Plantain: Soothe

This week, we will work with an herb that is supportive in healing cuts and scrapes. Plantain (not the banana) is both a plentiful, and often overlooked “weed”. You can find it along roadsides, near sidewalks, and in the yards of many residences. Together, we will learn about its properties, uses, and create an infused plantain oil. Space will be provided for conversations around and aches and balms that are present for us in this season. 

While I am a licensed therapist, I want to note that this is not a therapy group. Instead, it is a space for us to connect authentically, learn more about our plant allies, and create herbal remedies together!

This workshop is part of a series. You can read more about it below:

For the month of May, I have been selected to be the Healing Hub Resident at The Festival Center in Washington, DC. Their focus with this residency is to emphasize the imperativeness of healing justice by centering those most impacted by systemic harm—especially BIPOC, queer, immigrant, and working-class organizers—while building relationships across communities. “Healing justice reminds us that the conditions we are organizing against don’t just live ‘out there’—they shape our internal lives too. If movements are going to last, care has to be part of how we gather, lead, and stay connected – it’s community care that will sustain us through what comes.”

In this role, I’ll offer herbalism classes to the community and, during this time, we’ll learn about four herbs, (one each week), and how to create remedies with them. 

The herbs we explore are intentionally selected to honor the fullness of our collective experiences right now. Experiences of  grief, rage, and uncertainty (just to name a few) are present in this moment. At the same time, there is also a desire for a deeper connection with one another. 

 The herbs selected would be supportive in sitting with and moving through some of the sensations, emotions, and thoughts that are present in this moment. Education about the herb, along with its historical uses will be explored. We will also create herbal remedies together, allowing you to learn the tangible skills of how to create tinctures, infused oils, and teas. Throughout this process, prompts will be provided to promote reflection, conversation, and connection.

The herb and theme for each week are below:

Week 1: Mullein: Speak

Week 2: Dandelion: Dream

Week 3: Plantain: Soothe

Week 4: Thyme: Protect