Erin Lovell Verinder: Plant medicine for uncertain times
Images Georgia Blackie // @georgia.blackie
Words Emma Vidgen // @emma_vee
“I feel oneness, grounded, lifted, belonging, remembrance, magical, hopeful and empowered when I am working with the plants,” Erin says.
Image Georgia Blackie
Erin Lovell Verinder has always felt an affinity with plants. The Byron-based herbalist and author of Plants For The People: A Modern Guide To Plant Medicine has always felt most comfortable with soil between her toes. “I always felt the deepest sense of belonging when I was in amongst the trees and fields, even as a small child,” Erin recalls. “My uncle was a deep inspiration for me, connecting me to the cyclic beauty of gardening. He really did model an expansive reciprocity with nature for me.” To celebrate the release of her new book we chatted to Erin to discover the natural world can offer us medicine in difficult times.
What wisdom can we draw from plants to help navigate these uncertain times?
Strength and resilience, this is the essence of the medicine the plants may offer us! Plant medicine has always and will always be the peoples medicine. In trying times people have always turned to and relied on the powers of plant medicine for healing, support and comfort. Nature offers us all peace, strength and an enduring reprieve from the speed and noise of modern life. Right now it is so important to lean into traditional and modern wisdoms of medicinal plants to support ourselves, and our communities.
Image Georgia Blackie
Fear is perhaps the most pervasive emotion right now. What medicine can plants offer to work with fear?
Firstly although I appreciate it can be very challenging to combat, stress depletes our immunity. Pulling in mindful practices such as meditation, breath work and time in nature can all be very helpful to anchor you back into your body and bring you into present time consciousness (when we panic and experience fear often we catapult ourselves very far from the moment).
Nervines are a class of herbal medicines that work to calm and support the nervous system, they can be so very supportive for those experiencing anxiety, tension, sleeplessness and fear. Chamomile, oat straw, passionflower, skullcap, valerian are all beautiful bringers of serenity !
Image Georgia Blackie
What rituals do you incorporate into your everyday routine?
Slow mornings, early to rise, early to bed, time in nature, checking in with my garden, drinking and eating plants on the daily! I always make an overnight herbal tea infusion, the plant medicines I include change depending on what I feel I am needing. Right now as we turn inward with Autumn here in Australia and we are in amidst the current pandemic I am drinking more immune supportive herbs rich in Vitamin C such as Elderberries, Rosehips and Hibiscus. I also always make a warming herbal tonic, and lace it with medicinal mushrooms such as Reishi or Chaga as a mid afternoon snack and lifting force. The plants feel very nourishing to include throughout my day!
Image Georgia Blackie
What’s the best way for a total beginner to get started working with plants?
Begin with building up your collection of dried herbs, this is such a solid accessible way to start your home apothecary and many many plant medicines can be made from dried herbs. Try your local health food stores or co-ops, or jump online to order. Getting to know the plants is truly as simple as creating space, awareness and being with them, listening to them, experiencing them, feeling into them- just as you would to get to know a new friend!
Plants for the People: A Modern guide to plant medicine
by Erin Lovell Verinder.
Photography by Georgia Blackie Published by Thames & Hudson