Blog - NORTHERN MEDICINAL PLANT COLLECTIVE

October foraging in the Northwoods!

Two women herbalism students learning about Fall foraging. They are in a sunny field with fall colors studying berries — Students studying fall berries

Many people think that Fall is a time when plant life is ending or preparing for dormancy. There are still hundreds of plants and fungi growing, some at their peak with many healing gifts to share! Among them are the following: Hen of the Woods (Maitake / Grifola frondosa): Found at the base of mature oak trees into early-to-mid October. Known traditionally and studied for immune-modulating beta-glucans and blood-sugar-supporting properties. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor): A tough, multi-colored bracket fungus found year-round on dead hardwood logs and stumps, peaking or remaining fresh through autumn. Used historically in long-boil decoctions for immune support. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): A hardened, charcoal-like sterile conk found on the trunks of living birch trees across northern and central Minnesota. Harvested through the cold months and simmered into teas or tinctures rich in antioxidants. Burdock Root (Arctium lappa): October is an ideal time to dig first-year green roots (before they send up flowering stalks), which are traditionally used as a blood-purifying alterative and packed with inulin. Rose Hips (Rosa spp.): Found on wild rose bushes after the first light frosts sweeten them. They are exceptionally high in Vitamin C and used in immune-boosting syrups and teas. Staghorn Sumac Berries (Rhus typhina): Dense, crimson cone-like clusters remain on branches into October. Steeped in cold water, they produce a tart, Vitamin-C-rich “sumac-ade” with astringent qualities. Get our recipe here!

Conference Coming Soon!

group of 6 women and 1 man in a circle holding hands. Fall foliage surrounds them and the sun is shining. — Student outdoor conference

The annual Northern Medicinal Plant Collective’s conference will be held in January 16-17, 2027. Registration begins November 1, 2026. Workshops will be available about Women’s Wellness, Clinical Intensives, Botanical Pharmacology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Formulation Instruction (just to name a few!)

Herbal Healers and Visionaries

An image of the 11th century nun, Hildegard of Bingen who is looking at a flower in front of a window and taking notes with her feather pen.

“All nature is at the disposal of humankind. We are to work with it. For without we cannot survive.” Hildegard of Bingen 1098-1179

A photograph of the poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, who is seated at a desk holding papers. Getty Image

‘What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.” Ralph Waldo Emerson 1803-1882

A colored postcard often replicated from an original photo of Chief Seattle, the leader of the Duwamish and Suquamish people. He is seated holding a traditional cedar bark hat.

The Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth.” Chief Seattle 1780-1866.

Hello World!

Welcome to The Northern Medicinal Plant Collective! We are a community of Naturopaths, educators, herbalists and healers dedicated to reconnecting people with the plants and natural wisdom of the Northern Midwest.