It’s Root Season

November 8, 2024 stephballou 0 Comments

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October arrives bearing a secret. As the leaves fall to the Earth, so does the life force of plants and trees draw down into their roots. Although this may be a time of death, with death comes renewal. As the quiet time draws near and silence blooms, we draw closer to the Earth. So, as the abundance of harvest season closes there is still much in the way of nutrients and healing to be had. But the time is short. For the Winter snow blows in the distance.

It’s time to dig roots.

Digging roots is quite different from the harvesting of fruits. While plucking tomatoes and peppers and reaching for apples can fill our baskets quickly, leaving us bouncing from plant to plant, digging roots brings us down to the depths of the plant in full contact with her life force. It is a process that brings us to our knees, where we must slow down and encourages us to contemplate each action. The start of a slower season.

As with the season, the time of day can also impact the potency of your root harvest. As the day draws to a close so does the life force of the plant draw down to the labyrinth of the roots.  Therefore, if you can, choose to harvest roots in the morning and evening to ensure the full impact of the plant’s potential.

When digging roots, I encourage you to take it slow. This slowness restores balance to us, as does the season to the Earth. But additionally, it allows you to get those tiny hair roots that are also so very important and hold much in the way of nutrients and minerals. Further, we must be very careful to be aware of the impact we have on the plant and its habitat. Always harvest ethically by never taking more than you need, never taking more than a quarter of what is available in an area and always return the soil to the space you dug it from, gently patting it in and leaving it as though you were never there.  

Cleaning roots should also be a slower and gentle process. Remember, those tiny hair roots hold important constituents. Place your bounty in a tub of clean water and gently soak and wipe away the soil. You may need to change out the water multiple times. A soft toothbrush can help release any stubborn soil.

Dried roots can be nearly impossible to cut so it’s a good idea to cut them immediately after washing. Cut and chopped roots can then be laid on a screen or placed in a dehydrator at 150 degrees or used fresh. 

When we look at root medicine we must consider the structure of the root. Often, we find them tough, dense, maybe even woody. As to, we should consider the process of digging roots. Slow, methodical, patient. This signifies the processes we then must often use to extract the full depth of their gifts.

First though, let me start by saying that many roots are wonderful used fresh sautéed into dishes and added to soups. Fresh roots are often nutritive, filled with vitamins and minerals and containing starches and sugars that can uplift and energize the body. We will discuss one such root later.

Using your dried roots is quite simple but can take a little or a lot of time. You have options.

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Decoction or Tea
This is the faster method of releasing the constituents in your herbal roots. Simply add one part roots to 3 parts water in a pot on the stove or fire. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Check frequently to be certain you are still gently simmering, and the water has not evaporated. Remember, the longer you simmer and the less water you use the more potent the end result will be. You can dilute your product with more water and add honey or maple syrup to make it more palatable. You can even add other herbs to help enhance the flavor and increase the desired healing nature of your decoction.

Your decoction can be taken hot or cold and even applied externally for many ailments like eczema and acne.

Overnight infusion
An infusion is an easier, yet slower method to gain access to your root’s herbal qualities. Simply pour 3 parts water over one part root and allow to sit for 8-12 hours. Prepare your infusion in the evening and have it ready for morning. This will then hold for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

Extract
This method takes many weeks; however it not only draws the most out of your root, it can be more simple to take. Often people do not like the strong herbal flavor roots can have so a small dose of extract can be more appealing than a full cup of tea.

Fill a jar with chopped roots. Cover the roots with 100 proof vodka, leaving as little air space as possible. Cap and leave for 6 weeks. Strain out the root. I prefer to store this in dropper bottles to easily access a proper dosage.

Quick tip
Don’t bother making large bottles of extract. You probably won’t need it. Prepare your extract in half pint or jelly jars. Especially to start. You can also save small jars from things you use like olives or capers. I have a whole collection of used jars lining the herbal shelves.

