I had such a great time catching up with Phyllis Light in this conversation! Hearing Phyllis’ unique herbal story and her philosophy about herbs and herbalism was a real treat. Plus, she shared such an abundance of information about sumac and its medicinal gifts that I am inspired to start working more with this amazing plant!
Phyllis shared so many ways to work with sumac, including her recipe for Sumac Elderberry Syrup (along with several suggestions of how to use that syrup). You can download a beautifully illustrated recipe card for Phyllis’ syrup in the resource section below.
You will be amazed at the many medicinal gifts that sumac has to offer!
Here are just a few ways that you can work with sumac to benefit your health:
► As a topical remedy for skin issues like fungal rashes and poison ivy
► To help reduce high blood sugar
► As a cooling summer beverage that is high in Vitamin C
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! I was delighted to learn just how many health challenges can benefit from this incredibly versatile plant. Be sure to tune in to the entire episode for all the details!
By the end of this episode, you’ll know:
► How herbalism and human health have changed in the United States since Phyllis began her herbal journey
► How to distinguish poison sumac from other species of sumac
► How to tell if your dried sumac berries are still medicinally active
► Eighteen - yes, eighteen! - health conditions sumac’s gifts can help with, and six different herbal preparations for sumac
► Why it’s so important to move beyond internet searches when learning about a new plant or herbal treatment
► and so much more…
For those of you who don’t know her, Phyllis D. Light, a fourth generation herbalist and healer, has studied and worked with herbs, foods, and other healing techniques for over 30 years. Her studies in Traditional Southern Folk Medicine began in the deep woods of North Alabama with lessons from her grandmother, whose herbal and healing knowledge had its roots in her Creek/Cherokee heritage. Phyllis’ studies continued as an apprentice with the late Tommie Bass, a nationally renowned folk herbalist from Sand Rock, Alabama. She is the director of the Appalachian Center for Natural Health in Arab, Alabama, which offers both online classes and in-person classes. She is also on the faculty of the Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism. Phyllis is the author of Southern Folk Medicine, Healing Traditions from Appalachian Fields and Forests published by North Atlantic.
I can’t wait to share our conversation with you today!
-- RESOURCES --
► Get your free, downloadable recipe card, plus herbal goodies every Wednesday when you sign up for my weekly newsletter: bit.ly/4bHb64Y
► Access the transcript for this episode here: www.herbalreme...
► Phyllis’ website: www.phyllisdli...
► Phyllis’ Instagram: / phyllisdlight
► Phyllis’ Facebook: / phyllis.d.light
► Are you looking for high quality dried herbs? My recommendation is Mountain Rose Herbs. Click here to check them out: bit.ly/3ms3vQ2.
You can also look for local places to buy herbs near you in my directory here: bit.ly/3NRQq0U
-- DISCLOSURE --
I’m a huge fan of Mountain Rose Herbs and will often share referral links to buy herbs or herbal supplies at their online herbal apothecary.
By using the above affiliate link, you help support this channel. Thanks!
-- TIMESTAMPS --
01:11 - Introduction to Phyllis Light
03:42 - How Phyllis found her herbal path
17:55 - How to distinguish poison sumac from other species of sumac
19:18 - Varieties of sumac that grow in Phyllis’ bioregion
21:58 - How to tell if your dried sumac berries are still medicinally active
23:12 - Harvest, drying, and storage tips for sumac berries
24:03 - Medicinal benefits of sumac
39:51 - Sumac elderberry syrup
48:32 - Phyllis’ current herbal projects
49:43 - How herbs give Phyllis hope
58:57 - Herbal tidbit
-- SWEATER PATTERN --
Yes, I did knit my sweater! Pattern is: Felix Pullover by Amy Christoffers
-- DISCLAIMER --
The herbal and plant information in this video is for educational purposes only. The information contained is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other medical professional. If you have or suspect that you have a serious health problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Always consult with a health care practitioner before using any herbal remedy or food, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.
26 авг 2024