After posting my sunflower 🌻 print to my @365art log and social media accounts I have had many requests on how to purchase (Thank you!)
so,
I am offering up my “Sunflower Print” to anyone who makes a donation to an organization which supports the Solidarity of the people of the Ukraine in the amount of $40 or more. All you have to do is send (email) me a photo of you receipt for your donation made between March 5th and March 16th 2022 and your mailing address and I will send you one!
Its that simple
Why Sunflowers: You may have seen sunflowers popping up all over your social media. Sunflowers have long been the national flower of the Ukraine, BUT in 1996 when Ukraine gave up its last nuclear warhead on a former Ukraine missile base, on June 4th, they were also chosen as a symbol of world peace, and a world free of nuclear weapons.
I love seeing everyones creative take on #sunflowersforukraine and while we all know that painting/ creating/ sewing sunflowers doesn't change a dire situation, but spreading love and intentions of peace, and sending supportive energy is better than doing nothing! Energetics make a difference!
There are many places which you can donate, here is a starting point
In case you do not know where to donate here are two starting ideas I will add more as I come across them
"the son before the father" Very early in the spring, coltsfoot develops flat orange flower heads, but only after they eventually wither do the broad, hoof-shaped, sea-green leaves develop. Since the flowers and leaves appear at different times, they are collected separately. Coltsfoot is found along brooks and in wet places and moist clayey soil along roadsides
The flowers should be gathered before they have fully bloomed (end of February to April) and dried carefully in the shade. The leavesare best collected between May and June. They should be chopped up before theyare dried and stored. The fresh leaves can be used until autumn.
Constituents: Coltsfoot contains flavonoids, about 8% mucilage (consisting of polysaccharides), 10% tannins, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, vitamin C, and zinc. There are useful levels of zinc in the leaves. This mineral has been shown to have marked anti-inflammatory effects. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids may have a toxic effect on the liver, but are largely destroyed when the parts are boiled to make a decoction. The polysaccharides are anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant. The flavonoids are anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic.
Doctrine of SIgnatures: Coltsfoot, the dried leaves and/or flower heads of Tussilago farfara L., is one of those plants whose botanical name reflects its medicinal application. Tussilago derives from the Latin tussis, meaning cough, and coltsfoot has long been used to treat that affliction.
Coltsfoot combines a soothing expectorant effect with an anti-spasmodic action. Coltsfoot may be used in chronic or acute bronchitis, irritating coughs, whooping coughs and asthma. Its soothing expectorant action gives Coltsfoot a role in most respiratory conditions, including the chronic states of emphysema. As a mild diuretic it has been used in cystitis. The fresh bruised leaves can be applied to boils, abscesses and suppurating ulcers.
A note regarding smoking of this plant: Since the principal active ingredient in the plant is a throat-soothing mucilage, smoking coltsfoot is not rational therapy. The mucilage would be destroyed by burning, and the effect of smoke on already irritated mucous membranes would be increased irritation. Inhaling the vapors from coltsfoot leaves placed in a pan of simmering water s again without value. The useful mucilage is not volatile and would not reach the affected tissues.
It combines well with licorice, thyme, and black cherry. In China, coltsfoot is classified as a "warming" herb that helps relieve coughing and wheezing.
Safety Over the years, coltsfoot has been a very popular folk remedy for coughs and bronchial congestion. As early as the first century, coltsfoot was recommneded for dry coughs and for breathing problems by the Greek doctor Dioscorides. However a study carried out in Japan revealed that the hepatotoxic (poisonous to the liver)pyrrolizidine alkaloid senkirkine to be present in relatively small amounts (0.015 percent). Continued or prolonged exposure to these pyrrolizidine alkaloids may have a cumulative effect. For some time it was hoped that the rest of the plant might be devoid of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. However, a subsequent investigation of coltsfoot leaves showed senkirkine to be present in them as well.
Here are some safety considerations:
-Coltsfoot flowers should not be used. -The herb should not be taken by pregnant or breast-feeding women. -It should not be given to children under age 6. -Some countries have legal restrictions regarding coltsfoot availablity and usage. The USDA classifies coltsfoot as an herb of "unknown safety" due to the pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The amount of these alkaloids is extremely small, though, and the beneficial effects are generally believed to outweigh the risk. -It is recommended that coltsfoot tea or syrup not be used for more than 4-6 weeks at a time.
