Medicinal Plants In Grand Lake Stream
August 15, 2016
Often times, those little “weeds” in your dooryard get overlooked or shunned. Mowed over during the summer heat or furiously pulled out to make way for an impeccable lawn, many of these hardy plants actually provide numerous benefits to human health. When properly identified, there are endless ways to make use of these powerful plants.
On August 10th, Downeast Lakes Land Trust (DLLT) organized a “Medicinal Plants Walk & Workshop” with local herbalist, Amy Zipperer. Amy is a Registered Nurse and owner of Dogwood Herbs, selling locally crafted herbal products such as lip balm, cream, and salves. Leading several participants along the roadsides of Grand Lake Stream, Amy pointed out many species of wildflowers and other plants that can have incredible impacts on health. From yarrow and heal-all, to St. John’s wort and wild chamomile, participants learned the background of each particular species and their various medicinal uses.
“It’s really amazing the great benefits that many of these plants contain,” said Zipperer.
Following the walk, participants went back in to the Grand Lake Stream School Building to learn how to process collected plants into useful medicinal products. After a brief discussion, all that was needed was a little heat and a lot of stirring and mixing to create a soothing skin salve for everyone to take home!
DLLT regularly hosts education programs that highlight the natural and cultural history of the Downeast Lakes region. Visit our website to discover what’s happening next!
