TORBAY herbalist Dawn Ireland of Green Wyse explains a little about medicinal uses of common seeds or herbs, taking us on a virtual Reconnect herb walk.
WHATEVER upheaval goes on in the human world, the seasons change and nature continues its own rhythms, which can be a great comfort when not much else around us feels normal.
Ranunculus ficaria – Lesser Celandine
As spring begins to show its first signs, hopeful shoots of green appear, and one of the first is the Lesser Celandine with its glorious shining bright yellow star shaped flowers. Its cheery presence rivals the dandelion in the fields and hedgerows and just seeing it lifts the mood in the knowledge spring is around the corner. The petals are glossy in the same way Buttercup (a close relative) petals are, but narrower and more pointed.
An old country name of this unassuming plant is Pilewort. The cluster of roots said to resemble haemorrhoids. This plant should not be taken internally. Traditionally the leaves and flowers were made into a poultice to treat piles. The astringent nature of the plant helps shrink tissues and is cooling to irritated skin, therefore also useful for varicose veins. Culpeper says in his Herbal that ‘the leaves bruised and boiled in hogs lard until they become crisp, then strained, afford a cooling ointment’. Herbal pharmacy methods are a little different today, but the principle remains the same. The whole plant including roots can be used for external use. After cleaning and drying well, the plant should be chopped and infused in any vegetable oil, this can be gently warmed for a couple of hours, or left cool to soak for a couple of days ensuring the plant matter is pressed down underneath the surface of the oil to avoid moulding. After straining off, this herbal oil can be used directly on the skin or blended into an ointment.
Urtica dioica – Nettle
This plant needs little introduction in our corner of the world. In Spring it is one of the first leafy plants to push up fresh green growth. The top 4 to 6 leaves make a very good herb tea, either fresh or can be gathered to dry for use later on. To dry nettle leaves, remove from the stalk and lay the leaves on paper in a warm airy place until crisp. Early Spring is a great time to gather nettles before they begin to get aphids. One of the most beneficial uses is to provide iron, vitamins A & C, calcium, magnesium, selenium, silica, zinc, and many other minerals.
Another common use is to reduce hayfever symptoms, best taken a couple of times daily starting a few weeks before the hayfever season, and throughout. Mild symptoms can be reduced very well, though other herbs might be needed if symptoms are more severe. (such as Elderflower and Plantago).
Nettle leaf commonly forms part of herbal treatment for chronic degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis. The minerals provide some nutrients, and there is an antiinflammatory benefit. A tea taken with food promotes digestion and calms irritation and bloating.
Easiest way to pick nettles without being stung? Get someone else to do it for you (wink) otherwise, use a bag or basket held open, long scissors and snip the top off to fall into the bag untouched.
• Find out more about herbalism and Dawn at www.torbay-herbalist. co.uk