Introduction to Medicinal Plants: History, Folklore and Magic

On St. John's eve, herbal medicine meets history, magic, and lore in many cultures all around the world. In this session, we explore the folklore, stories, and medicinal properties of many plants you can easily grow at home, in the garden, or forage in your neighbourhood. We'll also go through their beneficial effects for your health and wellbeing. If you are interested in discovering some simple herbal boosts, how ancient cultures healed the sick, or learning more about some of the beliefs we might now see as rather odd, join us for an evening for the insatiably curious. Who knows, by the end of the night, you might decide to always carry a borage blossom in your pocket…

Trainer Bio:

Elena was the Coordinator for two Capital Growth Allotments in the Royal Parks between 2019 and 2020, after working and volunteering in therapeutic and community gardens in London over the last six years. She studied Organic Horticulture at OrganicLea; completed a Permaculture Design Course with SpiralSeeds, and is a student of The Soil Food Web School. Elena’s background also involves working with vulnerable adults in the fields of mental health, homelessness, and substance misuse, with charities such as Rethink Mental Illness and Single Homeless Project. Elena has now moved back to Italy, where she is working on a community garden project with a local cooperative, teaching English, and delivering training on no-dig gardening and soil health.