Healing & The Seasons
Traditional wisdom worldwide teaches that the Earth has a rhythm made up of seasons and other natural cycles. When people are disconnected from that rhythm, they may become sick. Herbs and seasonal foods help restore the relationship between people and the planet.
Herbalist Patricia Kyritsi Howell uses medicinal plants for healing. “I believe that an important aspect of health and wellbeing is a connection to the Earth,” Howell said. “By using herbs and food as seasonal tonics, they experience a flow that may lead to physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.”
Howell is one of the instructors for the Organic Growers School’s Fall Harvest Conference. She will lead two virtual workshops: “Spring and Summer Seasonal Tonics” on Sept. 11 and “Fall and Winter Seasonal Tonics” on Sept. 12.
She hopes to inspire people to think about herbs as the foundation of their healthcare plan. During the sessions, she will demonstrate how to prepare tonics, including dandelion bitters, hibiscus tea, and onion juice. Participants also will receive recipes that they can try at home.
Howell currently lives in Southern Appalachia. She says the region is “nirvana” for herbalists because it’s the most botanically diverse in North America.
As the cofounder of the BotanoLogos School of Herbal Studies, Howell teaches and mentors aspiring herbalists. “We need more herbalists,” she said. “I think it’s such an incredible form of healing that’s affordable and easy for people to integrate into their daily lives.”
Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, Howell spent her summers leading students into the forests to forage for medicinal plants and discuss their uses. Now, her classes are online, but she’s reaching more people than ever before. Those looking for simple ways to boost their immune systems and stay healthy are finding answers in the natural world.
Author: OGS
Organic Growers School is a non-profit organization providing organic education since 1993. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and support people in our region to farm, garden, and live organically.
