Published: 7/16/2018 12:00:09 PM
PETERSHAM — Herbalist Holly Hayward will lead a presentation on Lyme Disease, including symptoms, prevention and treatment, as part of the Petersham Grange 95’s annual potluck summer picnic Tuesday at 5 p.m.
“I find it is often that people turn to herbal medicine as a last resort, because they haven’t had luck going through conventional means. Then they are surprised that it works,” she said.
Hayward, of Sugar Hill Botanicals in Franconia, N.H., will also discuss herbs that treat various forms of inflammation, as well, during the presentation under the blue community tent on the Town Common.
She co-founded Sugar Hill Botanicals, which features 10-acres of woodlands and gardens, in 1986, and she has been educating communities across New England on the use of herbs, ever since. For 32 years, Hayward has been a practicing community herbalist, teacher and organic gardener. She loves to speak about her passion and teach a variety of ages on the traditional uses of herbs, as well as incorporating modern scientific studies and research into her work.
During the summer, she teaches a class called “Herbs, Health and Healing,” which introduces individuals to herbal medicine and allows them to partake in not only book learning, but hands-on experience foraging plants and herbs at Sugar Hill.
She also teaches classes on everything from herbs to boosting the immune system and cardiovascular health to edible wild plant and mushroom foraging. One of her most popular classes, said Hayward, involves teaching people about the various things they have, such as garlic or spices, in their kitchen cabinet for medicinal purposes, not just cooking.
In the past, the Grange has hosted speakers knowledgeable on topics, including pollinators and invasive beetles.
All Grange programs are organized by Grange lecturer Ellen Anderson, along with a program committee. This year, Anderson said the Grange has been focusing on educating the community on the topic of insects. She said the presentation is not only for Grange members, but for residents who are interested in learning more about the agricultural organization.
Participants are asked to bring a dish to share for the potluck — anything from entrees and salads to desserts. Plates, dinnerware, cups and cold drinks will be provided by the Grange. The potluck and presentation are free and open to the public. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the upper Town Hall.