wild foods/foraging

[Nemesis]

I think we should make a data base on the forum of wild food/foraging.

Should we keep chat to a minimum in this thread and just post information as and when we come across it.


Warning The Information Posted In This Thread Is To Be Used As Reference Only Please Double Check Any Information, For Your Own Safety.


Dandelion as an Herbal Remedy
Dandelion leaves are natural diuretics and can help lower blood pressure and reduce water retention. The diuretic properties can also help to flush kidneys and remove excess salt from the urinary system. A side effect of chemical diuretics is potassium loss. Since dandelion leaves contain potassium, that loss is minimized.

Liver function may also be improved by the flower’s high levels of taraxacin. Additionally, the slightly bitter taste of the plant can also stimulate bile production and help clean the liver of toxins. This combined with the diuretic properties can make an effective “whole-body” detoxification treatment.

Dandelion tea has been used as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain for centuries and it is widely believed that it has anti-inflammatory properties. Dandelion is also high in inulin, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.

The white stick sap from the stem of dandelions can applied to warts several times a day to slowly dissolve them. Dry skin and eczema can also be treated by applying the sap.


Dandelion Herbal Drinks
When used for medicinal purposes, dandelion is most often consumed in tea form. Dandelion flower tea is relatively simple to make, just cover 8-10 flowers with boiling water in a coffee cup and allow to set for 5 minutes. Remove flowers, sweeten the tea to taste, and enjoy.
To increase the healing properties of the dandelion flower tea, add 1-2 fresh dandelion leaves to the flowers before brewing and allow to set for 7 minutes. This will be a more bitter tea.

Ground dandelion root can also be used to make tea by adding one teaspoon of dried root to boiling water and allowing to steep for five minutes. Dried root can also be used like coffee grounds to make a healthly alternative to the morning java.

Dandelion as a Food Source
All parts of the dandelion are edible. Raw dandelions greens taste like a slightly more bitter version of endive but the flowers have a slightly sweet taste. The roots are often dried and ground to be used in tea and as a coffee replacement.

Dandelion is a nutrient powerhouse. One cup of chopped raw dandelion leaves contains:
• 112% recommended daily value (DV) of vitamin A
• 32% DV of vitamin C
• 535% DV of vitamin K.
• 10% DV of Calcium
• 9% DV of Iron
• 2 grams of fiber (8% DV)

Dandelion leaves also contain Vitamin E, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, and Potassium. You get all of this for 25 calories and no cholesterol.
Dandelion greens can be used to replace lettuce in many salads. They are also good alternatives to most other cooked greens. Dandelion recipes are plentiful and I’ve included some at the end of the article.



Harvesting Dandelions
• Dandelions should always be picked from areas that haven’t been chemically treated.
• Roadside growths should be avoided.
• Always rinse flowers, stems, and leaves well before using.
• Roots should be thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt and debris.
• Dandelion greens for salads and greens recipes should be picked before the plant flowers to reduce bitterness.
• Dandelion flowers should be picked when the flower is fully open.
• Dandelion root is easier to harvest the day after a heavy rain

Preserving Dandelion

In general, dandelion should always be used freshly-picked. Obviously this isn’t possible in the winter months of most climates. There are a few good ways to preserve the plant so you can enjoy dandelions year-round.

Dandelion leaves and flowers can be frozen quickly by laying in a single layer on a cookie sheet and placing the sheet in the freezer for a few hours. After frozen, they should be placed in a tightly sealed plastic bag and placed in the freezer again. Leaves and flowers keep for six months to a year.

Dandelion roots are best preserved by drying. To dry, lie the roots flat on a cookie sheet and place in the oven at 125 or lower until the roots are completely dry. If you are planning on using the roots for dandelion tea or dandelion coffee, it would probably be best to grind them immediately after drying. Store in an air-tight container out of direct sunlight. Dried dandelion root lasts for a year to a year and a half.


http://melissabarrett.hubpages.com/hub/W...s-and-Food

[Skean Dhude]

That is the stuff we will put in the download site. So keep it coming.

