Home Herbal
Over the past few years, growing your own food, and foraging for wild foods has become increasingly popular. As well as providing a bountiful supply of natural foods, which are free from harmful chemicals and rich in health-giving nutrients, our back gardens, hedgerows and woodlands can also be an excellent source of many natural medicines.
Many herbs, which can be easily grown at home, or collected from the wild, can be used to make simple home remedies. Human beings have been using plants to cure illness for thousands of years, and before pharmaceutical medicines were available, people relied on herbs they grew, or collected from the wild, for their medicinal properties. Many herbal medicines are simple to make and are still surprisingly effective for maintaining good health and treating a variety of common complaints.
For example, Thyme which is one of the easiest herbs to grow, can be used to make a cough syrup which is just as effective as many over the counter brands, and probably more-so. Herbal teas made from herbs such as lemon balm, chamomile and lime flowers are excellent for reducing stress and aiding restful sleep, and are gentle enough for even very young children. Nettles, dandelion and cleavers are excellent detoxifiers, and medicines made from them can be used to treat joint problems, and various skin conditions. Calendula flowers can be used to make ointments and creams that can be used to heal dry, irritated or infected skin.
Next Sunday, 3rd May, I will be running an afternoon workshop on growing and foraging your own herbs and wild flowers, and using herbs at home for maintaining good health and treating a variety of common complaints. The workshop will take place at Dromana House and Gardens, on the banks of the beautiful Blackwater River in Cappoquin, Co. Waterford.
This event has taken place on an annual basis for the last few years, and has proven to be extremely popular. However it is particularly significant this year, which marks 800 years of History at Dromana House. The afternoon will begin at 2pm with a talk about the benefits of using home-grown and wild-crafted medicines, and we will then go foraging in the beautiful gardens and woodland around Dromana House. After the walk, I will demonstrate how to make some simple home remedies, such as herb teas, syrups, ointments and creams. There will also be an opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea and some light refreshments, and I will be happy to answer any questions that people have about making and using herbal medicines at home.
Admission is €12, and children under 12 are free. Tea and light refreshments are included. For further information or to book your place, please contact Dromana House on 024 96144.