Autumn Equinox 2023
Hello Dear Wildlings,
It is September already, the month of the Autumn Equinox.
In this part of the world (Southwest Virginia), we again experience the fleeting balance of lightness and darkness, the sun’s enduring heat tempered by cooling air temps, and we reap the rewards of the crops sown in gardens alongside the wild seeds that Spring’s winds strew freely.
A gardener, a farmer, or an herbalist’s kitchen is overflowing with food and medicine. And the thing is, it takes so very little space, so very little effort to experience a nearly overwhelming bountiful harvest. And this is a profound perspective offered by Ma Nature. Wake up, look around, and see all there is for you. Right here. Right now.
We are busy harvesting, drying, freezing, preserving, and saving all the goodness because we know that the long sleep is coming. Fall will tip-toe in kindly and bow out regally to Winter.
In Southern Appalachia at this time, the colors of royalty—Gold and Purple—are standing in the fields and along roadsides. Ironweed and Poke, Goldenrod, and the early-turning deciduous leaves are announcing the seasonal shift. It is the ideal time to get to know these plants and do a little harvesting. It is time to prepare yes, but also to squeeze every last lemony drop from Summer’s embrace.
Goldenrod is a grand friend for the beginning herbalist to get acquainted with because she is super easy to identify as well as to collect (although there are well over a hundred species.) She is a great ally come Winter when viruses begin to rear their heads, combatting fever, drying up sinus congestion, and helpful anytime one might suffer a urinary tract infection. This wild, floral queen offers her gifts gently as a tea, a tincture, or along with nettle, a perfect electuary.
(*Electuary: powdered herbs mixed with honey. Easy-peasy. Yummy.)
Goldenrod and Nettle are a time-honored power couple in herbalism. Safe to take regularly, i.e. a tonic, they assist with reducing histamine reactions. This means allergy sufferers might find relief from persistent symptoms by consistently taking this duo into the body in any form deemed appealing: tincture, tea, capsule, etc. Personally, I keep a goldenrod elixir (a goldenrod tincture with a little honey to sweeten) on hand because it’s delicious, it is handy during cold season, and taken regularly with all the nettle I consume, means that allergy season is not even a thing for me. And my friends, get to know her, and Goldenrod will offer you her gifts freely. Medicine is for all the people, all the time, everywhere. And Ma Nature offers her glorious gifts with no demand of repayment other than humble gratitude. The Gold is standing in the field nodding to you now.
Solidago spp. is the lasting sun, the harbinger of Autumn, the golden medicine for coming seasons, the accessible teacher to the novice and always reigning Queen of the common.
Tunes for Your Beautiful Spirit
Bella White, “Just Like Leaving (Live)”
If you’re interested in learning more about Folk Herbalism, join me for a Plant Walk and HerbLAB.
Lori Briscoe, Offering wellness coaching in the herbalist tradition