[Nemesis]

About Raspberry Leaves

Raspberry bushes are part of the rose family. You may know that rose hips are high in vitamin C, but so are raspberry leaves! They are found as native plants in North America and in parts of Asia. Many Native American nations recognized the value of the raspberry leaf, using it as an herbal remedy for women.

Even ancient Greeks recognized the inherent value of the leaf. They used it to treat everything from diarrhea to dysentery.

They had also figured out that women especially benefit from its nutrients.

Nutrients
The leaves, roots and berries are all edible parts of the raspberry bush. The berries are quite delicious in desserts, and also have medicinal benefits. The leaf, however, has the highest value and concentration of nutrients.

The leaf is high in iron, calcium and niacin. Everyone, especially women, need these nutrients on a daily basis for optimal health. It also contains manganese, a mineral needed by the body in small amounts to ensure proper production of connective tissue (bones and cartilage). Manganese also plays a role in energy metabolism.

The leaf contains potassium, and a number of vitamins including A, B, C and E. These nutrients in particular are beneficial to women during pregnancy. Women also benefit from oil contained within the leaves: fragrine.

This tones and nourishes the entire pelvic region.

• Raspberry leaves can be used to make teas and tinctures. You can even make popsicles with it! (Just take the tea and put into ice/popsicle trays and freeze.)

• The tea will help treat diarrhea and nausea. When used during a cold or flu, drinking lots of raspberry leaf tea (RLT) along with plenty of water can really help reduce symptoms quickly.

• Because RLT targets the genitourinary system of women, it can help with menstrual cramps. Regular use of RLT helps reduce severity of bleeding and cramping.

• RLT is the ideal tonic for pregnant women. It tones the muscles of the uterus and may play a role in helping women have easier childbirth and faster labour. In addition, it may help to prevent miscarriage.

• RLT is beneficial to breastfeeding women because it enriches breast milk.

• RLT may also help ease menopausal symptoms in women past childbearing age.

• Coupled with ginger, RLT can really help to reduce the incidence of morning sickness, and/or lessen its symptoms.
• RLT with a bit of red clover can help to increase fertility in men and women.

• Raspberry leaves themselves can be crushed into a poultice and applied to minor skin irritations, canker sores, and even sore gums.

• In men, the potassium content in RLT can help with leg cramps.



How to Make Raspberry Leaf Tea

Gather fresh leaves or thoroughly dried leaves. (Caution: make sure, if you are gathering herbs, you know exactly what you are gathering.

Some plants look alike and you do not want to gather the wrong herb.

An easy way to tell is when the raspberry bushes have berries on them in midsummer. Also, do not use slightly wilted leaves because they may harbor a compound that can inhibit blood clotting - something that can be dangerous when nearing childbirth, especially.)

Get a tea diffuser and fill it halfway with dried leaves. If you have fresh leaves, use two or three (sometimes I try to use more!) and roll them up into small pieces and then put them in.

If you do not have a diffuser, just place the leaves at the bottom of your cup and proceed.

Skim them out with a slotted spoon when finished.
Pour very hot or boiling water over the leaves. Steep them for 15-20 minutes and enjoy!

The taste is somewhat bitter, almost like black tea. However, RLT does not contain caffeine.

[Nemesis]

Sticky Weed or Galium Aparine

Health Properties

The plant was traditionally used to treat skin diseases. Herbalists believe that it lowers blood pressure and body temperature. The whole plant is considered rich in vitamin C. As a pulp, it has been used to relieve poisonous bites.

As a tea, the plant is said to have medicinal properties as a tonic, diuretic, and laxative. in addition, the tea has been used as an anti-perspirant (by the Chinese), and as a relief for head colds (home remedy), restlessness, and sunburns

Galium aparine is edible. The leaves and stems of the plant can be cooked as a leaf vegetable before the fruits appear. However, the numerous small hooks which cover the plant and give it its clinging nature make it less palatable (pleasent to eat) if eaten raw.
When dried and roasted, the fruits of this plant can be used to make a coffee-like drink.

Where found:
It is a common weed in hedges and other low shrubby vegetation, and is also a common weed in arable fields, as well as gardens. As they grow quite rampantly and thickly, they end up shading out any small plants that they overrun.

