18/10/2026
I would like to thank BIRCH School of Herbal Medicine for inviting me to do a presentation at their Annual Herbal Medicine Conference yesterday 🙏
My presentation was on Staying Healthy through the Seasons. This is a vast subject, especially as I brought in the links with the Elements, Humours and Astrology, as well as foraged foods and medicines to sample, so I did over run a little bit.
The BIRCH, was known as the IRCH when I graduated back in 2001, so I thought it very fitting to start off the Seasonal talk in Spring (new starts, new beginnings, fresh energy) with a toast of Birch sap 💚
Other goodies on offer to sample were: Elderflower drink (Summer), Rosehip vinegar and oxymel (Autumn), Elderberry Winter Rob (Winter), along with Hawthorn ketchup, Chestnut crumble with hogweed seeds, nettle seeds and plantain seeds, Sorrel, Wild Garlic capers, Blackberries and Pheasant berries.
I also brought in some medicinal and edible Mushrooms: Penny buns, Bay Bolete, Honey fungus, Turkey tail and Hen of the Woods. As well as some Hops, Rose hips and chestnuts.
I really enjoyed the other two speakers presentations too. Barbara Wilkinson of The Herb Society, has really helped to make the organisation grow, connecting people who have a passion and love of our plants, herbs, medicines, the environment and all that the natural world has to offer. So do go and become a member and support the marvellous work that the The Herb Society does.
Julia Behrens also did a very informative presentation on Lyme disease; how it effects people's health, the symptoms, how Herbal medicine can help and the misunderstandings associated with the disease. Her book: Lost in Lyme is a must for Medical Herbalists and suffer's of this crippling disease, which sadly is becoming more prolific these days.
