Hermitage herbals for a modern world with Sarah Hooten
Sarah gave an excellent introduction to her Hermitage Herbals. With an audience of 23 people including visitors, Sarah introduced us to several everyday plants and their use for many common ailments. Sarah completed her Higher diploma in Herbal medicine this year. She explained how herbs, and plants we may know more as “weeds(!)” have been used for centuries to aid healing of many ailments.
Sarah brought a few herbs, but her “Holy Trinity” include Dandelion, Nettle, and Plantain. All parts of dandelion can be used, and amongst many other things can aid digestion. We sampled nettle tea with varying degrees of feedback from salty, sweet and earthy. Nettle is a good antioxidant and an excellent tonic in the spring. Plantain is known as nature’s band aid, where the leaves can be pressed direct to wounds to stop bleeding.
Sarah also shared the healing properties of other herbs she had brought with her. There were many questions and interesting comments.
WI happenings:
Skittles – We nearly won the 2026 Wiltshire Federation Final but lost by 4 points to Marden Belles.
The next Walk/Talk – will be on Wednesday 28th October, meeting at the church car park at 10am for a local walk.
WI crockery – We have some cups and saucers with “Home & Country” written on them. These are available as souvenirs with a donation to WI funds.
The Craft Workshop on 28th November is cancelled.
Women’s Homelessness – The WI support campaigns every year. This year we are raising awareness of homeless women. We have supported Fearfree.org.uk before and will continue to do this as a way of helping women who suffer domestic abuse and may then become homeless.
To find out more about what we do in the WI you are invited to our next meeting on Tuesday 13th October when Kat from Flower Hive will demonstrate making an “Autumnal Wreath”.
For more information contact Anne: 07905748359 or email: tottinghamanne@gmail.com