Gaia's Gifts

The Daily Wild Zine and a Special Gift from Blue Turtle Botanicals

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:43:00 +0000

Friends, it is with GREAT Pleasure that I share this lovely little announcement with you! A dear sister in the Southwest, Meekah Sage, has created a wonderful little art zine- The Daily Wild zine. Its a beautiful tribute to rewilding, resacreding, living fully, sensory awareness, nature connection and so much much more!

I'm super honored to be featured in an interview in this month's issue on Love, Sex and Aphrodisiacs.

But there is more!

If you are one of the first 10 folks to order a paper copy directly from Meekah, you will get a special free package of Love Charm Herbal Aphrodisiac Tea from me! And everyone who orders a copy, paper or pdf, will get a special discount code to be used in my store at Poppy Swap!

You can order your copy now at the DailyWild Blog today!

May your month be as juicy and glorious and full of love as you can dream!

Valentine's Day Lovers Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:47:00 +0000

Its almost that time- that some people love to love and some people love to dread....valentines day.
But no matter your relationship status - you can participate in LOVE.
Love isn't just about having a partner, making love, or getting roses. Love is shared between good friends, family members, between humans and the great Earth Mama we walk upon. You can LOVE yourself! Self love is the most important kind of love there is- loving ourselves well, nourishing our spirits, our hearts and our bodies makes us available and able to share love with everyone in our lives.
In honor of the lovers in us all - that come in all shapes and forms- I'm offering a special Valentine's Day sale at PoppySwap!

Starting on February 1 through February 15- shop at my Poppy Swap store and use the discount code "love4u" for a 15% discount on your entire order! This is perfect timing for gifting to your loved ones or yourself- and a deeply nourishing and life affirming gift- rather than sprayed roses or unethically mined stones or precious metals. Though I am still a fan of fine chocolates!

And a little plug for my sweet dear love friend- Ananda- who has the most amazing perfumery talent. She has just created and listed some stunning lover's perfumes at Poppy Swap. You want to treat yourself or your lover to an especially indulgent and affirming gift....I highly reccommend Ananda's perfumes!

Also- stay tuned to http://dailywild.wordpress.com/d-a-i-l-y-w-i-l-d-z-i-n-e/, where my sweet sister Meekah Sage has created a rewilding zine for all us wild folk- and in February the issue is all about love- aphrodisiacs and more. Check it out for an article I shared all about herbal aphrodisiacs!

Spring Medicinal Plant Walk Schedule for 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:27:00 +0000

Mark your calendars now friends- the dates for the spring 2012 medicinal plant walks have been set! register for one, or save money and register for 4 at once with a savings of $20!

Desert Valley Early Spring

February 18, 2012

9 am – 1 pm - $30

Foothills Late Spring

March 10, 2012 9 am– 1 pm - $30

Desert Valley Trees

April 21, 2012 9 am – 1 pm - $30

Mid-elevation Mountains

May 19, 2012 9 am– 1 pm - $30

Mountain Tree Walk

June 2, 2012 8 am– 2 pm - $40

Directions and location upon registration, but we'll be staying in the low desert exploring the washes and desert foothills!

Want to join in the plant walks every month?
Pre-Register for 4 walks for just $25 a piece! $100 total- join any plant walk scheduled in the next year!

4 Plant Walks- $100

Community Plant Medicine Sharing Circles in Tucson, AZ

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 04:50:00 +0000

I am super excited and proud to announce that I'm offering a new Community Plant Medicine Sharing Circle twice a month starting in Februrary in Tucson, AZ. All are welcome from beginner to expert- just please come prepared to share your experiences and thoughts and questions about the plant of the week! Bring your medicine creations to share! We are all teachers- and we are all students!
Offered by Spirit Guided Donation at The Power of 9 at Mondays at 6:30 pm

Feb 20 - Calendula

March 5 - Yarrow

March 19 - Nettles

RSVP to shamana.flora@gmail.com

http://www.meetup.com/The-Tucson-Life-Transformation-Group/events/48977422/

First Medicinal Plant Walk of 2012 - Feb. 18!

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:57:00 +0000

Spring is about to spring in the southwest deserts! Join Darcey Blue for the first of her monthly Medicinal Plant walks in the desert ecosystem- we will track plants through the seasons of the year in washes, desert mountains, alpine sky island mountains and more!

We will learn about plant identification, ecology, medicinal and edible uses, proper harvesting technique, preparations that are useful for each plant and so much more!

Feb 18, 2012
9 am - 1 pm
$30

RSVP and hold your spot in the plant walk today!
shamana.flora@gmail.com

Early Registration for Weaving the Wheel of the Year is Dec 15!

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 01:51:00 +0000

"The mother of us all, the oldest of us all, Hard, splendid as rock, let the beauty you love, be what you do. There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the earth"~ Rumi ~

The Early Bird registration date for Weaving the Wheel of the Year is approaching this week! Anyone who registers by Dec 15 is going to receive a sweet welcome gift package right around Yule time! If you've been thinking of joining in for the journey, don't wait, and get started with your connection to yourself- to the Earth- and to Spirit in the season of Yule!

Weaving the Wheel of the Year

Do you feel the seasonal shifts of the Earth in your heart, bones, and spirit?

