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Spring clean for your insides with homemade 'Equinox Elixirs'
In the next session we'll be looking for cleansers for blood, skin and lungs. This is Oestra, the opening time, when things begin to flow again.
Will we hear the sap rising? It will be well in flow by then, whatever the weather. How do we release ourselves from the stagnation of winter...?
Herbs are brilliant for this!
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Cheeky chickweed
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In sheltered spots and pots, chickweed is ready for picking and eating - its flavour will be quite strong when young. You don't need much - even a pinch will have a stimulating effect on the metabolism. Savour it, chew, then hold it in the mouth for a while to feel invigorated, grounded, alert and relaxed, also surprisingly nourished and satisfied. Soon after chickweed will come cleavers in the hedgerows, ramsons in the woods and nettles wherever there is iron in the soil.
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Spring cleansing herbs: cleavers and nettles
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They offer large amounts of two vital partners: flavanoids and Vitamin C. This powerful combination decongests, opens blockages, releases and supports the flow of blood.
Flavanoids potentise Vitamin C and, in the natural world, they always occur together.You can make a spring soup of these herbs and add onion, potato or squash from the winter store.
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Spring green dandelion leave
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Early dandelion leaves are also appearing. Dandelion is a deep spring cleanser - it stimulates and restores the liver. If you are weeding your lawn, don't forget you can use the roots - grate or finely chop into a salad, or bake like a parsnip. Thistle root can be used in the same way.
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Rosemary
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Good old rosemary has come through the snow and ice and is a terrific fiery circulatory stimulant; chew a few leaves - it gives as much of a kick as coffee and clears your head too. This is due to the steroids locked in the resins of the leaves.
Where does the cycle of the year begin? It's an evergreen flow... we've come through a lugubrious time, out of the gulf of winter into the mainstream of spring.
- Ben, The Barefoot Herbalist
Thursday, 24th March 2011
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See you there!
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Morning 9.30 - 1pm
Afternoon 2pm - 5pm
�20 for morning or afternoon
�35 for all day
Please bring your own lunch; drinks and bics provided
Bring the usual Barefoot essentials:
1 jar (small)
1 plastic bag (freezer/sandwich bag)
1 pair small scissors / penknife
1 small thermos flask (optional for making a Field Infusion)
To book, call Madeleine on 01342 826 965
or send an email to:
herestoyourhealth@hotmail.co.uk
All herbal wisdom in our newsletters is provided by Ben
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