When anyone mentions teaching children about plants, I recall a scenario from when my son, now 20, was very young. I’ll save that for after we’ve had a chance to meet two local women who mentor kids in plant identification, responsible foraging, and making simple herbal concoctions to support health.

“When my 3-year-old and I play in our garden, I notice what can happen when kids and plants spend time together,” said NityaEisenheim. “It’s exciting and magical.” Eisenheim, a Greenfield-based naturopathic practitioner, teams up with NoëlleJanka, an herbal apprentice, to offer Herb N’ Play: Children’s Plant Medicine and Play Workshop. The two will facilitate one such program this Sunday at Just Roots/Greenfield Community Farm, and — while registration for the event is closed — they plan to offer similar programs in the future.

In addition to being a mom, Eisenheim sees children in her practice. “More kids are getting sick, and there are increasing problems with pregnancies and post-partum,” she said. Eisenheim loves to share basics about herbs — what she refers to as kitchen medicine — so that people can benefit safely and naturally.

Co-leader Noëlle Janka challenges the concept that nature is separate from people. “Kids are very receptive to the idea that we’re all connected,” she said. “They’re excited to learn what plants can do for them and what they can do for plants.” Janka finds that children “take in information like sponges, and love being quizzed on plant facts. They’re able to recognize that there are treasures all around us. Kids delight in harvesting plants and making herbal tea to share with their friends, grandparents, and teachers.”

Growing up, Janka went on frequent hikes with her father, who was very knowledgeable about plants. “He would often quiz me on plant ID, and I loved it. I was a forest kid.” She finds that children are open to viewing plants as friends as well as resources. “They’re willing to cultivate relationships with plants, and that’s very healing.” The author of “Rebel Healing,” Janka learned of herbal benefits after contracting Lyme disease at age 15. “I suffered for a long time with misdiagnoses,” she said. “Herbal medicine finally helped me.”

Janka recently wrapped up helping to facilitate a four-part program for kids at Sweet Birch Herbals in Ashfield, where she’s done a two-year apprenticeship. Now she’s thrilled to mentor young folks at Just Roots, where she’s participated in the farm’s community garden and been a CSA member for several years. “They have a lot of programs for families,” she said, “and it’s a great place for kids to explore.” Eisenheim added, “Just Roots has fields, edges of fields, areas that are more wild, and different plant zones. It’s perfect for exploration.”

The two mentors encourage youngsters to explore while emphasizing respect and reciprocity. They also offer safety guidelines: “We need to know what we’re picking,” said Eisenheim, “and not over-harvest. It’s one thing to gather something that grows very abundantly, like knotweed or dandelion. In other cases, though, we must be more cautious.” She and Janka bring in Indigenous concepts of asking permission and giving thanks, and one of their main goals is encouraging kids to connect with nature in an era when many people find that stressors of modern life increasingly impact physical and mental health.

“Turning to plants for preventative medicine, as well as treatments, is a natural thing,” said Eisenheim. “Even just exposure to sunlight and fresh air, especially away from devices, can enhance health. Adults sometimes find it hard to simply lie on their backs, listening to the wind and opening their hearts, but it seems to be easier for kids when they’re outdoors. Taking time away from screens, breathing deeply, and being with plants can help restore a sense of calm.”

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I noticed that to be true during my son’s early childhood. Gillis and I routinely hosted tours at the Pleasant Street Community Garden, for which I served as coordinator for several years, a volunteer post that greatly enhanced our lives. Gillis loved welcoming people to the community garden and had a special fondness for high school groups who came to learn and to pitch in on projects.

One day, we guided two dozen teens and a couple of teachers around the site, pointing out the many different gardening styles practiced by participating members. To detail the tasks students would be helping with, I introduced the tools we’d be using. Pausing before a mound of deep-green feathery fronds, 4-year-old Gillis held up his hand and announced: “Don’t worry, Big Kids. If you cut yourself and you’re bleeding, pick some of this yarrow, stick it in your mouth, chew it til it’s mushy, and spit it into your cut. You’ll be fine.”

The teens stared at Gillis with a mixture of amazement, amusement, and frank horror. I hastened to put their minds at ease: “You folks aren’t likely to cut yourselves while turning over compost or dumping wood chips in the paths, but Gillis is right,” I said. “Yarrow has a clotting action and can help to stop bleeding. Its astringent properties cause skin to contract, helping to close wounds.”

Gillis nodded and said, “There are lots of useful plants here, Big Kids. Let me know if you need help.” Until that moment, I hadn’t fully registered how much my kiddo had learned while hanging out with plants. It’s wonderful to hear that local children have opportunities to explore nature and to form deep relationships with plants, thanks to caring mentors like NityaEisenheim and Noëlle Janka.

For more information about herbal programs for kids, call 413-676-9009 or email cedarroseheals@gmail.com.

Eveline MacDougall is the author of “Fiery Hope.” To contact: eveline@amandlachorus.org.