Are you yearning to find meaningful ways to connect with and honor these energies of the Earth and your spirit?

Do you have a sense that the power and magic of the Earth and the plants is something you could tap into for your healing and well being?

Do you notice the ways that certain plants seem to become more vibrant and powerful at different times of the year?

Would you like to learn practical and effective ways to nourish and prepare your body, your home, and your spirit to live in tune with these seasonal cycles and shifts through food, herbal medicine, ritual, and community?

Do you feel like a kitchen goddess, who enjoys brewing up pots of soup, creative meals, herbal brews, and magical potions for your family and friends?

Are you ready to dive whole-heartedly into all this and more?

Then join me on a powerful journey deep into the medicine and power of the seasonal shifts that our beloved home, Earth, moves through each year. I have spent many years as an herbalist wandering the wild lands of the west- the deserts and mountains, and the east- forests and fields, watching, sensing, and learning about how the seasons, and the seasonal shifts effect our biology, our spirits, and our life journey. I have sat with the plants and learned so much from them through personal experience and communion. They have shared how to spiral into the energy of each season with plant medicine, with appropriate foods, with ritual and ceremony, and nature awareness. My life has been deeply changed and fully nourished by sitting on the Earth and feeling her power and her moods. Now I would like to share this experience and journey with you- so that you too may be deeply nourished from Gaia’s healing plants, foods and energies.

In this unique program you will receive an in-depth, hands on and heart-centered lesson and herbal medicine for each quarter and cross quarter day for a full year. That is 8 lessons and 8 seasonally appropriate herbal medicines to help you balance and attune to the energies of the earth happening around you and within you. Plus access to a community of like minded spirits, and specific practices and suggestions for you from me as you explore!

You will recieve every 6 weeks (8 times per year):

1 seasonally appropriate herbal medicine to help you attune and adjust to the seasonal energy (2 oz tincture, 2 oz tea, 1 plant or flower essence, 2 oz oil or salve)

1 surprise gift for your ceremony, practice or celebration of each season

A lesson jam packed with information about the seasonal energies present at each quarter and cross quarter day, plants and herbal medicines that can support you in each seasons energy and work, seasonally appropriate activities to do alone or with your family, journaling questions and more.

Periodic emails highlighting special natural events, shifts, and resources as you work within the program.

Access to a private community web space to share your discoveries, challenges and inspirations and stay in touch through the years changes.

A private teleconference for participants only each 6 weeks with Darcey on a seasonally appropriate topic and Q&A session.

If you are ready to discover your deep and powerful connections with the rhythms of the Earth and her seasons through herbal medicine, healing foods, and time spent on the Earth, then join me today for this amazing journey!

Program begins on Imbolc/St. Brighid’s Day, February 1, 2012 and continues through mid January 2013. Space is limited in this unique and transformative journey, and will close early if all the spaces fill before the deadline!

Registrations accepted through Jan 15, 2012.

Join me today for an amazing journey into Earth, Self, Plants and Connection!

Ready to sign up right now!?

Register Here!

Class: Love Medicines: Herbs for the Heart, Love, & Romance

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 22:20:00 +0000

Class: Love Medicines: Herbs for the Heart, Love, & Romance

Friday, February 10, 2012, 7:00 -9:00 PM

The Power of 9

729 N. 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ

Join herbalist Darcey Blue for an evening exploring and experiencing the plants that serve us in our LOVE. Plants can help us center our consciousness in the heart, open the heart to love, heal and soothe heartaches, stoke the fires of love and passion, and increase the power of the senses.

Come learn about these special plants, essences, aromas and foods that are heart healers, heart allies & aphrodisiacs and how they can support your heart in Love and beyond. We will be tasting and experiencing the herbs first hand! Be prepared for a sensual treat!

$35

Prepayment and register by contacting Darcey Blue -shamana.flora@gmail.com

Class:The Art of Healing Herbal Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:08:00 +0000

The Art of Healing Herbal Tea

Saturday, February 4, 2012, 2:00 pm - 5:30pm

The Power of 9

729 N. 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ

Join herbalist Darcey Blue for an afternoon learning the secrets of blending delicious and effective herbal tea blends for daily nourishment, family wellness, acute care, and pure pleasure!

We will learn about what kinds of plants are best used in tea form, various tea preparation methods, how to blend for taste, recipes, basic formulation techniques, herbal energetics and each student will get to take home a tea blend that we make during the workshop!

Plus we'll get a chance to taste various herbs and tea blends! An herbal tea party! Tea making supplies provided at the workshop, please bring your own mug for our tea tasting party!

$35, includes tea making supplies

Prepayment and register by contacting Darcey Blue -shamana.flora@gmail.com

Home is where the Heart is....

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:55:00 +0000

Here I sit- on the verge of embarking on another cross country journey (in winter no less), another move (the 5th in the last two years), and another resettling, resetting, creating, crafting, dreaming of my life. I'm going home.

For many years I hesitated to call the desert land I lived in for almost 10 years home. I told myself that I didn't want to stay there forever. But, I did everything I knew how to root myself deeply in that land- learning the wild medicines, the wild foods, the plants that stood sentinel in the desert valleys and mountain peaks, drinking the rain water, returning to the same tree and same exposed mountain top to outpour my sorrows, and to receive the life flow from the Earth. Because as an Earth daughter- that is what makes me whole, this is what keeps me sane in this insane time.

