Join herbalist Amanda Howe for a herb walk and learn the secrets of plants that are hiding in plain sight! Many of the plants growing around us, both native and garden plants, are medicines that have been used through the ages to heal and nourish us. Discover the healing powers of these familiar plants, and the forest will be transformed before your eyes into a living medicine chest.
You will discover that your daily walk is transformed into a miracle of discovery and connection with ancient knowledge and stories that the plants carry with them. Growing your knowledge and awareness of the plants will help you deepen your connection with the Spirit of the place you are walking through Herb Walks are full of discovery and this walk will open your eyes to the richness that surrounds you.
As we walk you will discover common plants or “weeds” that are growing by the path are healing medicines that have been used throughout time and we will weave our current understanding of the science of the herbs with time-honoured stories that carry the oral history of their use.
In the course of the Herb Walk, you will see the importance of ecological sensitivity of sustainable harvesting – not only for the plant population but also for the animals, birds and other beings, other plants, trees and shrubs for whom each plant forms a vital part of their interconnected existence.
Upon completion of this course, you will:
• Be aware of safety considerations for your herb walks
• Know what to take with you: plant identification book, magnifying glass, camera, cell phone
• Understand the wealth of medicinal uses, history, the known science and old stories, that have been handed down through time about common wild plants, trees, and herbs
• Learn the basics of how to identify common plants
• Learn common identification mistakes and how to avoid them
• Understand the importance of using Latin names rather than the common names for plants
• Know where to look for reliable information about wild medicinals
• Understand the value of being able to teach others about wild medicinal plants in your area