Full of nutritional and medicinal benefits, early Spring Henbit is a fun and easy (and delicious!) foraged wild edible.
Borage is a beautiful annual flower that's popular with gardeners, mostly for its abundant display of showy blue flowers. It also happens to be both edible and medicinal, and it has a number of uses
Despite being known as an invasive plant species that poses a threat to native biodiversity and causes damage to infrastructure, Japanese Knotweed has several edible and medicinal properties that are often overlooked. This article will focus on exploring the nutritional and medicinal benefits of Japanese Knotweed and its diverse range of uses.
Yellow Rocket Cress, or bittercress, is one of the common weeds with yellow flowers that you see in fields. Learn more about it here.
“One of my life's quests has been to eat as many flowers as possible” wrote Dina Falconi in the wonderful Foraging & Feasting: A Field Guide and Wild Food Cookbook. Here’s Dina’s list of late summer flowers and essential advice for using flowers in your cooking and her sensational Leaf & Flower Custard Ice Cream Master Recipe.
Never heard of borage plant? You're not alone. Here are some terrific reasons to consider welcoming this easy-to-grow plant with lovely edible star-shaped flowers into your garden! Read on to learn about excellent borage uses
Botanical Name: Aquilegia vulgaris. The Latin name for the Genus Aquilegia is thought to have derived from the Latin word 'aquila', meaning eagle, probably because the curved nectar spurs resemble an eagle's beak or an eagle's claw. The name may also come from the Latin words 'aquam legere' (to collect water) that refers to the flower's funnel-like shape where moisture is collected. The species name vulgaris means quite simply 'common'. Other Common Names: European columbine, true columbine, European crowfoot, culverwort, granny's bonnet. Akelei (German), l'ancolie commune (French), aguileña (Spanish), skógarvatnsberi (Icelandic), akeleje (Danish), akileija (Finnish), akleja (Swedish), akeleie (Norwegian).. Habitat:
Botanical Name: Centella asiatica. Other Common Names: Indian pennywort, pennywort, Asiatic pennywort, antanan, pegaga, brahmi, chi-hsueh ts'ao, man t'ien hsing. Habitat: Gotu kola is native to Australia, Pacific Islands, Asia, South Africa, South America and other tropical climates. This perennial is found in shady, marshy areas. It can grow in shallow water or in moist soil. Description: In shallow water, gotu kola uses floating roots and the leaves rest on top of the water. On dry land, numerous small roots give rise to reddish stolons with small, thin leaves. The leaves may reach 1 inch thick by 6 inches long.
Chicory is one of the safest wild edibles you can forage, with a huge number of health benefits. We tell you everything you need to know about it.
LEMON BALM MEDICINE MOMENT Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a perennial of the mint family (Lamiaceae) with an aromatic, pleasant, floral, lemon-like flavor that is cooling, calming, uplifting, and mildly astringent. It is used in formulas for bellyaches, anxiety, hyperthyroid, colds and viruses. F
El marrubio blanco es una planta que recuerda a la menta, pero sin embargo huele a tomillo. Se trata de una especie de gran valor...
Botanical Name: Ephedra sinica. Other Common Names: Ma huang, teamster's tea, sea ephedrine, desert tea, yellow horse, yellow astringent, joint fir, squaw tea, mormon tea, popotillo and sea grape. Habitat: Northern China, Mongolia, India, Southwestern United States, Persia (Turkey, Iraq, and Iran) and western areas of South America. Plant Description: Ma huang is a xerophytic, jointed, bark less plant which grows as a small shrub, 30-50 cm in height which produces red, poisonous cones. The ephedra species (EPHEDRACEAE) thrives best in mountainous areas or sandy deserts. Geographically, countries located in the warm, semi-arid temperature zones with an annual rainfall of
Botanical Name: Filipendula ulmaria. The medicinal perennial herb belongs to the plant family Rosaceae. The genus name “Filipendula” has been derived from two words – “filum,” which means “thread” and “pendulus,” which means “hanging.” This perhaps describes the root tubers, which hang characteristically from the roots. The specific epithet name “ulmaria” denotes “elm-like”; however, this plant does not appear like the elm! Other Common Names: Bridewort, dollof, ergecsakali, European meadowsweet, lady of the meadow, meadow queen, meadow-wort, meadsweet, moerasspirea, pride of the meadow, queen of the meadow, and ulmaria. Habitat: Meadowsweet grows commonly in damp meadows, fens, marshes, wet swamps,
In this article, we will introduce the Vervain plant, which is a legendary herb used
Discover the health benefits of mullein! Often overlooked, it's a favorite among herbalists for its versatility and medicinal uses.
You’ll learn the parts of ground elder used as food and medicine, harvest time, nutrition and other ways humans use this amazing plant - Read more!
Usnea is an all around infection fighter, combatting bacteria, inflammation and pain. This tincture is perfect for acute complaints or long term use.