And then I left it all behind- for love, for learning, for a journey that would take me deep into the depths of despair, take me to the breaking point, and that would leave me totally empty and drained- and that would fill me up with new loves, the sweetest friendships, the beginning understanding of all the ways I can share what I love with the world, the ways that i have the power to create everything i need and want- the miraculous embrace of green, wet, fertile earth and tree guardians all around. Sweet birch trees- sexy, gentle, vibrant ladies of the wood - insisted on living inside me, in my head all the time. Wild secluded river sanctuaries begging me to bare skin and surrender to cold, cleansing flow.

And as I sit today- all my possessions, all my medicines packed away in giant box to be shipped cross country,
I'm crying for what I am choosing to leave behind again. I know that none of it is lost to me, I carry it in my heart. This is home too.
But I long for the land I am native to, that grew me into the plant whisperer I am today, that holds my life history, my heart history.
To some it might seem silly to feel attatched to a place. I could make my life wherever I choose. In time.

but i'm choosing- because its what my heart cried out for for months and months on end. I belong to the Earth- no matter where I am, but my soul longs for that deepest, wildest connection with the land I love.
But- I know that my heart is in so many places- all at once. it lives in the wild trees of eastern forests, it lives on that ravaged and rewilding piece of land protected by hawthorn and fae in maine, it lives in the most precious friendships i've known, it lives in desert peaks, it lives in saguaro flowers and cactus fruits, it lives in a wild southwestern canyon, in lives in the lovers i have known, near and far, old and new, it lives in the moonlight that shines down on the fecund body of Gaia each night.

I almost don't know how to hold it all...how to breathe with my heart living in so many places, so many people, so many lands, so many rivers, so many plants. So i guess that means my home is everywhere....maybe it really doesn't matter where i go. my heart is of the earth...it lives everywhere that i have loved, lived and been authentically me.

I shall build a temple

to every land I have loved with my deepest heart

to every water course that has caressed my skin

to every fallen trunk I have straddled between my legs

to each wild tree that has beckoned me to press my breast

against their firm body

to every lover’s skin I have tasted

to each steamy breath exhaled in reverence for beauty before me

to every anguished cry uttered to the wind to carry away

to every ardent kiss of warm sun on my body

to each rock that has begged to be touched with tender lust.

I shall build this temple in bones

with walls of muscle and sinew

with fountains overflowing with fertile blood

with my voice in song

and passionate drum throbbing of my heart.

My tears to purify, my breath to stoke the sacred fire

Each moment of blissful ecstasy the daily prayers

each agonizing moment of grief the offering and sacrifice.

I shall build this temple in my living body

that each cell become a testament to holy presence

that each morsel, each thought, each memory

be sanctified in its consumption.

That when I die my temple will live on in the fecund Earth

live on in the song in tree leaves

live on in the mystery of blooming flowers

live on in the magic of rapturous lovers in the moonlight.

I shall build a temple to a sacred

Life.

Plant Medicine Journey Circle - January 26, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:55:00 +0000

Plant Medicine Journey Circle - January 26, 2012- 7pm

Join Herbalist and Plant Whisperer Darcey Blue for an evening exploring the world of the plant spirits. Learn about communicating with and understanding the messages and guidance the plants have for us, and using the plants as spiritual healing allies. We will use various techniques to guide us into the ways of the plant spirits, including drum journey, plant essences, sensory experience, and plant oracles. No experience necessary, this circle is open to all, regardless of experience with plants, herbalism or shamanism. We will explore and experience the plants together. We will delve deeply in how to approach and use plant spirit medicine as a healing tool for yourself and loved ones, including how to prepare plant essences, work with plant spirits in journey work, medicine bags, oracles and more. We will work with a new plant each (monthly) session, no two will be alike! Focus will be on plants growing in the Sonoran desert bioregion and Sky Islands!

Offered by Spirit guided donation.

At the Institute for Shamanic Arts in Tucson, AZ

http://www.meetup.com/tucson-circle-for-the-shamanic-arts/

Medicine of the Heart: Cacao Ceremony and Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:39:00 +0000

Medicine of the Heart: Cacao Ceremony and Journey

Jan 21, 2012

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Join Darcey Blue, herbalist and plant whisperer, of Blue Turtle Botanicals, for the first healing ceremony for the Heart with the medicine of Cacao. Cacao, in its unrefined state, is a rich source of antioxidants, minerals, and compounds that activate the heart, the blood, the mind, and spirit. The medicine of Cacao is well known in our culture, but has been dulled, refined and watered down. Literally. Come and experience the power of true cacao. There is a reason it has been called ‘Food of the Gods’ and was used regularly by indigenous peoples of the Americas for ceremony. In this heart opening workshop we will sit in circle to create sacred space for this plant spirit and its work, and share a drink of cacao in a form you have likely never tasted before. We will use drum, journey, voice and movement to explore the teachings and healing that Cacao has for YOU at this time. Be prepared for heart opening, recovering/uncovering, deep feeling and engaging the physical senses. Your focus, intention and spirit and heart’s desires will be magnified. Use this time to journey into YOUR heart.

