MyHerbCorner

Archive for the ‘Thoughts’ Category

My husband borrowed a Rosemary Gladstar book from the library. It’s a great book called ‘Family Herbal’
I like her many stories and recipes and also her fresh and lovely writing stile. Somewhere I saw her on a video and when I read through the pages it is as if I hear her talking to me. This woman really is energetic and I wonder if it is due her ‘energy balls’ or other great recipes

Anyway, even if the advices sound awesome I have my problems with all the strange herbs she uses, like sassafras, golden seal, chaparral and so on. Guess this herbs are more common in America then in Europe or New Zealand…
We in Europe used apples, some parts of the walnut tree or willowherb (Epilobium) and others instead.
I feel as if I am once again on a turning point in my herbal life…
Learning from all the American books is sure fun and interesting, but I want to go back… back were I started in my childhood… back were my ancients used fruits, flowers and herb leaves to keep their dear ones healthy or heal them through simple medicine from their garden and forest.
Sure this may be awkward in a land like New Zealnd, but I find here many European herbs at roadsides, riverbanks and even in garden centers.

Like I used to collect the weeds surrounding me in Austria, I now also want to recognize and learn as much as I can of the indigenous plants of this beautiful NZ country. This may take months or years as I have to find the right books or persons to learn from.

So maybe my blog might change a little bit… or not… I don’t know right now. All I know is that I reached a turning point and will follow it’s direction as far as it will lead me.

When I was collecting some comfrey leaves yesterday, I found a chrysalis under one leaf.
I wonder if it is from the magpie moth I once saw there.

You can find here a link to a post of this beautiful moth.

Imagine the scent of this beautiful eucalyptus blossoms!

They smell soft like a sweet honey and pungent as well. Really amazing!

Amazing like there buds and blossoms. You should see them under a magnifying glass!

Deep clear water and a blue sky. What else can you wish for?

Take your time and reflect your being with the help of this pic I made for you.

Where do you stand in the moment of your life?
Where do you want to go from here?
What can help you to achieve your goals?

How do you feel about your self?
Can you do better?
Every day is a new day. Take the chance to stand up now.
Take action for a positive life, health, friendship…

With David I went to Spicer’s botanical garden and we made the round walk, up to the water reservoir. On the way I found this yellow flower I don’t know.

It grew on the wayside where we also picked some plantain and fennel green (please click here for a bigger pic)

It was so sunny and beautiful! Fantails crossed our path, busy flying in front of us to catch some insects.
I also discovered this beautiful flowering bush I don’t know.

Somehow it is depressing to live in such a different fauna and flora with so many strange plants and animals. Most trees and plants I don’t know and when I look them up in my New Zealand books, I can’t find them.

Here I sit under bushes and trees like an ancient woman who doesn’t know which is poisonous or edible. When you are hungry you don’t mind and so I am sure some people just tasted and did wait for a reaction. No wonder they did hunt for food. Most animals are edible and taste good.
We are so lucky to have people who grow our food so we can buy them at the market or shop. We are so lucky to have the wisdom of our ancestors too.

On our trip today we rested at this little creek with wandering yew and it reminded me of the many adventures I had in “der Au,” when I was a little kid. This filled me with deep peace and a big smile. Isn’t this a great place? So beautiful, peaceful and serene.

A tui flew over our head and sang for us! How lovely.
I hope to find the many botanical answers. I like to know the names of my friends.