Ash & Thorn

Here she is again, showing up for me. Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium). ... I’ve talked about plants showing up for me when I need them. But they don’t just show up when I need their medicine, they show up as reminders as well, lessons, always teaching. What do you think she’s saying to me here? Fireweed is good for many things. Not only is it a delicious and nutritious survival food when it’s in its younger stages of growth as a shoot but it’s also anti-inflammatory and wonderful for all things skin including blemishes, eczema, bug bites, etc. Fireweed is astringent so it can be used for digestive issues by toning the GI and works in our small intestine to create a healthy environment for digestive bacteria. There are many uses for fireweed and these instances above are just the beginning. But if there is one thing that stands out the most for me about this plant is that it shows up! Always. #ashandthorn #learningcenter #learningherbs #healingjourney #findingpurpose #listening #healingherbs #herbalism #canada #madeincanada #createyourpath #journey #plantmedicine #intothewild #fireweed

Above the clouds, overlooking a kingdom ... This weekend. THIS WEEKEND How do I even describe it... Random campsites in the backwoods Hiking Lounging Forest bathing Exploring Great food Even better company Fresh water dips Mushrooms Berry picking (Um, Saskatoon berries!!!) Wild harvesting Learning new plants Connecting Church was good. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to have the privilege to have these experiences. To learn, to connect, to be wild. I am forever grateful, recharged, and inspired #ashandthorn #ashandthornherbals #forestbathing #connectwithvictoria #plantmedicine #learningherbs #foodasmedicine #traditionalmedicine #intothewoods #loveyourlife #plantpowered #herbalist #herbalmedicine #healthyheartandmind #yyjlifestyle

~ the wild child ~ Into the forest I go to lose my mind ... and find my soul I’ll be MIA for a few days All orders will be sent and messages responded to once I’m back from church See ya on the flip side #ashandthorn #ashandthornherbals #forestbathing #connectwithvictoria #plantmedicine #learningherbs #foodasmedicine #traditionalmedicine #intothewoods #loveyourlife #plantpowered #herbalist #herbalmedicine #bewell #yyjlifestyle

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) Several weeks ago I talked about this plant. I’ve been growing it in my garden this year and it’s brought a lot of joy to me and several neighbourhood cats ... Stuart, my cat, is a HUGE fan. In fact it’s nearly impossible to have it in the house without him slamming his face into it Over the years I’ve used catnip for several health benefits. Mostly, I’ve used this plant ally to calm my nerves. Now, the cool thing about this is that not only does it act on my nervous system but it also settles my nervous or upset stomach. Additionally, have you ever smelt this plant?!! WOW!!! In previous posts I talked about how smell can hugely impact our systems. Smell can invoke emotion, memories, but it can also have a direct link to our bodily systems...for example, I no longer have to make a tea to calm my stomach, I just have to smell it! So cool!!! If you are looking for a safe / kid friendly and accessible plant to calm your nerves, relieve anxiety, aid digestion, open up your airways to relieve congestion and even help you during these winter months to fight off the cold and flu...I would absolutely recommend looking into experiencing catnip *** NOT recommended during pregnancy *** #ashandthorn #ashandthornherbals #catnip #connectwithvictoria #plantmedicine #learningherbs #foodasmedicine #traditionalmedicine #nepetacataria #anxiety #plantpowered #herbalist #herbalmedicine #bewell #yyjlifestyle

My favourite playground #ashandthorn #ashandthornherbals #discoverbc #connectwithvictoria #plantmedicine #wholefoodbenefits #foodasmedicine #traditionalmedicine #explorebc #forestbathing #plantpowered #herbalist #herbalmedicine #bewell #yyjlifestyle

Just What else can I say . .... . . . #ashandthornherbals #ashandthorn #neverstopexploring #connectwithvictoria #yyjliving #yyjcommunity #explorebc #travelbc #herbalist #herbalistsofinstagram #plantmedicine #forestbathing #wildhairandhearts #forestlove See more

Have you ever heard of eating your weeds? If you’ve been here for a while I know you’ve heard me say this... FOR SURE! ... You’d also know I’m a huge advocate for eating your medicine... if there is only one thing I can take away from my childhood, it was that food IS medicine. This is purslane (Portulaca oleracea). It’s an annual succulent that is commonly found in disturbed, depleted soil...and most definitely found in urban areas busting out of the cracks between concrete! So cool!!! Purslane is highly nutritious! Seriously, give it a google search. And it’s soooo tasty. You can make a ton of recipes with this foraged plant but my favourite is a traditional Italian salad with purslane, young dandelion leaves, oregano, olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar and a bit of sugar. So. Damn. Good. Of course if you decide to forage this plant, please make sure it’s not on a busy road or where it’s been exposed to toxins. Eat your weeds people #ashandthorn #ashandthornherbals #learningherbs #eatyourweeds #urbanforaging #foragedfood #foodasmedicine #traditionalitalian #italianfood #plantmedicine #plantpowered #herbalist #herbalmedicine #nutrition #easynutrition

