Regenerative Wildcrafting: Cultivating Resilience in a Changing World
"Regenerative wildcrafting is not just about harvesting from the land; it's about nurturing a deeper relationship with nature that fosters resilience and reciprocity."
"Through the dance of regenerative wildcrafting, we connect with the soul of the earth, cultivating resilience as we embrace the ever-changing rhythms of creation." ~Shantree
Shantree Kacera, R.N., D.N., Ph.D.
Wildcrafting is the act of harvesting plants from the wild. However, for me, it means much more than that. Wildcrafting goes beyond plant harvesting, embodying a profound connection between humanity and the natural world. It's about breaking down the barriers between humans and nature. We often view nature as something separate from ourselves, creating feelings of fear and detachment. Wildcrafting is based on the belief that we are all part of nature. I refer to it as "wild nature" to highlight our inherent connection to the natural world. Nature does not exist outside of us; it is within us. Wild nature can be found everywhere, even in urban bioregions like Carolinian Canada. For me, wildcrafting is a practice. Wildcrafting is a practice that involves harvesting plants from the wild. However, for some people, it goes beyond the simple act of gathering plants. Wildcrafting is about connecting with the natural world and breaking down the barriers between humans and nature. It is a way of seeing ourselves as part of the larger ecosystem rather than separate from it.
In many ways, wildcrafting is a mindset. It is based on the belief that we are all part of nature and that nature is not something that exists outside of us but rather within us. This means a connection to the natural world can still be felt and explored even in urban environments like Carolinian Canada.
One of the key ideas behind wildcrafting is the concept of "wild nature." This term emphasizes that nature exists in remote wilderness areas, including cities and suburbs. Wild nature is the part of ourselves that is connected to the natural world, and it is something that we can tap into through practices like wildcrafting.
For many people, wildcrafting is a way of connecting with the land and the plants that grow there. It is a way of learning about the natural world and developing a deeper understanding of the ecosystems that surround us. By harvesting plants sustainably and respectfully, wildcrafters can also help preserve and protect the natural environment for future generations.
Overall, wildcrafting is a practice that combines many different ideas and concepts, all centred around connecting with the natural world. Whether you live in a rural or urban area, wildcrafting can be a way to explore and deepen your relationship with the land and the plants that grow there. It brings all of these ideas together.
Now, the regenerative part. Regenerative means “to create again.” This process happens when we align with the natural forces of regeneration present in the ecosystem.
Wildcrafting is a fascinating practice that involves gathering plants from the wild, and it's much more than that. It's about recognizing that we are not separate from nature and have an inherent connection. Wildcrafting emphasizes this connection between humans and the natural world, often called "wild nature." It involves understanding that we are an intrinsic part of nature and connected to the wild in ways we may not always realize.
Regeneration is a vital aspect of wildcrafting. It's creating something anew by working in harmony with the natural regeneration forces present in ecosystems, plant bodies, and within ourselves - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Regeneration is not just about ensuring that the plants will grow back after they are after they have been harvested; it's about understanding the regenerative cycle of wild nature and aligning with it to support it instead of disrupting it.
Wildcrafting is an essential skill for herbalists, but it's crucial to understand the impact of excessive harvesting on ecosystems and the plants that grow within them. With the current surge of interest in herbal medicine, there's more demand for wildcrafting. However, it's essential to consider the need for regeneration and the long-term impact of wildcrafting on medicinal plants and ecosystems.
Despite these concerns, wildcrafting remains a critical practice. Over the years, I've noticed two archetypes of wildcrafters - those who dig up whatever they find without a second thought and those who are too hesitant to harvest due to guilt or concern for the plant or ecosystem. Both approaches embody the belief that humans are separate from nature, but ecosystems and plants are resilient. When wildcrafted correctly, they can grow back, but it's essential to interact with the wild respectfully, fostering reverence for both plants and ecosystems and the forces that sustain life. It's about aligning ourselves with the ongoing creation of life and developing a deep reverence for that process.
The relationship between the wildcrafter, the place, and the plant is essential to the process. It's not a transactional process of taking a specific amount of plants to create a quantity of medicine. It's a relationship that requires patience, intention, and a deep understanding of the natural world. Before harvesting a plant, spending time in its wild habitat and offering prayers and intentions are essential. These prayers are not just about receiving permission; they are a way to open ourselves up and align with the plants to determine whether it's appropriate to harvest there. It's also essential to understand the ecosystem in which the plant is growing and to consider the long-term impact of harvesting on that ecosystem.
While the rule is to harvest one plant for every twenty you see, more is needed. Every ecosystem is unique and has additional factors that influence how much you should harvest and how much you should leave. For example, if a particular plant is scarce in an area, it may be best to leave it untouched to allow it to propagate and regenerate. Ultimately, respecting the natural world and understanding that we must protect it is crucial.
Wildcrafting is a process that involves gathering plants, herbs, and other natural resources from the wild. At the heart of this practice lies a complex interplay of relationships that the wildcrafter must navigate to be successful. The first relationship is with the harvested location, including forests, meadows, and other natural settings. To succeed, the wildcrafter must understand the area's unique ecology, including the climate, soil, and other environmental factors that impact the growth and health of the harvested plants.
The second relationship is with the living organisms that inhabit the location, including the plants, animals, and microbes that call it home. The wildcrafter must be mindful of the impact of their actions on these organisms, working to minimize harm and promote sustainability. This includes not over-harvesting plants, respecting the habitats of animals, and taking steps to preserve the ecosystem's delicate balance.
To succeed in wildcrafting, the wildcrafter must also have a deep understanding of the harvested plants. This includes knowledge of their medicinal properties, growth patterns, harvesting techniques, and processing methods. The wildcrafter must also be skilled in identifying the plants they seek and any similar-looking plants that could be harmful or ineffective.
In addition to these skills, the successful wildcrafter must deeply respect the natural world. This includes recognizing the value of biodiversity, minimizing its impact on the environment, and promoting sustainable practices that protect the ecosystems they rely on.
Both approaches are disconnected. When you dig the root of a plant, its life may be taken away, but the plant’s life force can restore a person’s life force, and that’s the regenerative cycle. There’s a reciprocal relationship there that sustains the ongoing cycle of life.
Yeah, that resonates with me. Wildcrafting isn’t a transactional process of taking a specific amount of plants to make a set quantity of medicine. That transactional mindset is prevalent in our culture, but when there’s a genuine relationship, it transforms the entire approach. Before harvesting a plant, I spend time in its wild habitat and offer prayers and intentions. These prayers aren’t just about permission—they’re a way to open me up and align with the plants so I can determine whether it’s appropriate for me to harvest there. There’s an old wildcrafting rule of only harvesting one plant for every twenty you see. For me, it’s not enough to follow reductionist logic. Every ecosystem is unique and has additional factors that influence how much you should harvest and how much you should leave.
When I wildcraft, there’s a dual relationship at play—first with the place and then with the plant. In prayer before harvesting, I reflect on the plant’s contributions to me and the community. I envision myself as a node, tapping into a life stream that spans thousands of years through humanity’s existence. Plants like St. John’s Wort have this enduring lifestream; we become conduits for that energy. As the medicine infused with this awareness circulates within the community, it creates a reciprocal exchange. The process is grounded in a relationship orientation, emphasizing all elements' interconnectedness.