If we surrendered to earth’s intelligence
we could rise up, rooted, like trees.
Rainer Maria Rilke
Lucinda Warner- Herbalist, illustrator and nature lover.
I live and work in East Sussex and love to spend time in the forest and on the Downs with the plants that grow there. I can often be found in my kitchen blending, brewing, bottling and batching any number of strange and wonderful potions and elixirs.
I also love to draw and paint and nature illustration has become an increasingly important part of my work in recent years.
Both facets of my work enable me to share my experience of the many gifts that the natural world has to offer and empower others to know and use some of the common plants that grow freely around us.
You will no doubt find my musings on meditation and ponderings on philosophy interwoven with the herb recipes and plant ramblings of this blog.
I hope you enjoy reading it.
I am also a member ofย The Herbarium, a wonderful and wise group of traditional herbalists and write regular articles on herbs and natural health for The Mother magazine.
N.B.ย Please be aware that the information contained within this blog is intended to educate, entertain and inspire only. If you have any specific health complaints then please visit your local herbalist or healthcare provider for the appropriate guidance and support.
Oooh what a wonderful blog, I was gathering nettles in my garden only yesterday, and those dandelion leaves for salads, look forward to more updates.
Emma x
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Hi Lucinda, am really enjoying reading on all the useful and wonderful info you are posting here. Keep it going.
mxxx
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Hello Lucinda..Ive found you!! what a magical site…you have so much to offer….Thank you for such a great read… I am going to share this with all the new herbwalk folks who are so eager to learn ( in the right way!!) sarahxx
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What a delightful site! I feel like I’ve found my English counterpart:) I will be back often to bask in your gentle words and knowledge.
From a fellow herbalist,
Danielle
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Was looking for posts about herbal infusions and stumbled upon this beautiful site. Many thanks! It’s lovely to find someone with similar ideas not so far from here. Looking forward to visiting the blog again.
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Tulsi is an inspiration! ๐ Did you do the artwork in your lovely header? Have a bee-autiful day Lucinda
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Thanks Leslie!
Yes I did the artwork, though I did it from my head which is why the Hawthorn berries look more like Rosehips ๐
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Oh I think you did just a lovely job of it Lucinda. So very pretty:)
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You’re welcome Lucinda:) Beautiful regarless if hawthorn or rosehips:) xx
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What a wonderful and informative blog – I will be checking back frequently! Thanks for the great information!
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Hi Lucinda
I read on the internet that using too much beeswax can clog the pores. What is the maximum I can use in a face moisturizer without clogging my pores.?
Thank you
Rohini
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Hi Rohini,
If you have oiler skin I would avoid beeswax altogether, if the skin is drier then 5g in 100 would be a good amount. I sometimes use up to 10g in 100 and I haven’t found a problem with it increasing the pore size but I don’t tend to put moisturiser on oilier bits of my skin like my nose.
The best thing to do is experiment and see. Some people do recommend avoiding it but different things work for different skins in my experience. If someone had acne or blackheads I’d definitely avoid it. It could be a bit clogging but it also protects from the elements and pollution and without it you might have to use more thickeners/ emulsifiers etc that are not so natural. Shea butter is also meant to clog pores if used at more than 5%.
Hope that’s helpful!
All the best,
Lucinda x
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Hi Lucinda,
After attending the Lotions and Potions Workshop last week, I thought I’d log in to see what your blog/website was like. What a fab blog! I am loving Zen Kitty for he is truly wise!
Wonderful to meet you
Louise x
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Thanks Louise, it was lovely to meet you too! Take care x
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Your site is very lovely and informative…thanks for sharing your knowledge ๐
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I notice you said you had classes. Where are you located? Thanks
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Hi Sue, I’m in East Sussex. I do some things in Brighton and the surrounding areas.
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Hi Lucinda
I can’t say enought about your site! Extremely informative and helpful and beautiful photos!! My favourite is the clarification of salves, balms and ointments. In one of your blogs you mentioned using emulsifying wax for a lighter lotion. I would be grateful for any tips on how to use it alone or a combination of e-wax and beeswax. I know I can use more water with e-wax and I still find using beeswax alone tricky!. Guess i have to practice somemore.
