At our July 2021 meeting, we had a very informative talk by local Naturopath, Rachael Stott. Rachael was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in her mid-30's. As a means to better her health she studied Naturopathy and became a Naturopath and medical herbalist . Rachael lives in Temuka and travels once a month to Christchurch and is also available to do zoom consultations. Visit her website www.
Rachael talked to us about having a Herbal First Aid Kit about remedies from the kitchen, backyard or growing wild. Her knowledge is excellent and she kindly offered that we could access her presentation in which she discussed some of the medical uses of Dandelion, Plantain, Calendula, Cayenne, Yarrow, Elderflower and Elderberry, Sage, Thyme, Chamomile, Echinacea root, Self Heal, Ginger Root, Garlic, St John’s wort growing in many of our gardens.
During our June 2021 meeting, Michael Winter demonstrated how to make a tincture from Echinacea. Rachael told us how easy it is to grow Echinacea from seed in the home garden. The plant has an attractive flower in late summer that the bees love. After three years, the roots may be harvested for use. Most people in NZ would know of echinacea as an immune herb and for many it is what they turn to when they have coughs and colds and aside from the commonly known uses, it can also be used externally for skin conditions such as ulcers, abscesses, cellulitis, psoriasis and shingles. Also for tummy upsets and infections, UTIs, mouth infections and to prevent dental decay.
Supplied by Canterbury HERB Society