$25
at The Power of 9

729 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ

Please register by Jan 20, contact Darcey - shamana.flora@gmail.com

2012 Blue Turtle Botanicals CSA

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:30:00 +0000

It’s that time! The Blue Turtle Botanicals Basic CSA program is accepting new members for 2012 for a limited time only! If you’ve been waiting to get in on the CSA fun, now is the time join in!

EARLY BIRD BONUS: And as an extra thank you, new members who join the CSA before December 15, 2011 will receive a free jar of Darcey’s highly prized Chaparral Salve in early spring 2012!

Space is limited in the CSA each year so make sure to act quickly before all the spots fill up!

Do you like delicious freshly blended teas, handcrafted medicinal quality tinctures and elixirs, healing natural salves, luscious nourishing face creams and wildcrafted herbs? Join the Blue Turtle Botanicals CSA!

Darcey Blue is the clinical herbalist, wildcrafter, plant whisperer, medicine maker and owner of Blue Turtle Botanicals. In recent years, the development of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA's) has blossomed all across the country. In this unique partnership, communities support their local farms, business and ecosystems by purchasing a share at the beginning of the season, and are rewarded with rich, healthy, locally grown food and products for a specific amount of time.

In light of this development, Darcey Blue has created a unique Herbal CSA! Much like farming, earth centered herbalism is based on long term relationships with the land and the plants harvested, and the skill and art of making medicines, formulas and finished products from the raw plants. Herbal products have become widely available in health food stores across the nation, allowing more people more access to natural plant medicines, but what is lacking from this model, is precisely what the Community Supported Agriculture movement has done for farming, and what it can do for herbalism! It provides sustainable, healthy, locally produced plant medicines made by with the skill, knowledge, intention, love and magic of your herbalist. And now, the Herbal CSA!

The Blue Turtle Botanicals Herbal CSA is:

a year round program with potent herbal medicines delivered to your door spring, summer, fall & winter
delivery to your home each month through the mail- you never have to go anywhere to pick up your share
offers multiple share sizes, share lengths, and payment plans (see below for details)
affordable
provides the freshest, most potent plant medicine and products for your personal use (products are made seasonally, and fresh- nothing sitting on a shelf for months on end!)
supplies you with seasonally appropriate medicines and products (elderberry for cold & flu season, cooling tea blends for summer iced infusions, soup herbs to infuse your fall soups with healing plants)
offers a wide variety of medicines and product types for all tastes- including tinctures, elixirs, medicinal tea blends, infused healing oils, salves, luscious body care, flower essences, vinegars and more!
free e mail newsletter with educational information each month about each of the products included in your share, and suggestions on how to use the products

supports the skills, experience, knowledge, and heartfelt connection of your herbalist, Darcey, with the plants and land she works from

The Herbal CSA makes a wonderful gift to yourself each month, with a new product to nourish your well being arriving every month. It is ideal for the herbal enthusiast who would like to learn more about new plants and herbal products, the family building their natural medicine cabinet, the herbal student, and anyone who would like to use natural healing on a more regular basis, and those who support the local, sustainable and community based product model (like CSA's!)

Your options for joining the CSA are many:

6 month or 12 month duration
Small share (1 product per month) or Large share (2 products per month)
Monthly payment plan subscription or pay up front for the entire share duration.

Registration is open from Nov 25, 2011 until Jan 15, 2012

The Herbalist's Apothecary Membership 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:16:00 +0000

The Herbalist's Apothecary Membership

Do you want to use herbal medicine on a daily basis for wellness and health care, but don’t have time to make every medicine you might want to have on hand?

Would you like to start to learn about herbs and how to use them, but don’t know where to start, or don’t have access to a local teacher?
Do you already use herbal medicines, but want to spend more time studying your plants, and learning a variety of ways to use them from the comfort of your home?

In this very special offering for 2012, I’m offering a special membership to a limited number of people who want to build their herbal apothecary from the bottom up and learn more about herbal medicines and plants. Stock your herbal apothecary with potent hand made medicines frequently used by herbalists all over the world, including tinctures, oils, teas and more. The membership lasts for 12 months.

Each month will feature one or two well loved and widely used plants and includes:

2 oz tincture/elixir
2 oz salve or infused oil
2 oz blended tea or infused vinegar
PDF Herb features of the month (2 plants per month) with materia medica, recipes, activities, and plant spirit medicine of the plants included in each months package.

This membership is the perfect match for herbalists and herbal students who wish to dive deeper into their experience and learning of herbal plant medicines with in depth support content, a wide variety of preparations from each plant offered in the program, and activities to deepen their own practice and relationship to the plants they use as medicine. It is also a wonderful choice for anyone who wishes to rely on natural, herbal medicines as their primary health care and wants to begin to stock their pantry with a wide variety of standard and versatile plant medicines.

