Wildcrafting Ethics

Wildcrafting is the ancient practice of harvesting wild plants from their natural habitats for food or medicinal purposes. However, true wildcrafting goes beyond simply picking plants—it is about **tending to plant stands in the wild in a mutually beneficial relationship**.

At Wildflower Medicine, I hardly ever wildcraft, but when I do, I follow strict ethical guidelines taught to me by my teachers Karyn Sanders and Sarah Holmes at the Blue Otter School of Herbal Medicine.

"I make sure to wildcraft and not 'wild take.' The relationship between harvester and plant must be one of respect, care, and reciprocity."

Our Harvesting Guidelines

• Inspect the Habitat: I always thoroughly evaluate the surrounding plant environment, ensuring my presence and harvest will not disrupt or harm the plant family's ongoing growth.
• Respect Other Gatherers: I gather details on local wildlife and other herbalists who might be harvesting from or relying on the same wild stands.
• Never Take More Than Half: The primary stand must always remain healthy, robust, and capable of natural regeneration. I only harvest what is strictly necessary.
• Ask the Plant for Permission: In accordance with Native American and traditional medicine teachings, I ask the plant's permission before harvesting and explain my healing intent.
• Reciprocity and Seeding: I always make sure to scatter the plant's seeds and replant more than I take, actively expanding the stand for future seasons.

When harvesting with these ethics in mind, we can enjoy the amazing restorative benefits of botanical plant medicine while ensuring long-term ecological care for our wild flora allies.