Thank you and keep up the great work
Rohini
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Hi Rohini,
Don’t dispair with the beeswax only cream, it’s taken me a while to get the technique right and I had various disasters when I first tried. They actually come out more consistently well mixed when you have left the oil part to cool a little before adding the waters. I have just changed one of my recipes, the hand and foot cream, to make it easier. Wait till the oils are starting to go opaque but are still warmish so they haven’t set completely, then mix in the slightly warm water part in a drizzle.
If you want to increase the water part then you need to use emulsifiers. I prefer the VE, MF emulsifying combination as taught by Aromantic and used by various natural skincare companies and practitioners. Emulsifying wax leaves a bit of a sticky consistency I think so it’s not my favourite, but it still does the job.
I’ll get round to doing a proper cream post soon with some recipe variations with and without emulsifiers. In the meantime there are recipes on Aromatic’s site for using the VE/ MF combo which produces a nice light cream. This is the link:
http://www.aromantic.co.uk/
Take care and happy cream making.
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Lovely to meet you at the Springfield Sanctuary Herb Festival this last week end. Thank you for such an interesting and informing talk. I look forward to producing some of your recipes. Love & Light,
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Thankyou for your Whispering Earth posts they add such light and magic to my life!
I just love learning all things plants and healing and the newsletters help keep my focus.
It was serendipidous meeting you on the Souls and Soles Foraging walk!
Do let me know of any events or workshops you are doing. I live in Glynde. suethesmith@hotmail.com
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Hi Susan, Thanks for your lovely comment. I will let you know of anything local that I am doing as we are very close!
It was a lovely walk wasn’t it, and lovely to meet you too. xx
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Dear Lucinda,
I would like to create herbal infused massage oils for my practice. What book(s) would you recommend?
Love your blog, I’ve started reading through it. It’s very informative! I just joined your email list.
Jennifer
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Thank you for your lovely comment Jennifer. I have a few books that cover the basics but nothing that really goes into any details. James Green’s The Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook is quite good though and covers lots of different herbal preparations.
Did you see the post I wrote on infused oils? If not you can read it here.
https://whisperingearth.wordpress.com/2010/04/26/potions-group-making-herb-infused-oils/
Other ones to try might be the Neal’s Yard book, I don’t have it myself but I’ve heard that it’s very good. Sorry I can’t be more help!
All the best,
Lucinda
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Hi Lucinda
This is an admirabe site and philosophy and a source of endless information. You’ve come along way from our school days, many congratulations. I will read with interest.
Etosha
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Congratulations! You have been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by Cathy from http://wordsandherbs.wordpress.com.
For details see Cathyโs post on 26th January:
Iโm really enjoying reading your blog, so played along with this award thingโฆ feel free to do with it what you will! ๐
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Thanks for the beautiful Rose oil Lucinda!
Maggie x
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Hello Lucinda, I just happened upon your lovely site by accident. I was looking up how to make macerated oils and found you.
I’m interested in making my own skin care products for myself and family and the occasional pressie for my friends. I look forward to more interesting articles in the future.
Angela
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Your writing is beautiful and I am looking forward to following your blog. – Jenn
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Dear Lucinda,
Just wanted to say Thank you, what a wonderful post to read re The South Downs. Living exactly opposite, on top of the North Downs I understood & became, knowing every description, view & sense of awe & wonderment you so beautifully describe. I did not know there was an ‘Earth Day’ nor what it is but the love emanating from her Soul last night filled me from tip to toe as I drove back from Bournemouth to Kent. The views seemed so much more vibrant, the energy emanating like a haze of white light & purity, courage & strength .. the love sensed almost moved me to tears as I gasped at such nourishing beauty hi-lighted by the setting sun. As if the Earth was basking in the enriching elements being shared by the sunshine & rain. Everything for a moment stood still, although my car was travelling about 70 miles an hour. All became one – moments like the ones you share so beautifully in your post. Last night from the front windscreen to the side mirrors, the weather in each were the extreme opposites, blue skies, luminous rich colours from the setting sunshine to smouldering black skies & torrential rain. Observing such natural wonders filled me & the 2 & a half hour journey became timeless. Reading your post filled me with a similar sense of respect, love & gratitude. Thank you. I will read further on Earth Day, although I do share prayers & Love daily but maybe if we all do on the same day, maybe we could have Earth Healing Day .