It’s well known that I prefer to spend my days wandering the deep woods, meandering in untouched places searching for hidden treasures, far away from humanity. The secrets of these hidden spaces are my most cherished gifts. The reflections that draw me through the dark depths of winter. That comforts me in times of strife. I can simply close my eyes and feel the sun dancing through the leaves in a quiet spot next to the stream surrounded by ancient boulders and bright white birch. I can smell the warm aroma of a pine grove where I spent an afternoon lying amongst the fallen needles, listening to the song sparrow sing.

In these spaces I find many roots and leaves, fruits and flowers, but you don’t have to venture deep into the woods, alone to find herbal roots for your apothecary. You probably have them waiting for you right out your door.

Dandelion
This little beauty is an example of true perseverance and resiliency. A fighter, a healer, a giver, a nurturer.

Men around the world spray and pluck and curse her in an attempt to eliminate her from lawns and walkways. And still, she pops her pretty little head up again and again. And thankfully for us she does.

It’s no accident that dandelion grows in abundance, especially in populated areas depleted and taxed by pollution. The plants we need most tend to grow at our feet. Dandelion is a supportive plant in the deepest sense. She is cleansing, nutritive, alterative and uplifting.

Although I could speak extensively on the benefits of all parts of the dandelion, today we are focusing on Fall roots. Thus, I will contain my enthusiasm and remain on point. Whereas Spring dug roots are bitter, the starches and sugars, minerals and vitamins sent down in Fall create a more mild, sweet taste and offer the most potent of all its gifts.

Dandelion is a strong medicine for the stomach, intestines and arguably most importantly, the liver. As we heal the liver we open pathways of healing to all parts of the body. Dandelion offers many gifts. A diuretic, dandelion can help filter the kidneys, dissolve kidney stones and strengthen kidneys weakened by diabetes. Dandelion can help support the adrenals and the body’s filtering systems, help balance blood sugar and ease edema. It has been known to dissolve cholesterol-based gall stones, assist in the recovery of chemotherapy, radiation and hepatitis, ease digestion and headaches and even uplift the spirit. We all could use some dandelions.

Dandelion Folklore

As the veil grows thin and we dig our roots, so does the dandelion assist in lifting the veil of negative emotion. In traditional Chinese medicine the emotion of anger is housed in the liver and gallbladder. Dandelion is a beneficial ally in assisting with feelings of rage and resentment, helping to bring release and restore balance. If one finds themselves stuck in anger a little dose of dandelion can help.

Burdock

Burdock, and others in the dock family like Yellow Dock and Curly Dock, are another ample gift of the season waiting to offer you their healing and nutritive magick.

Docks may be known for their ornery, tenacious behaviors. Growing impossibly long roots in the most inconvenient spaces, willing to shoot up dozens of babies with each attempt at abolishing their presence and hitching rides on any piece of fabric, hair or material they encounter. You needn’t be a wild child wandering the woods to know the impossible task of removing the burs of burdock. But what many don’t realize is just how rich in vitamins and minerals the roots of the dock family are. There’s a trick, however. You see, burdock is a biennial. If you dig up the roots of a second-year plant after the flowers have opened, you will find a woody stalk much too fibrous for eating. Choose to dig a first-year plant in the fall or the following spring and you will discover a delicious, succulent earthy treat.

And dig you must. For the roots of burdock are loaded with health and healing. Burdock root is high in vitamin C, iron, calcium, magnesium, thiamine, potassium and carotenes expressed as vitamin A. This beauty is also rich in trace minerals like manganese, selenium, phosphorus, and chromium. It has been shown that a diet that includes burdock can increase groundedness, physical power, emotional balance and immune health. The tonic effect of burdock can positively affect nearly every system within the body and has been said to increase sexual vitality, potentially prevent cancer and increase longevity.

Burdock Folklore

Burdock is considered a cooling herb, therefore if you have a spicy, fiery person in your life that needs a wee bit of cooling down, adding a bit of burdock in dishes and teas can help bring some chill to balance the fire. However, as a bringer of balance, burdock can also skillfully draw hidden fires out of those who tend to shutter their desires and fires.

There are many delicious, beautiful roots waiting to be gathered now and in the spring. Comfrey is a favorite healer. Echinacea, valerian, goldenseal. Whatever calls to you, please, go gather some roots and ground yourself with the healing magick of these hidden, underground maps of health and wellness and vitality.