herbal medicine
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RESPECTING ONE’S ELDERS by Veronica Smith
In ancient Ireland, the Elder (Sambucus nigra) was part of a trio of Sacred Trees revered by the Celts as Herbal Healers. Hawthorn was “Father”, working with the heart and circulatory system; Elder was “Mother”, working with the respiratory system… Continue reading
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CURRANT AFFAIRS! By Veronica Smith
What do Black, Red and White Currants, Gooseberries, Jostaberries and Worcesterberries have in common? For a start, they all belong to the same botanical family Grossulariaceae, of the genus RIBES. All of them are deciduous, producing edible fruit and provide… Continue reading
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REMARKABLE RHUBARB! by Veronica Smith
Whether you love it or hate it, Rhubarb (Rheum Palmatum / Rhabarbarum) is one of the earliest edible garden plants ready in the spring! Depending on your geographical position, you can start picking rhubarb stalks from March right up until… Continue reading
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HAWTHORN: HEARTS AND HEDGEROWS by Veronica Smith
The flowering of the Hawthorn in May has always heralded the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. May Day / Labour Day on the 1st May is merely the modern name for the ancient Celtic Fire Festival of Bealtaine… Continue reading
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MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF BRAMBLE LEAVES IN SPRING AND EARLY SUMMER
by Veronica Smith Bealtaine (1st May) is the perfect time to pick BRAMBLE LEAVES for drying. It is the sappy young leaves at the top of the vine that you want because they are full of vitamins and minerals. The… Continue reading
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ST GEORGE AND THE DANDELION by Veronica Smith
ST GEORGE AND THE DANDELION By Veronica Smith The 23rd of April is DANDELION DAY, according to Freda Davis’ Blue Ball Press “Moon Calendar”. It’s a date shared with St George, the deity associated with the Dandelion. Both play an… Continue reading