Angelica is an impressive herb with edible roots, leaves, and stalks that can grow to a towering eight feet tall. Read on to learn how to grow it yourself.
Botanical Name: Lemna minor L, Spirodela polyrhiza. In Chinese herbal medicine, greater duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza) is often used interchangeably with common duckweed (Lemna minor). The two herbs are very similar in appearance and have the same medicinal properties. In Chinese herbal medical literature, they are often referred to under the same Chinese name 'fu ping'. Other Common Names: Lesser duckweed, common duckweed, duckmeat, andemat (Norwegian), petite lentille d'eau (French), Kleine Wasserlinse (German), andmat (Swedish), lentejas de agua (Spanish), fu ping, qing ping (Chinese). Habitat: Duckweed grows in nutrient-rich and stagnant waters (puddles, ditches, and ponds). The species is widespread in
Botanical Name: Tanacetum vulgare. Other Common Names: Buttons, wild tansy, gold leaf tansy, ginger plant, bitter buttons, hineheel, scented fern, stinking willie. The common name, tansy, is likely derived from Greek words meaning “immortal”, which may refer to the long-lasting flowers or its traditional use in preserving dead bodies. Habitat: Although the plant is native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia, it has been introduced throughout the world and grows wild in North America. This hardy, sun-loving plant is resistant to cold and frost and commonly grows in open areas close to water, such as roadsides and ditches. Description:
Using herbal remedies and medicinal herbs for depression are often sought by people who have adverse reactions to their pharmaceutical medications. For people who have been diagnosed with depression, it is important to view natural herbs for depression relief as part of a holistic approach to treating and managing this condition. There is no specific herbal remedy or herb that can cure depression completely. The bright side is that through the use of nutrition, herbal medicine, and addressing the cause of depression with professional health care practitioner, there can be a promise of better health, both physically and mentally. Using
Botanical Name: Evernia prunastri. Other Common Names: Ekmossa (Swedish), mousse de chêne (French), Eichenmoss (German). Habitat: Oakmoss is widespread throughout Europe, North Africa, Asia and North America. Description: Evernia prunastri or oakmoss is a lichen of the Parmeliaceae family. The genus Evernia contains about ten different species. The thalli (the vegetative body of a lichen) are bush-shaped and grow together to form large clumps. The thallus is flat and highly branched. It grows on trunks and branches of shrubs and deciduous trees like oaks, fruit trees, and blackthorn but also sometimes on pine trees. It is green to light whitish-green
Botanical Name: Taraxacum officinale, Taraxacum mongolicum, Taraxacum palustre, Taraxacum vulgar. Dandelion was first mentioned for its medicinal qualities in the works of Arabian physicians of the tenth and eleventh centuries. These writers speak of it as a form of wild endive, under the name of Taraxacon. The genus name, Taraxacum, is derived from the Greek taraxos, meaning “disorder,” and akos, meaning “remedy”. Dandelion is believed to be one of the bitter herbs in the Passover tradition. Medicinal Properties and Actions The herb's actions are cholagogues, choleretic, alkalizing, laxative, venotonic, astringent, diuretic, tonic and slightly aperient. It is a general stimulant,
Herbal pain relief uses natural remedies like turmeric, ginger, and arnica to alleviate discomfort.
Learn about the nutritional density of edible wild food varieties, like dandelion, compared to their cultivated counterparts.
For thousands of years a beautifully simple but profoundly effective Five Element Theory has been guiding traditional Chinese medicine in the creation of healing medicinal and nutritional recipes. This stems from the relationship of the five elements of nature— earth, metal, water, wood, fire—and the constant interaction among them. According to this theory, health in the human body is a state of balance among these five elements. “Doctors practicing the Five Elements traditional Chinese medicine treat the whole person—mind, body and spirit—in seeking to discover the root of an ailment.
Wildcrafted cottonwood buds are fragrant and healing. Learn to identify, harvest and prepare your own Balm of Gilead and medicinal cottonwood bud tincture!
Scientific name: Arctium lappa. Two related species, A. minus and A. tomentosum are also sometimes used for medicinal purposes. Common Names: Burdock, greater burdock, great thistle, beggar’s button’s, Grosse Klette (German), niu bang zi (Chinese), gobo (Japanese), woowong (Korean). Distribution and Habitat: Burdock is native to Europe and Asia and has now spread worldwide in temperate zones. It is used in traditional Chinese, Korean, and European herbalism has developed independently in these different cultures. It was well-known to common people in Britain. The 17th-century physician Nicholas Culpeper described several uses of burdock, including treating ulcers, sores, and even dog bites!
Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum. Other Common Names: Cilantro, culantrillo, dhania, Chinese parsley. The seeds are usually known as coriander while the leaves are called cilantro. Habitat: Coriander is indigenous to the Mediterranean countries and today most of the commercial supply of the herb comes from Morocco, Romania, and Egypt. Plant Description: Coriander is aromatic annual plant of the parsley family (Apiaceae). It has slender stems with two types of lobed leaves and can grow up 90 cm or 3 feet tall. The leaves at the base are broad and resemble Italian parsley while the leaves on the stems are slender
Botanical Name of Shepherd's Purse: Capsella bursa-pastoris. Other Common Names: Lady's purse, shepherd's bag, mother's heart, shovelweed, caseweed, borsa de pastor (Spanish), bouse de pasteur (French), Hirtentäschelkraut (German), hjartarfi (Icelandic), hyrdetaske (Danish). Habitat: The plant is probably native to Europe and parts of Asia, but now it can be found in temperate regions around the world. The European settlers brought the plant with them to North America, and the species quickly spread across the continent. Shepherd's purse is often regarded as a weed. Plant Description: Shepherd's purse is an annual plant that belongs to the mustard family (Brassicaceae) with highly
Botanical Name of Horsetail: Equisetum arvensis, Equisetum arvense. Other Common Names: Bottlebrush, shave grass, corncob plant, scouring rush, field horsetail, pewterwort, paddock-pipes, Dutch rushes, snake pipes, small scouring rush, åkersnelle (Norwegian), cola de caballo (Spanish), prêle des champs (French), Acker-Schachtelhalm (German). Habitat: Horsetail is native to both North America and Europe. It is one of only a few Equisetum survivors from the dinosaur era. In parts of Northern America, Canada, and Europe it is often considered a rather bothersome weed because of its prolific tuber system. Plant Description: Horsetail is a perennial plant of the Equisetaceae or the horsetail plant
Botanical Name: Urtica dioica, Urtica galeopsifolia. The annual nettle species dwarf nettle (Urtica urens L.) can be used in a similar manner as the stinging nettle in herbal medicine. Other Common Names of Stinging Nettle: Big string nettle, common nettle, Nettle, devil’s leaf, European nettle, Grosse Brennesse (German), grande ortie (French), ortiga (Spanish), brenninetla (Icelandic), brænde nælde (Danish). Habitat: While originally from the cold regions of northern Europe and Asia, this herbaceous shrub can now be found growing all over the world. The plant grows well in nitrogen-rich soil and is most often found in disturbed areas such as lawns,
Botanical Name: Cnicus benedictus L, Centaurea benedicta. Other Common Names: Holy thistle, sacred thistle, St. Benedicts thistle, spotted thistle, blessed cardus, lady's thistle, cardin, karbenedikt (Swedish), benediktenkraut (German), cardo santo (Spanish), Chardon bénit (French), heilagur þistill (Icelandic). Habitat: This plant is native to the Mediterranean countries and Southeast Asia. Today, it is found both growing wild and cultivated in Central Europe, the southern United States and parts of Central and South America. Description: Blessed thistle is an annual hairy plant that can grow up to 70 cm in height. It has a branchy pentagonal stalk, and the leaves are lanceolate
Botanical Name: Scutellaria baicalensis. Other Common Names: Huang qin, baikal, baical skullcap root, scute, scutellaria. Habitat: Chinese skullcap is native to eastern Asia. It thrives on sunny, grassy slopes in higher elevations. The plant grows well in sandy, rocky soils and needs full sun. It prefers dry soils and does well in cultivated planting beds. Plant Description: This perennial grows to a height of 0.3 meters and a width of 0.3 meters. It has narrow, single erect stems with many 2.5 centimeter bluish-purple flowers. The plant is anchored by a skinless, yellow root. Plant Parts Used: The root of Chinese
Botanical Name: Anemone hepatica, Hepatica nobilis. Other Common Names: Kidneywort, liverwort, liverleaf, liverflower, American liverwort, roundlobe hepatica, Leberblümchen (German), hepática (Spanish), skógarblámi (Icelandic), hépatique à trois lobes (French), blåsippa (Swedish). Habitat: The plant is found mainly in Europe. Other species of hepatica can be found in East Asia and North America. Description: Hepatica is a perennial plant of the Ranunculaceae ( or crowfoot family). The green leaves have three thick and hairless lobes. The leaves stay green through winter. The plant blooms in winter or early spring and the flowers can be blue, purple or white. The leaves and flowers
Botanical Name: Polygonum multiflorum. The generic name “Polygonum” is probably derived from two Greek words – “poly” means “many” and “gonu” means “knee” in reference to the swollen articulated nodes of the stem. The species name “multiflorum” may be derived from the Greek words – “multi” means “multiple” and “florum” means “flowers” in reference to multiple flowers arranged in the form inflorescence. The plant belongs to the plant family Polygonaceae. Other Common Names: Climbing knotweed, flowery knotweed, fo-ti, fo-ti-teng, he shou wu, or ho shou wu. Habitat: Polygonum multiflorum is widely seen in all parts of China and it is
Edible plants are found all around us. We just need to know what to look for and what to stay away from.
Elderflower tincture is a gentle herbal remedy for colds, flu, and other minor illnesses. It's easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients! Elderflowers are a beautiful part of the natural landscape,
