The Cowichan Valley supports a lush growth of plants that have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, as well as for food.
Each summer for the past 12 years people of North America have gathered here to take part in a Herbal Intensive of 3 to 4 days to really get in touch with these gifts from nature.
We study:
- indigenous, wild, and some cultivated botanicals
- the Doctrine of Signatures
- plant identification
- harvesting ethically
- storing and preparing the plants
- using them for medicinal purposes.
Someone might get a poultice applied; another a compress. Faces often contort as we taste the various decoctions!
We learn how to prepare and apply herbs in a practical and fun “hands on” setting.
One trained practitioner from Calgary, Alberta wrote this in her evaluation:
“I learned to identify herbs out in the field, herbs which I have used with people for many years but never knew what they looked like. It was great to see them in their natural habitat. It helped me get to know them better as living beings! ”
Monica H. Calgary, AB.
The Medicine Wheel, which is part of what is shared in the Annual Herbal Intensive, integrates four pillars of health:
- physical,
- spiritual,
- mental and
- emotional.
Tied into this are the active principles and actions of herbs, seasons, directions, animal guides, and tastes.
This year, we will be offering a special workshop just on the Medicine Wheel the afternoon before, July 9th, 2010 from 1 – 4 pm.
People are welcome to take this on its own, and those attending the Intensive are encouraged to arrive early and participate in the Medicine Wheel workshop.
Join us to experience the healing powers we have been provided with by getting in touch with herbs.
Come to learn and to feel the peace of nature seep into your cells, guided by one of Canada’s leading herbal experts, Master Herbalist and Healer of over 30 years.
On beautiful Vancouver Island, British Columbia – build a holiday of your lifetime around this event! Please contact our office for posters with details.
Many traditional lifestyles embrace the significance of four……
The four directions, north, east, south and west,
Balance between these offers life at its best.
The four seasons and winter, spring, summer and fall,
The four elements, air, fire, water and earth, represents all.
The four races of man, represented in the colours red, yellow, black and white,
The four changes in a day, sunrise, noon, sunset and night.
Blended within these are the spirits of creation, life, love and light.
Follow a pathway of the heart to truth, peace and harmony.
Lorene Benoit BEd, MHH, CHC, CRA, CI, Benoit and Associates Health Education 5175 Bills Road, Duncan, BC, V9L 6S7
You wouldn¡¯t believe it but I¡¯ve wasted all day digging for some articles about this. You¡¯re a lifesaver, it was an excellent read and has helped me out to no end. Cheers,
Yes, by teaching people about their digestion, elimination and metabolism, we have helped many to manage their weight.
We have helped lots of people by teaching them how their digestion, elimination and metabolism works – then they understand how to manage their weight successfully! Herbs really help with all of these, along with healthy lifestyle changes. Contact our office for assistance!