Drying the Herbs before Garbling Them

Alaska was an amazing trip. Often our tour guides would stop and gather wild flowers for us to examine. Many of the flowers and plants had medicinal qualities and were used by the native peoples for healing.

Also, when I boarded the ship for the cruise, my left knee was killing me. I had three sessions of acupuncture and started taking medicinal herbs. After a while, my knee was 90% better. I must report that my traditional medical doctor was not too enthusiastic about alternative medicine and herbs but, I thought, “I am the one in charge.”

Upon returning to the North Georgia Mountains in the Southern Appalachians, I discovered that the Institute for Continuous Learning at Young Harris College in Young Harris, GA was offering a six session course on the “Medicinal Garden.” Hmm! Here we go again—plants with medicinal qualities. Maybe I should take the course. It was a good decision. After all the “tea leaves” all around me were introducing me to the new world of medicinal plants. The Southern Appalachians are blessed with an abundance of healing plants. The Native Cherokee Indians knew this and used the gifts from the Creator for healing. Continue reading →