Registration for this membership is limited and only open from November 25, 2011 until December 31, 2011. The membership program and mailings begin Februrary 1, 2012

Weaving the Wheel of the Year Program 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:35:00 +0000

"The mother of us all, the oldest of us all, Hard, splendid as rock, let the beauty you love, be what you do. There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the earth"~ Rumi ~

People often ask me what made me decide to “be an herbalist,” and I could tell them about the heroine of my favorite book I read when I was 12, or the countless botany classes I took in college, or even the vivid dream I had that illustrated to me in such clear terms a path I was to walk. But really, it was the plants that made me an herbalist. It was the plants that beckoned me ever closer to the bosom of the Earth. It was the plants that rooted me in ‘place.’ It was the plants that became my beloved friends no matter where I went. I cannot express enough gratitude in words to these magnificent beings that live, breathe and inhabit our earth in an abundant blanket of green for bringing me here to today, for making me who I am, and reaching me so deeply, for teaching me how to walk on the Earth- with deep awareness, with open heart, with wide eyes, with unending gratitude.

And so I sit with plants, on the Earth, almost every day. I watch their colors and shapes change through the seasons. I celebrate their breaking forth from seed into fragile cotyledons, and rejoice in their fruiting. I jump up and down like a child when I find the first dandelion flower, and cry with love and relief when I return to a beloved tree, who stands, waiting always, for her friend to sing her a song. Time passes in our lives, and on the Earth, as she spins through space around our sun. We have many ways of measuring time- watches, calendars, birthdays, anniversaries, women’s moon cycles, births, deaths, daylight, darkness, moon phases, constellations, seasons. The plants have always been an exquisite and beautiful way for me to track the shifts in time- over the span of a year and the seasons, and over the longer time frames over years. I await each spring with anticipation- to see the first leaf burst forth from the bud on the trees, and the shining faces of ephemeral wildflowers. I feel the fullness of summer in the heavy weight of heat, and humid air- the expectation of summer thunderstorms, and the glorious release of bounty of fruits, plant medicines, wild foods, and garden produce. I grieve as the trees let their beautiful leaves fall to the ground in autumn, and keep faith in the seeds that fall nestled in the safety of those leaves. I know those trees do not mourn the loss of their leaves, for the shedding of what has passed, nourishes what is yet to come. I feel the deep drawing inward in the dark of winter, and feel the sadness in the long sleep and little death that comes with the first snow- a blanket to protect the bare ground through the darkness and chill.

The world is always speaking to us, and the language I understand is that of the plants, the trees, the roots and seeds- and the visceral way I experience and sense the world in my body, in my spirit and my natural urges. My body is of this earth, my bones made from the eons of mineral rocks ground to soil, my waters of the salty brined sea, my passions tied to the firey core of her, my breath fed from the respiration of the trees, my body nourished from each morsel of plant, animal and air that has existed. When I feel the anguish of loss, the sharp knife of anger, the ecstasy of passion, the sweetness of presence and peace- I go to her. I give of myself to her. She holds me- she makes me. Earth. I am.

Weaving the Wheel of the Year

Do you feel the seasonal shifts of the Earth in your heart, bones, and spirit?

Are you yearning to find meaningful ways to connect with and honor these energies of the Earth and your spirit?

Do you have a sense that the power and magic of the Earth and the plants is something you could tap into for your healing and well being?

Do you notice the ways that certain plants seem to become more vibrant and powerful at different times of the year?

Do you feel like a kitchen goddess, who enjoys brewing up pots of soup, creative meals, herbal brews, and magical potions for your family and friends?

Are you ready to dive whole-heartedly into all this and more?

Join me today for an amazing journey into Earth, Self, Plants and Connection!

Ready to sign up right now!?

Register Here!

Winter Wellness Kits

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 01:51:00 +0000

No body likes to get the flu, and yet, even when we do all the right things to take care of ourselves- eat well, get plenty of rest, use immune supportive herbals- sometimes we still get sick. But instead of the false security and potential hazards of getting a flu shot, invest in preparedness. Take your elderberry daily. Get to bed and sleep 8 hrs a night, at least! Eat plenty of warm, nourishing foods and stay away from sugar.

I developed this Winter Wellness kit to help you be totally prepared for when despite your best efforts, you or your loved one comes down with the flu, or even a cold. It can be miserable, and once you are in the thick of it it is hard to gather yourself to go out and find or buy all the things you might need or want to have on hand. So start off by having everything, all together, in one place, with the Winter Wellness Kit from Blue Turtle Botanicals. It features 3 tinctures- each for a specific purpose, made from ethically and sacredly wildcrafted plants.

Elder Elixir- a delicious blend of immune supporting and anti-viral elder berries and elder flowers.

Yarrow Boneset Compound- an effective diaphoretic blend, that both relaxes tissues, stimulates circulation, releases tension, supports a healthy fever and relieves aches and pains.

Nighttime Respiratory Calm- this formula is designed specifically to calm the cough that just won't quit and keeps you up night. This is strong medicine, use it during the day, but make sure you can stay bundled up and resting, as it may make you sleepy!

In addition, you get a healthy serving of Sniffles and Sneezes herbal tea, which supports healthy fever and immune response, relieves sore scratchy throats, and aids in breaking up congestion.
Along with all the medicines I'm including an instruction card on how best to use the medicines for maximum effectiveness, and How to Handle Winter Illness, a short article about treating winter illness at home safely and successfully. This makes it the perfect kit to gift to someone new to herbs, or have on hand for your family to use, even if you aren't available to tell them how to use it.
Available at Poppyswap and Etsy right now! Limited quantity!

