Posts by Lauren
Gemmo Memo: Common Birch
The tree Betula pubescens, also known as Betula alba, has many common names, including downy birch, moor birch, white birch, European white birch or hairy birch. Common Birch, as we refer to it in Gemmotherapy, is native to and found abundantly throughout northern Europe and northern Asia. Relatively short-lived, it grows to nearly 100 feet…
Read MoreMushroom Bourguignon
If a rich and comforting meal is in order, then look no further. We can thank Melissa Clark from NYT for inspiring my vegan and gluten-free recipe below. Just a word of warning, the leftovers are even better and highly sought after, so you will need to prepare extra or find a good hiding place.…
Read MoreGemmo Memo: Common Alder
Native to Europe, Russia, Turkey and Iran, Alnus glutinosa grows up to 70’ (21 meters) in height, always near or in water. Classified as an invasive species in the United States, it was originally planted for erosion control. It’s quite easy to recognize because Common Alder is the only broad-leaved plant to produce cones. Each…
Read MoreMeghla’s Palong Shak Dal
I used to think I could prepare a pretty good dal. That was until I watched my new Bangladeshi friends, Meghla and Aziza. These women embody the kitchen magician I long to be. The simple, yet important steps they added to the cooking process are what gave the dal and everything they cooked the depth…
Read MoreCoaching Stories: Ashley
by Ashley Dalme My name is Ashley Dalme, and I’m from Louisiana. I am married to my wonderful husband Chris, and we have two kids, Eva and Harrison. I am an art teacher, and I love my job! In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and friends, reading and hiking. My…
Read MoreSourdough Buckwheat Bread
If you ever make it to the Ariege region, my favorite corner of France, you absolutely must reserve some time to enjoy the Thursday market at La Bastide-de-Sérou. While there are larger, busier and more extravagant markets to be found, I love La Bastide’s because it is not any of those things. It has a…
Read MoreGemmo Memo: Black Honeysuckle
The shrub Lonicera nigra, commonly known as black honeysuckle or black berried honeysuckle, is most likely to be discovered under the canopy of a coniferous or mixed forest, where it would bask in the filtered sunlight. Unlike the cultivated honeysuckle vine, this honeysuckle shrub only grows to a height of 4-5 feet tall. Not widespread…
Read MoreGemmo Memo: Blackthorn
Blackthorn, Prunus spinosa, is a shrub native to Europe and Western Asia. Growing 6-10 feet in height, it was commonly used throughout history along with Hawthorn to border fields as a protection from animals. Its creamy white flowers, which appear before the leaves, were a signal of the arrival of spring. Blackthorn shrubs appear in…
Read MoreSaffron Fennel
Whether you are a fennel fan or not, this recipe is a must for veggie lovers. Enjoy this dish warm, right out of the oven, or at room temperature. Ingredients 2 large or 4 small fennel bulbs 1.5 cube of vegetable bouillon dissolved in 3/4 C boiling water 3 large pinches saffron strands 1 Tbsp…
Read MoreGemmo Memo: Black Currant
Native to Europe and Asia, black currant shrubs grow well in damp, fertile (but not waterlogged) ground and are intolerant of drought. This moderate-size shrub develops as wide as it is tall, which is about 5 feet (1.5 meters). The broad, long aromatic leaves, with five lobes stemming from the leaf base and serrated margins,…
Read MoreGemmo Memo: Almond, Prunus amygadalus
Known for their beautiful pale blossoms, welcoming the early days of spring, almond trees are native to the geographic region known as Iran and its surroundings. Almond trees are actually among the earliest domesticated fruit trees (3000-2000 BC), and it is in an orchard where you are most likely to encounter one. A relatively small…
Read MoreWhat Gemmotherapy Can Do for Winter Blues
The days are shorter, and the skies are darker, and possibly this is not your favorite season. Perhaps if you told the truth, you’d like to skip the next months altogether. Well, one option is for you to curl up in a ball like my calico cat, Ruby (pictured below :). Or, you could try…
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