Last class at the Rupert Community Centre was a great time! I’m looking forward now to December 14, same time same place ( 1:30 – 4 pm at  the Centre, 24 Shouldice road) and a topic that’s dear to my own heart; Adaptogens, or herbs that help the body adapt to/cope with stress. This is an intriguing area of study for the herbalist and an incredibly helpful one for folks just looking for some natural support with holiday burnout, fatigue, any of the symptoms associated with stress. We’ll touch on historical usage,how stress manifests and how prolonged bouts of it damage the body;  local plants that may have adaptogen action, how to select the right herb for your constitutional type, and using nervine restoratives along with adaptogens, for stressful times and to bring the body into balance. Broader context of treatment will be discussed too; adaptogens should not be used as stimulants to push yourself through endless fatigue, but used as one powerful part of a whole, supportive approach. I’ll be putting up a fuller blog post on this topic over the next few days, for now just a heads-up; hall is booked and I look forward to seeing familiar faces and new ones this time.

In keeping with my obsession with mushrooms and chocolate, chaga and cocoa will be served, and an assortment of herbal teas. There may well be gingerbread.

Panax ginseng, Adaptogen extraordinaire