Have you ever heard the phrase 'a weed is just a plant in the wrong place'? This certainly came to mind whilst learning all about how weeds can actually benefit our health. Did you know that Dandelion is a tonic for the entire body? Or that Rosemary can help with digestion and headaches? Or that Kawakawa makes a delicious tea!? These are just some of the interesting things learnt at the recent Medicine in our Garden workshop with Jules Stacey, held at Anō Anō Kaitaia.
The workshop was hands-on, informative and fun! Thanks to everyone who attended, especially those travelling from a far distance. 9 adults and 2 children spent a couple of hours together learning, tasting, smelling and getting hands-on with the array of herbs and weeds from the garden. Folk kicked off the workshop by tasting three delicious herb teas that Jules had prepared: Kawakawa, Lemon Verbina and Peppermint. It got the juices flowing and brains ready to learn!
Jules then demonstrated how to make the base for a skin calm balm and chest balm using beeswax and oil heated over a gas burner, folk were treated by getting a sample pot of each to take home. Then it got fun and messy! Each member made their own base for a cough syrup, layering red onion, kawakawa and a variety of herbs. Watch out winter bugs!
Folk learnt about the FAB FIVE; Dandelion, Nettle, Lavender, Rosemary, Woundwort and all that they can do. From helping digestive issues to arthritis, insect wounds, skin conditions and coughs and colds. Plants are just incredible!
If you've ever hurt yourself and or had someone at home with an injury, then you'd want to learn how to make a comfrey poultice, an anti-inflammatory pain relief mask. Who knew it was so easy!? Jules demonstrated how to make it and folk took home their own sample with the know-how of making more.
It was a fantastic way to start the weekend. Thanks very much to Jules for your time, knowledge and skill.
Keep an eye out on notices from Timebank as this workshop will be repeated before this Winter. If you've got an idea or interest you'd like to share in a workshop, do contact me caryldw.tttimebank@gmail.com or 021 048 6394
Ngā mihi nui
Caryl
Te Hiku Coordinator
Comments