We are very excited by the amazing educational and food experiences that are set to be offered at Shanbally House & Gardens in Co. Tipperary! This beautiful venue will open in Summer 2020. Read on to learn all about it!
Our friends at the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) Ireland have a series of exciting new events to announce during the month of September! Three open evenings will be offered in Dublin, Cork, and Galway, where you can learn all about CNM’s range of courses. Dr. Udo Erasmus will also be appearing at CNM in Dublin for a talk entitled ‘Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill’. Read on to learn more!
CNM offers an incredibly wide range of courses in the field of naturopathic medicine. These include: diploma courses in Naturopathic Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture and Homeopathy; short courses in Nutrition for Everyday Living and Herbs for Everyday Living; and a post-graduate course in Iridology. If you are curious and want to learn more, what better way to do this than by attending one of CNM’s upcoming open evenings?
Trained Course Consultants will be present at each open evening to answer any questions you may have about the courses and about CNM in general. Each open evening is free to attend – you are simply advised to register your interest using the links above – so why not give one of them a try?
Health-promoting fats have been shown to help prevent and reverse so-called incurable degenerative diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and type II diabetes. These fats also enhance athletic performance, skin beauty, longevity, and energy levels.
Dr. Udo Erasmus is an internationally recognised nutritionist, lecturer, and writer who specialises in the study of fats, oils, cholesterol, and essential fatty acids.
In collaboration with Savant Health, Dr. Erasmus will visit CNM Dublin on the 6th of September, exposing the manufacturing processes that can turn healthy fats into ‘killing’ fats. He will explain the impact of both good and bad fats on human health and disease.
During his talk, you will learn:
Dr. Erasmus’ talk will take place from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. on Thursday 6th September in CNM Dublin, Griffith College, South Circular Road, Merchants’ Quay, Dublin 8. Tickets cost €15. To book your place, just click here.
Ian White is the founder of the Australian Bush Flower Essences (ABFE), a fifth generation Australian herbalist and author of numerous books on the use of ABF Essences for everyday family life. Ian will arrive to Dublin this month to share with an Irish audience, the healing potential of these gentle yet powerful remedies.
In advance of his arrival we spoke about his upbringing in the Australian bush, the journey which led to the founding of ABFE and his vision for ABFE to be incorporated into family life all over the world.
Essential Healing: Flower into your full potential
By Alison McEvoy
INITIATION
Ian was introduced to the healing power of plants during his upbringing in the Australian bush (meaning outback or countryside) by his grandmother. Their homes backed onto a National Park and it was here, when he should have been at school, that Ian was initiated into a deep respect for, and understanding of, the health-giving capacities of Australian bush flowers. This continued for the first nine years of his life until his grandmother passed away.
Ian went on to study a science degree and it was in a roundabout way that he was led back to his grandmother’s teachings and the decision to continue the family tradition of herbal healing. It was during his own herbal, self-healing journey after he became ill in India that his passion for plant cures was reignited.
THE HEART OF THE ISSUE
The premise of flower essences is that physical symptoms stem from emotional imbalances. To treat emotional upsets is thus to treat a potential, or actual, cause of physical illness. The beauty of flower essences is that they are vibrational in the same way that emotions are. They are constantly sending out healing signals/vibrations. All we have to do is tune in to find out which essence can help us in this way.
Speaking of Waratah, the plant logo of the ABFE, Ian observes, “They’ve got this beautiful heart shape, and it’s very much working at that heart level, giving strength, giving courage, it’s for faith. We tend to use this flower for black night of the soul.” These flower essences are helping hands for humanity to gain and maintain equilibrium on all levels, especially during our darkest moments which call for great strength.
A NEW WORLD THROUGH ABFE
Ian would like to see every household stock the ABF Essences so that children can be brought up with the support they provide. For every hurdle in a child’s life there is an essence which can make these transitions and challenges so much easier. He wants to see children grow up supported emotionally and mentally so that their hearts can stay open, expressing their love, so that they are given the confidence to pursue their dreams and goals, and their physical health remains in balance. Who would not want to life in the world created by these children as adults?
Ian’s workshops will take place from Friday May 25th to Sunday May 27th at Malahide Castle in north Co. Dublin. No previous knowledge is required to attend and you are promised a fun, enjoyable day and to leave confident in your ability to use the essences on family, friends and/or patients. On Monday 28th there will be a special event for health food retailers and pharmacist staff.
Friday May 25th – Female Health Issues (Fertility, Pregnancy, Relationships…)
Saturday May 26th – Spotlights mental and emotional health
Sunday May 27th – A question and answer masterclass with Ian
By Dr. Dilis Clare
Sharing the secrets of herbs for health
Meeting new people, the question I’m most frequently asked is why I became a herbalist after years in general practice. There are several answers, but the reason I continue to practice herbal medicine is because of the power of herbs to treat the discomforts of illnesses commonly affecting people.
Herbs are both symptom relieving and healing. For example, if you suffer from IBS, you want to feel less discomfort and have more energy, you want to maintain a sense of well-being and avoid recurrence when life gets stressful again.
Herbal teas are particularly useful for treating and maintaining comfort and supporting normal digestive processes. Used over several months they can consolidate the healing effects. I use tinctures (herbs preserved and extracted in dilute alcohol) combined with teas for the initial treatment and for flare-ups of distressing symptoms.
