Green greetings from Hot Springs Montana and the
Montana Herb Gathering. This week I have a photo gallery for you of some of the plants I have been playing with here in northern MT. And look for more pictures in coming weeks taken by Featherhawk, a perennial student, dear friend, and skilled photographer. Thanks for taking such sweet care of me Featherhawk. I appreciate you.
The
Montana Herb Gathering, like all the herbal conferences and gatherings where I teach, is attended by people who love the earth and are committed to living lightly on Her. This gathering was unique in the great number of elders attending. Lots of healthy vibrant herbalists in their 70's and 80's enjoying themselves. Delicious!
Saturday night there was an herb costume contest. Everyone from elders (devil's club) as to babies (as Johnny jump-up) dressed up like herbs and paraded. Herbalists know how to amuse themselves!!
A wildfire fills the air with smoke today, but I am told we are safe since it is on the other side of the Flat Head River, where I had a great swim to cool off from the relentless 90+ degree temperatures. If you ever have a hankering to visit plant lovers in the wild west, come on out and join the fun at the
Montana Herb Gathering.
I look forward to being home. Next up is the
Green Goddess Apprentice Week. And I still have room for one or two more women to join us. Whitefeather will teach the
Seven Directions Movement Meditation every morning before breakfast. You will spend the remainder of the morning with the goats and I, connecting deeply with the plants. Lunch and talking stick follow, and then Yvette will be on hand to help us craft our shield of colors. Evenings will range from consultations to yoga, from an all night heartbeat drum to Moon Lodge and then our Goddess pageant. The culmination of our time together is a High Magic Ceremony on Sunday where you may be initiated as a green witch, if you wish. Altogether an amazing week of green blessings. I do hope you can join us.
The hot, dry weather of summer is perfect for harvesting herbs to dry. And there are still plenty of tinctures and vinegars to create for the cold months ahead.
Ah! Green blessings are everywhere.
Wild Sunflowers
This photo conveys my impression of Montana: a field of wild sunflowers, wide open spaces backed by comforting mountains, and the bright green of irrigated crops. Sunflower seeds are a favorite of the birds.
Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)
The leaves of this wild perennial are burned as smudge. In the hot sun, the smell is the distinctive smell of the deserts of the West. Like all her sisters, sagebrush brings vivid dreams.
Mullein (Verbascum species)
The wild mullein along the road to the ranch where I taught my intensive on Monday was lined with mullein blooming in strange curled forms. I have chosen two of my favorites: the question mark mullein and the mullein lovers. Note the sagebrush in the background. Mullein restores and repairs the lungs. I harvest it in flower, dry it, make an infusion overnight, and then heat it with milk and honey.
Cedar/juniper (Juniperus)
The berries of this wild evergreen are eaten, one or two at a time, as a tonic, especially to the urinary tract. Juniper thrives in dry climates.
Echinacea (Echinacea species)
The roots of this wild perennial are famous for their ability to counter infection, especially in a tincture. Echinacea is right at home in Montana, but much of the wild population here has been wiped out by unscrupulous harvesters who seem to care little for the environment.
Yellow dock (Rumex species)
The roots and seeds of this wild perennial are ideal for increasing the iron in women's blood and as a general tonic for the liver and digestion. Dock don't contain much iron, but they help the iron we have become more active and usable.
Malva (Malva neglecta)
The leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots of this common weed are all used as medicine. The roots go straight down, far down, in dry areas and find water so they are always succulent and helpful.
Teasel (Dipsacus species)
The root of the wild biennial is tinctured and used in tiny doses to help those dealing with Lyme disease.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
The flowering tops of this wild perennial are tinctured and used in moderate doses to help those with ADD and ADHD.
Multiflora roses (Rosa species)
The petals of this cultivated perennial are used to make a honey that is considered an aid to longevity.
Lavender (Lavendula species)
The flowers of this cultivated perennial are used to prevent moths from chewing on your clothing. They are also a wonderful addition to baths and make an amazing vinegar.
Purple tree
Help me out here green friends. I have never seen anything like this tree covered with tiny purplish, pinky flowers. It is probably cultivated, as this is the only one I saw in a week. Anyone know what it is?
Yellow Dock Seed Vinegar
The rust-colored seeds of the yellow docks are obvious all over the roadsides now, no matter where you live.
- Fill a jar about ¾ full of the seeds, then fill it to the top with vinegar.
- Cap with a plastic, rubber, or cork lid. Label.
- Wait six weeks and use.
Tastes good and is good for you, too.
(
A jar filled with yellow dock seeds and vinegar may break as the seeds can absorb the vinegar and expand, so leave room!)