us, welcoming the annual great-reveal of life! Happy spring to you, I’m looking forward to writing to you again.
Blog photos provided by Dayna
Plants and Humankind
Plants and Us
Most of us show an appreciation, if not love, for the plants that surround us. But culturally, even if we recognize the nutritional, medicinal, and aesthetic benefits that plants offer to us, the complexity and deep rooted significance of our relationship with the plant world has been clouded over by the fast pace of technology and the demands of modern life. We are now at a time, however, when many are hearing the call of the green world anew, and for good reason.
Plants have always played an integral role in human culture. Besides providing us with food, plants have always served as our primary source of medicine. We can see that this is true even today in the context of modern pharmaceuticals: consider that of the most 150 commonly prescribed pharmaceutical drugs currently in use 74% derive from plants, 18% from fungi, 5% from bacteria, and 3% from vertebrae species, e.g. snakes and frogs. Plants have also served as a primary and essential source of inspiration behind the world’s great artistic, spiritual and religious practices and traditions.
It is without question that plants are essential to the foundation of life on planet Earth. When it comes to us humans, we simply could not have evolved physically, mentally, or culturally without the great services that plants provide to us. However, when we look at the relationship between human beings and plants closely, we see that it is one characterized by a process of co-evolution and cooperation that has gone on for millions of years. Animals, including human beings, have been shaped by plant life and have shaped it in turn. This process is one of reciprocity, and not one that is dictated and controlled by any of the players in the great web of life.
Modern plant biology has revealed to us that plants possess intelligence, engage in purposeful behaviours, transmit information, and even have a form of memory. When it comes to understanding the fundamentals of our shared life on Earth, it helps if we recognize that plants are not so different from animals after all. As plant scientist Anthony Trewavas has observed: “plants have the same biological criteria for survival as animals – the need to obtain food, to see off competitors, deal with pests and disease, and access mates.”(*1)
We are now in a time characterized by major global ecological challenges, and in order to face them responsibly and with integrity we must regain an understanding of our interdependence with the plant world. Much of the ecological hardship that we are seeing on Earth today has to do with neglecting our relationship to the plants, forgetting and losing sight of the intimacy that human beings have always shared with them. Valuing and protecting plant biodiversity will provide the resources with which we can forge a sustainable future. The plant world is the repository of vital information that will help us to deal with global challenges, from the growing threat of anti-biotic resistant bacteria to the dramatic environmental and climactic changes that are currently underway.
At Everything Herbal one of our primary commitments is to plants as medicine. From the perspective of traditional plant based healing traditions, a healthy organism is one that is in balance with itself and with the dynamic, vital forces that give it and define its life. Plant medicine is holistic medicine, and a holistic state of health means that all of the parts of an organism are working together to sustain a harmonious whole. Holistic health further means that the organism is in balance with the world that surrounds it and of which it is a part. Plant medicine has a great deal to teach us about ourselves, each other, and about the world in which we collectively exist. This has always been true, but it is perhaps especially true now, in these truly unprecedented times. Now is the time to learn to tap into the deep evolutionary memory of our embeddedness in the green world. This memory holds the keys to unlock the understanding of who we are as individuals and as a species, and can show us a great deal about what our place in the world can and should be. May the love that we share for the plants grow and prosper.
*1 Anthony Trewavas. Plant Behaviour and Intelligence. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014. Pg. 11.
A Herbal Apprentice's Journey: The Beginning
February, 2021
Hi! I am Dayna, and I'm going to apprentice under herbalists Penelope Beaudrow and Nick Faunus beginning this year.
I've spent most of my life as an artist and performer. A life wrapped in musical connection and exploring meaning in shapes, words, and colours. I have cultivated so much joy in playing early jazz & blues and old-time fiddle music. For years, I have sung through worlds. Always touring, exploring and moving. For nearly 8 months, I have been nested on Vancouver Island. An attempt described best by what I have called, "The COVID Mess-around". Though I wade through many fleeting feelings, there is immense comfort in my surroundings here. The west coast has thighs of dense soil. She reaches up with mountains, whose every contour is caressed by sunlight. It's most humbling to be in her presence. I recognize that my human existence is a wink in the eyes of the great beings that coexist with us. Plants, minerals, and elemental forces that turn giant, galactic pages for us. I am reminded that I am quite humbly temporary, and that I may never learn all the secrets of the wind or mosses.
Spring arrives earlier here than I expect it to, having been raised in Ontario. Sunlight poured in the windows one morning when I emailed Penelope Beaudrow to inquire about the herbal apprenticeship she offers. I'd been walking a lot. The buds of trees, swelling in the wet air had prompted me, telling me that soon waves of sun would wash over us. That soon, the days would stretch out and the nights would curl in at the edges. That soon, yes, we would dig in soil and begin another year of tending to tender lives.
I'd first met Penelope Beaudrow and Nick Faunus through my mother's own affinity for herbal medicine. I took to it, and skipped along to herb walks, and volunteered at the Back To Your Roots herbal retreat at Penny's farm. I am looking forward following them as my mentors. This apprenticeship has been something I have dreamt of for years. Within herbal medicine lies the opportunity to gather community resilience and autonomy over our own wellness. There is magic, and oh so much empowerment in allowing each other to understand our own bodies better through self-healing. The service of herbal medicine is akin to the soul-nourishing enjoyment of poetry, music, and potlucks. It is part of a connected web of what it means to be alive and supporting one another's growth! I sometimes have a hard time integrating institutionalized medicine into my understanding of human wellness. I have a goal within my apprenticeship to keep in mind that health is liberating, and to continually find ways to share my knowledge and resources. I see both Penny and Nick prioritize these same values, for which I am so grateful.
We had an interview on Zoom, which I have suddenly become much more comfortable with in the last year. Greeting one another in a digital space to ask questions and confirm that we all felt we were on the same page. I felt eager to share my commitment. It was a delightful morning, after which my roommates celebrated with me, and I spent time on the phone with my mother and partner to share in jubilant conversation.
Soon I will leave Vancouver Island to head east. Into the snow and away from the clouds of chlorophyll forests quenched with walls of rain. Cherished memories of this life here that I will return to again. Into the expanding walls of my comfort zone, and the lakes and rolling hills of Ontario that I unwaveringly long for when I am away. My car will be packed with my few belongings, which feel to me like to many things for a traveler that lives out of her suitcase most of the time. A car filled with books, paintings, my banjo and fiddle. Until that moment,, enjoying a slow community house life in Victoria. Afternoons of piano concerts and big pots of soup, poetry readings and sharing tea. I look forward to coming back to this blog space in the months to come to continue reflecting on the unravelling of my apprentice journey.
