Excerpt from Pocket Guide to Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants

by Kathryn Higgins

The many years learning and using the native plants in my area have been a consciousness raising journey physically, mentally, and spiritually. The wild plants offer fresh, nutritional food, high in vitamins, minerals, and life force, healing medicine, and wonderful physical activity when gathering. There is a peacefulness as I slow down my walk and recognize my friends, their names, and purpose. I am filled with appreciation for their many gifts. My senses fill with the delicate beauty of a wild rose, the intense smell of horsemint, and the sweet taste of a red clover blossom. The seasonal growth around me is reflected in myself. There is a rhythm of growth from birth to fruition, apparent death, and rebirth. Plants show me that what I need is growing all around me. This is true of all lessons and opportunities. When I am in the rhythm I recognize and seize these opportunities for growth. We, like plants, begin as the miracle of a seed with a divine plan to follow and purpose to bring to fruition.

Plants have taught me the three R's — Respect, Responsibility, and Reconnect. Respect for all Mother Earth has given us- our food, our medicine, our survival. What a gift it is, not to be wasted or misused! When we love and respect ourselves, the plants, and the Earth, it is reflected in all our relationships. It is very empowering to take responsibility for our food and medicine; to know how to use the plants nearby to make a salad or to heal a wound. It is time to live planetary responsibility and harmony on our relationships and all our actions. Many are looking for a rebalance and oneness with nature, a more natural way to live. Many are ready to reconnect with "our roots" and to the reason we have all chosen to live on the planet at this incredible time. It's time now to begin the Journey. May this book be one of your guides.

You can purchase the Pocket Plant Guide from our product page.