Thank you Lucinda, its such a heart warming pleasure to read your posts.
Abundant Blessings
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How wonderful, it sounds truly magical.
Lovely to know you are across the way in the North Downs, we are lucky to live amidst such beauty aren’t we.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience and lovely comment.
Much love x
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Lovely blog!! I red about you at Pinterest and I just had to check your blog. Glad I did!
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Thanks Nonia, hope you enjoy it!
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Dear Lucinda,
I am following your recipes from Greece.
As i was just starting to think about making my own series of oils and creams with my own essential oil recipes added, i thought i should at least try to make my own cream (i feel much better knowing exactly what is in the base creams i give to people)…and i came upon your site! I am so glad and greatful for your information.
Thank you and keep up this inspiring work!
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Lovely blog ๐ will follow it!
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What a beautiful site, I feel calm just reading through the pages. Thank you!
I want to buy calendula and camomile cream for my skin. Do you sell products? Also the pics of calendula look very much like the flowers in my garden which I call English Marigolds. Are they one and the same?
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Hi Avril,
Yes they are English or pot marigold, Calendula officinalis. (Different from the French marigold or Tagetes.)
Unfortunately I don’t sell products at this time but it should be relatively easy to get something.
Thank you for your lovely comment.
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Wonderful website..came across it while searching on how to make wild violet honey. Just signed up to follow your posts. Look forward to learning more.. Thanks! ๐
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What a beautiful site! I might not get to bed tonight as I *might* be on here instead!
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So much information, and the first of which that is somewhat local! Oh and the Zen kitty posts are absolutely delightful…
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Thanks Mallow ๐
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Dazzling site, Lucinda. I’m excited to read more and, lately, I’ve been painting with herbs, teas, coffee, wine…so, it’s timely to find you!
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[…] can learn more about Lucinda Warner and her herbal practice by subscribing to her blog at Whispering Earth. […]
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Hi Lucinda, I’ve just read in your interview that you worked in a herb shop in Bristol – can you share which one? I worked in Neals Yard Remedies from 1994-1998 – great times!
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Yes it was Neal’s Yard! I was there after you in 2003-4. It is a lovely shop isn’t it. ๐
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i’ve wandered here (as you do) to find a blessing – how wonderful the internet is! So much to read and enjoy… I’ve been ‘at it’ awhile – almost sixty years old and living first in rural Dorset, and for sixteen years now in Cornwall..I grow my own herbs and know where the wild ones grow too..My first Sunday School prize (for work) at the age of ten was the Observer’s Book of Wild Flowers ~ I learnt it cover to cover! I’m on my second copy of Mrs Greaves as the first has fallen asunder with use..How nice then to find a modern Gal with all this knowledge to share – I’m so pleased to find you Lucinda..thank you!
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Hello, I’m so glad you found your way here. You must know the plants so well after years of working with them and I expect you have quite a few interesting things in Cornwall that we don’t have here in Sussex. Thanks for your lovely comment. x
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Thank you for this page. I know that my heart is not alone in giving nature back it’s power to heal us.
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Dear Lucinda, I am thrilled to have stumbled upon your website! I am recently retired from the medical profession after 45 years of full time work. I have been gardening for as many but now I have time to dedicate so much more of my time, energy and interest to my passion for a healthy, natural way of life. With winter waning, I am impatient to get back to my garden and using the very valuable info I’ve learned today through you. Thank you for the inspiration and education you so beautifully share with your followers. Betty
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Thank you Betty. I’m so pleased you found some useful information here. I too am looking forward to getting out in the garden more! Best wishes.
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Hi, I have a question about violet infused oil – are you using flowers or leaf or a combo of both? thanks!
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I usually use a combination of both but you can use either with good results.
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Hi Lucinda, I’ve been reading your blog on and off for a while. Its the best herbalism blog I’ve come across – and so beautiful too. I hope you don’t mind, I’ve added you to my blogroll/ list on my own blog? (Which is about all manner of disparate things, and sometimes herbalism too, but not in your league of expertise!). I’m really enjoying reading, thankyou for this blog ๐
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Thank you so much for your lovely comment and for adding me to your blog roll. I will have a look at your blog when I get chance. ๐
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wow, your pictures are absolutely beautiful! What a blessed life you’re sharing and thank you for sharing!! I look forward to checking back in and you inspire me to continue on with the herbal/nature wonderland! Thank you.
