Applied Biodynamics — Issue 078 (Autumn 2012)

Issue 078 is anchored by a comprehensive, practice-based examination of chamomile (BD 503) as a biodynamic compost preparation, complemented by institutional reflections and ecological observation.

In “Chamomile: The Healer for People and Plants,” Abby Porter interviews Hugh Courtney on the sourcing, identification, preparation, burial, retrieval, and storage of the chamomile compost preparation. The article specifies the exclusive use of German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), identified by its hollow flower cone, and documents harvest timing, drying methods, moisture reconstitution via tea infusion, and stuffing into bovine intestines. Courtney provides step-by-step procedural detail on intestine harvesting, cleaning, stuffing density, burial depth, pit protection, seasonal timing, and screening of the finished preparation. Observational criteria for preparation quality include full transformation into a dark, humus-like substance and the absence of recognizable plant material. The article further situates BD 503 within compost function, particularly nitrogen stabilization, soil vitality, and plant health, while repeatedly emphasizing observation, balance, and polarity rather than formulaic application.

In “Happy Birthday to Hugh! A Milestone for Hugh Courtney and JPI,” Abby Porter documents the institutional history of the Josephine Porter Institute through Courtney’s decades-long stewardship. The article traces the continuity of preparation-making standards, expansion of education programs, development of new preparation applications, and sustained availability of Pfeiffer products. This piece functions as an organizational record rather than a technical article, grounding JPI’s current practices in long-term continuity, apprenticeship, and methodological refinement.

In “JPI Welcomes Mark Ellenbogen to the Board of Directors,” the issue introduces a new board member whose background in viticulture, fermentation science, and biodynamic wine networks reflects JPI’s increasing engagement with biodynamic markets, education, and communication infrastructure.

In “Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us?” Abby Porter reviews a documentary examining honeybee decline. The review highlights biodynamic beekeeper perspectives, agricultural practices affecting pollinator health, and the film’s emphasis on observation of systemic agricultural impacts. While not experimental, the review reinforces attentiveness to ecological indicators as part of agricultural responsibility.

Collectively, the issue emphasizes precise preparation-making, long-term observation, and ecological attentiveness as defining features of biodynamic practice.

Articles

• Chamomile: The Healer for People and Plants (A. Porter  interviews H. Courtney)  
• Happy Birthday to Hugh! A Milestone for Hugh Courtney and JPI  (A. Porter)  
• JPI Welcomes Mark Ellenbogen to the Board of Directors  Queen of the Sun: What are the Bees Telling Us? (A. Porter)  

Key Topics Covered

• Chamomile compost preparation BD 503 materials and identification
  
• Intestine harvesting and preparation sheath handling
• Burial depth timing and pit protection for BD 503
• Indicators of successful chamomile preparation transformation
• Nitrogen stabilization through compost preparations
• Institutional continuity in biodynamic preparation making
• Ecological observation through pollinator health

Citation

Applied Biodynamics, Issue 078, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, Autumn 2012.