If readers prefer to try alternative very safe herbal demulcent (soothing agent), try slippery elm bark or marshmallow root
Respiratory Decongestant Syrup
1 part coltsfoot leaves 1/2 part marshmallow root 1/2 part ground ivy 1/2 mullein leaf 1/8 part licorice 1/8 part Orange Peel 1/2 cup of Black Cherry concentrate 4 cups (1 liter) water 1 Ib (1 kg) natural honey
Simmer the herbs in 4 cups water until reduced to 2 cups. Strain and add 1/4 lb natural raw honey. Gently melt, simmering at low heat for 20 minutes. Add 1/4 cup Black Cherry concentrate. You can add a splash of lemon juice as well if you have it. Cool before bottling. Store in refrigerator. Consume within 3 months. If you would like to extend the shelf life add 1/4 cup of good quality Brandy.
Dosage: Take 1 T , 2 to 3 times a day. Even children will enjoy it!
The "Sprouting Grass Moon" also known as the "Egg Moon" is almost upon us
(April 5th)
around this time i am always drawn to the late great Mary Olivers Poem
"Sleeping in the Forest"
I thought the earth remembered me, she took me back so tenderly, arranging her dark skirts, her pockets full of lichens and seeds. I slept as never before, a stone on the riverbed, nothing between me and the white fire of the stars but my thoughts, and they floated light as moths among the branches of the perfect trees. All night I heard the small kingdoms breathing around me, the insects, and the birds who do their work in the darkness. All night I rose and fell, as if in water, grappling with a luminous doom. By morning I had vanished at least a dozen times into something better.
I am feeling a deep need to reconnect with the Earth, the Sun, the Water and the Breeze. To have my feet, my souls touch the earth in prayer, To move, to shed, to invigorate every part of my being. I can hardly wait until my daily deck lunch time ritual salad contains chickweed, violets, dandelions, ground ivy and a few baby mugwort leaves! I craving wild greens with my eyes and internally greens rich in chlorophyl, and vitamins, lighter foods, more vital foods and herbs that fall under the category of "alteratives"- the movers and shakers of the herbal world.
A 50-page visual guide (in PDF form) covering the process of connecting and communicating with your Plant/Herb/Green Ally. Walking you through Sensory Immersions, Plant Sprits/Devas introductions, Practical exercises, Protocols, Worksheets, examples, and personal anecdotes'
If you a feeling a little stuck or under inspired when it comes to your nourishment and self care this offering is for you! 56 pages of Seasonal recipes, poems, photos and inspiration to get your blood moving again!
7 nourishing soup recipes, 7 nutrient rich spring bowl, 7 restoring juice recipes, 7 mineral rich herb teas, 7 Wild Spring Herb profiles, 14 Spring Awakening personal habits
Open Mic, Fire Circle and YES Herb Nerds unite an Herbal Spelling Bee!
plus Silent Auction and Bake Sale
Sliding Scale $5-50
On Nov 18th Zoe and I will be driving out to North Dakota for 10 days to show our support, stand in solidarity with the water protectors and volunteer in anyway we can! I will be checking in with the Medics/Healers Council and Zoe with the Indigenous Youth Council. Over 20 years ago I spent a summer running a youth leadership program on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota- it was a life changing experience and I have always been drawn to return.
Since April, members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, environmentalists, and allies have peacefully protested the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) a private venture belonging to the Texas-based company Energy Transfer, is projected to run through four states and connect production areas from North Dakota to Illinois. Construction has already destroyed sacred Sioux religious sites and treaty-protected territory. The pipeline endangers North America's longest river, the Missouri River, which is the primary water source for the Standing Rock reservation and for other communities downstream. More than 90 Indigenous nations and non-Native accomplices have gathered in camps near Cannon Ball, North Dakota, to protect lands, waters, and people from a crude oil pipeline.
On Aug. 24 a federal judge heard arguments on the temporary injunction to halt construction, and U.S. District Judge James Boasberg will rule on the injunction September 9th with appeals to the decision scheduled for Sept. 14.
(rough sketch of the logo (sweetgrass and white sage Taproot Threads designed onto a tee shirt for this event!)
