Feb 2020: Dandelion In-Depth

It may still be cold and chilly in Syracuse, but its time to start thinking about Spring! As the weather warms, we are going to explore topics such as "Spring detox", plant identification and basic botany, and we wlll delve back into medicine gathering and medicine making. With those goals for Spring and Summer in mind, I think its a great idea to spend February discussing a plant that will keep coming up again and again as we move forward into those later sessions, and that is Dandelion.

As one of the most common and most useful plants in our Northern apothecary, Dandelion is also one of the earliest herbs to pop up in the Spring. It's no coincidence that this little plant is also known as a great liver remedy, since conversations about "Spring detox" are usually focused on liver health. Furthermore, because we use the leaf, root and flower each a little differently, understanding dandelion is a wonderful primer on plant identification, gathering skills and medicine making. And because its so common, dandelion offers a great way to practice these skills on a daily basis.

Come get to know this fantastic plant so that you can make the most of its magic this year. We will talk about its properties in depth, as well as discuss ways it can be made into medicine and how to distinguish it from plants that look similar. I will also do a demo on making a vinegar preparation with the early Spring greens!

Class as always is open to the public and the $15 fee can be paid upon arrival. No RSVP is needed and all levels of knowledge are welcome. Please feel free to email syracusehsg@gmail.com with any questions!