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Healing Plants

NUTRITION – THE IMPACT ON LEARNING AND BEHAVIOUR

“We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.”
Mother Teresa

“The Wisconsin School Phenomenon: Impact of fresh, healthy foods on learning and behaviour” https://youtu.be/LgabV3Ktgww The video is older but the message is still relevant and powerful.

In 1997 the Wisconsin School District started an experiment, introducing wholesome, preservative-free  nutrition for their students. Prior to the program the school was plagued with students dropping out and violence that required an on-staff police officer. After the introduction of the program, in a yearly survey required to be completed by schools, the school scored zero in the following five categories: dropouts – expulsions- drugs weapons and suicide. Out of 4,500 high school aged students only 16 (!) dropped out.

Why is it that nutrition is still not being given the attention and credit it deserves? We know the facts about the effects on overall health, learning ability and behaviour? How can children be expected to function properly in schools when they have no breakfast, reach for candy bars and fast foods during the day?…. If anything we put into our mouth/body does not provide the building blocks for the body to regenerate healthy cells, it should not be considered food. I wonder where the term “health food” comes from.

I strongly believe, that we owe it to our children (and ourselves of course) to provide them with the best foundation possible to succeed in life. Yet, society has the tendency to turn a blind eye to so many important facts. I encourage you to be strong, set an example for others and in this way, leave a positive footprint and make it easier for others to follow.

Green blessings,

Gudrun

GRATEFUL FOR BOUNTIFUL HARVEST

Mother Nature will always be my favorite medicine chest. I am so grateful for having followed the path of learning from the Earth with the help of many incredible individuals. I consider myself extremely blessed for all the tools and knowledge I have acquired over the years. Thank you to all the people who, so freely, have shared their wisdom and knowledge (knowingly or not) with me.

Green Blessings,

Gudrun

“THE FLOWERS OF TOMORROW ARE IN THE SEEDS OF TODAY” Author unknown

My mind is filled with thoughts and questions about what is currently happening in the world. Our children, the plant and animal kingdom, and Mother Earth cannot make their own voices heard. We therefore owe it to them to stand up and speak up on behalf of them. Educating ourselves about the current realities and taking action, is critical if we want to be instrumental in creating positive change, securing our rights and freedoms and a planet that will continue to be able to provide in a healthy way for all – now and in the future.

ENJOY STORY OF FLOWERS https://youtu.be/vDpFyHmt0AE

Amazing ONLINE OPPORTUNITY coming up November 5-8

The FIRST CANADIAN HERB CONFERENCE (online), Plant Medicine as People’s Medicine, focuses on how plants can help heal ourselves and the community.
 
SAVE $20 off your registration, enter SAVINGS CODE, gudrun20.
 
OPEN to EVERYONE – from the beginner herbalist to the expert, student & practitioner of all walks of life.
Take advantage of this great opportunity to enrich your life, gain new tools and knowledge, get inspired, and connect with like minded people. Includes: marketplace & tearooms for networking. Choose from three different registration packages.
 
Visit http://www.herbconference.com/ for more details and to register
— SAVINGS code: gudrun20

 
My workshop topics:
 
1. Virtual Herb Walk – The Difference between an Herb and a Weed is a Judgement
2. Earth Wisdom – Communicating with Plant Spirit (scheduled for two mornings, each day will include a different morning meditation connecting to plant spirit)
 
Please share the information freely, including the savings code. Hope to “see you there”!
 
Green Blessings,
Gudrun
 
http://www.herbconference.com/

WEEDS FOR WELLNESS – A GUIDE TO YOUR BACKYARD PHARMACY

Insect Bites

Biting insects including wasps and hornets are plentiful this year and can take some of the joy out of summer for some of us. Spit poultices from Plantain or Fireweed leaves can be a life saving tool. When neither one is available you could simply use mud (add water to dirt to make a paste). The mud applied to a nasty insect bite right after I got stung while filming the DVD, brought instant relief (see picture). It also helped to avert an allergic reaction. See more on the DVD at www.herbalinstructions.com.

Carrying a small spray bottle with (apple cider) vinegar while out and about may also prove to be helpful. When applied directly to a mosquito bite it will prevent the swelling and itchiness. I have no personal experience how it might work for other insect bites, but it would definitely be worth a try.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Some people respond with an over-sensitivity to even minor mosquito bites. If this is your situation, I suggest you look at your diet and eliminate all foods you suspect you are allergic/sensitive to. In my practice I have seen people who, almost miraculously, have stopped reacting to mosquito bites after changing their diet, for example taking out all gluten. Prior to this they were not able to leave the house without certain medications because even a simple mosquito bite triggered an enormous reaction such as huge swelling that would last for days. This makes total sense to me.

Happy herballing and green blessings,

Gudrun