Recently, whilst out on a run, I went too near some stinging nettles and OUCH! – got stung. Luckily, I immediately knew what to do.
I found a dock leaf of course, and rubbed the affected area. Pain over and my run was saved!
I feel like I’ve always known that cure and I’m sure it’s something that most of you will have been told as a child as well.
It is a very old piece of knowledge that has lasted over countless generations, just one of many nuggets of wisdom about plants which has survived, along with things like carrots being good for your eyes, and mint aiding digestion, through story, song and at learned at the knee of a family elder. It comes from a time when it was vital to have an understanding of the botanical world around you..of those plants which were nice, and those that were not so nice.
My guest for this episode is Amanda Edmiston. Amanda is a professional storyteller, with a background and ancestry steeped in knowledge of Herbal Medicine. Her stories involve a wide range of characters from myth and legend and their encounters with and uses of herbs, flowers, trees, weeds..and a whole lot more. Plants and herbs have always been an important to her and it was fascinating to talk to about their folklore, and the wisdom contained there, not just about what they can be used for, but also how to treat them with respect, and work with them to a mutual advantage. In a time when modern society faces some of it’s greatest ever ecological challenges, these stories are more relevant than ever and offer a chance to connect with nature on a whole new level.
In the interview, we also discussed the use of certain plants in sympathetic magic, as well as the current growing popularity of permaculture. It was excellent stuff all round.
For more details on Amanda's work, her wonderful website can be found here.
Intro music:
Music from https://www.purple-planet.com/
'Hubbub' by Chris Martyn/Geoff Harvey.
Episode 78 - Michelle Souliere - Bigfoot in Maine
Episode 77 - Matt Frederick - A Meeting at The Crossroads: Robert Johnson and The Devil
Episode 76 - Eli Lewis-Lycett - The Local Mythstorian
Episode 75 - Richard Daniels - The Occultaria of Albion
Episode 74 - Kate Cherrell - Burials and Beyond
Episode 73 - Caz Clarke - The Pentyrch UFO Incident
Episode 72 - Travis Watson - Phantom Black Dogs
Episode 71 - AP Strange - Christmas Weirdness and Festive Forteana
Episode 70 - Genevieve Gornichec - The Witch‘s Heart
Episode 69 - Paolo Sammut - Hauntings, Experience and Paranormal Investigation
Episode 68 - Douglas Batchelor - Practicing Magic
Episode 67 - Hayley Stevens - The Science of Strange Things
Episode 66 - Amy Boucher - The Ghosts and Folklore of Shropshire
Episode 65 - Dr Dean Radin - Mind, Consciousness and Magic
Episode 64 - John Higgs - William Blake vs The World
Episode 63 - Dr Jack Hunter - The Anthropology of the Supernatural
Episode 62 - Susan Demeter - Cosmic Witch
Episode 61 - Ralph Blumenthal - The Passion of John Mack
Episode 60 - Anna Björg Þórarinsdóttir - Icelandic Sorcercy and Witchcraft
Episode 59 - Daniel Franklin and Frankie Larson - The Propagated Podcast
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