Greenwood Herbals

Greenwood Herbals Spring and Summer News

Here is the news and changes that will be happening here at Greenwood Herbals this year.  Things have been very busy here at Greenwood this winter and early spring.  Lots of new things are happening and changing.  We are very excited about these changes and looking forward to our expansion in 2012! 

 We will be changing our hours of operation later in  April.  Deana and Brie will both be working in the gardens and tending the shop this spring and summer.  Because both girls will be working we will now be opened Tuesday through Sunday.  10 am to 5 pm.   I will still be seeing clients on Tuesdays and Wednesday’s but the shop and gardens will now be open for business as well. 

 I may also be able to expand our own clinical here if the need arises, Maybe bringing in other herbalists to help me and participate.  But, so far the 2 day clinic and occasional weekend client who cannot take time off of work is working.  We will also be participating in an open clinic at Sanctuary Soul Center of Integrated Health in Gorham.  The first Wednesday of each month, starting in May.   More details will follow. 

 We have been working on the shop and we are not quite sure if it will be raised in the same spot or moved to another location on the property.  In any case the Labyrinth is being dismantled.  Either the shop will be placed here or more production beds will be built in this spot.  We are no longer able to keep up with our demand so this means more plants!  We do not want to clear anymore woods as there would be a great loss in some of our endangered and at risk native plants.   When we started operations in 2003, the goal was to provide local plant medicine to our community.  Our community has expanded to include people ordering and doing phone consultations from all over the country, Canada and now globally.  So, we are hoping to relocate the labyrinth out in the woods at some point.   So as of May  1st, the Labyrinth is closed until further notice.  We also have someone working on the trails in the woods and forest out back!    And somewhere off these trails the new location of the labyrinth will be found!  

 Another exciting piece of news is that our new school house is being built.  We have 12 students coming in this year and we already have 13 more on the waiting list for 2013 and everyday more asking to be placed on that list.  It’s time!  We will have a kitchen lab and places for camping and sleeping.  The school house is being built beyond the production beds behind the greenhouse but before the wetlands.  We are planning on a self sustaining building.  Composting sinks and toilets, and more rain barrels to capture our water for drip irrigations.   We are also looking at bringing in guest speakers and advanced herbal classes at some point.  I will be teaching off-site less and less as we will be able to provide those classes here now. 

 So this year is definitely about expansion and growth and we are so looking forward to a new growing season and seeing you again in 2012! 

 Debbie, Deana and Brie! 

 

Season's Greetings!

Greenwood Herbals and the staff,  Debbie, Deana, Brie and Sara, would like to send out our holiday greetings to you and yours and wish you the very best for 2013! 

It’s hard to believe that we have just completed our ninth year in business and what a busy year this last year has been!  It was a great year with a lot of growth and expansion.  Our eighth apprenticeship
class graduated  this October and what an amazing group of 13 individuals they were!    The class of 2012 was the first class to use our new school house.  The school house was built, though still
more work needs to be done but we did hold classes in our new space.  The shop was finally raised and placed on sonotubes and more clearing was done so that the new drying sheds and additional growing space can be added in the spring.   Lots of plans for next year as far as relocating the Labyrinth out to the hemlock forest, an addition on the shop for clinical, and finishing up the school house for the new classes coming in.   

Announcements: 

The 2013 class is filling up fast with only a couple openings left. 

 Karen Blanchard will be taking over the children’s program next year so that I can focus on the new programs and clinical.  We will be announcing the dates and schedule of the children’s program early next year.  If you are interested in enrolling your child please contact the office to be added to the waiting list. 

I am averaging 4 to 5 clients a week with a waiting list stretching out into March now.   Once the classes start I will have to cut back on the days I can work clinic.  This will create an even longer waiting list, so  for me this in an indication that we need to add some clinical herbalists  to our staff. Herbalists that have been trained in clinical.   

