WOMEN ~ We Are Stronger Together
Apr 29, 2022 06:35AM ● By Kathleen Gould and Madalyn Johnson![A group of women with their arms around each other.](http://cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/916551/fill/800x0/NA_20PHX-Women-CA-May-22_Image.jpg?timestamp=1713611538)
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Throughout
history, women have traditionally been the caretakers and nurturers within
their families and communities, and although men can of course do this too, it
has been our role as mothers, daughters and sisters for many thousands of years.
Herbalism is such a natural part of our lives as women, if we will open
ourselves up and allow it to come in.
We are coming back
to our remembering that herbs and plants are alive, and everything alive has a
spirit. The spirit of these plant beings came in that form with the purpose of
healing us. We are remembering that herbs are our birthright. Our ancestors
grew these healing herbs in their backyards or went out into the wild and found
these beautiful healing plants to heal their families or people in their
communities. They have always made infusions (teas) and foods with the plants
to help keep themselves and their loved ones radiantly healthy.
We are seeing a
huge rebirth of women coming together again in circles across the country to
learn together, make medicines together, and share knowledge with one another.
We are remembering the difference between competition and community, and are
now choosing to share our knowledge openly and lovingly so everyone can grow
and benefit from it.
There is a strong
feminine energy bursting forth on the planet. Thousands of new herbalists are
awakening to this “art of herbal healing” every day. They are out in nature
harvesting and making beautiful herbal medicines, teas, salves, lip balms,
creams, lotions and potions from nature’s pure and healing plants, and they are
lovingly offering these gifts to humanity. What a beautiful time to be alive!
One wonderful way
to explore herbs is to share information with like-minded women. Many groups
are formed around the moon cycle. Start a group on or near a new moon and
invite in those friends who could benefit or enhance an herbal moon circle. Encourage
everyone to bring a tea they like, or a particular product they’ve made or
found that has benefitted them, or maybe an ounce or two of their “favorite”
herb, and start playing with tastes and let your senses, and intuition, guide
you. Once the conversation starts, you will be amazed at how much you can learn
from others and what new discoveries can be made. Two minds are always better
than one!
Another fun way
to do a women’s herbal gathering is to concentrate on one herb. One participant
could do a short “report” on the benefits of that particular plant, and then
you could start playing with it. Make a tea—remember 1 teaspoon of herb to one
8-ounce cup of water. Bring recipes to share using that herb. Let’s talk about
chamomile as an example. Try it as a tea, then add a touch of honey and see how
that tastes. If these women are mothers, try making chamomile popsicles—a fun
way to get herbs into our kiddos (or add a shot of vodka to this liquid and now
you have an adult version). Simply make a nice, strong tea; sweeten it with
your sweetener of choice; pour into popsicle molds; and freeze overnight. These
are a fun and delicious treat before bedtime and calms them for a good night’s
sleep. Chamomile tea can be used as the liquid in many muffin recipes, such as
blueberry muffins—adds that bit of medicine into a favorite treat.
In today’s world,
a very popular way to share and explore herbs with other women is to join a
social media herbal group. There are many. You might have to weed out a few
before you find your “tribe,” but they can be an abundant source of good
information for those who enjoy this type of community.
If you are a
planner, planning a local herb walk for your interested herby friends is a
wonderful way to be together and learn from each other. Meet up at a local
walking path and start exploring the world around you. Be sure to take a book
or two with you on local plants to help you identify what you might be seeing.
Sit with the plants and feel their energy, show gratitude for their healing
powers, and breathe in their essence.
Women have a
sacred bond with other women, one of trust. Healing botanicals will help you
rediscover that bond and the magic of being a woman.
![](https://cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/671362/fill/300x0/NA_20PHX-The_20Heart_20Of_20It-CA-Feb-20-Head_20Shot.jpg?timestamp=1650989923)
Madalyn Johnson (left) and Kathleen Gould (right)
Kathleen Gould, registered herbalist, and Madalyn Johnson are proprietors of SW Herb Shop and Gathering Place. Gould has been an herbalist for 30-plus years and has extensive experience in herbal medicine. For more information, call 480-694-9931, or visit SWHerb.com or Store.SWHerb.com.
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