wildcraftingMaking Your Own Organic Remedies

It can be overwhelming discovering all the ways our bodies are negatively affected by artificial chemicals. It can often seem like the artificial remedies are worse than the cure! The good news is many natural remedies can be made in your very own kitchen! By using simple ingredients from nature and your own cupboard you can heal what ails you.

What Is Wildcrafting?

Next week I will talk about some easy remedies to make in your own kitchen with some simple preparations. But, first things first– what is wildcrafting? Wildcrafting is simply gathering plants, herbs, and flowers from the wild. Using some very important but simple guidelines you can be well on your way to becoming your own natural healer. You can minimize trips to the drugstore and your doctor. Wildcrafting can be a lot of fun and offers a way to get outdoors and start exploring. Of course this time of year in the Northeastern United States is a bit chilly and not very friendly for wildcrafting; all the more reason to know about it now so you are ready to go in the Spring!

The Rules of Wildcrafting

The number one most important rule is to never take more than the Earth can easily replace. You never want to take everything you find from one spot. Scatter your picking, plucking, and pulling so the plants have a chance to reproduce. This is sustainable harvesting, which shows you care about the environment and future generations. Always respect the environment and the delicate ecosystems you venture into. Never take more than you absolutely need. This isn’t to say you don’t need a lot of this or that. But you really don’t want to be greedy. It is exciting when you come across a patch of St. John’s Wart and it can be tempting to pinch and pluck your heart out. It can also be hard to gauge how much you need when working with such a small flower. Because I tincture some of my remedies in pint and quart jars, I take along a container for whatever I am harvesting and a measuring cup. This way I know I am never taking too much. Stay a minimum of 10 feet from any road that motor vehicles travel on when harvesting your plants. The exhaust from vehicles sickens plants and you don’t want to harvest plants that would be coated with toxic chemical residue. It would be unfortunate to pour your heart into making your own home remedies only to make your family sicker.

 Be Responsible and Be Healthy

Wildcrafting is just one step into becoming self-sufficient and proactive in your family’s wellbeing. By learning what to look for in your own backyard and countryside you can also protect endangered native plants. You can do your part to protect the environment and take control of your wellness!

Applications & Resources for Wildcrafting

  • Read more at Common Sense Home for more on responsible wildcrafting
  • Go to the Rodale Institute and read about the ethics behind using native plants
  • Go to dkMommySpot for some more links to endangered plants and wildcrafting
iGOZEN is a philosophy and a way of life that promotes Earth-friendly products. Eliminating toxins and artificial chemicals is the first step towards improving your wellbeing. Take control of your life and start replacing your daily cleaners by trying iGOZEN’s Everyday Cleaner.