Given good neutral to slightly acidic soil and access to water, the key to producing best quality Essiac herbs, root, leaf and stem, lies in the quantity and quality of accessible daylight the plants receive. Sun-potentized plants are richly colored, have strong roots that produce abundant leaves and flower buds on strong stems capable of generating quality seed at season’s end. Rain or shine, plants depend upon the Sun to feed themselves through the process of photosynthesis and providing their roots aren’t waterlogged (excepting Watercress herb), the Essiac herbs can be surprisingly tolerant of a variety of soil conditions within their latitude range as the seasons evolve.

SEASONAL EFFECTS

Earth takes 365 days, 5 hours and 59 minutes to make one complete orbit around the Sun. During that time the planet experiences four more or less equally divided growing seasons due to its being tilted at an angle of 23° as it spins on its axis, making one complete turn every 24 hours. If the axis was not tilted day and night would be the same length all year round in both hemispheres as they are briefly at Spring and Autumn Equinox, and there would be no seasons. The equator would be continually scorching hot while the poles remain frigidly cold. Any Essiac herbs that had evolved under such conditions would be confined to a much more limited latitude range than they are today.

Measured in degrees, latitudes are equidistant circles drawn parallel both north and south of the Equator on a globe or a map. They are also known as parallels of latitude. Both the Arctic and Antarctic Circles are situated approximately 66° north and south of the Equator, marking the limits where the Midnight Sun can last all night around the time of the Summer Solstice.

It can be seen from the chart below that the length of daylight/sun exposure hours at specific latitudes will depend on the time of year. Growth viability at any latitude will also depend on topography and the effects of location. Coastal/maritime regions generally experience milder, less extreme conditions than their continental counterparts.

CONCERNING POTENCY

Every Essiac garden has its own unique set of light, soil and water availability conditions, and of the three, the importance of the quality of light availability affecting the potency of the subtle energies of the herbs at harvest is often the most overlooked. Most herbs achieve their full potential, root, leaf and stem under the Sun. Strength of sunlight exposure will vary depending on location, generally stronger at altitude and when reflected off the sea in maritime regions potentizing correspondingly strong growth in herbs produced in these areas. In the mainly unpolluted far north of Iceland twenty-four hours of strong sunlight exposure at Summer Solstice can potentize a surprisingly strong growth flush period lasting through June, July into August in plants grown outside in south facing, sheltered positions and in greenhouses. In arid, continental, semi-desert areas a strong growth flush stimulated by the spring rains will slow dramatically during a hot, dry summer without water. Surviving plants will not lose their potency but the final crop will yield less at harvest.

Of the eight Essiac herbs, only Goldthread (Coptis trifolia) thrives in full shade as long as it has access to enough indirect light to encourage healthy growth. Periwinkle (Vinca major) can do well in partial or dappled shade under deciduous trees where it receives a daily 6 hours of sunlight. Sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella), Burdock (Arctium lappa), Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), Turkey rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), Red clover (Trifolium pratense) and Watercress (Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum) yield the best potentized product when grown in sunny positions. Once established they will grow under dappled shade but do better in partially shaded positions if they have open sky directly above them allowing access to a minimum of 8 hours daily sunlight (doesn’t necessarily have to be direct), 6 hours in warmer climates. For example, they can be grown up against a wall (preferably south facing) providing the open sky is directly above them. As an alternative, the herbs can be grown in black pots in neutral, organic compost on a warm stone terrace or balcony where the stone and the dark-colored pots will act together to absorb the maximum reflected heat and light from the sun to produce a quality product for seed collection and harvesting.

ESSIAC HERBS N. AMERICA HARDINESS ZOZNES:

Burdock (Arctium lappa) 3 – 6
Turkey rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) 2 – 9
Periwinkle (Vinca major) 3 – 9
Watercress (Rorippa nasturtium-aquatica) 3 – 7

GROWTH FLUSH PERIODS

The seasons within the Essiac herbs latitude range can be more accurately divided into growth flush periods allowing for the varying effects of daylight length and water availability in specific locations according to the cycle of the Equinoxes and the Summer and Winter Solstices interspersed with the Quarter Days.

1) SPRING GROWTH PERIOD

Begins as the Sun climbs high enough to guarantee a minimum of 8 hours day length.

SEED SOWING UNDER GLASS MONTH

QUARTER DAY 1, FEBRUARY 2nd

Weather permitting, check deer/rabbit fences protecting the herb garden; mend or renew as necessary not forgetting to trim back any overhanging branches. It’s too close to Spring to start preparing the herb beds using the permaculture ‘chop and drop’ technique; at this point in the season, it’s probably best to burn what’s left of the fallen leaves and dead wood and scatter the ash over the garden.

