• Eating Locally
• Resolve to Stay Healthy, and save money!
• Spring Herb Classes
• Herbal Foundations: an In-Depth Program in Herbal Medicine

180 South 3rd Street West
Missoula, Montana

Local Food Catching On... but experts say consumers need more information on sourcing (that's where we come in)

By Kristen Lee-Charlson

People concerned about health, the environment, or the economy all say that buying local is an effective way to have an impact on all three, but many say they need more information.

That eating local food helps the local economy is indisputable. In 2008 Montanans spent over $3.5 billion dollars on food. If each household in Montana spent just $10 a week, from their existing food budget, on local food products, we would re-direct $205 million dollars each year to local farmers, ranchers and food producers.

According to the research group Mintel, "About 30 percent of the 2000 adult respondents questioned said they would purchase local goods and services, but were unable to locate them," earning themselves the titles of "aspirational locals."

Mintel's Krista Faron said that amongst US consumers, the tag of local foods has become increasingly desirable as both a cost saving and seemingly more ethical option, though greater promotional activities may be required by the industry.

When buying in season, local food is often less expensive than its commercial counterparts. edibleMISSOULA magazine provides the inside information on where to find the very best Western Montana has to offer, from small family farms to wineries and breweries to food artisans, restaurants, home cooks and more. It is the indispensable source for healthy, clean, delicious eating in tough economic times.

Pick up a copy of the spring issue of edibleMISSOULA due out in early April, for an in-depth look at the true economy of eating local; and come to our class at Meadowsweet on April 1st -- Fun, Frugal and Family-Friendly -- how to eat local & stay healthy.

WILTED DANDELION SALAD

Makes 4-6 servings

1/2 pound bacon
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp honey
3 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
8 cups young dandelion leaves, rinsed and dried

1. Fry bacon in skillet until crisp, drain on paper towels, crumble.
2. Pour off bacon fat leaving behind 1/3 cup in the skillet.
3. Put vinegar, mustard and honey in the skillet mixing with a whisk.
4. Add the olive oil. Add salt and pepper, keep this dressing warm.
5. Toss the greens with bacon and cheese in a bowl.
6. Pour the warm dressing over greens and serve.

DANDELION FRITTERS

Makes 4-6 servings

2 cups dandelion flowers, stemmed, rinsed and dried
1/3 cup whole wheat pastry flower
1/3 cup corn meal
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch salt
1 tbsp of butter
2 tbsp of honey
1/3 cup milk
1 egg
1/3 cup coconut oil

1. Remove the bracts (leaflike part, usually situated at the base of a flower) off the dandelion.
2. In a bowl mix the dry ingredients.
3. Melt butter on low heat along with the honey. Cool and add the egg and milk.
4. Mix wet ingredients and add to dry ingredients. Consistency should be like pancake batter.
5. Heat coconut oil in heavy cast iron skillet.
6. Once the oil is hot enough dip the flowers in the batter and place them in the skillet. Turn them once one side is golden brown.
7. Drain them on a plate lined with a paper towel.

Variation: Make these savory by omitting the honey and adding herbs like thyme and rosemary.

Printable Coupon

Resolve to Stay Healthy

Let us help make your New Year's resolution (remember those?) to stay healthy a reality! We'll even make it easy for you. Use this coupon to start you on your way to more vitality, well-being, energy, fitness, and a sense of balance in your life. One coupon per customer, please. Happy New Year, from Meadowsweet Herbs!

Spring Classes

Introduction to Homeopathy

Adrienne Veseth: Classical Homeopath
Learn the basics of homeopathic philosophy. Homeopathy is a safe and effective way to treat the whole family. This useful class will foster your confidence in using homeopathy for self-care. Emphasis will be on common remedies useful in acute situations.
February 18th Thursday 7-9 pm
Cost: Free

Barefoot Doctor Demonstration

Kelly Needs: Herbalist, Traditional Chinese Medicine Student
A free demonstration of Barefoot doctor techniques: Moxa, cupping, earseeding, and more.
February 24th Wednesday 7-8pm
Cost: Free

Beginning Herbal Medicine-Making: Herbal Tinctures*

Britta Blodorn: Clinical Herbalist, Medicine-Maker, Plant Lover
Connect with some of our medicinal plant allies and learn how to prepare high quality medicinal plant extracts. In this hands-on class we will cover the art and science of tincture making, using dried and fresh plant materials and percolation techniques to prepare potent medicinal plant extracts and combination formulas.
February 25th Thursday 7-9 pm
Cost: $20, optional $5 product fee per class

*(Discounted rate of $55 for all 3 medicine making classes- see below -NO REFUNDS given on 3 class package-must be signed up and paid by 2/18)

Montana Native Medicinal Plants: Sustainable Wildcrafting, Cultivation, Uses & Integration into Permaculture Systems

Michael Pilarski: Sustainable Wildcrafter, Medicinal Plant Farmer, Permaculture Educator
This workshop will cover some of the most well-known and useful native species as well as some lesser-known ones. We will discuss uses, harvesting and processing, sustainable wildcrafting issues, and ecosystem restoration. We will also look at how to fit native medicinals into our yards, forest gardens, farms and permaculture systems.
February 28th Sunday 10am-4pm
Cost: $50