So next year we are adding an advance program and this will be for herbalists who want to go on to do clinical work with people.  It will be taught by local practitioners who are still practicing and have their feet planted firmly in this work.  Each monthly weekend that we meet will consist of clinical work with round table discussion.  We are excited that Gail Faith Edwards of Blessed Maine Herb Farm, Jenna Labbe-Watson of Deep Roots Herbology, an Ayurvedic practitioner in Rockland, Debbie Mercier of Greenwood Herbals, Christine Tolf of Lichenwood Herbals and Greg Marley, to name a few will be coming in to teach the students.  This will be a hands-on program so that the student will
get true hands on training under the supervision of practicing clinical herbalists, where tissue states and plant energetics, along with different ways of making medicines through handmade stills, percolations and spagyrics will be covered.    In the case of Greg Marley, he will be showing the
students how to identify mushrooms, harvest and process the fruiting bodies into medicine.   This program looks like it may be full but we will announce any seats still available late in January.  We are only accepting 15 students into this program due to space.  The seat is considered open until we receive your $250 deposit.  Contact the office if you are interested or those of you who have called, please get your deposits in soon.  The only requirement is that you have at least a beginners
apprenticeship program behind you. 

You will also notice that the shop will be changing as well.  We have become more of a medicine shop and not a gift store.  The vendors who are still here will be relocated to a specific area of the shop
and the rest will be more geared towards herbal medicine.  This will be a gradual move. 

So with new gardens, drying sheds and new classes starting as well as a clinic,  2013 looks like another busy year with more growth and expansion and we are looking forward to another great year.  We hope to see you next year and you would truly be amazed at the changes that have taken place here, without any destruction!  (besides my garden in front of the shop!) 

We are closing until January 10^th for a much needed rest, but wanted to wish all of you a wonderful holiday! 

February and March 2011 Announcements

We have had our first signs of spring here! The last couple of days we have been in the mid 40’s which feels like spring in our snowy Maine woods, and I can actually see the top of the fence where the grapes grow and the tops of the blueberry bushes.  And even though today is colder with the winter winds are blowing and howling through the trees, and they are talking about more snow coming…   once you see those sugar buckets up on the maples, we know that we are in the home stretch and spring is on its way.  The trees have awakened and their sap is moving.  We are really looking forward to it too.  We are starting to order herb again, instead of using our own.  And even though it is coming certified organic and ethically wildcrafted, there are just some things that you cannot get unless you harvest it yourself.  So we are anxiously awaiting for our spring to begin here at Greenwood.    

 

  

 

Announcements: 

There is one seat left for the Apprenticeship program at Greenwood Herbals.  First class will begin in April this year and will go through October.  Anyone interested in the program should turn their application in before March 30^th.    The application can be found  on-line at http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html. 

The Junior Herbalist in Training, a program for children between the ages of 9 and 13 has three seats available.  This class will begin in May and end in September .  The application can be found on-line at http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html

 

 Classes and Events:  See http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/Events.html  for future classes and events scheduled throughout the year.  Check back often as each month we will be adding new classes. 

 

February  27th – Making Salves  with Debbie Mercier.   1 to 3:30 pm at Gardens of Atlantis. 

This introductory workshop answers your questions about what and why different  types of plants are used.  The different types of oils to choose from and why.  And how to make a salve.  You will  leave with a salve that we make in class together.  Call Gardens of Atlantis to register – 207-929-5088.  

 

March 9th – Introduction to herbs  with Debbie Mercier.   6 to 8:30 pm at Old Orchard Beach Adult Ed.  An exploration of herbs - what they are and how they can be used.  Learn to grow them in your New England garden.  Explore the culinary vs. the medicinal uses of herbs.  Learn when and how to harvest, dry and store your herbs.  Receive recipes for foods and teas that you can make at home.   Call  207-934-7922 to register. 

 

March 16th – Stress and Anxiety  with Debbie Mercier.   6 to 8:00 pm at Biddeford Adult Ed.   In our pill-popping culture, it is common for us to reach for a bottle to cure common ailments -but for mild illness, such as daily stress and anxiety , there are alternative treatments. Explore how to use herbs and natural therapies internally and externally for improved health and well being .  Discuss the many  herbal nervines, nerve tonics and nerve sedatives available and  their uses.  Learn how to blend  your own  special tea then relax and enjoy!     Hand-outs and tea.   Call  207-282-3883 to register. 

