BotanicWise was founded by Charis Lindrooth with the intention of providing a forum where plant wisdom can be shared and where like-minded people can connect and build a community to steward land, medicinal plants, and supportive relationships with each other. Inspired by the work of Rosemary Gladstar, David Winston, United Plant Savers, and many internationally acclaimed teachers and organizations in the herbal renaissance, BotanicWise strives to create space for land and plant stewardship, with an inner mission to cultivate alliances between plants and people, and between people and people. We are grateful for all who participate in this expanding green movement that invites perspective on the transformation of modern health and health care in this country.
Autumn in the Forest…
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Hello Reader, Autumn in the forest is a magical time—sunlight shimmering on the tall pines—maple leaves dancing in bright reds and golds as they fall to the forest floor among boletes and amanita mushrooms popping up near turkey tail shelf mushrooms on downed tree limbs. Wild geese call from a clear blue sky while chickadees chirp “chicka-dee-dee-dee” from nearby evergreen branches. The air fills with the fragrance of soil, balsam fir, fungi, and fallen leaves. I go to the woods to gather barks and autumn fruit, roots, mushrooms, evergreens, and woodland herb seeds to plant for the future… 🌿Pine needles for coughs and congestion 🌿Birch bark for oil to ease muscle aches and help eczema 🌿Turkey tails to add to soups to keep our immune system strong during the winter months 🌿Wild Cherry bark for irritating coughs 🌿Elderberry for tasty elixirs 🌿 Fragrant balsam fir and sweet fern branches for sleep-support pillows These gifts include both food and medicine, harvested in tune with the seasons, deeply appreciated and stored to share with family and community. When I walk the forest trail, the finest gift I receive is the wandering…The woods have taught me to pay attention, noticing who grows with whom, recognizing the life and transition found in the falling of a tree, examining the forest floor for the small ones—clubmosses, fallen acorns, deer trails and moss covered boulders, taking time to sit at the base of a Balsam breathing in the scent of winter holidays. I feel my mind quiet, my heart steady, my breath deepen, and a connection with everything here—from forest floor up to the canopy.I am grateful to be included in the family of life that calls this place home. Plant, tree, bear, deer, coyote, porcupine, and nuthatch. “Attention is the beginning of devotion.” ~Mary OliverIn Gathering Forest Medicine, we learn how we can serve the forests, as they offer us their gifts of food and medicine. The trees need us—the forests need us—Gaia needs us to step in, step up, and become part of the solution in healing our beloved home planet. Join me on this path of reciprocity and devotion between humans and nature as we learn from the wise elders of the northeast woodlands. Gathering Forest Medicine: A Journey Through Northeast Woodlands with Kate GildayYours in Health, Charis Lindrooth BotanicWise |
BotanicWise
BotanicWise was founded by Charis Lindrooth with the intention of providing a forum where plant wisdom can be shared and where like-minded people can connect and build a community to steward land, medicinal plants, and supportive relationships with each other. Inspired by the work of Rosemary Gladstar, David Winston, United Plant Savers, and many internationally acclaimed teachers and organizations in the herbal renaissance, BotanicWise strives to create space for land and plant stewardship, with an inner mission to cultivate alliances between plants and people, and between people and people. We are grateful for all who participate in this expanding green movement that invites perspective on the transformation of modern health and health care in this country.
Hello Reader, Spending time in the woods with White Pine, sharing our gratitude and gathering the needles, is one way to connect with the forest, creating and nurturing a relationship with these wise, wild elders. The food and medicines we prepare from the woodlands hold the resonance of all that is held there. Watch on Instagram Kate Gilday shares her recipe for pine-infused honey, one of her favorite treats! Pine Needle Honey by Kate Gilday This sweet treat from the forest has become one of...
Hello Reader, Today I want to share a personal story by Kate Gilday…and her recipe for Pine Tea! Called by the Trees by Kate Gilday Since I was a young girl, trees have been my friends, trusted guides, and places of play and refuge. As the oldest of ten children, when I needed space, I would quietly climb the old apple tree in our tiny yard, where I found peace and comfort hidden in the leafy branches. Apple held me close, whispered in fragrant spring blossoms, and became a precious refuge. I...
Hello Reader, In just 12 days, we will join Kate in her virtual forest! I have been waiting for this moment to drink up Kate’s wealth of knowledge. My heart is singing, knowing the wisdom of the forest can be life-changing. Here’s what Kate will share with us… Oct. 13: Entering the Forest: The Living Web Step into the beauty, complexity, and healing presence of the Northeast forest—and into the timeless relationship between humans and the woodland world. Together, we’ll explore the...