Gardening and Herbal How-to’s
Just because it is natural, does not necessarily make it safe. A preliminary search on any herbal compounds and natural therapeutic methods reveal a multitude of advertisements and biases claiming questionable results. To learn more about continuing workshops designed to educate the consumer about how to mindfully tend a garden or how to properly prepare herbal salves, tinctures, and teas, check out these valuable references below….
Local level:
Arctos School of Herbal and Botanical Studies “brings together the fundamentals of herbalism, botany and ecology with meaningful interaction and practical experience.”
Berry Botanic Garden is a wonderful resource for learning more about how, what, and where to plant. Many classes are offered that teach about gardening basics as well as creative alternatives to conventional plant management.
The Friendly Haven offers a more personal, one-on-one approach to learning about biodynamic gardening, bee keeping, and the hidden secrets to enjoying the healthiness of country living. Also, unique to this farm experience, is an opportunity to learn Equestrian massage! Be outdoors and have fun at it, too!
The Holly Hedge Farm produces local, organic, high quality goods and cites on their website that “an underground river is about to break through the surface” and revolutionize the way that we see food. ‘Nuf said.
The Herb Shoppe offers free Wednesday night lecture series, demonstrations, and classes for the Portland area residents specifically detailing how individuals can use and concoct herbal salves, teas, and other healing compounds. Moreover, on the The Herb Shoppe’s “Links Page”, there is a wealth of resources for those that wish to delve further into a botanical education.
Oregon Tilth “is a nonprofit research and education membership organization dedicated to biologically sound and socially equitable agriculture. Oregon Tilth offers educational events throughout the state of Oregon, and provides organic certification services to organic growers, processors, and handlers internationally.”
Portland Park and Recreation has a Community Gardens program, where individuals within Portland who have with limited land space area can grow a garden using organic and sustainable methodology.
The Plant Peddler “is based on swift and sensitive response to the business world’s need for cost-effective foliage plants that provide a healthy, inviting and attractive interior environment.”
The Purple Garden is about “connecting people with plants creating places to grow. Designing herb gardens, native plant gardens, and instruction classes. The vision of The Purple Garden is to encourage people to deepen their connection with plants and nature by creating sacred spaces for refuge, relaxation and healing.”
Zenger Farms is a noteworthy organization that teaches sustainable farming methods and the benefits of herbs, plants, and our natural habitat to public schools and the general public. Their motto: “We are a unique, working urban farm promoting: sustainable food practices, youth education, environmental stewardship, and community and economic development.”
National and International levels:
Evidence-based information about herbal compounds, supplements, and botanicals can be found here. This website offers information that is pertinent to the patient and practicing physician. You can search by botanical or condition name and have access to additional supporting research documents.
Natural Doctors International (NDI) “delivers natural medicine to underserved communities throughout the world and works with local peoples and international agencies to advance and fully integrate natural medicine into global health care. NDI focuses on primary healthcare delivery, global health education, global health policy, research in natural medicine, and socially responsible volunteerism and service. Our year-long medical placements and CE certified global health courses are for licensed naturopathic physicians, acupuncturists, chiropractors, nurses, herbalists, midwives, and conventional medical doctors with an interest in natural medicine.”
The Organic Center “generates credible, peer reviewed scientific information and communicates the verifiable benefits of organic farming and products to society.”
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Admin’s Note: It is our aim at the Helfgott Blog to ensure that the practices and principles of the organizations listed above are benevolent and contain compassionate intentions. If at any time you believe that the organizations above do not uphold these values, please do not hesitate to let us know. We are an advocate for the patient first and foremost. If you are an organization that feels that your mission statements and ideals are in-line with those of the Helfgott Blog and would like to be considered as a reference on our Community Resource page, please let us know and we will review your cite. Thank you for your interest!
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