 

 March 26^th – Client Intake Day at Greenwood Herbals with Debbie Mercier, 9 am to 4 pm – This is a class for practicing herbalists.  We will be working with two clients this day.  Reviewing, doing the actually intake and creating a protocol.   Cost:  $30.    Certificates of Hours will be given out to those who are collecting hours for advanced classes.   

This class is full.  We are taking names for the waiting list.  We will notify you if there are any cancellations.  If you wish to be added to this list, please contact me at 207-793-3553. 

 

 March 27th – Design/Prep/herb garden -  with Debbie Mercier.   1 to 3:30 pm at Gardens of Atlantis. 

 Learn to plan, design, prepare and plant your own herb garden.  Choose from a number of theme gardens, learn about companion planting, (herbs and vegetables) along with preparing and using your herbs for culinary and medicinal uses.  Techniques for harvesting and storing will also be covered.  Handouts.   Call Gardens of Atlantis to register – 207-929-5088. 

 

April 9^th – Apprenticeship begins

 

 April 17^th - The Percolation Technique – with Debbie Mercier.  1 to 4 pm at Lichenwood Herbals.  This class is designed for herbalists.   Learn the art of percolation, or displacement, in making plant tinctures.  This process can be an advantage for those who find themselves in a bind, needing a specific extract for a client which is not currently available in their apothecary.    The percolation process takes 3 days as opposed to 14 days or longer for the maceration process, depending on the plant material used.  Percolation results in a more highly concentrated extract.  This is a technique that does need physical demonstration and hands-on practice.   You will receive a worksheet and a template for cutting filter paper to fit your percolation cone.    Cost:  $45.  Call 603-664-3393 to register, let Christine know if you need a percolation cone for an additional $15.  

 

Seasons Greetings!!

Seasons Greeting from Greenwood Herbals.   This is the end of our sixth year, and we are looking forward to another year here serving your needs whether it is as a client, student or just another  loyal customer.    Happy Holidays from us to you! 

 The shop will be open this Thursday, December 23^rd  from noon to 4 pm and on Friday the 24^th from 10 to 4 pm.  We are then closed December 25^th until January 6^th when we will open again.  Our winter hours are Thursday through Sunday 10 to 4 pm. 

 Announcements: 

 The dates for the apprenticeship are now available.  The application can be found  on-line at http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html   We will be starting in April this year. 

 The dates for the Junior Herbalist in Training, a program for children between the ages of 9 and 13 is also available.  The application can be found on-line at http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html

 Classes and Events:  See http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/Events.html  for future classes and events scheduled throughout the year.  Check back often as each month we will be adding new classes. 

 January 8^th – Percolations with Debbie Mercier.   10 am to 2 pm.  This is a class for herbalists.  It is the process of making tinctures, in 3 days opposed to 6 to 8 weeks.   Cost is $30 and if you need a cone and packing rod, there is an additional $15.   Let us know at the time of registration.  There are only two seats available. 

 I also wanted to congratulate the classes that graduated here in 2010.  It doesn’t seem like it was that long ago that we were just experiencing the wonders of spring and the beauty of a fun full summer learning and walking among the plants.  The apprentices of 2010 graduated in November this year, and I send out my congratulations to all.  It was a packed summer of learning and working, but what fun we had.  We actually added a month onto the program so that we could cover all the topics promised!  What a group!  I learned so much from you.   I will miss each and every one of you as you go forward on your path.  I hope that each of you find the path that you were created to walk.    So many never do.  It is truly a gift when you do find it and when you do everything opens up and it falls into place so easily.  Yes, there may be hard work ahead for you but when you love what you are doing, it really doesn’t seem that hard after all.

     

Class of 2010

The Junior Herbalists in Training also got their certificates. 

 

Junior Herbalist 2010

 Congratulations to all and I hope to see all of you again on this wonderful walk. 

October News

Greenwood Herbals has been very busy this summer.  It has been a whirlwind of activities.  Classes, apprenticeships, clients, plant id walks as well as mushroom walks, and of course the harvest! We have hired new employees and if you have been here this summer, you may have met either Deana or Ariel.    Deana will continue working here throughout the winter.  Hopefully Ariel will be back next summer.

