Video Archive

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Click on the video images to view presentations on wild food and medicine.

Arthur Haines Introduction (27 November 2010):  Arthur Haines introduces the Delta Institute of Natural History.  This video begins a series that will detail various aspects of foraging, wildcrafted healing, and primitive living skills, combining the accumulated wisdom of traditional cultures with modern, evidence-based approaches.

Staghorn Sumac (2 December 2010):  Arthur Haines shows a method of gathering herbal medicine during the winter season using staghorn sumac (Rhus hirta) as an example.

Chaga Conservation part 1 (13 December 2010):  Arthur Haines describes why it is important to prepare chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) correctly (part 1).

Chaga Conservation part 2 (14 December 2010):  Arthur Haines describes why it is important to prepare chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) correctly (part 2).

Wild Plant Nutrition (11 January 2011):  Arthur Haines briefly discusses the nutritional density of wild plants and presents some comparisons.

Anneda part 1 (6 February 2011):  Arthur Haines talks about the tree of life referred to as anneda by some native cultures. The health benefits of consuming this tree are mentioned, along with some interesting history surrounding this plant.

Winter Collection of Native Roses (6 March 2011):  Arthur Haines briefly discusses the winter collection of roses in the northeastern United States. The hips can be enjoyed baked into bread, brewed in tea and kombucha, eaten fresh from the plant, and many other ways. Arthur usually dries them for long-term storage (lightly pounding the hips to open and flatten them will hasten their drying).

 The Protective Benefits of Pine Pollen, part 1 (14 June 2011):  Arthur Haines describes how pine pollen provides multiple avenues of protection against radioactive cesium. The endogenous antioxidants that are promoted by pine pollen are protective of DNA against radioactive particles.

 The Protective Benefits of Pine Pollen, part 2 (15 June 2011):  Arthur Haines concludes his discussion of pine pollen's ability to protect the body from radioactive particles.

Cattail Pollen (21 July 2011):  Arthur Haines shows an efficient way to gather cattail (Typha latifolia) pollen for food.

Choke Cherry (1 September 2011):  Arthur Haines discusses how the indigenous of North America made fruit leather from choke cherry (Prunus virginiana) and demonstrates using simple kitchen tools.

Cattail Pollen (21 July 2011):  Arthur Haines shows an efficient way to gather cattail (Typha latifolia) pollen for food.

Choke Cherry (1 September 2011):  Arthur Haines discusses how the indigenous of North America made fruit leather from choke cherry (Prunus virginiana) and demonstrates using simple kitchen tools.

The New Aboriginal (2 January 2012):  Arthur Haines briefly discusses various changes in hominids, the path we currently walk, and the need for a new kind of person.

Rainbow Smelt (7 February 2012):  Arthur Haines discusses one of the wild, anadromous fish (rainbow smelt) returning to fresh waters in the east as a source of the sacred roe and milt used by indigenous people to prepare both women and men for conception and childbirth.

Dwarf Ginseng:  a little known adatpogen (6 March 2012):  Arthur Haines describes the values of adaptogens for contemporary people and discusses the collection of a wild adaptogen that has been largely overlooked by modern wildcrafters.  Adaptogens are documented to assist athletes with recovery from strenuous exercise, prevent illness and disease, function as antioxidants, promote longevity, fight cancer, assist with depression and insomnia, protect the liver, improve brain function, assist with sexual dysfunction, and potentiate the effects of other medicines. These are highly valued remedies in many cultures.  The main problem in eastern North America is that the known adaptogens are relatively rare and their collection threatens wild populations. Dwarf ginseng is a widespread plant that is common in many areas. It functions as an adaptogen with research to support its phytochemical constituents and it has a history of use by Native Americans to assist with recovery from illness.

Spring Foraging (16 April 2012):  Arthur Haines discusses a few items of foraging philosophy and shares some of the spring-emerging plants that he seeks out for wild food. Plants generally present mild-tasting foliage at this time and can be better tolerated as raw food. Wild plants are ideal for cleansing and detoxification, important items given the long period indoors after the winter season.

Paleo Diet Myths (13 May 2012):  Arthur Haines discusses several myths of the paleo diet, specifically addressing some of the restrictions of this diet. The Paleo Diet is attempting to mimic the diet of the indigenous using contemporary plants and animals. Some of the plants and types of animal foods that are categorically avoided in this diet were in fact eaten by Native Americans. This necessitates re-evaluating aspects of this diet, or, at least, being more specific with certain guidelines so that followers of this diet can have better information to assist their dietary choices.