by Nicole Wines
The Raíces Herbal Circle and Knowledge Exchange was started by herbalist Angela Lugo. Membership is open to all individuals with practical knowledge of herbs and healing practices from different cultures and traditions who wish to take part in this circle.
We now meet on the first Friday of every month, 6:30-8pm at the Reformed Church of Highland Park, 19 S. 2nd Ave., Highland Park, NJ. Learn more about the Raíces Herbal Circle, register to become a member, and join us at our next meeting and discussion.
The circle has been expanding since it began in the autumn of 2017. A rough winter put a hold on our meetings, but we reconvened strong in the spring and have been growing ever since. Members of the circle are from a diversity of cultures & backgrounds, including Puerto Rican, Cuban, Ukrainian, Slovenian, Zimbabwean, American, Guyanese and Jamaican. We look forward to making more connections with those in our community who are interested in herbs and healing practices. Here are albums from some of our monthly meetings.
November 27, 2017
Diane Jones – Immune Boosting Herbs
May 4, 2018
Nicole Wines – Common Backyard Herbs
- Nicole Wines presented on common backyard herbs, their benefits and how to use them.
- Backyard herbs fresh harvested hours before the meeting
- Intergenerational learning and sharing
- Talking about common backyard herbs
July 6, 2018
Francisco G. Gómez – Medicinal Cannabis
- Francisco G. Gómez presents on the medicinal qualities of cannabis.
- Cardel, from Jamaica, had insight into cultural usage and customs regarding cannabis from his home country.
- Our youngest Herbal Circle member.
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh herbs to share with circle members.
August 4
Akosua Chinon – Rejuvenating & Spiritual Baths
- Akosua Chinon presenting on rejuvenating spiritual baths.
- Materials for hands-on project.
- Explaining different types of rejuvenating and cleansing baths.
- The Raíces Herbal Circle and Knowledge Exchange
- Demonstrating
- An herbal foot bath
- Explaining the qualities of some of the herbs used in herbal foot baths
- DIY project – herbal foot bath
- Discussing and dialoging