 The Junior Herbalist in Training Program was a great success this summer and they all graduated with certificates in August.  But the girls decided that they were not done with the program and all voted to come back in October to spend the day gathering roots and bark from the forest.  I am really looking forward to this as well. There are truly some aspiring herbalists in this program and hopefully some will come back when they are older to work here at Greenwood.  I saw a few, if not all their faces light up when I suggested this as my ulterior motive of starting this program.  

 For several years I have been thinking about adding another month to the apprenticeship.  A lot of times, the new class will miss the piece on wild edibles and they miss their salad of fresh spring greens, fiddleheads and roots that they gather up in the spring.  This year was no exception.  Our spring started so early that the greens, spring roots and fiddlehead were ready in April.  I have decided that I will be adding an extra month next year.  We will start in April and if we have an early season again, we will be all set.  If we don’t and there is still snow on the ground!?  We still have plenty of material to cover.  This year’s apprenticeship has been extended into November.  We have had such amazing discussions this year, even without the spring edibles that I have not been able to cover everything as promised.  We need another weekend just for makeup, but what can you do?  Stop the questions and discussion just because we are running out of time.  It has been truly an amazing class, and thankfully, everyone agreed to the extra class.    The 2011 dates for both Apprenticeship classes will be available in December.  I am waiting for some other dates to confirm that I am committed to do. 

 Announcements: 

 Our Winter Hours will begin on October 1^st.  We will be open Thursday through Sunday from 10am to 4 pm.  Wednesday’s by appointment only.  I am still trying to keep Wednesday’s open for client and phone work.  If you do need to come in…  just call ahead and make sure I’m available to open the shop.  207-793-3553 

We also have some new vendors in the shop.

 KemoRox Design jewelry as art  - has added one of a kind hand crafted necklaces to the shop. 

 Bath Salts by Aquarian Age Bath Salts have added their products

 Stone People Jewelry – Nature shaped and smoothed stones, the timeless wearing of water and element.  These necklaces are unique and signed by the artist. 

 Events:  See http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/Events.html  to see classes scheduled for October and November

 Oct 5th - Boost your Immune System - at Biddeford  Adult Education - Call 207-282-3883 to register. 

Oct 9 - 10 - Osprey Cove Weekend - We are open but Debbie is not available for consultations.

Oct 13th - Salve Making - at Massabesic Center for Adult Learning - Call 207-247-2022 to register. 

Oct 14th - Herbs for Women - at Old Orchard Beach/Saco Adult and Community Education Call 207-934-7922 to register. 

Oct 15th - Roots and Bark - Jr. Herbalists meet here at Greenwood to walk the woods and harvest Bark and Roots.  10 am to 2 pm.  We are open but Debbie is not available for consultations.  

Oct 23 - 24 - Apprentices Weekend  - We are open but Debbie is not available for consultations.

May Announcements

The 2010 Apprenticeship program registration deadline has been extended to May 1, 2010.  We still have two seats available.  If you are interested please get your application is as soon as possible.  See http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html  for the applications. 

 

There are still two seats available for the Junior Herbalist in Training designed for children between the ages of 9 and 13.   

 

May 1, 2010 –  We will be back on Summer hours, Thursday through Saturday 10 am to 6 pm.  Sunday’s 10 am to 5 pm.  Wednesday’s by appointment only. 

 

May 2, 2010 – Greenwood Herbals will be at the May Day Fair  from 11 am to 4 pm at Gardens of Atlantis  See http://www.gardensofatlantis.org/ for details and directions. 

 

May 5, 2010 -  Exploring Medicinal Herbs at Old Orchard Beach Adult Ed.  6:00 to 8:30 pm - What are medicinal herbs and how are they used for mild illness and alternative treatments? Explore how to use herbs and natural therapies, internally and externally, for improved health and well being. We will look at anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral plants that can boost your immune system and what analogs to use in place of our Maine at-risk native plants.  Cost:  $24  Call 207-934-7922.

 

May 8, 2010 – Herb Garden Design at Gardens of Atlantis, 1 pm to 3 pm.  Cost:  $24.  Handouts available.  Call Linda at 207-929-5088 to register. 

 

May 15, 2010 - Junior Herbalist in Training begins. 

 

May 22, 2010 – 2010 Apprenticeship Program begins. 

