Wildharvesting: Nettles (Urtica dioica)

It's time to harvest Nettles (Urtica dioica) on the west coast. 

Harvest Nettles before they flower, before the leaves are very large. Wear gloves, cut stems near the ground and prepare to dry or use fresh. Cooked Nettles make a great soup, otherwise they can be made into a tea or dried for later use. Spread out to dry as they will bruise easily. Do not wash prior to drying. Do not harvest leaves after the plant goes to seed as the mineral content changes and becomes irritating to the kidneys. Caution: do not touch the plant as it can cause dermatitis (Plantain leaf is a great antidote for this). Nettles sometime grow in contaminated soil so take care to select clean habitats for harvesting.

For more info on spring harvesting check out: http://herbalmedicinehub.blogspot.com/2011/05/wildharvesting-this-spring-hawthorn.html

Class schedule changes

Friday 530pm Vibrant Flow is cancelled for the summer season.

NEW Sunday 9am Power Flow @ Feel Good Yoga

Hope to see you on the mat soon!

Easter weekend! No classes!

Enjoy feast and festivities this weekend!
No Yoga classes with Lin until next week.
Do a little practice on your own - just stick to poses you feel comfortable with and set simple expectations - even 15 minutes helps to clear your energy and keep your body and mind happy!

See you next week!!

Photos from a recent forest walk.........

Erythronium spp. (Fawn Lily)

Acer spp. (Maple) flowering

Daphne laureola -invasive!!

Lysichiton americanus (Skunk cabbage) 

Cultivating Medicinal Plants Workshop this Monday!

Plant sale April 5th in Saanich

WHEN: Tuesday 05 April 2011 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
WHERE: GARTH HOMER CENTRE 813 Darwin Ave. (South of Saanich Municipal Hall)
FREE ADMISSION!
Choose from an intriguing variety of hardy shrubs & perennials, exotic alpine plants, rare native ferns, fresh vegetable & herb plants, seeds, used garden tools & pots...and so much more! All from local specialty nurseries & home growers.

Cultivation Medicinal Plants Workshop! Featured plant: Yarrow

My communal project (Herbal Medicine Education Association) is partnering with Lifecycles (http://lifecyclesproject.ca/ ) to offer a Workshop on Cultivating Medicinal Plants! Please attend on Mon Apr 4th 7-9pm at Pacific Rim College for info on more plants and how to plan your medicine garden!

Yarrow                        Achillea millefolium

A perennial herb that can be easily grown in our climate. Sow seeds shallowly indoors in late winter or outside in late spring. Divide established plants in spring or autumn. Will grow in almost any soil, but prefers slightly acidic (6-6.7pH), moderately rich, well-drained soil (to avoid mildew) and full sun. Collect aerial parts after the flowers bloom from June to September; a second harvest may be possible! After harvesting hang in bunches to dry. Grows to 2-3 feet tall and offers tiny, white flowers and lots of green leaflets. A great addition to the garden as it can be used as a compost starter and attracts beneficial insects.

It is easily harvested and used as an infusion or wash. Its medicinal actions include bitter, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant, astringent, and anti-septic. This wide range of actions makes it useful for many conditions including menstrual cramps, colds, fevers, flu, menopause, nose bleeds, swelling and wound care. Avoid in pregnancy or if you have an allergy to the Asteraceae (Composite/Sunflower) family.

To attend the workshop: Please RSVP to: uahub@lifecyclesproject.ca and (250) 383-5800.