19/05/2026
Harvesting and transplanting this beautiful Lythrum salicaria or Purple Loosestrife. Its not a herb that is commonly used these days but it has strong astringent qualities and mucilage. It has a well established history of use treating chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, preserving eyesight and as a poultice on wounds and sores, often finding its way into field hospitals on battle grounds in days gone by.
It was given its name purple loosestrife, by farmers who ploughed their fields with Clydesdales and other large horses. They would tie a small flowering bunch of the herb into the forelock of the horse before going out into the fields. It was said to "loosen any strife that maybe in the horse" putting them in better temperament for calmly ploughing straight lines out in the field for the day. Evocative of other times, different relationships with the land, the animals and undersandings with all of life growing around at the time.
Something close to the heart. This herb farm in Emerald and the 4 generations of the family that have been here , have touched into my life and heart. They have been important, occasionally in definable, but more often in undefinable ways. Serendipitous influences through my life and journey with herbs and healing. It feels quite special to be given and transplanting herbs from here, where early on l was planting their parents and great great grand parents , then had my first clinic in the gardens here, many years ago; to be now transplanting them into my new clinic herb gardens in Warragul. 🌿💚