The fire circle will be the heartbeat of the event, holding space and sending our prayers, starting early in the day and continuing well after the event ends. We are looking for drummers to sign up for an hour at a time to hold a steady heartbeat. Fire ceremonies are the core ceremonies in many medicine traditions, and are typically held around the full or new moon of each month when the veils between the worlds are the thinnest. And Nov 12 is the night before the full moon!
Open Mic
3:30 -9:30pm
Theme: We request that all performances take a stand for a positive future !
Best to sign up ahead of time
Ways in which you can participate:
Sign up to perform at the open mic (15 min slots)
Sign up as a drummer to help hold the space (slots will be an hour long starting at Noon)
Donate Items for the silent auction (artwork, services, healing arts)
Donate Cash to be taken to Standing Rock and used to support Winterization of the camps. Medic/Healer Council and Indigenous Youth Council Work.
Finally, bring a packet or three of Hot Hands hand warmers as we will be collecting them to take with us and donate as per requested
I will be updating this page with the updated herbal needs of the Standing Rock Medic & Healer Council and would love to take deliver any of your donations.
Our Hilltown neighbors! The Institute for the Musical Arts was founded by Ann Hackler and June Millington in Northern California in 1986 and received its nonprofit status in 1987. It operated its studio and programs from Bodega, California’s historic Old Creamery until 2001 when property was purchased in Western Massachusetts for a permanent facility. The institute’s nonprofit mission is to support women and girls in music and music-related businesses. Rooted in the legacy of progressive equal rights movements, IMA's development is guided by the visions, needs and concerns of women from a diversity of backgrounds and has grown from the need to nourish ourselves and each other.
The IMA will be hosting the event at their 25-acre estate which features a house and several barns all built in the early 1800's. The largest barn has been converted into a recording, performance and teaching facility. The space accommodates a multitude of artistic endeavors and has a seating capacity of 200. In addition to its summer programs for girls, IMA offers concerts and workshops year-round in support of its nonprofit mission which, unless otherwise noted, are open to the public.
Imagine a world in which the major decisions affecting the community are made in the kitchen, rather than in a boardroom; a world where what is central to the workplace is the coming together to break bread, rather than simply to make bread. Imagine this because it is happening here at IMA as we grow this place rooted in women's relationships. Imagine this because as we continue to work to bring equality, balance and harmony to the world, we are moving toward a place where everyone who comes to The Table is fed.
--Ann Hackler, IMA co-founder and Executive Director
This is the second time Blazing Star Herbal School collaborates with the IMA, the first time saw the creation of our coming of age program Rock The Moon!
Taproot Threads- you have seen them here, you have seen them there, at herbal conferences, at botanical gardens, at farmers markets around the country! You have lusted over their amazing herbal wear! dandelions, passionflower, echinacea, california poppy and more all have their own clothing!! SO excited to see what Carol cooks up for this event!
Taproot Threads is a sustainable apparel company Based in Greenfield, Massachusetts, offering original designs for adults, children and babies. We use environmentally responsible water-based inks, and source our clothing from ethical manufacturers.
Here is a link to their cute baby clothing on Etsy! Follow them on FB here
Blazing Star Herbal School is dedicated to teaching traditional herbal medicine in a way that supports a more sustainable future for all living beings and shows respect for the integrity of nature. We offer a unique perspective on herbalism, weaving social, ecological and political aspects of health and healing through the study of medicinal herbs, ceremony and food practices. We inspire students to find their own healing path by creating a personal relationship with the natural world.
Herbs for Orphans and the Common Ground Clinic of New Orleans are sending delegations of herbalists to Port Au Prince to provide support for grassroots community healing efforts in the wake of the earthquake. In addition to financial donations, they need herbs. Please look through your apothecaries and see if you can spare some of the herbs they need.
Frances O'Halloran passed on this message grom their director:
We are always in need of the normal anti-parasitic/anti-bacterial tinctures. Thuja, Spilanthes, Wild Indigo, Lomatium, Goldenseal, Sweet Annie, Quassia, you get the idea :o) Also any antibacterial healing salves you have would be great! All product donations can he sent to Herbs for Orphans, 1887 Easley Dr, Andalusia AL 36420. If you'll include an approximate value of the product i'll make sure you get a tax receipt!
Thomas M. Easley RH(AHG)... See More
www.herbsfororphans.org
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