Today we studied safety control and standardization of medicines, revisited the chemical properties of herbal constituents, harvested herbs in the fields (a lot more challenging than you would think) and made medicine. We had the privilege of being involved in every step of the process which was incredible. I for one am taking a vapor rub salve home with me that was compounded with numerous essential oils – yes, I caught a cold in NC, guess I’m not used to all of this humidity. All groups were assigned different plants and I was in the Althea (marshmallow) group. This is a sturdy plant that has roots that grow deep into the soil – and the roots contain the medicinal properties that we were interested in acquiring. Cultivation required digging each plant out with a shovel, cutting off the roots and cleaning them in the nearby river. Then we returned to the classroom to cut down the root and prepare it for the medicine making process. We will resume on Friday – awesome!
Anyway, today was brilliant and the material is forever engrained in my mind because it is now a part of me.
Can't wait to help you plant your garden here in AZ...are many herbs that you are learning about able to grow in the desert?
ReplyDeletePS ~ I saw and spoke with Dr.? who has an office at Q's. She says hello and is so excited for you as she remembers fondly the days she spent at the Farm. She speaks highly of you and knows you will be successful in your pratice one day ~ loves your outgoing mannerism. She is doing her residency at the Clinic and also offers private office hours 2d/wk. She has invited you to come to her for anything. She's a delight. peace out.
ReplyDeletePPS ~ Love all your pics!
ReplyDeleteBrent,
ReplyDeletelove all the pics especially all the ones where your shirtsleeves are rolled up exposing these ripped pythons. Have you guys made it to the field of Holy Shit Basil yet?
-h
Ahhh, okay you have just saw the other post. Just FYI, it's great freshly ground up into brownie mix :)
ReplyDeleteHeath,
ReplyDeletethanks, I am going to do some baking tonight, I'll have to pick up some stuff for brownies too, we have SOOO much Holy Basil :)