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 fowl!), 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 then 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, kept specifically for this purpose. Indulge yourself :) Small spade (kid’s sections yield treasures) or heavy duty garden scoop Small branch cutter when hunting for wood or roots Container with water and plant fertilizer, old hair from your brush 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 it’s 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. 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. Suggested words: (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 replant it in your garden, make sure you explain your plans and ask compliance. You will see in the change of auras 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 makes 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 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. Storage containers can be glass or ceramic. Metal must be avoided, it often reacts with plants and can change potencies (despite a downright NASTY taste). Fill containers loosely. Most herbs loose their potency after one year. Momma takes care of re-supplying you in time, so don’t harvest more then you can use in one year. If you crafted wisely, your resources will be there in the years to come, and multiplied. My favorite storage of cooking herbs is freezing. The taste cannot be matched by dried herbs. However, medical herbs loose potency. Each herb has individual needs as how to be preserved to the fullest, and it takes a lifetime to learn them all . Be Wild and Wise, In Tune With Nature, And She Will Provide © Sorceress SummerWind, October 1999 Wildcrafting Checklist (by Howie Brounstein) - Do you have the permission or the permits for collecting at the site? - Do you have a positive identification? - Are there better stands nearby? Is the stand big enough? - Are you at the proper elevation? - Is the stand away from roads and trails? - Is the stand healthy? - Is there any chemical contamination? - Is there any natural contamination? - Are you in a fragile environment? - Are there rare, threatened, endangered, or sensitive plants growing nearby at any time of the year? - Is wildlife foraging the stand? - Is the stand growing, shrinking, or staying the same size? - Is the plant an annual or a perennial? - Is tending necessary and what kind? - How much to pick? - Time of day? Time of year? - What effect will your harvest have on the stand? - Do you have the proper emotional state? - Move around during harvesting. - Look around after harvesting. Any holes or cleanup needed? - Are you picking herbs in the proper order for a long trip? Are you cleaning herbs in the field? Do you have the proper equipment for in-field processing? |
