Dear medicine worker,

This is my absolute favorite time of year. I love the crisp air, the cooler temperatures, and even the shortening days.

As the plants wind down their seasonal cycles, many are going to seed and pulling their energies back into the ground. But there are still harvests to be had. September is the season for these two lovely plants… goldenrod and poke. And don’t they look gorgeous together?

Both of these plants can easily be seen negatively if we only know them at a surface level. Goldenrod has become a poster child for seasonal allergies due to its use in allergy medication ads. And poke is known as a poisonous plant, leading to fear around its use.

However, when we get to know each of these plants a little deaper we can dispell this fear and see the gifts they bring. Goldenrod does not cause allergies. It’s pollen doesn’t even travel on the wind. In fact, it can actually be helpful in treating seasonal allergies caused by a plant that blooms at the same time of year… ragweed (ragweed’s flowers are not showy enough to make an effective ad campaign).

And poke, well poke is amazing medicine for herbalists trained in its safe use. It is a great lymphatic stimulant. And the berries are wonderful food for the birds, who don’t chew the poisonous seeds, but poop them out whole.

When we get to know each plant individually, we can see the gifts, even when they are not immediately apparent.

I hope you all are enjoying the turning season and the herbs of the fall.

Join me over on Patreon this month for some seasonal autumn medicine posts.

In good medicine,

April