 

 

If you have any questions please call the office at 207-793-3553

 

March Announcements

To view all events listed through June 2010, see:  http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/Events.html

 

March 2010 Events and Class

 

March 14th - Client Intake -  This workshop is for herbalist who wish to participate in a process of a client intake.   9 am  to 5 PM.  Call to register.  Cost: $30.   This class is full.

 

March 24th - Introduction to Herbs - This workshop will be presented at Old Orchard Beach Adult Ed.   6 PM to 8:30 PM.  Call to register.  Cost: 

 

March 28th - Herbs for Children - 1 - 3 pm  at Gardens of Atlantis - Children and babies respond easily and positively to herbal medicines.  Their bodies are small and more vulnerable to the healing effects of mild herbs as well as the unwanted side effects of harsh drugs.  Herbal medicines offer a safe, effective alternative to support and strengthen children’s bodies. We will discuss herbs for strengthening and maintaining health as well as herbs for specific childhood complaints.  Handouts are available.  Call Linda at 207-929-5088 to register.  Cost:  $26.

 

April 2010 Events and Class

 

April 3rd - Herbs for Women - 1-3 pm at Gardens of Atlantis -  Learn about the remarkable herbs used specifically for the female system.  Tonics that feed and nourish the reproductive system and many others used for specific ailments.  We will discuss problems experienced by young women, women during the child bearing years and menopause.   Leave with handout and tea.  Call Linda at 207-929-5088 to register.  Cost:  $26.

 

Apprenticeship Programs: 

There are still 3 seats available for the Greenwood Herbals 2010 Apprenticeship Program.  Application deadline is April 15^th.

 

There are still 2 seats available for the Greenwood Herbals 2010, Junior Herbalist in Training Program.  This program is for children between the ages of 9 and 13 years old.   Application deadline is April 15^th. 

 

Both applications can be found at http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html

 

February/March Events and Announcements

Calendar of Events

February/March

 

February 2010 Events and Class

February 28th - Due to Family Obligations we will be closed today 

March 2010 Events and Class

March 4th - Boost Your Immune System - This workshop will be presented at Kennebunk Adult Ed.      We will focus on boosting the immune system in a safe and natural way, with food and herbs.  Explore how to use natural therapies and leave with formulas to improve winter health.  We will also be making a cough syrup together.  6 PM to 9 PM.  Call to register.  Cost:  

March 14th - Client Intake -  This workshop is for herbalist who wish to participate in a process of working with a client.  Discussion of intake form, actually sitting with a client, doing the intake and protocols will be covered, and discussion after the client leaves.  Two clients will be seen this day.  10 am  to 4:30 PM.  Call to register.  Cost: $30.   This class is full.

March 21st - Women as healers - This workshop will be presented at Forest Circles in Topsham, Me.  Details to follow.

March 24th - Introduction to Herbs - This workshop will be presented at Old Orchard Beach Adult Ed.     6 PM to 8:30 PM.  Call to register.  Cost:

 

The herbal apprenticeship program and the program for children between the ages of 9 and 13 are starting to fill up.  If you are interested, I encourage you to sign up early. 

The application for the Junior Herbalist in Training program is now available on-line at http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html  There are 3 seats still available. 

The application for the Apprenticeship program can be found at http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/apprenticeship/index.html  There are still 3 seats available. 

Jan/Feb Announcement and Events at Greenwood Herbals

Announcements:   Again I have to apologize for not featuring a plant in our newsletter.  But I did want to get this information out as soon as possible in case anyone is interested in upcoming classes and events. 

 

You can also find our products in the following stores: 

 

· Rings Crossing Natural Food Store, located in “Always and Forever” Florist Shop at 935 Main St. Waterboro, Me

 

· Sun Moon Stars Herbals, located at 38 Front St. Rollinsford, Me

 

· Blueberry Basket Gift Shop, located in the Beehive, at 11 Oak Street, Alfred, Me. 

 

 

The dates and application for the 2010 apprenticeship program are now available on-line.  We still have openings available.  Please send in your application and deposit check to hold your spot. 

 

The dates for the Junior Herbalist in Training classes are also available under Events.  We will be accepting children into the program between the ages of 9 to 13.  The application will be available in March for registration.  Classes begin in May. 

