Herbalism 101: Lesson 3

The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician. Therefore the physician must start from nature, with an open mind.

Paracelsus

Activity 1: Seeing

Plant Families: Apiaceae

• Read this article on the Apiaceae family.
• List all the plants in the Apiaceae family that you use regularly and why.
• Choose three plants from the Apiaceae family that interest you. Read their monographs online.
• Make three monographs, one for each of your herbs, draw a colour picture of each of your herbs to add into the monograph; include seed, flower and root if possible.
• Answer these questions: Which medicinal actions would you benefit from in these plants? How could you use them to aid in your health (e.g. as a tea, in food)?
• Pick 5 more medicinal actions to familiarise yourself with.

Activity 2: Touching, Smelling, Tasting, Hearing

• Getting to know plants in the Apiaceae family.
• We will use cilantro (plant and seed), fennel (plant and seed) and parsley. If possible, find them fresh outside or in shops.
• Note the shape of their stems, the shape of their leaves. Note the similarities and differences.
• Rub their leaves between your fingers and inhale deeply. Note the aromatic similarities and differences. (Have coffee or coffee beans nearby to inhale inbetween to cleanse your olfactory system)
• Taste each one and note their similarities and differences. (You can use lemon or ginger to cleanse your palate)
• Make teas with the fennel seed and coriander seed. List their medicinal actions.
• Note: How each makes you feel when you inhale their aromas and their energetics as you taste them.

Activity 3: Practice-Making an Herbal Salve

• Gather ingredients for the Herbal Salve recipe.
• Watch this video before making the salve.
• Make the salve.
• Write the medicinal actions of your chosen herbs for the salve. How will you use this salve for healing?
• If desired, make labels for your salve.

Poisonous Plants: Poison Hemlock

• Read this article on Poison Hemlock.
• List the differences between wild carrot and poison hemlock.
• Read the effects of poison hemlock.