BRATTLEBORO — Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar will explain the past and current significance of herbalism in a talk at Brooks Memorial Library at 7 p.m. on Dec. 1. The talk, “The History of Herbal Medicine in America,” is part of the Vermont Humanities Council's First Wednesdays lecture series.
Just what did the early American pioneers rely on for health and healing? How did they survive the ills of the day with just herbs and potions in their medicine cupboards? Are any of these early medicines still useful today, and does science support their validity? Gladstar examines these and other questions and considers the current role of herbs in health care.
Gladstar is a pioneer in the herbal movement and has been called the “godmother of American herbalism.” She is the founder of the California School of Herbal Studies, the longest-running herb school in the United States, and of Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center. She is also the author of numerous herb books including the bestseller Herbal Healing for Women, Herbal Remedies for Vibrant Health, and Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality.
The Vermont Humanities Council's First Wednesdays series is held on the first Wednesday of every month from October through May, featuring speakers of national and regional renown. Talks in Brattleboro are held at Brooks Memorial Library.
Upcoming Brattleboro talks include “The Impossible Presidency and Obama's Chance for Greatness” with UVM professor Frank Bryan on Jan. 5; “Willa Cather's Prairie Landscapes” with Amherst professor Michele Barale on Feb. 2; and “The Towering Inferno” with Dante translator Michael Palma on March 2.
For more information, contact Brooks Memorial Library at 802-254-5290 or visit www.vermonthumanities.org.