Sow Sheep sorrel, Burdock, Red clover seeds: in pots or seed trays in a frost-free greenhouse in full sun or indoors under LED lights.

SPRING ROOT HARVEST, SEED SOWING MONTH 1

SPRING EQUINOX, March 20th

Day and night are of equal duration around the world.

Weed, dig over and rake herb beds as the weather allows. Protect from pet invasion with wire or plastic netting. Set out garden cloches/polytunnels to warm the soil at least a week prior to sowing/planting out.

Reminder: Never fertilize land set aside for growing medicinal herbs. Regular crop rotation will keep the soil fresh and ensure maximum harvest. Example: Burdock or Red clover are useful follow-on crops in a bed recently cleared of Sheep sorrel.   

Harvest Sheep sorrel root: lift 2-year (ie. 2 summer seasons) plants, wash, discard tops and prepare for drying. Option: lift any spare 1-year plants invading shady places, divide and replant the same day in a sunny position in the herb garden, watering regularly until established. One summer under the Sun before harvest will potentize them significantly.

Harvest Burdock root: dig up 12-month plants, mindful of the depth of the tap roots, discard tops, wash, chop & prepare for drying.

Harvest Turkey rhubarb root: dig up 6-year plants (can weigh up to 36lbs/ 16 kilos), wash and divide roots, leaving leaf buds undamaged on the pieces you select to replant. Lay these aside to dry in full sun before replanting the following day. Divide the rest of the root with a sharp knife and prepare for drying.

Harvest Periwinkle root: divide mature plants, replant selected divisions the same day, watering regularly until established.

On or after the Spring Equinox:

Sow Sheep sorrel, Burdock and Red clover seeds: directly into open ground in mild, coastal regions, in greenhouses at altitude and in continental regions.

Plant Sheep sorrel, Burdock and Red clover seedlings: in dark-colored pots on warm, stone-based terraces or balconies. Protect from frost. Water daily in warm weather.

SEED SOWING MONTH 2

QUARTER DAY 2, APRIL 30th

Spring Growth Flush & Potentizing Potential gaining momentum as the days lengthen.

Sow Sheep sorrel, Burdock, Red clover seed: in prepared, open beds as weather allows.

Sow Turkey rhubarb seeds: in pots or seed trays in a frost-free, semi-shaded greenhouse.

Sow Watercress seeds: in pots or seed trays immersed in water in a frost-free, semi-shaded greenhouse. Change water daily.

Plant Sheep sorrel, Burdock, Red clover seedlings: as weather allows.

Plant overwintered first-year Slippery elm saplings and Turkey rhubarb: in permanent positions. Protect from pests until established. Note: Sheep sorrel planted around young Turkey rhubarb can prevent slug damage while the young rhubarb leaves are forming.

Pest Reminder: Plants without leaves don’t flourish. Slugs, snails and other herb-feasting beasties can be removed by hand or invited to undertake voluntary imprisonment in any one of the various traps. Never use herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers of any kind in the Essiac herb garden.

LEAF/STEM HARVEST MONTH 1, SPECIALIST SEED SOWING

Spring Growth Full Flush progressing to Full Potentizing Potential.

Cut back any plants or bushes overshadowing the herb beds, weed regularly, water during dry periods of three days and more. Check plants for pests; water as needed.

Harvest Sheep sorrel leaves and stems: on a dry, sunny day before flower buds open

Sow Turkey rhubarb & Slippery elm seeds: in pots or seed trays in a frost-free, semi-shaded greenhouse.

Sow Goldthread seeds: in a frost-free, fully shaded corner in a greenhouse, or indoors out of reach of children and pets. The seeds may take up to a year to germinate. Keep well shaded and lightly watered. Do not allow to dry out.

Care of Watercress seedlings: change water daily. Note: Watercress roots and stems can be harvested any time during the coming season from firmly established plants.

2) SUMMER GROWTH FLUSH PERIOD

LEAF/STEM HARVEST MONTH 2

SUMMER SOLSTICE, June 21st

Summer Growth Full Flush at Full Potentizing Potential, Longest days, Northern Hemisphere.

Continue cutting back any plants or bushes overshadowing the herb beds, weed regularly, water during dry periods of three days and more. Daily plant check for pests. Water as needed.

Harvest Sheep sorrel leaves and stems: on a dry, sunny day before flower buds open.

Care of Watercress seedlings: change water daily.

LEAF/STEM HARVEST MONTH 3

Summer Growth Full Flush continues at Full Potentizing Potential.

