Plants are a source of healing and nourishment for humanity. From ancient times, people have sought remedies from the rich offerings of the natural world. One such remedy is wild cherry (also known as black cherry) bark, a powerful herb known for its therapeutic properties. Below is one of my favorite syrups. Wild Cherry Syrup (or Elixir) Some of the benefits of wild cherry bark … Continue reading Syrups & Elixirs & Tonics, part 2
The above are images taken by me at the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, MA in April of 2018. Someone I know well asked me to remove an image from a post that she took of this same publication because I did not credit her. And that was fair and honest of her to do so. I post lots of photos and other people use … Continue reading Images
The Hassanamesit Reservation is a special place for Indigenous people in Massachusetts, especially those belonging to the Nipmuc tribe and those with Nipmuc ancestry. It is the only place in Massachusetts that has never been owned or stewarded by anyone other than Indigenous people. In the Nipmuc language, or N & L-dialect Algonquin, Hassanamesit means “place of small stones” – named for its rocky soil. … Continue reading Hassanamesit
James was born Wawaus around 1640 in Hassanamesit, one of many Nipmuc villages that existed before contact with the English Puritans and still exists today. He was the son of Naoas, a leader at Hassanamisco during colonization. Even though Hassanamesit was a matriarchal society, the name of Wawaus’ mother was not recorded. At age 5, Wawaus went to live with an English family. In Indigenous … Continue reading James the Printer
Last month, with the help of many others, I extracted fibers from milkweed stalks to use in weaving projects. The stalks were harvested between late October and early January from various places, including my yard. One should wait until the stalks are black before harvesting. For some reason, the milkweed stalks in my yard didn’t blacken until January, when I finally cut them down. I … Continue reading Milkweed Processing
In what is now called New England, some centuries ago, European invaders disrupted our relationship with our homelands. They removed us from our lands, prevented access to crucial medicines, and eliminated and polluted our water sources. No longer living in relationship with the land, we lost its teachings. The invaders also reorganized our social systems into replicas of their patriarchal system. Our people lost knowledge, … Continue reading What is Rematriation?
Syrups, elixirs, and tonics are my favorite herbal preparations to make and gift. I also keep a few on hand for myself. This is how I define these three concoctions. Syrup – Made with herbs, water, and sugar (or honey) Elixir – Made with herbs, water, honey (or maple syrup), and alcohol Tonic – Made with herbs, honey, and vinegar. Making a Syrup There are … Continue reading Syrups & Elixirs & Tonics, part 1
Cheryll Toney Holley 