Nature and Nurture - An Introduction to my Herbal Workshop Weekend.

A common question has been asked over time whether nature or nurture is the best appropriate model of action for health concerns. My understanding over the last forty or so years as an adult has now totally blended the two prospects as one. This is particularly poignant in a time where the nature of such things as life tends to be thrown out the window, particularly by the majority over the last five years, the great period of noncritical thinking in the first part of the 2020s.

Now it also appears more than ever in the history of humankind that human nature is under the threat of having the nurture aspects sucked right out from underneath the feet of the homosapiens species. Only to be replaced by external and internal applications that will and are taking the human nature of thought, feeling and action away potentially into the darkness of despair and depression. However, there is still hope that a sense of things are going to be better, if recapturing the nature of joy within and nurturing this persists. This could be achieved through a feeling of self action to continue to think and feel as a human or better still in humane manner. The possibility of such is required more than ever for one's self preservation, community connection and for the planet to thrive as a living organic being, for life as human being to thrive.

In order to thrive, I feel the requirements are as basic as the fore bearing humans had expressed, such as Hippocrates, Edward Bach, Samuel Hahnemann Dorothy Hall, Simon Schot and so many others, all of whom discussed nature and nurturing within their teachings. To thrive is to live with authenticity and honour knowing that your life is both a gift of nature and nurtured accordingly. Some of you may say in this world of projected chaos how can this be done? The conflict or differences between family, or nonblood family, neighbour and non-neighbour, teachers and students, friends or associations all can bring out challenges that possibly disrupt our sense of nature and nurturing capacity. The key to resolving this is within yourself by being true to yourself. I don't mean self centering, I mean going within where no other resides, where no other exists. The place where you need no thing to assist you. The place of internal peace that exist within and no machine can replace. What people pray for and meditators strive to experience. The real sense of confidence within humility.

Tools

In order to bring about this sense of balance and wellness there are tools according to holistic health that I know work. Hippocrates discussed the seven pillars , rest, food, water, air etc. all of which require the optimum for betterment. For myself I wish to share known tools that have assist my authenticity to remain whole within the chaos projected from the malevolent humans and beings out there. Such Tools within the writing piece include the physicality of herbs, oils etc., that through the very nature of application will nurture a sense of wellness.

These herbs below are available within most Western, European countries, with the further accessibility of other countries via the transglobalisation of the internet.

General Caution.

Before I state such wonders of nature that assist with nurturing. please into considerations the following points.

1. If allergies are a concern with any of the following then do not consume.

2. Teas and decoctions are generally the safest way to ingest herbs.

3. If required for chronic conditions such as pain, GUT concerns then use regularly as in cups taken everyday pretty much.

4. Enjoyable applications are a must, as no one enjoys torture in taste, this is more relevant to the everyday applications rather than the acute applications.

5. Love what you do, it makes it so much easier to thrive with enthusiasm.

Teas as a tool - mentioned also in my home herbal use workshop

•Bacopa monniera.     -  Bacopa. – Brahmi. -

•Cinnamomomum verum (zeylanicum). -   Cinnamon.

•Centella asiatica  (Hydrocotyle asiatica)  -   Gotu Kola.

•Chamaemelum nobile (Anthemis nobilis) & Matricaria chamomilla (Matricaria recutita)  -   Chamomile.

•Taraxacum officinalis     - Dandelion.

•Sambucus nigra    -   Elder.

•Zingiber officinale    - Ginger.

•Equisetum arvense    - Horsetail.

•Glycyrrhiza glabra  - Licorice.

•Urtica dioica    -    Nettle.

•Mentha piperita   Peppermint.

•Rosemarinus officinalis    - Rosemary.

•Rosa canina   -    Rosehip.

•Trifolium pratense     -    Red Clover.

•Rubus ideas    --    Red Raspberry.

•Silybum marianum      St Mary’s Thistle.

How to Utilise the Best of Nature's Gifts.

Herbal parts can be used in many forms; teas (Infusions) are probably the most

common in the West. While in Asia, particularly Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), herbal parts

 use are predominantly hardy, roots, bark etc., in a drink form as decoctions #.

•Herbal drinks are the easiest and most available forms of hydration for health.

•There are many methods of using herbs such as tablets, capsules, poultices, compresses,  ointments, creams, oxymels, cordials and more.

•However, the most hydration and easiest at home is in the form of decoctions, and infusions (tea).

•The difference between decoctions and infusions (teas) are:

•Hardy , parts of plants for example roots: hard berries or bark – Decoction.

•Soft parts for example: leafy, flowers stems – Infusion (tea).

•Preparation AND Time also vary between Decoction and Infusion (tea).

N.B. Unless the hardy parts are powdered, or crushed you will not get the most out of the plant in a tea / infusion form. In which case get the powdered herb part  to add to a tea / infusion.

Further Hints.

1.Use reliable sources for your herbs.

2.If dried keep in sealed jars away from sunlight, or in an amber glass container if  in contact with sunlight.

Hope you the reader finds this information as beneficial as I have and if you are interested in a weekend of informational and applicational pleasure then all enquiries are welcomed

namaste and love always

Annmaree