MN Herb Society's interpretation of The Hmong Migration

The Minnesota Herb Society’s interpretation of The Hmong Migration 2016

While choosing our piece for this year’s interpretation, we were struck by the refugee crisis in Syria and the Middle East. This piece highlights 12 of the 50 panels that Cy Thao painted, depicting his people’s migration to America.  We chose 4 square vessels to represent the 4 rows of panels.  We filled the vessels with sand to show the dirt depicted in many of the panels.  The upper far left panel shows the Creation Story & the first vessel represents that tile.  We used the herbs of Ferns, Rosemary, Basil, Hypericum, Mums, and Capsicum (2016 International Herb Society Herb of the Year).  We felt that the artwork was well represented by the fiery hot presence of Capsicum (peppers), as it is a violent, emotional piece of art.   The middle two vessels we felt needed a thorny presence, as the panels following the Creation panel are quite violent.  We used Eryngium (purple thistle) as the main base of these vessels.  We also used the delphinium to represent the blue river running thru the bottom panel and the yellow ranuculus.  Additionally we used Eucalyptus to represent the tears of the Hmong and a few sprigs of Lavender, along with a citronella Scented Geranium.   In the final vessel, we we have a Sage plant for Wisdom with it’s roots exposed in the water to depict the beginning of Hmong  rooting in MN.  We also incorporated the Hypericum, Rosemary for Remembrance of their past, and the beautiful Delphinium to represent the blue skies of the future.  While the journey of the Hmong is definitely not complete, it is important for all of us to remember our ancestors who bravely entered a new country and faced discrimination, violence, and finally, after a few generations, some peace.  Keep the continuing journey of the Hmong, as well as all refugees in your heart.

As members of the MN Herb Society, we use herbs in our arrangement.  In particular, we choose to feature the International Herb Society 2016 Herb of the Year, Capsicum. The following represent the herbs we employed.  Statements about the use of these herbs are not intended to represent or imply suitability for treatment of any conditions.

Capsicum – The International Herb Society 2016 Herb of the Year.  Capsicum, more commonly known as pepper is not only an edible herb that is used frequently in all sorts of dishes, but also used for medical purposes.  Most commonly, capsicum in applied topically to relieve arthritis and stiffness. 

Spider Mums – A member of an autumn favorite, the chrysanthemum.  The Chrysanthemum has been used most predominantly in East Asia to prevent sore throats & fevers.  It is also known for making people more alert, treat the eyes, & circulatory problems such as varicose veins. 

Delphinium – While the Delphinium is toxic to humans and animals, it is an herb that is used in very small amounts. In the past, it was believed that this herb could treat eye diseases.  It was used for intestinal worms, fluid retention, and can have a sedative effect.  It was also believed that drinking the seeds of the plant wold help fight the effects of a scorpion sting. 

Ferns – The Cherokee people used Maidenhair Fern for rheumatism.  It can also be used for fever, asthma.  Some Native American tribes used is for dysentery, snakebites, and as a diuretic.  The fiddleheads of ferns are also edible and are similar in taste to asparagus, however, as always, check the variety before ingesting.

Basil -  What can be said of Basil, except that it is the King of Herbs. It was grown originally in Asia and the Middle East and it traveled along the Spice trail.  It has been grown and used for 5000 years.  Basil is commonly used in culinary dishes, but it also is an anti inflammatory.  It helps with bowel inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis.  It’s properties also can enhance circulation, and stabilize blood sugar.   It is also very high in antioxidants.  Fresh basil leaves and basil oil have antibacterial properties.  The leaves can be applied to wounds and also taken internally can help fight the common cold. 

Rannuculus -  It is said that a tincture of ranunculus made with wine will help cure shingles.  It has also been used to treat gout, and can help with certain types of headaches.  It can cause inflammation and blistering of skin.  Pigs are fond of eating the roots of ranunculus.

Sage - Held scared by Native Americans.   It’s effective purifying energies is thought to bring back balance & cleanses the body & mind of negative spririts.  Native Americans used it to create Kinnikinic, a smoking mixture to be used in sacred pipe as offering to the Spirits.  It was also used in teas to flush ones system of impurities  with it’s cleansing properties.  Additional uses were as a natural deodorant, sore throat tonic, antiseptic, healing of the scalp & hair, darkening of gray hair.  Take a sprig of sage to your new home to chase out old energies & to purify your home. 

Lavender – Used in Teas & Balms for Antiseptic, Calming & stimulates the healing process.  The fragrance of lavender is thought to impart a feeling of inner freedom and many people use it to help relieve stress.  It also is a great herb to use to heal cuts and scrapes.

Hypericum -  Also known as St. John’s Wort.  It was used as an antidiarrheal, dematological aid, hemostat, snake bite remedy, & general strengthener.  Modern uses include treating mild depression.

EryngiumThistle – The thistle is thorny & prickly and reminds us of the struggle of the refugees.  The roots are supposed to have some aphrodisiac virtues.  According to a 17^th century apothecary, the roots are good for liver condition, easing cramps, and those “withered with age”.  Thistle seed can be pressed to create an oil.  In history, thistle was also used as cattle fodder.

Rosemary – A wonderful culinary herb used with meats, in breads, teas, even desserts.  For me personally, the scent is loveliest in the midst of a grey winter day. In ancient times, Rosemary had a reputation for strengthen the memory.  Burning Rosemary in sick chambers or hospitals was said to purify the air.  The name rosemary derives from the Latin for "dew" (ros) and "sea" (marinus), or "dew of the sea".  Shakespeare wrote “There's rosemary, that's for remembrance. Pray you, love, remember.”

Mint – Peppermint is most often used to treat indigestion.  In ancient times, it was thought to clear the voice & cure hiccup.  It is also used to treat gallstones & colds.

Scented Geranium – Use scented geranium tea for a calming sensation. Also used for cleansing the face & as a deodorant because of it’s antibacterial properties.  It was also said to reduce stomachaches & dried geranium leaves are used to repel insects in closets & drawer. 

Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus oils is an ingredient in mouthwashes and dental prep.  It also has a strong antibacterial and antiflammatory properties.  It is used in many cough products and is vapor can act as a decongestant.  The U.S. registered Eucalyptus as an insecticide and it can be used to kill mites and ticks. 

The Minnesota Herb Society encourages the study, the growing, & the use of herbs.  We also plant & maintain the Herb Gardens at the MN Landscape Arboretum.    Meetings are held the 4^th Tuesday  of January, March, May, August, & October.