Jamie K. Weinstein
  • Home
  • Resume
  • Portfolio
  • Artist Statement
  • Students and Kids

Valerian Root and Stevia

11/13/2013

0 Comments

 
Much education today is monumentally ineffective. All too often we are giving young people cut flowers when we should be teaching them to grow their own plants.
John W. Gardner 
Picture
John W. Gardner's quote speaks monumentally to me. 

Growing up I spent some of my formative years in central and South America, specifically Costa Rica and Argentina.  I was home schooled, attended private schools and attended Spanish public schools within those four years.  The classes and education system were holistic, building upon one another.  When we studied math, the word problems were intertwined with our vocabulary words.  History was woven into the threads of our dance costumes which bled into our recess- our version of physical education.

We were required to carry a handkerchief in our guardapolvos (a mandated smock worn over our street clothes to prevent stereotyping and classicism among students).  If students didn't have a handkerchief- guess what?!  We made them in art class with scraps of fabric and embroidery.  When I was 10, I moved back to the US but my love of learning had been ignited by my years spent in foreign schools.

Since the time of my first pregnancy, I became fascinated with medicinal plants.  How could some little green thing that many call weeds, be so powerful and utilitarian?  The student in me wanted to investigate this, to see the power in this plants and that's exactly what I've pursued.

Stevia is a plant whose leaves taste sweet.  In tropical climates they grow this in fields and cut down the entire stalk and leave it hanging upside down to dry.  The valerian plant is treasured for its medicinal roots which should be harvested in the fall.  The roots cause mild sedation and capsules can be bought over the counter.  I've harvested my plants now and I'm ready to use!  Anyone want to join?



Picture
0 Comments

    Jamie K. Weinstein

    Just a girl with a lot to say!

    Categories

    All
    Art
    Crafts
    Feminist/ Humanist
    Herbs
    Home/family
    Motherhood
    Richmond
    Spiritualism

    Archives

    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013

    View my profile on LinkedIn
    Pinterest Page

      Want to comment or contact me? Submit form below.

    Submit
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.