Clinical Herbalist Amie Daniels will lead a workshop in Winter Herbal Remedies on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., at Hole In The Wall Bagels, 754 Main Street, Rockland.

This workshop will highlight different medicinal herbs as well as types of preparations to use for cold and flu season. Daniels will discuss which herbs are appropriate for certain symptoms, and participants will receive recipes for herbal remedies. 

“Why use plants and herbs for healing?" Daniels asks, in a news release. Medicinal plants and herbs can restore balance within one's body by providing phytochemicals, or plant compounds, to the cells of our body's systems. When our bodies are in balance, and functioning optimally, they have the ability to heal themselves. Therefore, it is not the plants that heal our bodies specifically, but it is the plants that assist the body in its natural function to heal itself."

“Winter is a wonderful time of the year to use medicinal plants,” Daniels adds.

There are many herbs that assist with different cold and flu symptoms, such as a tea blend of elderflower, yarrow flower, and peppermint to help break fevers, according to the news release. Or a steam inhalation of thyme, rosemary, and sage to help with chest congestion and stagnant mucous. Echinacea helps to boost white blood cells to fight off infections, and a sage tea with salt can be used as a gargle for sore throats. 

“Elderberry is one of my favorite herbs for the winter,” said Daniels. “It is anti-viral and contains antioxidant phytochemicals, specifically called anthocyanins, a healing compound which gives berries their dark blue, red, and purple colors.”

This workshop is for all who are interested in natural healing remedies. There is no fee, and registration is required. To register, go to https://www.goodtern.com/events/winter-herbal-remedies-workshop or call the Good Tern Co-op at 207-594-8822.

Amie Daniels studied Clinical Herbalism at Greenwood Herbals in Limerick, Maine under Debbie Mercier. She lives in Rockland and offers herbal consultations, hosts workshops and herb walks, and creates small batch herbal preparations. Learn more by visiting her website: rootedandlifted.com

Hole In The Wall Bagels is a community owned and operated bagel bakery and café in Rockland, Maine, part of Good Tern Co-op natural food store next door.

Good Tern Natural Foods Co-op is a member-owned food and health store founded in 1980 to provide healthy food and wellness choices at reasonable prices for the local community.