A Voice from the Eastern Door
By Mahlon Smoke
The Onkwehonwe Midwives Collective held a special seminar with Rhonda Lee Grantham as their speaker on the importance of knowing the special properties of roots. From ginger to nettles to even the important properties of Bone Broth, Grantham shared her 25 years' worth of knowledge of different teas, broths, and the healing properties that the modern day may have forgotten.
To the willing learners, she asked what this time of year, autumn, means to them. Each person had a different sense of autumn and what it means to them. The common consensus was that as the air gets colder, everything slows down, as well as it's a time of relaxation and reflection.
"This is because our body changes with the seasons," said Grantham, and she explained how the roots will help with these feelings.
She used grief as an example of how the body changes with an intense emotion.
"Grief is a part of change," she said as she explained how when someone is grieving, their chest will congest and sometimes a person will find it hard to breathe. What she suggested was to use ginger tea and have the person drink it; this would help clear their lungs and allow for more air. This in turn will let the person breathe and relax during this grieving period.
Ginger is only one example of roots that have positive effects on our bodies. During this demonstration Grantham taught the group how to make Dandelion Root Lattes. As well, she taught the difference between dandelions and which ones to use. She also handed out recipes for everyone to try, not just the recipes she demonstrated, also others such as Nettle Pesto, Easy Rosehip Jam, and Lavender-Lemon Hot Toddy (nonalcoholic version). Grantham also encouraged the group to learn about each plant and its roots before trying or cooking them.
Like dandelions, some plants look similar, which doesn't mean they are the same. There are important differences to spot like how they feel, how they smell, and being sure to know which plants are edible and which ones aren't to prevent poisoning or worse. A good place to start is speaking to the Onkwehonwe Midwives Collective or a knowledgeable herbalist before beginning to make these important teas and broths.
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