Soooo excited to be a part of this midsummer artisan market at @hillsidecentre hosted by @pcm_collective There 46 amazing vendors joining me and Covid precautions set in place for an easy and safe shopping experience. ... Come out and say hi! Let’s talk plants #ashandthorn #yyjmarket #learningherbs #communitylove #communitysupport #supportlocalbusiness #healingherbs #herbalism #yyjliving #connectwithvictoria #shoptillyoudrop #hillsidemarket #plantmedicine #naturalmedicine #mystory @ Victoria, British Columbia

Welcome to the pharmacy ... #ashandthorn #foodasmedicine #learningherbs #gardenpharmacy #growyourmedicine #forestpharmacy #healingherbs #herbalism #forestbathing #connectwithvictoria #forestsofinstagram #hearthealth #plantmedicine #naturalmedicine #mystory

I posted a picture of this gorgeous flower in my stories, asking if you know what it is, well..... It’s an artichoke! ... This particular artichoke is too far gone to eat. You want to get them when they are tender buds...but I mean....woooow I’ve seen these babies grow all over Victoria but I’ve also seen them flourish in Saskatchewan! Talk about food as medicine, not only are they stunning, they pack a lot of health benefits. High in antioxidants Anti-cancer High in fibre Promotes detoxification Promotes liver health Improve digestion Heart health Balance cholesterol Weight loss Aphrodisiac The list goes on! SO, next time plan for some space to grow artichoke. GROW YOUR MEDICINE! It’s amazing to watch them develop into badass powerhouses of health #ashandthorn #foodasmedicine #learningherbs #gardenpharmacy #growyourmedicine #gardenporn #healingherbs #herbalism #canadiangarden #connectwithvictoria #flowersofinstagram #hearthealth #plantmedicine #naturalmedicine #mystory @ Victoria, British Columbia

I’m just gonna say it... I should never leave the forest. ... 5 day old hair, 3 days of forest, many twigs pulled from it, countless dips in fresh water. Hair game is still on point #ashandthorn #camping #hairoil #hairgoals #campinggoals #forestbathing #healingherbs #herbalism #canada #connectwithvictoria #hairtransformation #hairgrowth #plantmedicine #womenwhocamp #mystory

I am forever grateful for the opportunity to explore and find beautiful spaces like this This was my campsite for the weekend ... After driving up island for about 2.5 hours, we found this immaculate oasis, sea of green The river is fed from the mountains. Cool, crisp and some of the most incredibly clear water I have ever seen...we could see fish swim right up to us! I found some plant friends and made some new human friends. Needless to say, I did not want to leave...and one day I won’t #ashandthorn #camping #learningherbs #healingjourney #goodforthesoul #forestbathing #healingherbs #herbalism #canada #connecteithvictoria #createyourpath #campinggoals #plantmedicine #womenwhocamp #mystory

Feeling so thankful for this abundant season Tell me, what’s in your garden??!! What’s your favourite things to grow??!! #ashandthorn #ashandthornherbals #gardening #gardenporn #foodasmedicine #whatsinyourgarden #feedyoursoul #foodislove #foodspo #farmfresh #farmtotable #growth #payitforward #handfuloflove #growyourownmedicine

Today marks another 365 day journey around the sun. What have I learnt? ... Enjoy the little things, literally smell the roses Be your own kind of weird. Train yourself to not worry about what you think others think! Spend time outside every chance you get Be silent and LISTEN, like really listen. To others and to your intuition. When you’re not thinking about what your next move is, you can learn an immense amount of information you may otherwise have missed Kindness to others is never a waste Action over words Integrity and time is the most important currency Thank you for being here. Thank you for listening and fostering your desire to learn and grow. I am honoured to be your teacher, friend, mentor and jester #ashandthorn #learningcenter #learningherbs #healingjourney #findingpurpose #birthday #healingherbs #herbalism #canada #whativelearnt #createyourpath #lifehacks #plantmedicine #mentalclarity #mystory @ Canada

Long awaited...I know. But life, . The second plant I wanted to talk about for a clearer mental state and to reduce anxiety is Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata). ... I’ve definitely mentioned this one before because it’s a really effective and gentle medicine that almost everyone can take safely. Again, do your research and make sure it’s the right plant for you! I use this one to calm my nerves. Whenever I’m in a state of crisis, over tired, over anxious, over thinking...I reach for Passion flower. It’s also very effective for insomnia and disturbed sleep patterns, cyclical thinking, and nervous tension. Um hi, my name is Nina, I take this in bulk The best memory I have of Passion flower is when I took it about a half hour before my very intense EMR practical. To say the least, I WAS VERY NERVOUS. My medical license to become a paramedic depended on this call! We were running skit medicine scenarios and I had to attend the call, make all the decisions and instruct my supports to make sure there was a positive outcome for my patient ... and ... I dominated! It. Was. Amazing. All that nervous tension was gone and I was zoned in! Clear minded, strong in my instruction and actions...and I passed. LIKE, guys, I KILLED it...the call, not my patient Morale of the story and the purpose of this post is to say, plants are amazing. Finding the right plant for you can absolutely work wonders for your physical and mental health. Work with your ND and/or Herbalist to find what is right for you! #ashandthorn #learningcenter #learningherbs #healingjourney #findingpurpose #passionflower #healingherbs #herbalism #canada #mentalhealth #createyourpath #journey #plantmedicine #mentalclarity #mystory

