We have been digging up various roots at Ivywood these last few weeks for drying, tincturing, and oil and vinegar making.
Comfrey is one of the roots we harvest every year. We decided to uproot some comfrey from a patch we planted 2 years ago, and we were surprised to find some of the root unusable. In general, herbal roots are harvested from early winter to early Spring.
Hawthorns in Blossom
For anyone that has taken rest in the shady embrace of a Hawthorn in blossom, the sense of entering a world of magic is undeniable. May has always been a time of abundance and transformation for us. Each year as we witness the Hawthorns burst into blossom across Ireland it brings a surge of energy that washes through the heart like a revitalising wave. The heart flourishes as it opens in lightness and Summer is heralded.
If you are not already familiar with Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) this could be one of the best plant allies you make this winter! Boneset is one of the best-known herbs for flu - especially the kinds of flu we get here in Ireland where the cold and damp get ‘into the bones’ as we love to say!
It has been several weeks since a post as our lives have been captivated by our beautiful new Baby Ivara born this Autumnal Equinox! So, I decided what better herb to write about than the wonderful birthing and afterbirth plant ally Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa/ Actaea racemosa).
This is a wonderful time of year for making incense and smudge sticks for burning from your harvested herbs. I would gather these herbs separately from other harvesting as setting intentions when collecting any plants is important. These herbs will have a different use to the plants we grow for medicines.
