Herbal Guild Meeting

[helwen]

Tried starting at 6pm, as a few folks said that would be a better time. Lady H and her son showed up then, but nobody else. Lady B, etainmbw and her mom Lady P showed up when they said they'd be able to, around 6:45pm. Lady H and I chatted about sundry things in the meantime, and I got a little weaving done. Son W and fitzw went off to get some bread, as we were out.

After everyone had a bite to eat (salad greens, a orange pepper for those inclined, chicken, PB&J (my homemade jam), bananas), off we went for a tour. I have a lot of different medieval plants, but I don't necessarily know what-all they're good for. I gave what information I had, but honestly, a number of them I got because they were medieval and I liked the way they looked. A few I have because they were given to me, as well. Some are medicinals, so I don't have a use for them as more than decorative, because they can be dangerous to use.

Some people seem to think that if something is natural, that automatically makes it safer to use than modern medicines. However a large number of herbs can be used as abortifacients, and if you're a pregnant woman and would like to stay that way, then there are many herbs that have to be avoided, at least for taking internally. Lady's Mantle is one of those -- or I should say, it can have a poor effect on pregnant and nursing women. It isn't necessarily intended to be used in that way. Externally it can be used in hand moisturizer, skin cleansers, etc. Also, the flowers can be dried and used in arrangements.

We had a good time looking at the plants and sharing what knowledge we all had, and determined that I need to put together a list of all the herbs so that we can do research on them all.

Then back into the house, where Lady H did various henna designs on us. I have a great flower on my right hand, with some lacy detailing :)

Comments

[flidaisairmid.livejournal.com]

In the past I have told my students whom think natural means harmless that poison ivy is natural . I also point out that there are plant poisons as well, some will require as little as three seeds to kill an adult, and a few are common weeds that grow in very mundane sorts of places.. People often mistake nature to be a constant gentle, nurturing force and forget that nature also has a destructive side.

Henna rocks ! Before beginning studies with the AODA I would do henna designs on my body at each of the eight festivals. I think I will start the practice again