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”
Category Archives: Spring
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”
Crosswort
Here we have Crosswort. Gorgeous plant. It has cross shaped leaves hence it’s name. Although Crosswort is rarely used in herbal medicine today, it was once recommended as a remedy for rupture, rheumatism and dropsy. It has also been recommended as a cure for headaches. Makes a lovely tea. Scientific name: Cruciata laevipes Happy foraging!
Cowslip
Here we have Cowslip.The flowers have a lovely floral, citrus taste and are a great edition to salads. The leaves are slightly bitter but very nice when covered in a salad dressing. The flower and root are used to make medicine. Cowslip flower is most commonly used for swollen nose and throat and bronchitis. ItContinue reading “Cowslip”
Wild Mustard
Wild Mustard! A great one to know. It has a very strong mustard flavour, it’s extremely common and easy to identify. Crush it’s leaves to reveal a strong mustard odour.The leaves will be growing in a rosette and soon it will produce yellow cross shaped flowers. Great to add to salads or to lightly panContinue reading “Wild Mustard”
Common Vetch
Hey Vetch, Welcome aboard! Common Vetch is a member of the pea family, Fabaceae, which forms the third largest plant family in the world with over thirteen thousand species. There are lots of different vetch species, all the ones with purple flowers are good to eat and have a pea like flavour. The leaves haveContinue reading “Common Vetch”