In my clinic in Galway, I encourage patients research the herbs I prescribe. The clinic was always intended to make herbs available to people and to share the medicinal benefits of herbs and how to use them. A wide range of herbs are available individually along with blends formulated for those happy to follow traditional combinations recommended for various health issues and discomforts.
Visit our website for useful leaflets and articles. You will also see a short film on making and using herb teas as part of your daily routine.
Dr. Dilis Clare MBBCh, DRCOG, BSc (Herbal Medicine), IIMH
There is a calmness and serene scented beauty emanating from all of the miraculously colour-blended plants that flow across my vision. Two endearing herbs: Lemon Balm, who is an uplifting and relaxant mood enhancer, and Scullcap, who, with his elfin hat and spreading caloricity, eases the overactive mind.
Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) gazes fondly and protectively over her children, giving guidance to all other herbs and humans alike. Three bright sisters – Marigolds for anti-inflammatory healing creams, Inulas for respiratory conditions, and Marshmallows for soothing digestive disorders – are all about to flower.
A massive, calming Nepeta, simply holding a number of leaves and young tops, imbues my senses and relieves any impending stress and tension that might affect my lower digestive tract.
Meandering through our herb garden always enhances a myriad of soothing emotions, and strengthens my understanding of Nature’s benevolence.
Growing and using medicinal plants can be as small-scale and simple as you wish. Potted plants on a balcony or at the back door are a must for a healing cup of tea and a sense and scent of their aroma and tranquil beauty. Why not get more adventurous by creating creams and tinctures from plants out of your own herb garden? The transubstantiation from plant to healing substance alludes to the changing seasons and the bountiful gifts of the earth.
Bareroot Botanicals is a medicinal plant nursery created and cared for by Herbalists Marina Kesso and Ross Hennessy in north county Sligo.
Tel: 0876272633
By Hans Wieland
What amazing variety of plant can be easily grown by children, beginner gardeners, people with no garden at all, food lovers, chefs and commercial producers, providing year round produce for culinary, medicinal and cosmetic use and making every patch of garden look great? The answer is: Herbs!
Creating your own herb garden is an adventure and a wonderful pleasure. You can decide whether you want it formal or informal, totally culinary or medicinal.
As herbs are basically ‘wild plants’, it makes sense to grow them in conditions comparable to their natural habitat. In general, herbs like a neutral to alkaline soil. Most culinary herbs originate from the Mediterranean, like a dry, sunny home, and prefer free-draining soil – with the exception of mint, which likes damp ground and grows well in semi-shade.
How to grow?
Herbs can be grown from seed indoors in a seed tray using a good seed compost. You can also sow outdoors once the soil has warmed up in late Spring. Buying herb transplants is an easier but more expensive start, or you can now try softwood cuttings to propagate Rosemary, Sage and Thyme. Cut a shoot from a non-flowering tip of the plant, remove the leaves from the bottom third of the cutting, make a hole in the compost, insert the cutting up to the leaves, water and cover with a clear plastic bag.
Herbs to start with
Basic is good! My suggestions for a basic culinary herb garden is: Coriander, Chives, Parsley, Mint, Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, Oregano and Marjoram. Basil under cover or in a polytunnel.
Coriander: An annual herb which is easily grown from seed. It gives a kick to any salad and has many culinary uses. It goes to seed quickly but then you can harvest the seeds in Autumn and use them freshly ground in curries, etc.
Chives: Can be grown from seed but it is easier to divide clumps of already established plants. Has a mild onion flavour. Use sprinkled on soups, salads and in egg dishes, or blend with sour cream as a topping for baked potatoes. It is always good to have a few chives, so you could let one plant produce flowers, which are excellent in salads.
Parsley: A must in the garden, and not just for using as a garnish. It comes in two forms: the dark-green, plain leaved parsley and the paler, milder, curled parsley. It is high in Iron and Vitamin C.
Mint: Various varieties are available. The one found growing in most gardens is spearmint, which is often used on roast lamb. Peppermint is stronger and makes a good tea. Note: Mint can be very invasive and should be grown in a pot to avoid taking over the herb garden.
Thyme: Garden thyme is the best known of the thymes. Its fragrant leaves are essential in Bouquet Garni. Lemon thyme is another lovely thyme which attracts bees and is good in fish and mushroom recipes.
Rosemary: A hardy perennial shrub which needs a well-drained soil and sheltered position. As it is evergreen, you can pick sprigs all year round. Try it with meat dishes, particularly lamb, and to flavour roast potatoes.
Sage: A perennial evergreen shrub which has a strong distinct flavour. The beautiful mauve flowers are very attractive in the herb garden. Used in many pork and Italian dishes.
Oregano & Marjoram: Perennial bushy plants that attract bees in the garden. Oregano is more aromatic and stronger than Marjoram and is traditionally used in pizzas and pasta.
Basil: The most common is Sweet Basil. Basil needs heat and protection. Can be used in your Pesto recipes or eaten fresh with home-grown tomatoes and homemade cheese!
“Cornucopia at home – The Cookbook” sums it up: Fresh herbs are the most wonderful visual, olfactory and gustatory addition to savoury cooking, both hot and cold…they are working their natural magic for you as you enjoy their tasty tones.” (I couldn’t have said it better myself.)
The Organic Centre offers several courses on growing and cooking herbs, their medicinal uses, identification of wild herbs and their uses. For further details, contact The Organic Centre on 0719854338 or info@theorganiccentre.ie or www.theorganiccentre.ie
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More