 

Classes/Events:   http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/Events.html

January 23 -  Boost Your Immune System - This workshop will be presented at Forest Circles, Community and Healing Center.    We will focus on boosting the immune system in a safe and natural way, with food and herbs.  Explore how to use natural therapies and leave with formulas to improve winter health.  We will also be making a cough syrup together.  1 PM to 4 PM.  Call 207-776-3152 to register.  Cost:  $25 includes handout and your own bottle of cough syrup. 

 

January 31 - Herbs for Women - Debbie will be presenting herbs specifically for women’s health and problems that can arise during our lifetimes.  1 PM to 3 PM.  Call 207-929-5088 to register.  Cost:  $26 includes handout and your own personalized tea blend.

February 6 - Herbal Spa Day -  Your skin speaks volumes about you and what is going on internally and externally.  Come and learn what your skin and face are telling you.  Let’s do a herbal facial steams, scrubs and masks.  The class will end with a nice foot soak.  Bring a dish pan that your feet can fit in, as well as a face cloth and towel.  Do not wear makeup.   Sun Star Moon Herbals @ 38 Front St. Rollinsford, NH  - 1 pm to 4 pm.    Call 617-460-1834 to register, directions and cost. 

 

February 7th - Boost Your Immune System – Debbie Mercier of Greenwood Herbals and Jane Kuntz will be presenting this workshop at Rings Crossing Natural Food Store, in Waterboro, Me.  We will focus on boosting the immune system in a safe and natural way, with food and herbs.  Explore how to use natural therapies and leave with formulas to improve winter health.  1 PM to 4 PM.  Call 207-247-6111 to register.  Cost:  $20 includes handouts.  Product will be available for sale. 

Announcements

December is getting away from me and I really did want to get a newsletter out with our announcements.  This newsletter is going out without a featured plant this month. I have decided that I need to write some newsletters ahead of schedule so that I have something to fall back on when times like these come up.  So this newsletter is basically announcements.

 

Announcements:  We have eggs!  The new girls started laying.  We have Jumbo, Large, Small, Brown and White eggs.  All organic.  $3.75 a dozen.  I can now supply customers who have standing orders with us and others who drop in.  We have also put them into Rings Crossing Natural Food Store located at 935 Main St. Waterboro. 

 

We have used herbal and gardening books for sale in the shop.    

 

You can also find our products in the following stores: 

 

· Rings Crossing Natural Food Store, located in “Always and Forever” Florist Shop at 935 Main St. Waterboro, Me

 

· Sun Moon Stars Herbals, located at 38 Front St. Rollinsford, Me

 

· Blueberry Basket Gift Shop, located in the Beehive, at 11 Oak Street, Alfred, Me. 

 

 

The dates and application for the 2010 apprenticeship program are now available on-line.

 

The dates for the Junior Herbalist in Training classes are also available under Events.  We will be accepting children into the program between the ages of 9 to 13. 

 

Classes/Events:   http://www.greenwoodherbals.com/Events.html

  December 13th – Making Salves -  Debbie will be presenting at Gardens of Atlantis, an introductory workshop on making salves, why and what different types of plants used and what types of  oils.  1 PM to 3 PM.  Call 207-929-5088 to register.  Cost:  $22 includes handout and your own jar of salve.

 

December 24 - January 1 - Greenwood Herbals will be closed for the holidays.  All consultations and visits by appointment only please.

 

January 2, 2010 – Greenwood Herbals is open! 

 

January 10 - Boost Your Immune System - This workshop will be presented at Rings Crossing Natural Food Store, in Waterboro, Me.  We will focus on boosting the immune system in a safe and natural way, with food and herbs.  Explore how to use natural therapies and leave with formulas to improve winter health.  We will also be making a cough syrup together.  1 PM to 4 PM.  Call 207-247-6111 to register.  Cost:  $25 includes handout and your own bottle of cough syrup. 

January 23 -  Boost Your Immune System - This workshop will be presented at Forest Circles, Community and Healing Center.    We will focus on boosting the immune system in a safe and natural way, with food and herbs.  Explore how to use natural therapies and leave with formulas to improve winter health.  We will also be making a cough syrup together.  1 PM to 4 PM.  Call 207-776-3152 to register.  Cost:  $25 includes handout and your own bottle of cough syrup. 

