Herbs, Herbal Remedies and Walking La Alpujarra

“I am a general practitioner, and was enthralled, educated and deeply impressed by Julio’s medicinal knowledge and skill” (C.D. - BA MSc MD CQSW FRCGP FFPHM Professor of Primary Medical Care - participant Herbalism and Walking 2005)
“I would recommend this trip to anyone who likes good food , fresh air and an interest in improving their knowledge of herbs and seeing the beautiful Alpujarra mountains to boot!” (J.E. - Herbalism and Walking 2005)

Spain still has a strong tradition of herbal medicine. Every village will have its “curandera” or “curandero” (healer) specialising in such things as bone-setting, or skin complaints. In the local markets the herbalist’s is usually one of the larger stalls, with sacks containing a fascinating variety of spices and herbs, culinary and medicinal. Julio has lived for over two decades in his typical Alpujarran cortijo, La Palmera, surrounded by lush green gardens. He has brought up his children in this wonderful environment, and devoted his working life to the study, cultivation and use of medicinal plants. Hidden in the valley of Padre Eterno his home is named after the palm tree beside the house. He has chosen a simple and healthy lifestyle; growing, gathering and preserving herbs, making unguents and selling products in local markets and shops. He owns no car; to reach his home you follow the old “camino” down a steeply terraced hillside, or find the path beside one of the three Moorish “acequias” which water our fertile valley. Sophie grew up in the Alpujarras (along with Julio’s daughter!) and returned to the UK for her higher education and degree studies. In 2006 she graduated from Middlesex University with a BSc in Herbal Medicine and she has now returned to the area to practice her skill. Their expertise, skill and wide local knowledge will be shared with you during this week of herbalism and walking.

The week: Julio is a skilled and enthusiastic teacher, and has run courses for the last decade. He will introduce you to the vast and intriguing world of plants, teaching you to identify the varied flora of the Sierra Nevada (including medicinal, edible, and dangerous plants). You will learn about the qualities of different plants, collecting methods, drying,conserving and cultivating.

Sophie will teach simple traditional methods of preparing plant medicines: infusions, decoctions, tinctures, creams, ointments, poultices, liniments, syrups, vinegars and sprays. By the end of the course you will be able to create your own home-made herbal First Aid Kit!

Throughout the week you can explore the region’s exceptional countryside on walks with us; an opportunity to experience the wide variety of plants found in the Alpujarra - a superb setting for your growing knowledge and a wonderful holiday!

Accommodation:will be in a neighbouring converted farmhouse (up to 6 people- €510 pp, (single room supplement - €105, limited availability), or on camp at La Dominga (individual tents-€420).

For more on herbalism - the Herb Society - the UK’s leading society for increasing the understanding, use and appreciation of herbs and their benefits to health

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