Our Annual Herbal Intensive was busy and full of stewing and brewing. As we had typical West Coast winter weather, (not at all typical for July!),  picking and identifying had to fit in between sun and rain spells. Despite this we learned how to identify, harvest, store, prepare and use over 30 herbs on this 5 Acre property!

We spent the first afternoon studying the Medicine Wheel garden and opening the Intensive by inviting the energies and spirit of the four elements  to join us. We made a soothing, healing salve with plantain, comfrey, yarrow, St. John’s wort and a few other propriety secrets available to those who participate in the course; St. John’s wort oil; herbal vinegar; herbal glycerites and some down home tinctracts, an alcohol tincture, plus a variety of aromatherapy products. We poulticed, snuffed, and drank lots of medicinal herbs in decoctions and infusions, both dried and fresh.

We prepared a 30% alcohol St. John’s wort tincture, as we have so much of it in late bloom, and it is great as a tincture for a dull winter uplift, and if things don’t change, we may need it for the summer too!

Everyone raved about Alain’s organic lunches; including the “weeds” we picked for the daily salads.

This year we had veteran herbal practitioners and beginning gardeners wanting to start herb gardens, from Canada and Holland, so the discussion and sharing were informative and lively. We may see some return next year and look forward to new people too! Thanks to all who attended – go forth and spread the wonders of herbal healing and health!