Wildcrafting 201 (In Momma’s Arms)
The Magick of Wildcrafting
Wildcrafting means actually, physically traipsing about in nature, collecting your own plants in their native, wild environment. The word indicates that the plants have been grown without human interference, by Mother Nature alone. Provided you can find locations away from polluted areas (collecting near the pretty large fields of a chemical plant, for example, is a big party foul!), wild plants are said to have a higher potency -they sure smell and taste stronger- than commercially grown plants.
As a rule of thumb, no more than 20 % of a plant is ever taken to ensure continuous growth. Only mature plants should be harvested. When collecting tree bark don’t cut an open wound into the trunk and leave it bleeding; make do with a small branch.
Research the plant you are looking for, know where it is likely to grow, and don’t be too proud to take a book or picture along to identify it on your first few rounds. Nothing is worse than coming home proudly with an arm full of flowers only to find them useless for your cause (my first time out I mistook lady’s lace for yarrow. I’ll NEVER live that down!), because you did not correctly memorize the leaves. Trust me, it looks a lot easier than it is. If in doubt, don’t harvest. Never, EVER use plants you cannot identify 1000 %. Many healing plants have harmful even deadly cousins who look very much alike even to the seasoned herbalist. Check for potency highs of each particular plant (usually lunchtime on a dry sunny day BEFORE seeds are formed) before harvesting parts.
Supplies needed:
Shallow whicker basket (no plastic bags!!!!)
Boline (or otherwise blessed –sharp- knife or scissors, kept specifically for this purpose. Indulge yourself :)
Small spade (kid’s sections yield treasures) or heavy duty garden scoop when hunting for roots
Small branch cutter when hunting for wood
Small container with water and plant fertilizer, old hair from your brush. Or just love.
Getting started:
Familiarize yourself with the area for a few days without planning to harvest. The most common mistake beginners make is to get overly exited when they find something they might use. You don’t have to harvest the first batch you find. Stroll around, most likely, a better one is over the next hill. On the day you DO plan to harvest, make sure all the preparations at home are done, so you can process the plants immediately upon your return.
Then go find your treasures :-)
Before you cut, take a few minutes to attune yourself to the plant, visualize its aura, feel its energies, and make contact. Ask its permission for harvest and aide in your work. An angry and hurt plant does not make a good healing partner and lacks the magickal properties. Cut swiftly, but with compassion. For larger cuts (i.e. tree branches), have something to seal the wound.
Some plants refuse to come. Accept their wishes and don’t force them. There’s others who will be happy to comply.
Thank the plant for its sacrifice, addressing it by name, and leave an offering, blessing its further life. Some hair, or water mixed with fertilizer are some of my favorites. I never could see what a tree would do with a crystal or a coin. I speak to the tree itself, not its guardian (fairy) spirit … Hold your hand over the plant and give it some of your energy.
As you can see, you can go totally elaborate (see below for an example), or you can just hum, smile, think happy thoughts. Whatever rocks your boat, the plant will ‘get it’. In the beginning, it was nice to have a ritual, it made first contacts special. Now, after all these years, and almost daily trips to the woods, I just raise my arms, palms towards the plants, and ‘send’ some love, with thanks.
Suggested words or thoughts:
(When attuning)
Dear Linden tree (substitute as appropriate)
This woman would ask to take of your bounty.
This woman would ask to share your magick.
(When cutting)
May your gift aid me in my healings.
Grow stronger and prosper,
my blade shall not hurt you.
(When thanking)
This woman is grateful.
Accept the token in return.
(Give fertilizer/energy/hair)
Through this exchange I acknowledge the bond of kinship.
Remember, you don’t have to verbalize at all, some people prefer to do it silently. I have a friend who simply says ‘hey, thanx’. However elaborate you perform this is up to you. Follow your heart.
If for some reason you are taking the whole plant (generally considered a no-no, but done when replanting is beneficial to the individual plant or the surrounding community), roots and all, to establish it in your garden, make sure you explain your plans and ask compliance. You will see in the change of auras or ‘feel’ which plant is willing to accompany you. You will also find that if you ignore their wishes, they are quite stubborn. Even surface rooters can manage to have you pull the plant out – without its roots! Whole plants should only be taken when you know it will survive in its new home, and is not an endangered species (i.e. Yarrow grows like weed on pastures around here, and a few plants missing made no difference to the cows, but all the difference to my ointment production).
Herbs are not washed before drying, unless otherwise instructed (don’t collect herbs growing by a highway, hm? Find a deserted/clean spot). Spread thinly on unprinted paper (once you get going, you’ll want drying racks, no doubt about it) and dry as quickly as possible in a warm, ventilated room. Only fully dried herbs (they crackle and break when touched) can be stored for winter. For extra protection -if you are living in a pest infested area- you can dry herbs hanging upside down inside a paper bag to keep out flies. Check and air the bag regularly. For salves and ointments, process the plants fresh, allowing to wilt slightly for a few hours (see salve making on HerbalHealingCenter).
Storage containers can be glass or ceramic. Metal should be avoided, it often reacts with plants and can change potencies (not to mention a downright NASTY taste). Fill containers loosely. Most herbs loose their potency after one year, but you’ll find that your own 2year old herbs are still more potent than anything you bought before. Momma takes care of re-supplying you in time, so don’t pick more then you can use in one year. If you harvested wisely, your resources will be there in the years to come, and multiplied.
Try using cooking herbs you grow yourself, instead of the dried ‘shake outta that bottle’ version. You’ll never be the same. My favorite storage of cooking herbs is freezing. The taste cannot be matched by dried herbs. However, medical herbs often don’t tolerate it as well. Each herb has individual needs as how to be preserved to the fullest, and it takes a lifetime to learn them all .
That’s half the fun ;)
Be Wild and Wise, In Tune With Nature, And She Will Provide