Weed the herb beds regularly, water during dry periods of three days and more. Daily plant check for pests. Water as needed.

Harvest Sheep sorrel leaves and stems: on a dry, sunny day before flower buds open.

Harvest Sheep sorrel seeds: when fully ripe (dark, reddish brown, pin-head size) on a dry, sunny day.

Harvest Red clover seeds: on a dry, sunny day when the seed heads are fully ripe.

Repot Turkey rhubarb, & Slippery elm seedlings: in well drained pots in a well-ventilated, partially shaded greenhouse.

Repot Watercress seedlings: continue changing water daily.

3) CONSOLIDATION & RIPENING PERIOD

SEED HARVEST & SOWING MONTH

QUARTER DAY 3, August 2nd 

Summer Growth Flush & Full Potentizing Potential slows as the month progresses.

Continue weeding and cutting back any plants overshadowing the herb beds. Weed regularly and water during dry periods of three days and more. Check plants daily for pests. Water as needed.

Harvest Sheep sorrel leaves and stems: depending on location and local weather patterns, a late crop may be taken on a dry, sunny day before the end of the month providing the material is green and fresh.

Harvest Sheep sorrel seeds: when fully ripe (dark, reddish brown, pin-head size) on a dry, sunny day. Cut back seed stems to within three inches/ten centimetres of the soil to stimulate root growth.

Harvest Red clover seeds: on a dry, sunny day when the seed heads are fully ripe.

Sow Sheep sorrel, Burdock, Red clover seeds: in prepared, open beds watering daily until germination takes place. Continue watering every other day while the warm weather lasts.

Care of Watercress seedlings: change water daily.

Last week of the month: secure young Watercress plants in sheltered positions in running water. Alternatively, either grow hydroponically or plant out in damp, weed-free soil close enough to a reliable water source to allow for daily watering.

ROOT HARVEST MONTH 1, SEED HARVEST & SOWING

AUTUMN EQUINOX, September 23rd

Day and night at equal duration around the world.
Maximum Consolidation & Ripening Period, followed by a brief Autumn Growth Flush around the Equinox.

Sow Sheep sorrel, Burdock, Red clover seed: the first week of the month offers a last chance to sow seed in open ground in mild climate conditions, watering daily until germination as for August sowing. Allow for a minimum 2-month growth period before the November frosts set in.

On or after the Equinox:

Harvest Burdock seeds: on a dry, sunny day when the globular seed heads are fully ripe.

Harvest Red clover seeds: on a dry, sunny day when the seed heads are fully ripe.

Harvest Red clover roots: lift well grown 1 or 2-year plants, discard tops, wash and prepare for drying.

Harvest Sheep sorrel, Burdock, Periwinkle and Goldthread roots: can begin at this time in cooler, continental regions or at altitude where there is risk of early snow.

ROOT HARVEST MONTH 2

QUARTER DAY 4, October 31st

Days shortening rapidly, cooler conditions settling in, periods of frost and snow at altitude and in continental regions.

This is a good time to work the permaculture ‘chop and drop’ method as the herb garden is put into good order for winter dormancy, giving the plant material time to break down over the cold months to sweeten the soil and to act as a mulch the following year.

Harvest Sheep sorrel roots: lift 2-year (ie. 2 summer seasons) plants, discard tops, wash roots and prepare for drying.

Harvest Burdock roots: dig up 12-month plants, mindful of the depth of the tap roots, wash, chop & prepare for drying.

Harvest Periwinkle & Goldthread roots: lift selected well-established plants, discard tops, wash and prepare for drying.

4) WINTER DORMANCY PERIOD

ROOT HARVEST MONTH 3

Prepare for winter snow. Check deer/rabbit fences protecting the herb garden; mend or renew as necessary. Complete repairs on greenhouses and drying sheds. Check for vermin infestation.

Harvest Sheep sorrel & Burdock roots: Weather permitting before the ground freezes. Wash and prepare as for October.

WINTER SOLSTICE, December 21st

Shortest Days, Winter Dormancy Period at Maximum in the Northern Hemisphere.

Check overwintering first year Slippery elm trees, Turkey rhubarb seedlings and herbs in pots for infestation. Keep lightly damp. Saturating with water at this time of year while the plants are dormant will rot them.

Check dried roots and seeds in storage. Destroy any crop showing signs of mould or infestation. Thoroughly clean and heat-sterilise affected containers before reuse. Order seeds for Spring planting. 

Summer Growth Full Flush at Full Potentizing Potential, Longest days, Southern Hemisphere.