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.
SPRING is in full flow, a lovely time of year when there is hope and promise from the natural world.
Meadowsweet – Filipendula ulmaria
The creamy frothy flowers of Meadowsweet, with the sweet almond like fragrance are scenting the air and delighting the bees and other insects. According to history books, Meadowsweet was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth the first, as a strewing herb for its perfume, it would be used with other scented plants to scatter on the floors to help repel insects and hide unpleasant smells. This plant does prefer to grow with its roots in damp ground, but in fact will pretty much survive and grow in any wild area. As a herbal remedy, Meadowsweet is invaluable as an antacid for soothing the stomach. The leaves and/or flowers can be used to make a tea and sipped as needed. It has some pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties too, so is of particular help if someone has a headache alongside digestive complaints for instance. One of the constituents is salicin, the material origins (along with Willow bark) for modern synthesised aspirin. Care should be taken with this herb with any bleeding disorders, or anticoagulant medication. There are differing expert views on interactions with medication, but there is little doubt from studies that it does have some influence on platelet activating factor in the blood. Caution is always best.
Daisy – Bellis perennis
The common lawn daisy is much overlooked as a herbal remedy in modern times. The old English name for it was Bruisewort which lends a good description for its use. Some modern studies have shown it to be almost as effective as Arnica for relief of pain and bruise discomfort when used on the skin. To use daisies you can gather leaves, roots and/or flowers and either make a tea, with a handful of plant material to a pint of hot water. Leave to steep for at least ten minutes, covering the container to stop steam escaping. After straining, this liquid can be used as a wash for scrapes and grazes, or a plaster used by dipping a clean cloth in the liquid and placing on the area whilst still warm, cover with an old towel and keep in place for an hour or so. For preservation to enable availability out of season, you can make a tincture using either alcohol such as vodka, or cider vinegar, soaking the plant material for a couple of weeks, then straining and keeping the liquid in a sealed container out of sunlight. This will last until the next season at least. You can then dilute a tablespoon of this in warm water for use. Or you can include in a cream by mixing a teaspoon into a dessertspoon worth of cream. For information on making herbal salves, creams and lotions in depth information, I have written a book which is available soon. Details in the next issue. As always, take care, and if symptoms persist consult a professional. Be certain of your plant identification and mindful of our precious natural resources and only harvest a little, with the land owners permission
Find out more about herbalism and Dawn at www.torbay-herbalist.co.uk