Can't buy a kit right now, but still want to know more about how to combat winter illnesses at home safely and effectively?
Subscribe to my newsletter and get a free copy of my how to "How to Handle Winter Illness at Home"

Gaia's gift of Weather: Thoughts on Hurricane Irene, Preparedness and Presence

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 15:13:00 +0000

Much of the Eastern seaboard, including my little spot in western Vermont is under the baleful eye of Hurricane Irene. Despite the scare tactics and fear mongering I saw in the news this week, it has been a wonderful opportunity to tune in to the messages of the land, to pay attention to what needs tending in our immediate surroundings, and to harness the power of Gaia's breath.

In the days before the onset of the storm, I spent some time preparing myself and my home for the effects of the storm- making sure I had ways to care for myself, even if power went out or I was cut off from travel due to downed trees or flooding. I have extra water, a source of heat and fire for cooking (both a wood stove and wood and a propane cook stove), plenty of non perishable foods- canned fish, beans, hearty greens, lactofermented pickles, sauerkraut, apples and such. My herbal pantry is stocked with nervines, and I've been imbibing nervine teas with chamomile and lavender.

And certainly not least, I've spent a good portion of the weekend outside on the land- feeling the incredible stillness and anticipation in the air. All the plants and trees communicating their awareness and readiness for the oncoming storm- reassuring me that storms come and go, and life continues to flourish and flower. I gathered medicines for the upcoming winter months- elderberries, alder branches, boneset, hawthorn berries - and put them up into elixirs, oils, and tinctures.

This storm is a reminder to be to always be living each moment fully- fully present, aware and connected. That each moment is precious- whether it is our last or one of many more to come. Things around us can change in the blink of an eye, or in a matter of hours in a storm. And to be well prepared for life's storms. Although we can't anticipate everything that might come our way, we can prepare ourselves, through attention and presence, and wise planning to have on hand the resources we might need in many cases. Food, medicine, community support, back up plans.

As the winds are picking up here, I'm struck by the awesome power and beauty in the storm at hand. It brings me closer to my humanity, and more in touch with the precious present moment, the trees that surround my house, the river that runs through this little mountain town, my senses are fully aware.

While this storm is blowing through, I'm thinking of the things I'd like to release and wash away, and what I'd like to breath power and life into. The elements of water and air- emotion and mental precision. Set your intention with forethought and passion- use the power of these elements to manifest, release and empower.

Wishing safety and peace to all as we journey through this storm!

Talking to Trees: Exploring the Medicine of the Tree Nation ONLINE INTENSIVE starts October 1!

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:48:00 +0000

Talking to Trees: Exploring the Medicine of the Tree Nation

8 week online intensive

$150-$200 sliding scale

October 1, 2011- November 26, 2011

Back by popular demand! I have had several folks request another run of Talking to Trees- so here's your chance!

Grandmother of Oak trees

Join herbalist, tree lover, and wild woman Darcey Blue for an online intensive all about the Trees! 8 weeks of lessons, personal correspondence with Darcey, and community of sharing and learning for the duration of the course!

• Learn about 20 of the major medicinal trees of North America

o Ecology and biology

o Energetic, medicinal and practical uses

o harvesting, preparations, medicine making

o Tree essences

o folklore and more

• Make your own medicinal oils, tinctures, teas and smudges

• Learn how to identify and work with trees unique to your bioregion

• Share experiences and learning with other herb students, herbalists and plant lovers.

Weekly lessons sent via e-mail, and group discussion on an e mail list forum is expected as part of the course. Please plan to devote 2-4 hours of time per week to this intensive. Readings, journalling, time spent with trees around you and medicine making assignments all take time. This is a hands on and experiential intensive, you will get out of it what you put into it. The best way to learn about plants, including trees is to spend time with them, around them and getting to know them. Please be ready to dive in with excitment!

Some additional books and supplies are required for the course. Syllabus available upon request.

Please register with a $50 deposit by Sept 30, 2011 by e mailing shamana.flora@gmail.com

Space is limited, so register as soon as you are ready to commit!

Full course payment expected by Oct 1, 2011 unless a payment plan is previously arranged. No refunds available after Oct 8.

Save your spot in the course with a deposit now!

Plant Journeys: ELIXIR GIVEAWAY Contest!

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:41:00 +0000

Plant Journeys: ELIXIR GIVEAWAY Contest!

Do be sure to enter Ananda's giveaway for a free yummy elixir! Help choose the winning elixir of the Women's Herbal Conference!

Spanish Mountain Life by Juliette de Bairacli Levy and TONS of free gifts!

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:59:00 +0000

Hello Friends,
Last month the Wise Woman Bookshop released A Gypsy In New York, a republished version of Juliette de Bairacli Levy's account of life in New York in the early part of the century. The third and final republished book being released is Juliette's, Spanish Mountain Life. If you want to learn more about Juliette, her life of adventure, herbs and wise womanhood, you won't want to miss this book!