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There are many conversations to have outside in nature. I have always enjoyed the chats and helpful information shared. Plants have a kindness to them.
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I love your blog and your writings thank you
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Such a wholesome collection. Being done with such simplicity and beauty. Thank you for taking such careful time and passing on your craft xxx
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Hi Lucinda, I wondered if your doing any workshops or foraging walks soon? I’d like to come if you are.
Warmly
Claire
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Hi Claire,
So sorry for the delayed reply. I’ve been on maternity leave and haven’t been doing much but I’ll be doing some courses in the summer and autumn. I’ll update the events page in the next couple of weeks. Best wishes. x
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Loving this site๐
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Thank you!
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Great to connect
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I just discover your site today and I am very happy imprrssed alsoโค I just love your work thank you! From Romania Puni
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Thank you Puni!
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Reading this website is very relaxing, and the font etc are just perfect. I know almost nothing about trees, flowers or really anything to do with nature, but walking through it is almost always ‘spiritual’ in some way, even though I am an atheist. As I think my favourite author John Fowles once said, you don’t need knowledge about the beauty to really appreciate it. Aesthetic feeling is enough.
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I would agree that we don’t need knowledge or mental understanding to feel deeply connected in nature.
Thanks for your comment.
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Dear Lucinda, I have been subscribed to your blog for ages, but never get your new posts in my inbox! So today I subscribed again and got the message that I am already subscribed. Can you help?
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Hi Stella,
The problem is probably that I haven’t written anything for ages! I am on maternity leave and seem to have very little time at the moment.
Did you get the post I wrote today?
x
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Hi Lucinder,
I’ve just seen you on BBC4 south Downs way programme. I’m moving back to Sussex I’m a couple of months and currently retraining as a Sound Therapist. I’m very interested in foraging and learning how to live off the land as nature intended us to. It would be good to meet up and maybe attend a course if you run them. Warm regards, Al
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Hi Al,
Sorry for the delayed reply. Your studies sound so interesting. I’ll be running some courses in the summer and autumn (am currently on maternity leave) and will update the events page in the next couple of weeks.
Hope to connect with you soon!
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Thank you love the site
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Living in the UK myself, I was amazed to see such a wonderful and truly unique Blog.
Thank you Lucinda for sharing your knowledge, so that we can all become empowered to live in harmony with ‘ Mother ‘ and share Her bountiful gifts for all life.
Will definitely be following your Writings of inspiration.
Thank you Lucinda
Kindest regards always in Light
Chris
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Thanks so much for your kind words Chris!
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I just found you by doing a research of Milk Thistle, and I can tell by the short few sentences I’ve read, I have found a sight I will visit every couple of days, and certainly when I have a question. A beautiful blog full of information we all need. A blessing to find you!!!! Thank you for the insight into our natural world of preventive medicine.
Chloe’
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Thanks so much Chloe, that’s lovely to read.
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Beautiful site. Really enjoyed the information. Would like to know how to keep informed.
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hi lucinda. love your blog .i have a problem .when making creams and lotions they turn out grainy. why? i do not use emulsifying wax.. is there anything that i can do differently? lana
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Hi Lucinda, I enjoy your articles in the Preston Pages, have you written a book on herbs / plants and their magical properties?
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Hi Christina, thank you. I haven’t written a book, though I am currently working on one. It’s taking a long time though so it might not be available for a while yet! Glennie Kindred has written a lot on traditional and magical properties of plants I think.
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I wanted to let you know I love your energy, your so warm, loving and the way you write is not something I see much here in the united States
I look forward to learning more. Thank you.
-demeter1971
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Thank you for your kind words Melissa, they mean a lot.
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Hi Lucinda
Would love to know when you run a workshop on making a cream with herbal.. have made many a selves on my time but would like some clarity and ideas around creams for cosmetic or other uses.
Thanks so much
Suzy
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Hi Lucinda,
I love your articles, and spend many hours myself wandering on south downs way. I always look at the plant and wildlife and cant wait for the better weather too walk in the glorious sunshine in my summer mini skirt and flip flops!!! Well done. Love Gill xxx
P.s. keep safe.
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