Nature's pharmacist — North State herbalist takes to the great outdoors to harvest her medicines

By Rachel Bush

Published in Chico News & Review
(Volume 39, Issue 28 Thursday, March 10, 2016)

In 2009, while living in McCall, Idaho, Jules Pescon was fighting a battle against breast cancer. While she'd had the lump surgically removed, she was hesitant to continue treatment with radiation and chemotherapy, aware of the tolls they took on the body. She explained the dilemma to her neighbor, who offered her what turned out to be a very valuable, life-changing piece of advice. "If I were you, I'd march right over to Darcy Williamson's house," she said. Williamson, who lived just across the ridge, was a master herbalist in McCall who was sustainably harvesting and processing plants into medicinal alternatives to Western medicine . . . [More]

Natural Skin Care and Herbal Solutions at Fiona's Forest

By Wendy Robinson

Published in Lotus Guide (Issue No. 56 Oct/Nov/Dec 2015)

Herbal solutions and natural skin-care products have found a home at Fiona’s Forest in Paradise, California. Jules Pecson, an experienced herbalist in Paradise, harvests local plants, processes the gathered components, and offers classes and participation at her shop. The local environment provides hundreds of herbs to accommodate “wild crafting,” which offers alternatives to pharmaceutical products with undesirable side effects. With a responsible and sustainable harvesting method, gatherings are ongoing and production of tinctures and salves is under way daily at Fiona’s Forest. Consultations with an experienced herbalist can help you find your way back to health . . . [More]