Song for the Night Rain

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:09:00 +0000

soft summer night rain song...oh the longing, oh the wistful ache, oh how too fast life blows by in a blink of the eye.

i want to be reborn as a mighty old mother oak tree...watching the twist and swirl of life currents,

earth spirals on tree time...

to feel seasons pass as if dreams, upon waking finding a new dream to dream,

feel the rotting of leaf matter feeding, and the fleeting burst of mushrooms rising to the occasion...

to know the dark secret heart of Her, to touch with outstretched roots the firey creation of her fecund womb

to caress with leafy fingers aloft, along with moonshine, and cloud mist, the miracle of her ceaseless respiration

to taste the raindrops and summer dew as the sweet nectar that falls from her breast

and feel the snowy down, the cocoon for metamorphosis

from dying, to birthing, to living.

each leaf that drops a blessing, and an offering to her fertile altar

the fruit that falls, endless potential,

neverminding the bears and boars that consume them,

making pregnant with the seed of my tree soul,

to birth again, a new potential

My dreams transformed to fruit in the alchemy of life eating life.

Elderberry Shrub and Other Delights

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:45:00 +0000

Its elderberry season in New England. Time to start checking your favorite stand of bushes for ripe fruits and getting there before the critters get them all!

Elderberry is my favorite antiviral ally- I use it frequently (almost always) during cold, flu, and have seen it work work wonders in cases of HSV1 & 2 and Shingles. I use it all winter long as a tonic and the recipe I'm sharing below is a most delicious way of getting elderberry goodness on a daily basis. If I feel like I'm coming down with something, I take elderberry every hour, or as often as I remember. In addition, if you know you'll be in a place or period of time nearby others who are ill or are susceptible to getting the winter blarghs, take elderberries before, during and after exposures.

Most famous is Elderberry Syrup. This is my recipe for elderberry syrup that is uncooked and made from dried berries. I prefer not to boil my fruits to death when making syrups. If you have fresh berries, you can modify the recipe to cook the berries slightly to get them to release their medicine.

Elderberry Elixir, is a favorite among herbalists all over, and is another delicious and easy way to get your elderberries everyday.

But my favorite, which I can never make enough of, is Elderberry Shrub! What is elderberry shrub? I mean, we know elder is a shrub...but huh?
A shrub is a mixture of fruit, vinegar and often honey. It can be made with any delicious summer fruits or berries you like. Rose hips, raspberries, black berries, blueberries, hawthorn etc. This is used as a concentrate to add to refreshing beverages all year round. I like to mix my shrub concentrate with sparkling water for an almost soda like treat, with a medicinal punch. But it is delicious added to juices, water, or even by the spoonful! I use approximately a tablespoon or two of shrub per 8 oz cup of sparkling water. Your milage may vary.

Elderberry Shrub
1/2 qt fresh or dried elderberries
1 qt (more or less) apple cider vinegar
1/3 c raw honey ( you may use more if you like it sweeter)

Place berries in a jar, add honey, and pour vinegar over the top of the fruits until the jar is full. Cap well (keep in mind vinegar will eat away at metal lids, you may choose to use a plastic lid or line your metal lid with waxed paper) and shake vigourously. Wait 4 weeks. Shake frequently.
Strain, and reserve liquid in a pretty jar for gifting, or in another container for storage. I keep mine in the fridge right next to the sparkly water, but you don't need to keep it cold once it is made. It should keep 3-6 months or possibly longer stored in a dark, cool area.

Drink frequently! Yum!

What are your favorite Elderberry preparations and how do you use them!?

Wallow Fire and the Anima Center Emergency Fund

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 21:15:00 +0000

As I'm sure many of you have heard, there is a horrific and huge human caused wildfire burning in the White Mountains of Arizona, spreading into New Mexico. If you have been following my blog for any length of time you know of my close relationship over many years to the folks at the Anima Center. They are a pillar of strength in the herbal community, offering the amazing Plant Healer Magazine, putting on the best new herb conference in the country, the Traditions in Western Herbalism Conference, and serve countless other folks in their quests for wholeness, healing, connection with the land and wildness- and have given me countless untold gifts, lessons, and love over the years.

This fire is inching nearer by the day to their precious and wild retreat center and botanical sanctuary, and they are doing everything in their power to protect their hand built homestead and guest dwellings, including fitting a pump to bring water from the river to keep their living area damp in the face of the encroaching fire.
Here's their latest update- http://animacenter.org/blog/?p=2466. This effort, though grand and infinitely valuable will not stop the fire from burning through 30 years of riparian restoration work on this sanctuary land should it reach them. My heart is breaking to think of that precious and powerful place that held me for so many years in such peril.

They have set up an emergency fund by donations to help them finance both the protective measures for their homestead and the repair, rebuilding, restoration and healing work they do for the sanctuary and the community they live in should the need arise.

the work these people do is absolutely invaluable and immeasurable, both personally, and for the herbal community, and in our world in these times of change.
Please, from the bottom of my heart, consider making a donation to their emergency fund, no matter how small it might be.
I have nothing to spare right now, yet still found a way to give, even just a small donation. I know that every dollar counts, and every day counts. This needs to get to them ASAP to make the difference in the preservation of their home.

Donations to the Anima Emergency Fund can be made at:

http://animacenter.org/donate.html

Wild Things: Nettle Kraut

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:13:00 +0000

Gather nettles. A lot. This recipe yielded one quart, and I had about 4 -6 cups of chopped nettle leaves.

