burdock root medicine + harvesting + tincture making + drying

spring is here and i am loving the tonic herbs.  recently i was venturing out to a favorite nettle gathering spot, and on the drive i received a strong message to look in the ditch at this certain spot for nettles.  plants have spoke to me on an occasion or two, but its not something i experience on a regular basis.  in the usual western mindset i quickly dismissed it, telling myself oh yes i know where the nettles are.  low and behold when i arrived at the usual nettle patch, i realized someone had moved in right across the dirt road.  a trailer was now where an empty field had been. i continued on to gather, then i realized that a dog was there, and the dog didn't see me.  i mean well sure i have bear spray and a machete, should any threats present themselves.  but i would rather not go there.  i dont like it when i see a dog and the dog doesnt see me.  so i decided to retreat down the road, quickly remembering that the nettles has spoke to me, telling me to stop off at this certain spot.  so i stopped several places on the way down the mountain, not coming up with much of anything to harvest.  then i came to the spot, where i had received the message, and there it was. a beautiful nettle patch.  i harvested a basket full, and noticed a huge burdock patch.  so i quickly made plans to return with a shovel.

so happy to have a bucket full, i went home and cleaned them up.

i decided to make a tincture first. 

then i dried some too.  i have been so grateful for the change in season.  spring is glorious, and so full of abundance.  this latest burdock experience inspired me to create a video about it, i have been liking this youtube thing.  if you feel inclined subscribe to my channel. here is the latest video

its been great getting in some harvest moments , and i've also experienced time in the woods without an agenda.  just being and seeing what presents itself, and often that is nothing at all. i received some exciting news today, i've been accepted into the whitefish farmers market.  like holy moly...... only been applying for years now, haha.  i guess the timing is right for all of us.  i will also be teaching an arnica salve making class at relics retreat saturday may 18th. join us for a full moon medicine making day.  we will gather plants, make an herbal infused oil, and arnica salve( you get to take one home with you).  its 10-2 and lunch is provided, with the option to soak afterward. materials are all included, $45. thanks for taking the time to read this, as always i can be found over at my website simplyjosephine.com you can subscribe there or say hi on instagram.  wishing you all a happy and glorious may. namaste