March 2018 Newsletter- Flux & Flow
April 2018 Newsletter- Seasonal Allergies
This 5 page newsletter provides useful information for natural allergy relief.
Excerpt: "Herbalists have long worked with nettle to decrease the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Nettle's own natural histamine may play a role in reducing the allergic response by blocking histamine receptors, and nettle has been shown to lower inflammatory markers in the blood, while increasing antioxidant levels. Nutrient-dense and rich in vitamins and minerals, nettle supports overall health and vitality, making it especially beneficial for those feeling a bit run down and depleted. Nettle's mild astringency can also help alleviate runny noses and watery eyes."
May 2018 Newsletter- Alcohol-free Preparations
May's 5 page newsletter looks at different herbal preparations that don't require the use of alcohol as a solvent or preservative.
Excerpt: "In Egypt, as early as 2600 BC, the first extraction of aromatic compounds from plants was performed over a fire upon which was set a clay vessel containing water and aromatic herbs. Above the vessel hung a sheepskin. As the fire heated the water, the volatile oils were released from the plants and carried up with the steam to the sheepskin, where the molecules were caught in the wool. After allowing this process to continue for some time, the sheepskin was wrung out, yielding an aromatic liquid. This was the earliest known method of distillation."
June 2018 Newsletter - Dandelion
This 5 page newsletter explores all the wonderful gifts that dandelion has to offer!
Excerpt: "The etymological origins of the genus name for dandelion are varied. Some sources state that Taraxacum comes from the Arabic word tarakhshaqun which is derived from the ancient Persian word tark hashgun, which means wild endive. Other sources point to Greek origins and the combinations of the Greek words taraxis meaning confusion and akos, meaning remedy. The common name dandelion, comes from the French, dent-des-lion, meaning lion's tooth. The plant has also been called priest's crown, blowball, swine's snout, piss-a-bed, bitterwort, telltime and clockflower among others. Whatever the origin of dandelion's many names, there is no doubt that its relationship with humans is an ancient one! By the time the first written words about dandelion were scribed in a medieval Arabic text from 1100 CE, it was already a wellestablished medicinal plant."
July 2018 Newsletter- Summer Lovin'
This 5 page newsletter contains information on how to work with herbs to stay cool in the summer and how to manage the effects of extreme heat in the body.
Excerpt: "A changing climate means that we are experiencing greater temperature extremes and increasingly volatile weather. According the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health, by 2050, cities across Canada, including Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto, and Quebec City are predicted to experience over four-times the number of very hot days compared to 2012...In addition to all the common-sense and recommended safety tips for managing extreme heat events, I have a few tried and true herbal strategies that keep me safe and healthy on the hottest days and help me stay cool and refreshed all summer long!"
September 2018- Gut Check
This 5 page newsletter discusses ways to maintain a healthy gut.
Excerpt: "The mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract acts as a physical barrier to protect our body from pathogens, antigens and other noxious substances. Lymphatic tissue in the mucosa is our first line of defence against disease and 70 to 80% of our immune system resides in the gut. Our gut contains so many neurons that it is often referred to as the ‘second brain’. It tells our brain what to do and produces neurotransmitters, including 90% of mood-enhancing serotonin. Home to our microbiome, the gut contains approximately 100 trillion beneficial bacteria that enhance digestion, nutrient availability, immune health and mood, while decreasing inflammation and chronic disease in the body. If our digestive systems aren’t functioning optimally, our overall health suffers."
October 2018- Glorious Goldenrod
This 5 page newsletter discusses the healing properties of goldenrod (Solidago spp.).
Excerpt: "Energetically, goldenrod is considered to be drying, warming and toning (although if the herb tastes
more bitter and is less aromatic, it will have a more cooling nature). As such, goldenrod is well suited to
conditions of excess laxity, dampness and coldness in the tissues. Signs of these tissue states in the body may manifest as the accumulation and retention of fluids, pale skin, prolapses, dull, throbbing aches, congestion and stagnation."
December 2018- The Cone Bearers
This 5 page newsletter discusses all the wonderful gifts that the conifers have to offer us.
Excerpt:
Human relationships with conifers developed early and deeply, and many different cultures around the world
rely upon them. In addition to industrial uses (many of which are unsustainable), they provide shelter,
clothing, food and medicine. They are also important plants for ceremony and ritual.
Medicinally, coniferous evergreens have long been used to treat a variety of internal and external ailments.
They are rich in vitamins, minerals, volatile oils and oleoresins, which bestow their healing properties on
those who know how to work with them to stimulate the immune system, regulate hormones, aid the
respiratory system, heal wounds, resolve infections and increase circulation to tissues and joints.
Young Herbalists Social Club
By every metric children thrive when exposed to abundant time in nature. Plants have the ability to awaken wonder and inspire the imagination. Supporting a child's relationship with the natural world and healing plants early in life instills a sense of empowerment, builds resilience and fosters a connection with the environment.
This family-friendly, kid-focused, four-week class will run on Thursday afternoons in June from 4:15 to 5:45 pm.
Each week we will explore and learn about a different wild edible and medicinal plant (plantain, stinging nettle, violet and wood sorrel) by using our senses, playing games, making crafts and building nature awareness skills. All ages are welcome, but content will be geared to kids 4 to 10. Children must be accompanied an adult.
Cost: $15 per family per week, $60 total, plus HST. (Please email to discuss other payment arrangements. info@thewildgarden.ca)
Dates: June 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
Time: 4:15- 5:45 pm
Location: 2389 Pepin Ct., Ottawa (Just Food Farm)