Elderberry syrup is a great, tasty, and simple way to fortify our immune systems in the winter.
All in Herbalism
Edible Weeds: Purslane
Michael Pollan calls humble, lemony purslane one of the "most nutritious plants in the world," and for good reason.
New mothers need to be mothered; we are asked to give so much of ourselves in the immediate postpartum, and that giving is ceaseless over the span of our lives (even if it evolves). But, the transition to motherhood is also worthy of honor as the passing of a significant threshold in our lives as women.
The Flower of Maryam
Labor begins, and the midwife places a small dry twiggy rosette in a bowl of warm water near the mother. Labor continues, the mother gently perspires, her cervix is softening and opening, and as it does, the ball of twigs begins to soften and expand into a woody flower.
When we set aside time to work on our bodies, health, relationships, physical space, and our selves to prepare for a pregnancy, we're engaged in a process of conscious conception.
Indian Pipe: People, Plants, and Prayer
Indian Pipe is a strange and beautiful plant, devoid of chlorophyll and ghostly white, and instead of growing to face the sun the flowers bend over towards the earth.