Find your happy place and keep going back. Never stop exploring. ... Push what you think are your limits. Be wild. Be free. #ashandthorn #learningcenter #learningherbs #healingjourney #findingpurpose #listening #healingherbs #herbalism #canada #mentalhealth #createyourpath #journey #plantmedicine #bewild #mystory

Yesterday evening I posted something in my stories Make friends who force you to level up. Not only is this applicable to the company you keep but I strongly believe that this can be applied to making friends with discomfort, curiosity, pain, trauma...yourself! ... The more we look inward and really question why it is we do the things we do and react the way we do, the more we level up. This is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard and really fucking uncomfortable. But it is necessary to create the life you want and the person you’ve always wanted to be, cause believe me, that person is already within you. I was reminded of this hard work yesterday, throughout the entire day! And I needed support. So I turned to two plants that have helped me through intense anxiety filled and/or depressive days to balance me out...they are most definitely my friends. Friends that support me emotionally to get through these intense times in order to come out the other side and level up. Within the next few days I’ll be talking about these plants and how I’ve used them for my journey through dealing with major anxiety and depression. We all need support and THAT’S OK. Hear me....it’s ok to ask for it. Being vulnerable IS being courageous, being vulnerable IS strong, being vulnerable WILL level you up! You got this #ashandthorn #learningcenter #learningherbs #healingjourney #findingpurpose #listening #healingherbs #herbalism #canada #mentalhealth #createyourpath #journey #plantmedicine #depression #mystory

Herbalism is not just about what the plant can do for you but the bond and deep connection you can build with that plant, tree, fungi or lichen. Connection has been a theme for me, not just recently, but throughout my whole life. ... Lack of connection, assumed connection, chasing connection, desired connection. When I was younger, I didn’t really feel like I fit in and connecting with people was difficult. I mean, it didn’t help that I was self conscious AF but who wasn’t when they were trying to find their purpose and place, and honestly, I just tried to appear normal...whatever the fuck that is. Eventually I realized I didn’t just fit in to one form. I am several forms with various interests and desires, many of which are not mainstream so while trying to find myself, and not fitting neatly into these boxes, I thought I was even more doomed to not have the connection I longed for. Plants have always just got me. I never had to put on a mask, conform, or make small talk. The connection was raw and real. All I had to do was be silent and observe. This may sound silly to you or maybe it doesn’t but if you’re here with me, you obviously have some interest in plants and their medicine. So I challenge you to perhaps get uncomfortable. Find a plant that has always shown up for you, sit with it. Observe, smell, touch, maybe taste if appropriate. I can guarantee that you’ll find something. A message, a medicine, a comforting friend, a newly discovered detail of this plant you’re drawn to. #ashandthorn #learningcenter #learningherbs #healingjourney #findingpurpose #listening #healingherbs #herbalism #canada #madeincanada #createyourpath #journey #plantmedicine #intothewild #mystory

Yesterday I talked about plants showing up for me when I need them. When I started driving to Victoria almost 3 years ago now, to uproot my old life and propel myself into a new one. I noticed on the way that there was TONS of fireweed, and I was relieved. ... Since being here I haven’t found any in the forest. None. Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) has always been close to my heart. I’ve always been drawn to it even before I knew its medicine. I had been missing it. Like my family and friends back home. Wishing I could see it again. Wondering if I had made the right choice in moving here, taking the extreme change of course in my personal and professional life. Feeling like I had failed in so many ways. And then it happened. This plant showed up in my front yard. She found me! There’s no other fireweed around, I’m not sure how she even got to me, but she showed up! And here’s the kicker....I have never, NEVER seen fireweed grow this tall, EVER! She was tall, SO strong in her stock, vibrant but shallow in her roots, making it easy for her to bend with the change in weather and easy to move when it was time. What do you think she was trying to tell me? Be beautiful, powerful, vibrant, hold your ground until it’s time to transition...and you’ll know when it’s time, because your roots will follow. #ashandthorn #learningcenter #learningherbs #healingjourney #findingpurpose #listening #healingherbs #herbalism #canada #madeincanada #createyourpath #journey #plantmedicine #intothewild #fireweed @ Canada