Source: Herald & Review
DECATUR - Chris Kilham said it's easier to answer the "What's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten?" question than to answer what he'd name as his favorite place in the world."That's about impossible," he said to come up with a favorite place, naming the Amazon River forests, the Himalayas of Asia, the quietness of his own home in western Massachusetts.
On the other hand, he said the food might just be the pureed frog he'd consumed, considered good for the brain by some cultures.
Kilham, an explorer in residence at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, came to the gardens of Mari-Mann Herb Co. on Friday. The man also known as the medicine hunter visited, courtesy of EuroPharma, a Green Bay, Wis., company that sponsored a contest won by Mike King, Mari-Mann owner.
Kilham said being a teenager in the 1960s influenced the rest of his life.
"My friends and I thought things that were natural were better. Our instincts were correct, but we lacked knowledge at that time," he said.
Eventually, the interests of travel and natural, herbal medicine collided, he said.
"For decades, the media bashed natural medicine. Not anymore," he said. "The difference is people don't die in our studies."
Now, Kilham is a frequent television and radio guest talking about natural medicines as well as author of books on the subject. While he said he reaches massive audiences with some events, he also finds value and balance in coming to herb farms such as Mari-Mann.
Also a strong environmental advocate, Kilham pointed to the changes he has witnessed worldwide. For example, along the coast of Maine, he remembers seeing king crabs and jellyfish, creatures that he hasn't seen now in years.
"Right now, we're watching television in the living room while the bedroom, kitchen and garage are burning to the ground," he said.
"He has provided a wealth of information" on farmers and growers, even methods of harvesting and products he has developed, King said
"He's phenomenal," Sandy Dattoli of Decatur said.
"I did not know about him before I came today," said the retired teacher, adding that she had come to learn.
Cheryl Myers, head of education and scientific affairs for the EuroPharma, said since the majority of their stores would not be able to sponsor a visit with Kilham, the company came up with the idea to offer their clients a contest, a "Win a Date with Chris Kilham."