Ahhhh summer! We tend to think of summer as a time for resting, relaxing, and rejuvenating.  But really, it's not.  Summer is a time for speeding up.  For doing things, getting out there, and enjoying each precious moment.  As we gorge ourselves on fresh greens, strawberries, and all the other fruits of summer, we are filled with that same fresh sun-lit energy that those plants took in.  Maybe that's what makes our summer memories seem so spectacular. 

Wanna know the best part of summer?

Happy Summer!
~Kristin

As promised, this last post on Wild Medicine is dedicated to a plant that helps stop bleeding.  Remember those skinned knees?  In addition to helping to arrest bleeding when used externally, it is also useful for colds, flus, and breaking a fever when used internally.  You may even have it in your garden--right now!!

What is this beautiful and amazing plant?  It's Yarrow.

Achillea millefolium was historically used as an herb for the battlefield, specifically for its antihemorrhagic properties to wounds.  At the end of a day outside playing, my little ones sometimes look like they've come off a battlefield.  So they have learned how to identify Yarrow, crush the leaves and/or flowers well (much like Plantain), and apply to the bleeding area.  If they can do it, so can you!

Yarrow is found all over North America, although there are several varieties.  All are excellent for medicine however.  Even the pretty cultivated kind that you may have in your garden.  A member of the Sunflower family , they have small white flowers, and the most delicate feathery leaves.  They are often found along roadsides and meadows so keep your eyes open, they are in full bloom right now!

Use them for medicine, hang them up to dry, put them in a vase to beautify your home.  Just use them!  These plants can empower you to heal yourself in a deeply fulfilling and gentle way.

In Health,
Kristin Henningsen M.S., C.H., R.Y.T.

Skinned knees seem to be an everyday occurrence in my house in the last few weeks.  The first few weeks of shaky bikes rides with the kids, as they get the hang of flying on two wheels again, tends to bring lots of tears and lots of band-aids.  Luckily, you don't have to pack a whole box with you on that next hike or bike ride.  Instead, just look for plantain.

There are a few species of Plantago that are a great make-shift band aid.  Plantago laneolata  and Plantago major are the most common.  The broad leaves are used topically for wound healing, helping to reduce inflammation and soothe painful cuts and scrapes.  They can even soothe and heal burns!  After you pour a little water on the wound, simply grab a leaf, smush (a very technical term, I know) gently with your fingers, and apply to the wounded area.  Make sure to get that good juice in there!  You can use another leaf or bandage to cover the wound to facilitate healing.

This is another wild medicine that is found everywhere in the U.S.  Just check your lawn, roadsides, meadows, or fields.  Try not to collect directly from the side of the road or on a lawn that has been sprayed by chemicals.  Look for long oval leaves, spreading from a central point, with parallel veins.  Of course, always be sure to properly ID a plant before you use it.  But I don't have to remind you of that.  Right?!

Gathering your wild band-aid will cheer those kids right up after a fall.  Especially if you combine it with another plant to stop bleeding--which I'll talk about next post.  

Cheers,
Kristin Henningsen M.S., C.H., R.Y.T.

Summer seems to be officially upon us (well, almost officially). You know how I can tell?  The wild flowers have truly grown wild.  Many are in full bloom.  In the fields, in the forests, and in my unkempt backyard.  Truth be told I prefer an unkempt backyard.  Many wildflowers are actually wild medicine, which means my backyard is actually an apothecary.  

This week I'll be introducing you to some of these wonderful wild medicines.  Many of them you are probably familiar with.  Ever search for a four-leaf clover?  They not only bring good luck, but good health as well.  Red clover (Trifolium pratense)blossoms in particular are an incredibly powerful medicine.  It is primarily used as an alterative or blood cleanser, but has great applications as an antispasmodic as well.  Why clean the blood?  To increase circulation, improve urine output, and increase bile that's why!  Hint: These are all key factors in detoxification.  The antispasmodic properties of red clover helps ease summer colds by loosening up phlegm and calming pesky coughs.  Not only that, but it contains a high amount of nutrients (think super multi-vitamin) and is well-known for its benefits for fertility.

Another great thing about this herb is that it is everywhere!  Every state in the U.S., in fact.  Usually blooming from early summer through early fall, it is hard to over-harvest.  Gather the bright pink blossoms just after the dew has dried up, always leaving the third blossom alone.  Even wild medicine needs to be harvested ethically!  Avoid gathering right near roadsides, instead diving deep into your favorite field, meadow, or wild backyard space.  You can dry them to use in tea or other herbal preparation, or simply eat them raw.  Be sure to research contraindications in your favorite herb book, and have fun!  Wild medicine hunting is a great way to connect with nature and yourself.

Happy Gathering!

Kristin Henningsen M.S., C.H., R.Y.T.