“The starry heaven of night, the starry heaven of night, with its immutable order of things eternal, tells us that worlds and atoms rest within God’s hand; it shows us how infinitely small we are in comparison with the universe; it tells us how large we are if we may comprehend and admire the immensity of creation. It gives us an idea of eternity for which we feel ourselves created with good deeds.”—N. Atur, 1904

This Atur quote articulates the awe and reverence for the enormity of the living environment of people living over a century ago who understood that we are merely specks in contrast with the immensity of the universe. Out here under the expansive, blue and magnificent prairie sky, we can relate. I am always amazed that under our prairie sky, I can feel so big and yet so miniscule.

Under my feet, the prairie landscape is no ordinary vista. I have become, over the years, filled with wonder and awe that despite the massive disruption of commercial agriculture, the prairie terrain has a remarkable resilience. Plants survive and flourish. On the prairies, grasses appear to dominate as the major plant species, yet a closer look presents a diversity and abundance of plant species which offer much for those interested in plants as medicine.

As a wild crafter and a lover of herbal plants, I know that the prairie terrain offers many jewels. We are gifted for our effort by being able to see and hear plants, learn their unique characteristics, and understand their medical and culinary uses. Especially, there are herbal remedies everywhere for those who take the time to explore.

A sure sign of spring are the brilliant yellow petals of the dandelion, for example. Juiced or blended, dandelion leaves and flowers can be made into an “elixir extraordinaire” that is a powerful cleanser of the liver and kidneys.

In the early 20th century, there was a raw food movement called Apyrotrophy initiated by George Drews. Dandelions were celebrated as one the best stomach tonics due to its bitter compounds. Grown in gardens by the early apyrotrophers, the leaves and flowers were picked and used as salad greens.

Another plant that we are more prone to walk on rather than notice is plantain. Plantain has large wide leaves and grows very close to the ground. Should you ever experience an insect bite from say a mosquito or a wasp, making a plantain spit poultice will bring instant relief. To make a spit poultice, you pick a sizable plantain leaf and chew it until it is well masticated. Then place the chewed up leaf onto the insect bite and wrap it in place. It will be soothing and alleviate any pain caused by the insect bite. Another valuable use for plantain is treating cuts to the skin. The macerated leaves of plantain have excellent drawing and healing properties for both fresh and chronic wounds. Applied in a similar manner to wounds, the skin will heal rapidly and without keloid formations.

One of my most favourite spring plants are nettles. Known for their prickly nature and often leaving welts behind, nettles are one of Mother Nature’s mineral-rich plants. Often when we are in the vicinity of nettles, we can touch the leaves without knowing that we made contact. It is the gentle brushing or touch of nettle leaves that causes such discomfort. Often, the slightest touch can leave welts and a long lasting numbness of the part of the body touched. Ironically, though, when we firmly hold onto nettles with intention, there is no discomfort, no welts or symptoms.

Young nettle leaves can be added to stews, soups, and even made into steamed greens. Be careful to wear gloves to prevent unwanted skin irritation.

Because of the high mineral content in nettles, drinking a tea can be useful for anemia or iron deficiency. It is a useful plant to stimulate kidneys and detoxify the blood. Another use for nettles is for the hair. Making a strong tea and applying to the scalp can stimulate hair growth, prevent hair loss and dandruff.

The ethnobotany of Saskatchewan is magic. Wildcrafting, sustainable foraging, storing, and plant ceremony are wondrous gifts for the body and the spirit. In high summer this year, you are invited to celebrate and indulge your interest in herbal medicine. At Manitou Waters, Dr. Glen Nagel, a master herbalist of Portland, Oregon, will be leading one of the most informative and razzle-dazzle herb walks in Manitou Beach on Friday, August 9. You will discover incredible prairie plants, you will learn about plant-based healing, learn to identify Saskatchewan plants and about the ecology of where they live. You can experience his remarkable “herbal mixology” skills and learn to make delicious and therapeutic drinks. This guided herb walk is a one-of-a-kind adventure you won’t want to miss.

Sussanna Czeranko, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor practicing in Manitou Beach, and is the founder of Manitou Waters Healing Arts, specializing in traditional naturopathic therapies including spa treatments. Also a certified Buteyko Breathing Educator, she is the author of the 12-volume series, The Hevert Collection, published by NUNM PRESS in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Czeranko has written over 150 articles in professional journals on natural medicine topics. For more details and upcoming events, see the display ad on page 11 of the 30.2 July/August issue of the WHOLifE Journal).