The Healing Power of Herbs
Have you ever wondered about your fellow neighbors gardens? Why is there horse manure in the geometric shapes on what was the front lawn, for example? What could they possibly be thinking?
On a perfectly pleasant afternoon, I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Bonnie Ennis of Wild Side Herbs in her calming backyard. Bonnie, a Park Hill neighbor, has embarked on a journey of healing through herbs.
Bonnie suffers from an auto-immune disease that affects her skin. After years of trying a variety of treatments, numerous visits to doctors and eliminating various foods from her diet, she found herbs.
We discussed her herbal adventure – her passion turned non-profit business – and her mission to teach evidence-based and cultural uses of herbs to increase health and reduce health care costs for all.
ROOTS: Why did you decide to take your passion and turn it into a business?
ENNIS: I grew up on a dairy farm, so gardening is instinctive for me – I believe it to be an art form, an opportunity for creativity. The impetus for creating Wild Side Herbs was my auto-immune skin disease, Nodular Pruritus. I tried many ways of healing, including dairy and gluten elimination diets. Then, after much reluctance, I gave up my three to five cups a day of caffeine. This sacrifice, along with herbs, has healed me.
R: What is your favorite herb and why?
E: Clary Sage. This is a magical herb. Scientific and historical uses show that clary sage helps reduce depression and anxiety. It can also be used as an anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic for scrapes, scratches and minor bug bites. Comfrey is also very healing. It increases skin health and is great for a beginner’s garden.
R: What’s your advice for a person who wants to start growing and using herbs?
E: Grow herbs in pots, your flower and vegetable gardens, or have fun creating your own herb garden. If you would like support in selecting plants for your specific health needs, we can meet and go over your health issues and match them with specific herbs.
And, by the way, the geometric shapes – covered with horse manure – those are the planting beds for a public herb demonstration garden in her front yard on 22nd & Cherry St.
Wild Side Herbs is co-sponsoring a two-evening introductory Chinese Medicine Workshop on September 10 and 17 in Centennial; and a 12-week weight loss support/educational coaching program from September 9, location TBD. For more information on Wild Side Herbs, contact bonnsinne@aol.com or 303-322-1056. Marne can be reached at marnenorquist@gmail.com.
SEPTEMBER GARDEN TIPS
September is an ideal month to plant trees, shrubs and perennials.
Perennials like mums, asters and pansies will add color to the fall garden.
• Divide and transplant perennials. This will allow them to get established before the frost.
• Dig and pot herbs from your garden.
• Dig summer blooming bulbs. Dry the bulbs or corms for a few days and store in sawdust, vermiculite or perlite in a cool, dry place until next year.
• Core aerate the lawn if not done in the spring.
• Select bulbs as soon as they are available for the best selection. Choose firm, unblemished bulbs. The larger the bulb for its type, the larger the bloom.
• Plant garlic to harvest early next summer.
• Harvest peaches and plums before frost. It’s okay to pick apples and pears after a light frost.
• Average first frost date is between September 10th to 15th.