Pick your own herbal medicines walks in Richmond in May and June (From Surrey Comet)

Pick your own herbal medicines walks in Richmond in May and June

10:22am Monday 19th April 2010 in News

Botanica Medica, www.botanicamedica.co.uk, the herbal dispensary in Crown Road, St Margarets, is organising several easy country walks on 8, 16 and 23 May and on 19 and 27 June in St Margarets and Richmond, where you can pick your own herbal medicines. Led by medical herbalists Jo Dunbar, Jeanne Trill, Janine Gerhardt and Alexandra Boyden, they will explain the healing properties of wild plants, known as weeds and trees growing in the Richmond area, tell old folk stories about these amazing plants and suggest wild plant recipes to try at home.

For example, nettles can not only make a delicious soup, but they can also be used to treat arthritis and hayfever. The weed mullein with its yellow flowers can treat dry cracked ears. According to folklore, it was known as ‘hags’ taper’ as it provided lamp light for the witches during their midnight incantations.

On Saturday 8 May, Janine will lead a herbal walk through Orleans House Gardens. On Sunday 16 May, Jeanne and Alex will lead a herbal walk through Marble Hill Park and on Sunday 23 May and 27 June, Jo will lead a herbal walk through Marble Hill Park, culminating at Petersham Nurseries. On Saturday 19 June, Janine will lead a riverside walk in St Margarets. The cost is £6 per person and the walk will last about an hour and a half. Dogs are welcome. For bookings and further information, please call 0208 892 9227 or visit www.botanicamedica.co.uk