January 31 - Herbs for Women - Debbie will be presenting at Gardens of Atlantis, Details are forthcoming.    1 PM to 3 PM.  Call 207-929-5088 to register.  Cost:  $22 includes handout and your own personalized tea blend.

Red Root - Ceanothus americanus - New Jersey Tea

 For the first time in five years I have not put a newsletter out on the first of the month.  It has been one thing after another the last three months.  First we experienced all kinds of technical difficulties with e-mail, the web-site and once that problem was resolved— It happened again the following month!  The website has been moved over to a new server and hopefully this is now a thing of the past.

 Harvest has been in full swing as well as making more medicine.  New oils and tinctures are still on the counters, and the drying shed is slowly being emptied so that it can become the winter storage shed.  We finished harvesting the hawthorn and poke berries and once we had our second frost we started digging those roots.  Black Cohosh, Sarsaparilla, Solomon Seal, Biden as well as Poke.  Some are drying on screens and in the dehydrator.   Others are sitting in alcohol extracting their medicinal properties.   And that reminds me!   The dehydrator died!  Thanks to Carol Hutchins for donating a dehydrator to Greenwood so quickly.  It was here the next day.  It is working hard and quite well.   So now that things are winding down I thought I would sit down and write the August newsletter and make it a fall quarterly this time around.  I hope to go back to a monthly newsletter, I know from e-mails and comments made by customers and clients that you enjoy them and look forward to them.  I hope you all do.  I started this article in August so will continue where I left off. 

Red Root—New Jersey Tea —Ceanothus americanus

This plant is part of the buckthorn family.  A small deciduous shrub that is native to eastern and central North America.  It grows in dry, unshaded soil.    The reddish root is covered with a reddish or brownish bark and can get as long as four feet in length.  We generally work with and use the root but I have recently been reading that the leaf can also be used.  But I have not been able to find out any other information so far.  I have never been able to find this plant growing wild in Maine.  I did plant some this summer and hope that they will winter over.  This is one plant that is in my top repertoire of plant medicines. 

Edible Uses:  This plant is not considered an edible. 

Medicinal Uses:  I have been dealing with clients and Lyme Disease for a number of years now.  Red Root is one of the herbs that I find the most remarkable when it comes to dealing with the malfunction of the spleen. This plant is a powerful lymphatic and has a direct affinity with that organ.  It encourages the body to get rid of catabolic waste buildup and helps to break up tumors and non-fibrous cysts in the body.  .  It stimulates the lymph and inter-tissue fluid circulation and is effective on tonsil inflammation, sore throats and enlarged lymph nodes.  It also appears to improve blood coagulation.  It’s astringent properties are helpful in stopping menstrual hemorrhage, nose bleeds and capillary ruptures from coughing and vomiting.  Because of this I have found this difficult when treating clients who have Lyme Disease but are also taking anti-coagulant medication, as it can interfere with this drug.  One of the co-infections of Lyme is Bartonella, where you will see swollen spleen, liver and lymph nodes.  Red Root is important in that it clears dead cellular tissue from the lymph system.

Red Root—New Jersey Tea —Ceanothus americanus

 

This plant is part of the buckthorn family.  A small deciduous shrub that is native to eastern and central North America.  It grows in dry, unshaded soil.    The reddish root is covered with a reddish or brownish bark and can get as long as four feet in length.  We generally work with and use the root but I have recently been reading that the leaf can also be used.  But I have not been able to find out any other information so far.  I have never been able to find this plant growing wild in Maine.  I did plant some this summer and hope that they will winter over.  This is one plant that is in my top repertoire of plant medicines. 

Edible Uses:  This plant is not considered an edible. 

