HERBAL WORKSHOP #1: MINERAL TONICS

Mar 9, 2020

1 min read

Thanks to support from the Co-operative Local Community Fund, we are able to host herb workshops for clients from CHAP Women's gardening group with Kate Aster, a medical herbalist.

This week, on the full moon otherwise known as the Worm Moon, we harvested nettle and dandelion from the garden for a mineral tonic. We rinsed the dandelion roots and decocted with the nettles for an hour on a low heat.

Nettles
Dandelion
Dandelion root
Nettles

Nettles

Nettles are high in iron, protein, calcium and zinc. They are described as 'blood builders' and are especially good during breastfeeding and menstruating. They are also a uterine tonic, anti-hystamine, circulatory stimulant and can have a diuretic property.

Dandelions

Rich in iron and other trace minerals. They can act as a digestive stimulant. and support detoxification of the liver.

Whilst the decoction was simmering away, we prepared a bed ready to sow Calendula seeds.

Calendula seeds

Calendula

Also known as Calendar plant - as it can flower everyday. Calendula is known as a vulenary because it can support the healing of tissues. It is mucilaginous, so has soothing and protecting properties and it is also anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial.

After the dandelion and nettles had simmered for about an hour, we added the tea to a prepared blend of equal parts molasses, apricots and raw apple cider vinegar. Kate had prepared soaked, simmered and blended unsulphured apricots the night before). We gave it a good stir it and jarred it in sterilised jars.