I have created a separate page for the class schedule this year, and we will see if it is easier to manage. I am teaching two classes geared toward those who want to give herbal handmade gifts that they make for friends and family, and the rest may be great to give as a gift- knowledge and empowerment is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving!
All of the classes are taught by Farmer and Owner Jayne Simmons in West Seattle. Price for classes is 20$, and they are held from 7-9. I will email directions after payment is received. Prepaid gift cards are available.
The Sister Sage Herbs Winter Class Schedule
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Healing Roots for Fall
Fall is a time to return our focus to the earth. It is the time when leaves turn extrordinary colors, drop to the ground to heal and nourish the soil and roots. They are storing potent medicines in their roots, this is the best time to harvest roots such as Echinacea, Valerian, Elecampane, Horseradish, Marshmallow, Oregon Grape.
I dug up some of each of the roots above, and processed them in the following ways:
For all roots it is easiest to cut them and dry them properly when they are first dug up. some can rot from the inside out. If you can process them into tinctures, it is the easiest way to go.
Echinacea- I cut the roots to small pieces and put them in my blender with enough vodka to cover the roots by 2 inches. I blended the mixture until the pieces were small. Adding them in small batches at first to avoid clogging the blender. Used to boost immunity.
Oregon Grape- I harvest these roots when I go to the middlefork of the Snoqualmie River, usually while I am picking Chanterelles for myself. These roots did not get cut before they dried, so I have to cut them with my landscaping clippers. The roots will be processed with alcohol the same as above. This root is used as an amazing liver, bile and blood cleanser, and can be used insted of goldenseal root.
Valerian- I processed the same way as the echinacea. Used as a mild, non addictive sedative.
Elecampane- I cut these roots up and lay them on a screen to dry. I now have an electric dehydrator, so I put them in the dryer for 4 or so hours to finish them off. Next fall I will use the Tea Shack's ambient solar heat to start the drying, then use the wood stove to dry them all at the same time with a nice fire as soon as it becomes too moist in the air. Used for treating the respiratory system.
Horseradish- I use vinegar in the blender to mix up the herbs for preservation. Add salt, pepper and garlic for a nice spread that lasts a long time in the refrigerater, or indefinately if covered in vinegar. Makes a great addition to salads with toasted sesame Oil. Spicy!
Marshmallow- This root is best used dried in an herbal tea. Cut up the beautiful roots thinly, like carrots and dry them on a metal screen in an oven on low, or heated by the pilot light, or preferably in an herb dehydrator. During the summer I harvest the leaves to add to herb tea blends. They are used as a soothing beverage for throats, stomache, intestines, and beyond!
I dug up some of each of the roots above, and processed them in the following ways:
For all roots it is easiest to cut them and dry them properly when they are first dug up. some can rot from the inside out. If you can process them into tinctures, it is the easiest way to go.
Echinacea- I cut the roots to small pieces and put them in my blender with enough vodka to cover the roots by 2 inches. I blended the mixture until the pieces were small. Adding them in small batches at first to avoid clogging the blender. Used to boost immunity.
Oregon Grape- I harvest these roots when I go to the middlefork of the Snoqualmie River, usually while I am picking Chanterelles for myself. These roots did not get cut before they dried, so I have to cut them with my landscaping clippers. The roots will be processed with alcohol the same as above. This root is used as an amazing liver, bile and blood cleanser, and can be used insted of goldenseal root.
Valerian- I processed the same way as the echinacea. Used as a mild, non addictive sedative.
Elecampane- I cut these roots up and lay them on a screen to dry. I now have an electric dehydrator, so I put them in the dryer for 4 or so hours to finish them off. Next fall I will use the Tea Shack's ambient solar heat to start the drying, then use the wood stove to dry them all at the same time with a nice fire as soon as it becomes too moist in the air. Used for treating the respiratory system.
Horseradish- I use vinegar in the blender to mix up the herbs for preservation. Add salt, pepper and garlic for a nice spread that lasts a long time in the refrigerater, or indefinately if covered in vinegar. Makes a great addition to salads with toasted sesame Oil. Spicy!
Marshmallow- This root is best used dried in an herbal tea. Cut up the beautiful roots thinly, like carrots and dry them on a metal screen in an oven on low, or heated by the pilot light, or preferably in an herb dehydrator. During the summer I harvest the leaves to add to herb tea blends. They are used as a soothing beverage for throats, stomache, intestines, and beyond!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