Chop your nettles coarsely, and put into a large bowl with 1 tbsp salt. Chop 1/2 cabbage head finely. Add to the bowl of chopped nettles with another tbsp of salt. Slice 1/2 red onion finely. Add to the bowl.

Massage the nettles and cabbage and salt with your hands for 5-10 minutes, until they begin to release their juices. If you are concerned about getting stung, you can beat the cabbage & nettles with a mallet, clean jar or other tool, but I used my hands, and didn't have any problems with getting stung.

Stuff into a jar, and press firmly until the juices flow over the top of the kraut. Top with a grape leaf to keep it crunchy. Cap firmly- after ensuring the liquid completely covers the kraut (if not, add brine (salt water) to cover.) Set aside on a dish to catch any overflow, for a week, minimum. Longer makes a more sauer kraut

YUM!

Wild Things: Nettles for Breakfast!

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:21:00 +0000

Oooops. It was so delicious I forgot to take a picture before I ate it all up.
June is Nettles month for the Wild Things round-up.

My favorite combination is nettles with preserved lemons. Here's a handy, tasty breakfast recipe. Switch the eggs up for chicken, or sausage for a lunch or supper.

Nettles with Preserved Lemon & Garlic

2 cups chopped fresh nettles (use frozen if you don't have fresh.)
1-2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup chopped fresh tomato
1 preserved lemon, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs per person ( or more if you like)

add butter and garlic to a hot pan and sautee for 2 min. Add nettles, tomatoes, and preserved lemon, plus salt and pepper to taste. Sautee gently until the nettles and tomatoes are soft and the garlic is cooked to your liking. ( I prefer mine a bit undercooked.)

When cooked plate out.
In some extra butter, fry two eggs per person. Or scramble them, or poach them. Whatever old way you like your eggs. Plate on top of the nettles. Top with kim chi, sauerkraut, pickled carrots or beets or what have you.

Serve immediately! YUM!
This serves one. Pick more nettles if you are feeding a family. A lot more. Bagfuls and bagfuls! There are never enough nettles!

Whole Food Meals for Empty Pockets- Wilted Kale Nicoise Salad

noreply@blogger.com (Darcey Blue) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 22:39:00 +0000

Found myself in a time of little money, and a lot of transition. But skimping on eating healthy food isn't my idea of a good time- broke or not. So, to the co-op I went, and spent 70$ on food. To last me until the end of the month. Thats roughly 23 bucks a week for three weeks.
So, what can you make that's healthy on a budget like that?

My biggest concern was how to get adequate healthy protein for my high protein, high fat diet. I try to stay away from too many grains, but have made an exception during this period to include well soaked and well cooked beans.

I stocked up on organic dry beans (pinto, chickpea and lentils), 4 dozen eggs, cans of wild salmon and tuna, a family pack organic meats on sale when I shopped (that was a family pack of some steaks, chicken thighs, bacon ends, and several soup bones.)
I also invested in some butter, some kale (2 bunches, and high hopes of including wild foraged greens in my daily fare- including nettles, grape, dandelion, violet.)

I also gratefully accepted some donations from a friend, including some olive oil, vinegar, a chicken, onions, garlic and some other basics.

So- here's some of the on the cheap meals I'm creating!
Wilted Kale Nicoise Salad
Serves 2

2 c chopped kale leaves
2 boiled eggs
1/2 - 1 can tuna
1-2 c slow cooked chickpeas
1 slice red onion, diced
1/2 c tomato slices (I admit, I splurged at the farm stand- but got a giant bunch of small org farm tomatoes for 2 bucks.)
pepper to taste
1 -2 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic or herbal infused vinegar (ACV works too)
(capers, olives, or lactofermented pickles if you have them in the pantry already)

You'll want to start by soaking your chickpeas the night before. I start cooking them in the morning in plenty of water, on the stove top for 4-6 hrs on low. A crock pot works just as well. Add some herbs and spices if you like (thyme, oregano, parsley,garlic etc). If you're really prepared, you can cook your beans in bone broth!

20 min before your meal, boil two eggs and cool, peel and slice.
Chop your kale and place in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and olive oil, and massage with your hands until well wilted and tender for 5 min. Let rest 10 min.

Dress the salad with the remaining ingredients, and toss well.
Yum!
Eat immediately. This will save in the fridge for a day, but I like it best fresh, and a bit warm rather than cold.

If you feel extra splurgy, or aren't eating on a budget, a little feta and walnuts would be a nice touch too- but I don't have either right now. You can use more or less tuna and beans depending on your appetite and how many you are feeding.

This meal is complete with healthy protein from both organic animal and vegetable sources, good quality fats (olive, omega fatty acids from tuna and eggs), and minerals from nutrient dense kale. A little nettle vinegar will add to the mineral benefits of the salad. Its filling, not too high in carbohydrates, and a sustaining meal for lunch or dinner.

If you do not like to eat kale raw, even wilted (and this is very common) just steam your kale and dress it with the salad ingredients after cooking. No problem, it will taste just as delicious. You could also try this with other seasonal greens available- arugula, dandelion, steamed chard, mustard, steamed nettles. Hearty greens will respond well to wilting. And by all means, add some lettuce if you have that around, just don't skimp on the mineral rich deep leafy greens like kale.