Elderberries!Late August/Early September is the time to stock up your elderberry stash. These berries are one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world. They are a true powerhouse of nutrition. They help address cold and flu symptoms, support heart health, and fight inflammation and infections, among other benefits. Try drying your berriesContinue reading “Elderberries”
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Alexander’s seeds
Alexander’s seeds.Looking to spice up your meals like they did in the medieval times? Then look no further, here we have Alexander’s seeds!A very unique taste, hard to describe, something spicy and peppery, it definitely deserves a place on your spice rack.The seeds start off green and have now dried on the plant, turning black.Continue reading “Alexander’s seeds”
Stinkhorn/Witches Egg
Stinkhorn/Witches Egg.Here we have a fascinating mushroom. Stinkhorn can grow up to 25cm tall and resembles a phallus when fully emerged from the egg like structure which contains the immature fruiting body. When in it’s immature stage the mushroom is perfectly edible. It resembles a vegetable in taste rather than a mushroom. Tastes to meContinue reading “Stinkhorn/Witches Egg”
Oregano/Wild Marjoram
Oregano/Wild MarjoramNow, many of you will be very well familiarised with the herb Oregano. We often associate it with pasta and pizza and therefore Italy. But, did you know that our Oregano is native to these lands here in the UK?! Oregano is found knocking about as early as spring and the leaves are packedContinue reading “Oregano/Wild Marjoram”
Common Hedgenettle/Betony
Common Hedgenettle/BetonyAn absolutely stunning medicinal herb!It’s been used in herbal medicine for centuries and it’s medicinal powers have been known to us since the Roman Empire. Modern herbalists prescribe betony to treat anxiety, gallstones, heartburn, high blood pressure, migraine and neuralgia, and to prevent sweating. It can also be used as an ointment for cutsContinue reading “Common Hedgenettle/Betony”
Artists Bracket
The Artists Bracket.A very abundant and interesting specimen. This bracket fungus gets it’s name for being a superb medium for artists drawing. You can use something sharp like a stick to scratch the fresh white pore surface to reveal dark brown tissue under the pores. This will result in visible lines and shading that becomeContinue reading “Artists Bracket”
Yellow Toadflax
Yellow ToadflaxAlso referred to as butter and eggs, this herb has been used as medicine to treat a variety of ailments. It works as a laxative and strong diuretic. It’s also very beneficial to the skin when made into an ointment from the flowers. The whole plant can be used and a traditional way ofContinue reading “Yellow Toadflax”
Common Earthball
Common Earthball ⚠️One to be cautious of here and not for the dinner plate.Earthballs can be found abundantly from July through to November in most woodland and heathland areas.They make up for the most reported mushroom poisoning incidents here in the UK. Though not fatal, they will make you very sick with food poisoning symptoms.Continue reading “Common Earthball”
Common Plum
Common Plum!It’s such a treat to stumble upon a plum tree when out on a forage. They are one of the earlier trees to fruit. Plum can be found naturalised in hedges, wood borders, scrub and waste places. Many plum trees that you will come across are the remaining survivors of cultivation, while some areContinue reading “Common Plum”
Hemp Agrimony
Hemp agrimonyAdmired by insects and animals, this perennial has been used in the past by herbalists to help with a large number of ailments. However it is no longer recommended to use by some and more studies are needed to know it’s true value. The plant is cut when it is in full bloom andContinue reading “Hemp Agrimony”