New Year Resolutions for Herbalists

Follow me this month while I try to clear out my own chaos and get a few tips on how to get your herb cabinet and/or business back in order! January is a perfect time for reflection and planning, but also, we have time for getting things done since the rush of garden season is still a few months away, the snow keeps us at home a bit more....as does the promise of a warm house and hot cup of tea. Each day, I am going to tackle something that needs constant care or attention, but that is often left to become dysfunctional as the year goes on. Will this be the year, I actually keep on top of things? Who knows...but if not, I will repost next year!

January 17 ~

Play With Herbs 

When I first started to learn about the serious business of herbal medicine, I forgot how much fun I had as a girl, pressing flowers, making daisy chains, the occasional pomander ball and tussy mussy......and I began to look down at those who were just "herbal crafters". Still too young to realize that having fun is healing, I left it behind for years to "study" herbs and their medical uses. Luckily, I  matured and came back 'round and no longer saw herb usage as an either or proposition. It is just....all good.

However, the danger for practicing herbalists is to take things so seriously --especially when mixing up batches of medicinal formulas and not make time for the fun. Several years ago, I began teaching a class I call "Herbal Serendipity"--nothing but fun stuff, all day. It is as good for me to teach as it is for students to learn, because prepping for and spending the day watching others laugh, is my constant reminder of the totality of herbal healing....having fun, is as healing as taking a medicine.

When I have students introduce themselves before class starts, too often I hear "Oh, I just craft with herbs or I only cook with herbs". Immediately, I explain that any use of plants is wonderful and healing.....and so, today I am making a batch of "Faerie Dust". I'll get out one of my many grinders (some used only for crafts, some only for nuts some only for woody plants and some for mild tasting food, one just for coffee.......) and mix some rose petals, pine needles and a touch of gold and silver glitter...finely grind them and then store for kid's party favors and a little pinch goes into every letter I write. I am smiling just thinking about it.....and I feel great!!

What was the last herbal craft or play time you enjoyed?