Ragweed Relationships, Herbal Print-making Collaboration #5

Monday, September 11, 2023 * 12:15-3:30pm * Fireweed Community Woodshop

This class is #5 in a series with print-making artist Jessie Merriam, in which we look at a single plant from many angles - medicinally, craft-wise, culinarily, and as a muse. Students will hear about the plant's dynamic history with human and potential uses, and then carve their own woodblock prints using an image of Jessie's design inspired by the plant.

In focusing on ragweed, the much maligned source of so much allergy suffering, we hope to focus also on the relational angle - namely, why do so many of our bodies respond to this common weed as a threat? Students will learn about theories of allergy mechanism, ragweed plant botany, environmental considerations, and then will be given some ideas for using herbs and other simple, at-home measures for allergy management and relief.

Register now on the Fireweed Page. Please reach out if you have any questions!

Community Herbal First Aid Conversation

August 26, 2023 ~ 1:00-4:00pm ~ East Phillips Community Garden, South Minneapolis

I'll be leading a plant walk as part of this community care event, organized by my friend Emrys Stramer at the community garden she tends. This event is free and open to everyone. I hope to have some remedies to share with folks as part of our gathering!

Herbs for Community First Aid ~ Monarda fistulosa

Saturday, September 9th, 2023 * 3-5pm * Terrell Mayes Community Garden, North Minneapolis

I am honored to have been invited to lead a discussion about this dynamic, many-named plant as part of a community healing project initiated by Community Members for Environmental Justice in North Minneapolis.

We will be talking about the many medicinal uses for the many-named M. fistulosa (sweetleaf / bee balm / wild bergamot / wild oregano...), including first aid applications, and then crafting remedies to share.