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 17 - Aleksandar Petakov - Lake Monsters and Lions
Episode 16 - Aaron Gulyas - Flying Saucers and Folklore
Episode 15 - Siân Esther Powell - Lady Charlotte Guest and the Mabinogion
Episode 14 - Kellye McBride - The Haunted Worlds of Shirley Jackson
Episode 13 - Matt Frederick - Exploring the Occult
Episode 12 - Mark Bell - Mentalism, Magic and Mystery
Episode 11 - Matt Hopewell - A beginners guide to Discordianism
Episode 10 - Elin Heron - An introduction to Tarot
Episode 9 - Alison Fearn - The Witch Marks of Creswell
Episode 8 - Siobhán Clark - Myths, Legends and Lore of Scotland
Episode 7 - Shanon Sinn - The Haunting of Vancouver Island
Episode 6 - Chris Reeve - The Gotobed Diaries
Episode 5 - Icy Sedgwick - Ghost Stories & Haunted Houses
Episode 4 - Matt Kessen - Dinosaurs, The Devil and Dragons
Episode 3 - Madra Banrion - Ancestor Veneration and Animism
Episode 2 - Andy McGrath - Beasts of Britain
Episode 1 - Dr Alan Montgomery - My Search for Magic
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Modern West
Just Dumb Enough Podcast
Voices of Misery Podcast
House of Whimsical Terror
Stuff You Should Know
Timcast IRL