Nettles and Red Clover

On The Farm:

Is it mid June already?  It seems the spring root harvest has just barely passed.  For all the Nettle lovers, the crew here at Zack Woods has pulled in a harvest and transplanted multiple new rows of crop for future yield.  May our stinging wrists bring you many mineral rich teas.  Also newly harvested are Red Clover blossoms; the Vermont state flower that can be seen growing along highways (although this may not be the best place to harvest from) is a wonderful lymphatic tonic. 

Every day is a reminder that we don’t just sell dried herbs.  Live plants are constantly being picked up.  It seems there is no such thing as too much Tulsi!   Until future weeks, our weeding, seeding, transplanting, and so on will lead the way to more flowers and fun!

         

( Above: Mel and Lily with a heap of root crop pre-processing left: Beth racking Nettles in the drying shed) 
          

From the Fields:

Red Clover  Trifolium pratens

            Whoever chose the VT state flower chose wisely.  Red Clover is not only widespread; it’s a lovely tonic rich in isoflavonoids.  Red clover is a source of many valuable nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. 

The plant also serves as a gentle lymphatic tonic.  When taken internally, Red clover is commonly used for its estrogen mimicking properties by women to quell PMS symptoms and support bone structure. 

This little flower isn’t just for the ladies; recent studies have also shown that steady consumption of the plant promotes prostate health.

 Topically the plant is often used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or for scrapes and rashes.  When treating these conditions, it is not uncommon for Red clover to be used in combination with other plants.

·         Red clover can be used to aid respiratory problems; for chronic or persistent problems, try pairing it with mullein.

·         As a flower essence, red clover can help people stay calm in the midst of anxiety.

·         CAUTION: This plant has blood thinning qualities, those with thin blood should consume mindfully.

                                                                                    UPCOMING EVENTS

                                          June 21st: Farm tour with Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal workshop

                                               July 21st: Planting the Future Conference Sage Mountain
                                            August 24th- 26th: New England Womens Herbal conference