| in the Alpujarra, 2008 | |
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| with Julio Donat and Claude Peyrou | |
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24-31 May 08 (£395 farmhouse, £345 camp) |
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“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) |
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 and Claude (Uni) have lived for over two decades in their typical Alpujarra cortijo, La Palmera, surrounded by lush green gardens. They have brought up their children in this wonderful environment, and devoted their working life to the study, cultivation and use of medicinal plants. Hidden in the valley of Padre Eterno their home is named after the palm tree beside the house. They have chosen a simple and healthy lifestyle; growing, gathering and preserving herbs, making unguents and selling their products in local markets and shops. They own no car, to reach their 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. Their expertise and skill will be shared with you during this week of herbalism and walking. |
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The week: Julio and Uni are skilled and enthusiastic teachers, and have run courses for the last decade. Julio 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. | |
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Claude will teach simple traditional preparation of plants, making infusions, decoctions, macerations, tinctures, unguents, creams, soaps, toothpaste and perfume. By the end of the course you will be able to create your own home-made herbal First Aid Kit! |
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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! |
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| Accommodation:will be in a neighbouring converted farmhouse (up to 6 people- £395 pp, £40 single room supplement,limited availability), or on camp at La Dominga (individual tents-£345). Food: the usual excellent Bootlace vegetarian board! Group size: up to 12 Workshop time: approx. 15 hours Walks: two full and two half-day excursions |
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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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