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Pickled Purslane
I love it that people call me up and invite me to inspect their overgrown yards to search for lunch! There’s always SOMETHING edible growing… even through the crevices of the sidewalks. Here was a yard full of some of the most succulent and dense purslane and dandelion that I’ve seen in a while. In… Continue reading
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Winter Wellness Workshop
Join me October 15th, 2017 for a two hour workshop to learn how to keep you and your family healthy this winter! Don’t wait until you’re in the middle of battling the flu, the key is prevention and supporting the immune system well in advance. In this workshop, you will learn how to holisitically support… Continue reading
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That time I spent alone in Colorado…
Apparently traveling solo is a natural thing to do after a major life change. One study determined that at least 43% of solo travelers are doing so because they are newly divorced or widowed. I get that. It allows for an opportunity to get to know yourself again. It gives you that much needed space… Continue reading
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Wild Medicine: Plant Walk on May 13th
Date: May 13, 2017 Time: 9:00am Location: Wildwood Regional Park, 928 W. Avenida de Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, California Join local clinical herbalist Jess Starwood on an easy paced hike to identify and explore the native and non-native medicinal plants at Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks that are… Continue reading
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The Practice of Non-Attachment
Deeply exploring what “non-attachment” means in my life. It’s been a tumultuous journey, uncovering the undesirables and the surfacing of shadows. Confronting fears and self-imposed limitations, definitions, attachments and expectations. Curiosity has the best of me to continue questioning and exploring… Continue reading
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Herbal Medicine Making Workshop
Join me, Jess Starwood, in February to learn how to make your own herbal medicine! Making Medicine: Herbal Workshop with Jess Starwood of Sunraven Apothecary February 18th, 1:00pm-3:30pm Bodysattva Center 1414 East Thousand Oaks Blvd. Suite 211 Thousand Oaks CA, 91362 Crafting your own herbal medicines at home saves money and helps you directly connect… Continue reading
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Toyon Berries: A sign of the season
I’ve been fascinated by this little berry for a few years now. Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) is a California native shrub in the rose family that bears fruit during the winter months, most notably around Christmas time. They were used by the native Chumash tribes as food, but after a bit of research, I have not… Continue reading
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Gratitude, Harvest & Jojoba
It’s that time of year when the northern hemisphere begins to slow down, contract, and rest. An ideal time to reflect and take in all that has happened throughout the year. The celebration of death during Halloween swallowed up all that no longer serves us, transforming that energy into the seeds of something new for… Continue reading
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Winter Health: Natural Support for a Healthy Immune System
It’s getting to be that time of year when its more likely to catch the common cold or the flu virus. Why is that? With the change of seasons and the quickly approaching holidays, family expectations and never ending to-do lists, we become more susceptible to illnesses as we burn the candle at both ends,… Continue reading
About Jess
Jess Starwood is an established author, chef, herbalist and educator. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Herbal Medicine and Holistic Nutrition. In 2021, she wrote and photographed her first book, Mushroom Wanderland: A Forager’s Guide to Finding, Identifying and Using More Than 25 Wild Fungi.
She also writes regularly for Edible Ojai & Ventura County, Edible San Fernando magazines and The Mycophile—the publication of the North American Mycological Association (NAMA).
Jess founded The Wild Path School where she teaches foraging, wild foods, herbalism and nature education classes for adults and children. She is a member of the Culinary Committee for NAMA and is on the board of directors for the Arizona Mushroom Society and the newsletter editor for the Los Angeles Mycological Society. She has also worked as a wild food consultant and forager for Michelin starred chefs Niki Nakayama and Aitor Zabala. Jess has been featured in National Geographic, The Guardian, and the Orange County Register.
Classes and workshops for adults and children are held regularly in the Greater Los Angeles area and west coast. Weekend and week-long wild food adventures are also occasionally available. Be sure to check out the event calendar or join the mailing list to be notified first of openings and availability.
Jess Starwood 