 Medicinal Uses:  I have been dealing with clients and Lyme Disease for a number of years now.  Red Root is one of the herbs that I find the most remarkable when it comes to dealing with the malfunction of the spleen. This plant is a powerful lymphatic and has a direct affinity with that organ.  It encourages the body to get rid of catabolic waste buildup and helps to break up tumors and non-fibrous cysts in the body.  .  It stimulates the lymph and inter-tissue fluid circulation and is effective on tonsil inflammation, sore throats and enlarged lymph nodes.  It also appears to improve blood coagulation.  It’s astringent properties are helpful in stopping menstrual hemorrhage, nose bleeds and capillary ruptures from coughing and vomiting.  Because of this I have found this difficult when treating clients who have Lyme Disease but are also taking anti-coagulant medication, as it can interfere with this drug.  One of the co-infections of Lyme is Bartonella, where you will see swollen spleen, liver and lymph nodes.  Red Root is important in that it clears dead cellular tissue from the lymph system.  

My father is one such, client. He was diagnosed with the co-infection of Bartonella.  His spleen was swollen with pain and tenderness over the organ. He is on anti-coagulant medication.  His doctors told him there was nothing else they could do and sent him to me after the coarse of anti-biotics were completed.  So instead of using the recommended dosage of 30 to 90 drops 4 x a day, we have been using the Red Root homeopathically, 5 drops, 2 x a day with good results. 

The tenderness was soon eliminated and we were able to discontinue.  Though this plant is considered safe and can be used for extended periods of time, because of the medication, I chose to stop the herb.   Amazingly this plant can be used in so many other instances other than an astringent for the  lymphatics and as a hemostatic.  It is an antispasmodic, an expectorant as well as a hypotensive and a sedative. But it is the first lymph-system stimulant and tonic that I reach for when a client needs an anti-inflammatory for the spleen as well as the Liver.  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 New Idea’s:  I am excited to report that the children’s program that we tested this summer was a success.  I received great feedback from the mothers and I will be tweaking it in a few places but I am happy to say that we will be offering the Junior Herbalist program to children between the ages of 9 to 13 next summer.  The program will begin in May and we will meet once a month for four months between 10 am and 2 pm.  Cost will be $25 per class to cover material fees and certificates will be presented in August.

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Announcements:  Rings Crossing Natural Food Store will be having their Grand Opening on November 27th located in  "Always and Forever Florist", 935 Main St. Waterboro, Me.  Congratulations Cheryl!!  We are all excited and looking forward to this! 

The dates and application for the 2010 Apprenticeship Program are now available on-line at www.greenwoodherbals.com. 

Classes/Events: See www.greenwoodherbals.com for details.  

November 8 - Herbal Spa Day -  Bring a dish pan that your feet can fit in, as well as a face cloth and towel.  Do not wear makeup.  Gardens of Atlantis, Dayton, Me. 1 to 4 pm.   Cost:  $28.  includes all materials.  Call 207-929-5088 to register, and directions. 

November 14th - 15th - 2nd Annual Osprey Cove Organic Farm Herbal Long Table  weekend.  Debbie will not be available for appointments or consultations. 

November 21 - Herbal Spa Day - Bring a dish pan that your feet can fit in, as well as a face cloth and towel.  Do not wear makeup.  Biddeford Adult Education 10 am to 2 pm.    Call 207-282-3883 to register, directions and cost. 

November 26th - Greenwood Herbals will be closed for Thanksgiving.   We will reopen on Friday November 27th. 

November 29th - Boost Your Immune System - This workshop will be presented at Gardens of Atlantis, in Dayton, Me.  We will focus on boosting the immune system in a safe and natural way, with food and herbs.  Explore how to use natural therapies and leave with formulas to improve winter health.  We will also be making a cough syrup together.  1 PM to 4 PM.  Call 207-929-5088 to register.  Cost:  $25 includes handout and your own bottle of cough syrup. 

Rice-Pecan Company Loaf—Julie Clark

Submitted by Jane Kuntz

4 cups cooked brown rice

1 cup pecan meal

2 cups whole grain crumbs

1 large onion, chopped

2 cups soymilk

½ cup blended tofu

2 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp oregano

1 Tbsp basil

1 ½ tsp salt

 Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix very well.

Pack firmly into sprayed casserole dish or loaf pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F. for 45-55 minutes.  Serve hot with gravy or sauce of your choice.

* Note, we baked the loaf for half the time, then added some gravy on top of the loaf and continued the rest of the baking time, so as to not let the loaf get dried out on the top.