Wellness Seminar

Barb McDole Wellness Committee Member

When I was 22 years old, in 1966, Simon & Garfunkel sang a song entitled, “The 59th Bridge St. Song,” better known to some of us as, “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme,” We were the Hippie Generation--peace, love, flowers, etc. Here I am, 47 years later with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme, but we have added lavender, scented geranium and a host of others.

The Wellness Committee hosted a wonderful seminar out at Assiniboine Park’s Qualico Centre entitled “The Magic of Herbs.” It was a beautiful, sunny, autumn day. The meeting room was almost completely glass, providing an amazing view of the forest and the sky.The sessions were hosted by two very competent and knowledgeable gals, Bonnie Tulloch and Karen Lind, who combined hold a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies and Environmental Education and Communication.

Our first workshop, “Indoor Herb Gardening” led us through the smelling, tasting and visual experiences of herbs. Each of the six tables had a herb; lavender, chocolate mint scented geranium, lemon-scented geranium, lemon verbena, banana (the world’s largest herb), and cardamom. Herbs, we are told, have many uses in cooking, punches, spices, sachets and aromatherapy, to name just a few. Since a few of the participants of this workshop were already herb gardeners and are now looking to bring their gardens inside, Karen and Bonnie went through a number of tips for them: 1. It is important to rinse the plant well to rid it of bugs. 2. Mix coffee grounds in with your soil. 3. Group plants together for a better habitat. 4. Place rocks under the pots to allow for a better drainage system. 5. Mist your plants. 6. Some plants prefer little light in the winter. 7. Other plants thrive in sunny, cool locations or with a grow light.

Also, if you have success growing parsley, then it was believed you were either pregnant or a witch!

Herbs also provide many health benefits:

1.Geranium oil: refreshing astringent for skin and very beneficial for female reproductive health. 2.Lavender oil: helps with cramps, insomnia, nervous disorders and headaches. It has antiseptic and healing qualities for many skin issues. 3.Peppermint oil: can be added to a bath to eliminate aching muscles, or inhaled to prevent nausea. Also used as a stimulant and anti-inflammatory. 4.Rosemary oil: can reduce flu symptoms, headaches and mental fatigue. 5.Tea-tree oil: antiseptic and anti-fungal, uses for such things as yeast infections, acne and minor wounds.

All of us were recipients of four herbs with pots and extra soil.

Lunch was a delicious buffet held in the Tamarack Room, again with a beautiful view of all the autumn colors. Later, Bonnie took us on a very informational tour of the English Gardens. Even though many flowers had been removed, the gardens were still lovely with their display of grasses and hardy plants. A chick-a-dee delightfully landed on a woman’s outstretched hand. Our 1:00 p.m. session was entitled, “Aromatherapy.” Aromatherapy products have long been known for their relaxation and enlightening qualities. During this session, we made our choice of scent hand lotion or lavender hot socks, for heating in the microwave and applying to aching neck muscles. We also conjured up a wonderful smelling pumpkin spice latte scrub for skin and feet. However, we were warned not to apply this to your face, unless we were going for the gourd look!

Please continue to contact us with ideas for future wellness seminars. The theme of “herbs” was given to us on an evaluation form from last year. Thanks to the person who suggested this, as it turned out to be very informative and enjoyable. Thanks, too, to Peggy Prendergast, our Chair,whose passion is wellness,and who is determined that all of us prosper from the many services that are out there. n