Plant Spirit Medicine: Connecting with the Unseen Intelligences in Nature

Michael Pilarski: Sustainable Wildcrafter, Medicinal Plant Farmer, Permaculture Educator
This talk will put into perspective a wide range of sentient beings who share this Planet Earth - including plants, animals, humans, fairies, devas, angels and vast planetary forces. Special focus will be placed on communication and cooperation with the fairy and devic realm to help us in our herbal medicine and Earth restoration. Michael is the founder of the Fairy & Human Relations Congress which has been held in Washington and Oregon annually for the past 9 years and brings together some of the world's leading fairy communicators. He has lectured widely on the topic of fairies as well as herbal medicine.
March 2nd Tuesday 7-9 pm
Cost: $20

Beginning Herbal Medicine-Making: Herbal Honeys and Cough Syrups*

Britta Blodorn: Clinical Herbalist, Medicine-Maker, Plant Lover
Join Clinical Herbalist Britta Blodorn to learn to prepare herbal honeys and cough syrups. We will explore how to prepare potent and delicious medicinal syrups using fresh and dried plant materials and herbal extracts. This class is especially valuable for the cold and flu season.
March 4th Thursday 7-9 pm
Cost: $20, optional $5 product fee per class

*(Discounted rate of $55 for all 3 medicine making classes- see below and above-NO REFUNDS given on 3 class package-must be signed up and paid by 2/18, no refunds past 3/1 for single class participants)

Tonic Herbs: What, When and How

Kelly Needs: Herbalist, Traditional Chinese Medicine Student
Learn a Traditional Chinese Medicinal perspective on organ roles in the body. Includes organ specific handouts on diet, recipes and an optional tonic herb kit.
March 7th Sunday 1-4 pm
Cost: $30, $5 for optional kit

Beginning Herbal Medicine-Making: Herbal Oils and Salves*

Britta Blodorn: Clinical Herbalist, Medicine-Maker, Plant Lover
In this hands on class, we will learn how to prepare medicinal infused herbal oils and salves. Britta will discuss the healing properties of medicinal plants and cover various methods of preparation.
March 11th Thursday 7-9 pm
Cost: $20, optional $5 product fee per class

*(Discounted rate of $55 for all 3 medicine making classes- see above-NO REFUNDS given on 3 class package-must be signed up and paid by 2/18. No refunds by 3/8.)

Salve and Lip Balm Making

Katrina Farnum: Herbalist, Caregiver
This class will cover the use of herbs that work to protect and heal our skin. We will discuss essential oils for their medicinal and fragrance properties. Lip balms and salves will be available at the end of class for an extra charge.
March 18th Thursday 7-9 pm
Cost: $20, optional $5 product fee

Herbs for Kids

Katrina Farnum: Herbalist, Caregiver
This class will help parents navigate through the growing years with an understanding of herbs that are helpful for common childhood ailments. We will discuss first aid essentials and a host of helpful reference guides for making it easy to learn as you go.
March 25th Thursday 7-9 pm
Cost: $20

Fun, Frugal and Family-Friendly : how to eat local & stay healthy

Kristen Lee-Charlson: Publisher of edible MISSOULA magazine and Hollie Greenwood, Certified Nutrition Consultant
Are rising food costs getting you down? Is your family tired of the same old meals? Could you use more energy and a jumpstart to feeling healthier? If so, come gather ideas and recipes to stretch your food budget, and create nourishing meals while supporting the local economy.
April 1st Thursday 7-9 pm
Cost: Free

Homeopathy for Infants and Children

Adrienne Veseth: Classical Homepath
Homeopathic medicines are safe for all ages. Ease of use and quick results make homeopathy a welcome alternative for treating babies and children. Learn the basic tenets of homeopathy, discover the most common children's remedies and receive instruction on when and how to use them.
April 8th Thursday 7-9 pm
Cost: Free

Principles of Ayurveda

Anna Donaghy: Ayurvedic Health Educator, Certified Ayurvedic Body Therapist
Ayurveda is an ancient, natural and holistic wellness system from India that literally means the "science of life". In this introductory class you will learn about Ayurveda's history, how to determine your individual mind/body constitution. We will also discuss diet and lifestyle routines to find and maintain balance in your body, mind and spirit.
April 15th Thursday 7-9 pm
Cost:  $20

Homeopathic First Aid

Adrienne Veseth: Classical Homeopath
Learn the basics of homeopathic medicine. Emphasis will be on remedies that are useful in emergency and acute situations. Homeopathic medicines are quick acting, inexpensive and lightweight, making them the perfect companion for traveling. We will explore the remedies that should be included in your first aid kit for home, car, on the hiking trail, or traveling the world.

April 22nd Thursday 7-9 pm

Cost: Free

Registration Information

Herbal Foundations: an In-Depth Program in Herbal Medicine

Sign up by February 27 and get $50 off!

Thursdays, May 13 - August 26, 2010

Join us for the fifth year of our annual in-depth herbal studies program. Make a deeper connection to the earth. Discover the healing properties of medicinal plants - a special and unique part of our world. Come on a journey with us and experience an intimate connection with healing herbs that are native to the Northern Rocky Mountains.

We will study:

• Medicinal plants easily grown in our northern climate as well as some special exotics.
• How to grow herbs and how essential oils are made.
• Using medicinal herbs for different body systems.
• The art and science of medicine making.
• How to respectfully harvest and use wild plants.

We are looking for enthusiastic students committed to a long-term class series. Join in our excitement as we explore the healing power of plants and the study of herbal medicine. For more information, or to register click here

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180 South 3rd Street West  •  Missoula, MT 59801

406-728-0543

© 2010 Meadowsweet Herbs