Spiritual Bathing and Cleansing

Lady's Mantle, Valerian, Marshmallow and Fern...in a bath of salts and poppy seed.

At school this week (Sandra Lory's Community Herbalism Studio) we discussed Spiritual Bathing. Most cultures practice some sort of ritualistic or spiritual bathing practice. I, personally, relate to many Shinto and Pagan practices, so looked there for inspiration, but settled with the simple, home-spun practice of soaking in salted water with poppy seeds—and added fern (for spinal strength), lady's mantle flowers (for feminine support) and valerian for emotional and personal strength, confidence and direction. I used a marshmallow leaf as a sponge: marshmallow is soothing, calmative and moistening—also great for the digestive system. This practice is centering, calming, and spiritually nourishing.

More Harvesting and Self Care with the Plants

This morning's forage included currents, cherries, elderflower and rose.

I continue to be immersed in my world of plants: today...trees, bushes and berries. Each year, I harvest the currents and pie-cherries, leaving lots for the birds as well. The elderflower is dried or tinctured right away—or used as a part of a bathing ritual. According to Anne MacIntyre (The Complete Floral Healer), Elder is "the flower of fairyland" with a "long history of use as a relaxant, soothing nerves, allaying anxiety and lifting depression." I also use elderflower tincture in my immune boosting/supportive herbal blends. The rose petals I harvested because I'd read in Didi Emmons "Wild Flavors" that you can dust them with lemon juice and freeze them for use in recipes (Raspberry/Rose Shake, Rose & Basil Ice Cream or Sorbet)—I wanted to give it a try. I also add fresh or refrigerated petals to my salads. Rose is high in Vitamin, can calm the nerves and raise spirits (not all varieties are medicinal). The scent, alone, is healing.

Harvesting Horsetail

And super fragrant yellow roses... Horsetail is used in many biodynamic preparations. It is great for the skin and can help relieve overactive urinary situations (with precautions). 

Still Spring Foraging

It's almost summer, so I can still call my huge enthusiasm around foraging..."spring foraging." For those of you who've not taken advantage, seek out the chickweed, lambs quarter, lilac, dandelion (a bit on the bitter side right now, but slice it thinly...it's still a great and nutritious addition to your salad, grain, sautee), nettles and more! I've continued to fill my baskets—and eat beautifully for free (well, with great thanks for what grows freely around me). I've also harvested a ton of burdock and yellowdock. There is so much out there! If you are interested, keep reading my (intermittent) blog posts—or come for a full or half-day class at the farm. Visit stowellfarm.com/events or stowellfarm.com/wellbeing to see what's going on. 

Stowell Farm hosts a space at the Wellness Expo

This past weekend, we really enjoyed being a part of the Mad River Valley's Wellness Expo at the Waitsfield Inn. Thanks to all who passed through, all who attended/presented and Vickie Wacek for her on-going hospitality to all in our community and everywhere. It was a wonderful event.

Dried herbs, flowers, canned goods, herbal remedy kit, salts, foraged greens and holistic tarot.