Science is engaged in studying the values of wild medicinal plants. “Wyrt” was the Anglo-Saxon word that described food and medicine that pilgrims, workers , peasants and travellers could find along riverbanks and in “weald” an angle-saxon word for open fields.
Wild foods, if heavily consumed may produce side effects in some people.
CHICKWEED is packed with nutrients. It contains vitamins A, D, B complex, C, rutin (a bioflavinoid), calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, sodium, copper, iron and silica. In comparison with spinach, chickweed holds up extremely well. It’s got just as much iron, along with other nutrients. So, when you’re trying to eat you’re daily dose of nutrient-dense leaves, consider this weedy wonder along with the better-known greens.
Internally, it’s a gentle laxative and is soothing to the digestive tract. Not surprisingly, this cooler-weather plant is also cooling to the system. A poultice of chickweed can be especially useful topically for inflammation, abscesses, and anything itchy.
PLANTAIN a common weed, has been recognised for its healing properties for centuries. Plantain has been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of coughs, colds, and bronchitis due to its soothing and expectorant properties. Plantain can help with digestive discomfort, including diarrhea and gastritis, by soothing the gastrointestinal tract.
Both broadleaf and narrow leaf plantain offer similar benefits, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine effects. It’s used topically to treat wounds, insect bites, rashes, and skin irritations, and internally for digestive and respiratory issues.
ONION WEED contains sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour) and when added to the diet on a regular basis help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system. Adds flavour to food.
SOW THISTLE – Yes a wild plant that contains vitamin C. It’s a plant with an age old history of medicinal uses, including treating gastrointestinal issues, skin problems and as a sedative. It’s also been used traditionally to hasten childbirth and freshen breath. And to treat hay fever, fevers, high blood pressure. kidney stones, and as an antiseptic and as a diuretic. Eaten as a food source, younger leaves can be used in salads or cooked like spinach. I have it growing in my vegetable garden. I nibble on the young leaves whilst gardening.
Various parts of the plant, such as the leaves, roots, and latex, have been traditionally used in different forms like infusions, poultices, and teas.
FAT HEN leaves can function as anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic. They can also function as mild laxatives and help relieve toothache. Fat hen’s leaves can be applied as a wash or applied to relieve pain from bug bites and sunstroke.
Fat hen can be a very nutritious and healthy addition to your diet. It is delicious eaten raw or cooked. Use Fat hen in place of spinach. Flowers, Seed and leaves are edible. Seeds can be used to make a porridge like meal.
MILK THISTLE traditionally has been used to treat liver and gallbladder disorders, promote breast milk production, prevent and treat cancer and even protect the liver from snake bites, alcohol and other environmental poisons. And help help prevent the decline in brain function.
BIDENS PILOSA commonly known as beggar’s ticks, has a wide range of medicinal properties and a rich history of medicinal use, and is valued for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and liver-protective properties.
It’s been traditionally used for managing diabetes, controlling hypertension, and exhibiting anti-cancer activity.
Modern research supports these traditional uses, finding evidence for its effectiveness in lowering blood sugar, reducing blood pressure, and inhibiting cancer cell growth.
DANDELION – is packed with nutrients and vitamins and provides a variety of potential health benefits. The dandelion plant is incredibly nutritious, an excellent source of vitamin A, B, C, D and K, and minerals iron, potassium, and zinc and has been eaten as a wild food and a herb for centuries.Used for thousand of years, traditionally in Chinese medicine to improve the digestive system and reduce inflammation. Aids in healthy digestion and weight loss and reducing cholesterol levels. Supports blood sugar regulation. The dandelion plant also contains the mineral potassium which is known to relax blood vessels and consequently reduce blood pressure. Dandelion boosts the immune system. Its leaves are a rich source of calcium and vitamin K that support healthy bones.
The entire dandelion plant can be eaten cooked or raw, but we get different benefits from each part:
Dandelion Root – The root extract holds a lot of nutritional value and herbalists have used it in traditional medicine to help with liver detox.
Dandelion Flowers – The flowers contain the antioxidant properties and may boost your immune system. Dip the flowers in batter with a pinch of smoked paprika to make dandelion flower fritters?
Dandelion Leaves – The dandelion leaf can assist with digestion and support blood sugar levels. Like spinach, you can sauté dandelion leaves and add to any dish.
CLOVER, red clover, has a history of medicinal use, primarily for women’s health issues. It’s known for its potential to alleviate menopausal symptoms and menstrual discomfort due to its isoflavone content, which are plant-based compounds with estrogen-like effects. Additionally, it’s been used to address skin conditions like psoriasis, heart health and respiratory problems.
All parts of the white and the red clover plant, including leaves, flowers and seed pods
are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like other leafy greens. The flowers can be eaten raw or used to make teas or jellies. While Its seed pods are used for animal feed.
Red Clover is in the same plant family as beans. It is a legume. Red Clover makes a nourishing herbal infusion that tastes similar to earl grey tea. It is made with two tablespoons of dried flowers steeped in four cups of boiling water, covered tightly, for 4-8 hours.
Red Clover Tea: Pour hot water over 1-3 teaspoons of red clover, and let steep for 10-15 minutes. This tea has a natural light sweetness to it, but you can add honey if desired. Brighten up a salad with clover flowers.