Brighid was a herbalist and engaged with the wild weeds to nourish and heal body and spirit. We are hearing evidence everyday where these herbs are offering vital components to overall vitality and wellbeing. These herbs grow in our own backyards, along the hedgerows and in meadows and fields. These herbs are wild and free medicine that we have used for thousands of years and are beckoning us to use once more.
Blackberry: Blackberry grows abundantly throughout the ubiquitous hedgerows of this land. It is one of Brigit’s favorite healing herbs, high in nutrients and anti-oxidants, tonifying to the body and nurturing to the womb. You can make a tea from its leaves and flowers and a syrup from its berries. Blackberry is tenacious and its brambles offer protection to small animals as well as provides natural boundaries for fields and farmers. Blackberry shares that wisdom with us, helping us to discern appropriate boundaries in our lives as well as offering us its embrace of protection.
Dandelion: Dandelion represents Brighid more than any other herb. You will find the symbol of dandelion in the sunken garden in the Imbolc garden. Brighid is a tender of Fire and the Sacred Flame and dandelion herbally represents these elements. Just like the fire of the forge, dandelion transmutes and transforms us physically through deep nourishment, and spiritually through its gifts of courage and light. Like Brigit, dandelion is a midwife to our own healing. Dandelion leaf is a gentle bitter to stimulate the digestive and endocrine systems, nourishes the kidneys, is high in potassium and other trace minerals and may lower blood pressure.
Rose: Rose is a gently powerful healer and is beneficial added to any tea blend. Rose eases depression and uplifts the nervous system, and opens and supports the heart, both physically and emotionally. It is an amazing wash for the skin, offering a lovely blush and glow. Rose has thorns which protects and defends, just like Brigit. Rose is strong and is vulnerable, just like Brigit.
In addition to herbs, here are a few more of Brighid’s favorite healers:
· Laughter
· Sleep
· Water
· Honey
· Prayer
The deep nourishment offered to body and spirit from the herbs and from Brighid’s favorite healers are common and simple and free, readily available to us and all around us. These herbs and practices have healed our ancestors and are here for us, too, on our own healing quest for optimum nourishment.
