The Winter Tulip
An unexpected score today! I went for a hike this afternoon and found...an American Tulip tree (also called Tulip Poplar) on the crest of a hill in Newbury, MA. I've wanted to make an essence of this tree for a LONG time but haven't been able to find a good source. Most of the trees I've seen in this area are too close to a road to use for essence-making or their flowers are too high to reach. This one is just about perfect...away from civilization, plenty of low branches.
Tulip trees usually bloom in late May-early June here in MA. The flowers are mesmerizing - yellow-green cups streaked with orange. This particular tree is hanging onto a bunch of flower husks from last season (see photo). I'll head back out there in the spring to check on its progress.
I've been reading up on the American Tulip's medicinal properties - its bark contains pain-relieving salicylates that can help with headaches, arthritis, muscle aches, etc. Remedies made from the tree can also aid digestion, support the heart/cardiovascular system, and generally act as a strengthening tonic when we've been stressed or sick.
I've also read descriptions of the essence, written by a few different makers, and they all seem to be a little different. Once I make the essence, I’ll work with it for a while...I’ll take it, give it to friends, assemble a study group, collect and process the feedback.
I'm excited to work with this tree and finally follow my intuition to make the essence. It may be that the Tulip tree has something that *I* need at this moment. I believe we're all drawn to things in the natural world that can help us on any number of levels - emotionally, physically, spiritually. The only challenge possibly is making enough space in our lives and ourselves for this instinct to reawaken…and truly guide us through the static of daily living.
I've also noticed that whenever I take steps to develop a deeper connection with a tree or plant - especially whenever I commit to making an essence - unusual things seem to happen. Today's curiosity: as I was standing by the tree, a couple of hikers passed by with their feisty dog, off-leash. The couple disappeared into the woods, engrossed in their conversation, while the dog ran towards me, barking like crazy. Once he got close, he stopped barking and sat down at my feet where he stayed for a long time, looking at the view.
That moment with the dog was a small thing. But it was also odd and sweet, and it changed my day for the better. I don't want to layer any particular meaning onto this experience at this point, but I’ve noticed that events unfolding around a plant or tree that I intend to work with often reflect some aspect of the essence, itself. We'll see, come spring, whether this little anecdote connects in any way to the essence's area of influence.
If you’d like to join my week-long study group this summer to explore the essence's area of influence, please do leave a comment here. You’ll receive a free, 1/2-ounce stock bottle of the Tulip Poplar essence and instructions on how to take it. After a week, I'll get in touch and ask you to share your experiences using the remedy - which I'll then compile in report for the community.
15 Responses
Pamela
Hello Jennifer,
If it’s not too late, I would love to be included in your Tulip tree study group. Thank you!
Kara
Hi Jennifer! I’d love to join you in this exploration! Looking forward to hearing from you and hoping I’m not too late!
LM Erricson
What a fascinating project! Count me in if it is not too late. Thank you!
Daphne
I would be interesting to be part of the Tulip Tree essence feedback group. Thank you!
Martha Fishback
Hi Jennifer, if there is still room to participate in this study group, I would be honored to join. Blessings, Martha
Anonymous
Hi Jennifer, what a wonderful blog about your experience. I too would like to be part of this study group if there is still availability.
Rachel Rudansky
Hi Jennifer,
I am very enthusiastic to be apart of the Tulip Polar essence study group.
Fatima
Hello dear ,
Yes count me in 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Jennifer Elmore
Thanks, everyone, for your interest in joining the Tulip Poplar study! I’ll be in touch this spring/early summer with more info. Looking forward to it!
Helena Wu
I would love to be part of the study group. Lucky you to find a tree with flowers you can reach!
Elizabeth
Hello Jennifer -
I am interested in participating in your study group with Tulip Poplar. The images spoke to me along with your words. I am curious. This tree does not grow where I live in texas- will be an interesting experience. Appreciate your share on what happens when with this tree as part of its essence share. I notice this often, also.
Mary
I love tulip popular. A teacher of mine worked with it and a friend in PA who first told me about Delta Gardens. I would be honored to participate in working with this amazing tree and it’s flower essence.
Namee Baijal
The serendipity and the incident with the dog make it feel like that moment of being in flow when everything comes together and the world feels to be in suspended animation and one feels at one with the universe, full of wonder and awe. I would love to be part of the study group.
Liz
Hello Jennifer!
I’d be interested to work with your group. I have made Tulip tree flower essence and I feel a connection to this tree.
Thank you!
Betsy
I’d be happy to join the study group for the American Tulip tree.
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Jennifer Elmore
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