HERB - harvesting and lilacs (Caution)

[Joan Nicholson]

I know this will sound like over-kill to many of you, so I'll just say
sorry ahead of time, but it happens.

Several years ago, I went to an out-of-kingdom A & S event in a small, new
shire.  The local folk were so enthusiastic and having so much fun.  As I
looked through the various exhibits, I noticed some homemade cordials.
Most of them had various documentation on them, but one just listed the
ingredients as "Summer Flowers."  The young lady who had made it, said she
wanted to keep the ingredients a secret, as she was proud of her first
attempts and wanted to keep them for a signature cordial.  Several of the
more experienced SCA folk there gently explained that the herbals needed to
be known for the sake of documentation and safety.  When she listed the
floral part of her recipe, you guessed it...oleander.  Needless to say, the
cordials were disposed of and she was kindly introduced to an experienced
Herbalist.  

Please, if herbalism is a new interest, get a more experienced herbalist to
check any plants you intend to use in food, beverage or medicinal products.
;-)  

Prydwen (clambering down off her 10 foot soap box) 
 
gryphon at carlsbadnm.com
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