December: The Balsam Fir Box
"These trees guard all the waterways, canals, lakes and river systems helping to purify potable water which is increasingly an issue for cities and urban areas across the world. The chemistry from the needles or leaves produces airborne aerosols that are antiseptic and antibiotic. These trees act as air cleansers and as deodorants on a massive scale." ~Diana Beresford-Kroeger
The symmetrical, steeple-shaped form and wonderfully aromatic scent of the balsam fir (Abies balsamea) has long made it a popular choice for Christmas Trees. But the balsam fir is so much more than seasonal decoration. Native to the northern forests of Canada it cleanses the atmosphere with antiseptic aerosols. It is important winter fodder for rabbits, hares, moose and deer. The balsam fir is much beloved by many First Nations people for food, fibre and medicine. According to Robert Dale Rogers, the Cree called it a 'medicine tree' or 'infection fighter'. Cree healer Russell Willier works with balsam fir for kidney problems and respiratory issues. A balm of balsam fir resin was used to treat wounded soldiers during the American Civil War. Every year I look forward to working with this plant, capturing is incredible scent and healing properties in a variety of preparations.
The symmetrical, steeple-shaped form and wonderfully aromatic scent of the balsam fir (Abies balsamea) has long made it a popular choice for Christmas Trees. But the balsam fir is so much more than seasonal decoration. Native to the northern forests of Canada it cleanses the atmosphere with antiseptic aerosols. It is important winter fodder for rabbits, hares, moose and deer. The balsam fir is much beloved by many First Nations people for food, fibre and medicine. According to Robert Dale Rogers, the Cree called it a 'medicine tree' or 'infection fighter'. Cree healer Russell Willier works with balsam fir for kidney problems and respiratory issues. A balm of balsam fir resin was used to treat wounded soldiers during the American Civil War. Every year I look forward to working with this plant, capturing is incredible scent and healing properties in a variety of preparations.
December's box will be entirely devoted to exploring the wonderful properties of balsam fir. Your senses will be delighted by a deliciously sweet and aromatic tea rich in vitamin C and zinc. Treat cuts, scrapes, bruises and burns with a Balsam Fir Balm. Moisturise dry winter sky with a Balsam Fir Body Butter. Mist the air, linens, pillows and your face with a Balsam Fir Hyrdrosol. Ease sore throats and chest congestion with a Balsam Fir Elixir. Read about the history, lore and ecological functions of balsam fir in the newsletter. Fall in love with this amazing, native evergreen and learn how to incorporate it into your home apothecary!
Boxes are offered with sliding scale prices. To learn more about sliding scale pricing, please read this post. But basically, in a nut shell (pun intended!), I invite you to pay one of the reduced fees, if paying the full price would cause you to be less secure in your ability to meet your food, health, housing or essential transport needs. To determine where you fall on the scale when choosing which price to pay, please refer to this infographic created by Alexis J. Cunningfolk (Click image to enlarge).
Please note: Shipping fees will change in January 2018.
Please note: Shipping fees will change in January 2018.
Large Box- 6 products
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Small Box- 4 products
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Please note that I can no longer ship to the US.
Payments can also be made by etransfer to [email protected]
or cheque made out to:
The Wild Garden, 2389 Pepin Ct. Ottawa, ON, K1B 4Z3
Additional shipping fees may apply outside of Ontario and Western Quebec.
Please contact me for more information: info at thewildgarden dot ca
About the Herbal Box
The Wild Garden Herbal Box is your opportunity to connect with and learn about the wild edible and healing plants of the Ottawa bioregion. Monthly boxes are delivered directly to your door. Each month’s box will explore a particular theme and comes with a detailed newsletter highlighting the products for the month and is full of information, historical lore, recipes and more! Herbal boxes make great gifts and can be shipped directly to the recipient.
Monthly subscribers also enjoy free access to any walks and select workshops offered by the Wild Garden, during the month(s) for which they are subscribed. (Material fees apply and pre-registration is required.)
With an herbal box you can:
Payments can also be made by etransfer to [email protected]
or cheque made out to:
The Wild Garden, 2389 Pepin Ct. Ottawa, ON, K1B 4Z3
Additional shipping fees may apply outside of Ontario and Western Quebec.
Please contact me for more information: info at thewildgarden dot ca
About the Herbal Box
The Wild Garden Herbal Box is your opportunity to connect with and learn about the wild edible and healing plants of the Ottawa bioregion. Monthly boxes are delivered directly to your door. Each month’s box will explore a particular theme and comes with a detailed newsletter highlighting the products for the month and is full of information, historical lore, recipes and more! Herbal boxes make great gifts and can be shipped directly to the recipient.
Monthly subscribers also enjoy free access to any walks and select workshops offered by the Wild Garden, during the month(s) for which they are subscribed. (Material fees apply and pre-registration is required.)
With an herbal box you can:
- build your own home apothecary of healing plants and discover traditional ways of supporting wellness
- support local, small-scale, organic permaculture
- incorporate more nutrient dense wild foods into your diet
- enjoy organically grown and ethically wild gathered foods and herbs delivered directly to your door (all products are made from herbs that I grow and gather myself on the Just Food Food Farm.)
- nourish yourself and your family with local, seasonal products handcrafted with love in small batches
- learn about the wild plants growing in the greater Ottawa bioregion
- loose-leaf tea blend
- herb infused honey
- herb infused vinegar
- herbal syrup or elixir
- wild herb seasoning blend, dried culinary herbs
- wild food preserve (jam, jelly, fruit leather…)
- herbal liqueur
- tincture
- herbal salve
- body oil, body butter or lotion bar
- herbal scrub or bath salt
- loose incense and smudges