Gratitude & The Plant Allies on Kara’s Counter

When I pursued the path of being a clinical/practicing herbalist, I had an idea of what I would be doing but I also allowed space for my practice to change and evolve - and also space to be surprised.

I knew that I would be working intimately with folks in a one-on-one setting, listening to and really hearing their stories and their concerns.. as well as their wins and successes. I knew I would be a person they’d feel comfortable reaching out to via text, email, or phone when a question or concern arises as well as when they want to celebrate a health related “win”.

I knew I would be working intimately with the plants both privately as well as publicly with fellow humans. I knew my relationship with the plants would be a crucial pillar in the work I offer the community and I knew that sharing the plants with others was not something of question but rather a given.

But what I could not have anticipated is the incredible community I’ve found myself surrounded by (that’s you 😉).

I could not have anticipated the willingness in which you compliment and share about the work that I do - whether it be the plant walks, various workshops/classes, consultations, or even these letters - or the depth of gratitude that I feel in response.

(You all sharing the work that I do with those you know is one of the greatest gifts I could ever receive 💜)

And lastly for now, I could not have anticipated the depth in which I would feel called to bring this medicine to the community. The medicine of the plants in prepared medicine form and the medicine of the plants in living form. The medicine of nature and the medicine of the cycles and seasons. The medicine of community and the medicine of connection. Equally to how much I feel called into sharing all of this medicine, I can see just how needed this medicine is.

Thank you, from my roots to my flowers, for being here and for supporting me and the work I bring to you and the wider community.

~ Kara

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Solomon's Seal with flower buds.

Just for Fun: Current Allies on Kara’s Counter & Why*

* The information shared in these short blurbs merely scratch the surface of how we can work with each plant and are not medical advice. Much goes into matching a person with plants.

1. Lady’s Thumb (Polygonum persicaria). Lady’s Thumb is by my side to continue some healing within my digestive system. Lady’s Thumb is also a plant that is a gentle, effective tonic-like herb to nourish one’s fertility (especially women it seems) - fertility being one’s life essence, of sorts. Regardless of intent to bear a child, being “fertile” equates to having vibrancy and vitality in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

   
   

2. True Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum). Solomon’s Seal is another that is supporting the healing of my digestive tract and general nourishment. Solomon’s Seal is also an ally in supporting energy/strength, mental clarity, and change.

   
   

(For myself, the summertime is a beautiful time to tend to my digestive system in a different way than the other seasons. Lady’s Thumb and Solomon’s Seal are the allies I’ve been working with this summer for this reason, and many other reasons as well.)

• Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata). Blue Vervain works well with a certain type of personality and I am a “blue vervain person”. For me, Blue Vervain offers a gentle nudge to drop more into my body and to loosen the grip a bit on perfection, to put it simply. An ally that is always there for me, as needed.

  
  

• Plantain Salve & Yarrow Salve. These simply always have a spot on the counter so that they are easily accessible when needed for any number of first aid- like scenarios (cuts/scrapes, bruises, splinters, bites, etc.).