Other uses:
In Sweden the plant's stalk was traditionally used to strain milk.

In Europe, the dried, matted foliage of the plant was once used to stuff mattresses.

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Elder Berry

Properties and benefits of Elder:

The flowers contain glycosides, tanins, mucilages, sapins, pectins, essential oil, vitamin C and mineral salts.

The fruits, alkaloids, carotene, tanins, organic acids and vitamins A, B and C can be found.

The leaves contain vitamin C and the bark is rich in tanins, resines and valerenic acid.

All these compounds give the plant diuretic, diaphoretic, sudorific, emolient, laxative, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Treatments:

Elder is a strong antiviral medicine, from stimulating the healing of degenerative diseases, to preventing cancerous diseases, to controlling benign tumors. For this a 30 day diet is recommended with tincture from elder fruit. This helps activate the immune system.

Elder also helps destroy intestinal worms. The flowers, fruits and the juice obtained from the fruits can calm neuralgia. Also, it is useful in case of rheumatism, diseases of the respiratory system or sciatica.

The bark is recommended for nephritis and edemas. The tea of elder flowers helps detoxify the body, being recommended for treating cold, flues and bronchitis.

Elder can be used as a natural medicine in obesity because of its laxative properties and its properties of eliminating water from the tissues. It is also used in cases of renal attacks.

It eliminates the toxins from the body through urine and also through perspiration, it increases the secretory activity of the sudorific glands and it intervenes directly though dropsy. Elder increases the secretion of the mammary glands for women who breastfeed.

Elder tea is used for furuncle, abcesses, eczemas, extrications, burns, swellings, and urticaria. As a compress it helps treat conjunctivitis, eyelid eczemas, having a role of reducing inflammations and of liquefying infections.

Mixtures:

The infusion of elder flowers is prepared from a tablespoon of flowers added to 250 ml of boiling water. The bowl is kept covered for approximately 5 minutes. It is filtered, sweetened with honey and 3 cups per day are consumed after each main meal.

The elder flower decoct is obtained by boiling 50 g of flowers for a period of 3 minutes. The elder fruit juice is prepared with 20 g of fruit mixed with a tablespoon of honey and it is taken on an empty stomach in the morning as a laxative.

The decoct of elder bark is obtained like this: two handfuls of elder bark are boiled in one liter of water, until the water decreases to half of its initial quantity, it is then filtered and the whole quantity is divided into 3 parts. One is taken before each main meal.

Elder cordial is prepared from the following ingredients: 10-12 big elder flowers, 1 lemon, 1 small bag of lemon salt, 800 g sugar, a knife's tip of yeast, 10 liters of water. All ingredients are mixed in a jar.

They are stirred every day two times in the jar, leaving them in the sun for 3-4 days. The mixture is then filtered and placed in bottles. It is served cold from the refrigerator.

Elder wine is obtained from ripe fruits, crushed, boiled in wine for 30 minutes. It is sweetened and consumed in proportion of 2-3 small glasses per day.

Fruit powder is prepared like this: the fruits are dried and crushed finely to be consumed in doses of 3-4 teaspoons per day on an empty stomach, for 3-4 weeks.

Warning:

Elder brews are not recommended to be consumed in large doses of over 200 g of fruit. It can create symptoms of intoxication, vomit, throat irritations, stomachal burns, respiratory difficulties or convulsions.

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Nettles

Properties and benefits of Nettles:

Nettle contains a great number of amino acids, glucidic substances, amines, sterols, cetones as methyl heptenone, acetophenone, volatile oil, fatty substances, sitosterols, formic and acetic acid, panthotenic acid, folic acid, chlorophyl 0.3 - 0.8, protoporphyrine and coproporphynine. It also contains vitamins C, B2 and K, beta-carotene, Ca, Mg, Fe and Si salts, phosphates etc. Because of these compounds, the plant has anti-anemic, anti-diabetic, haemostatic and diuretic properties.

Mixtures and treatments:

Perhaps the most well known property of nettle is that it stings. It is said that if it hadn't been so, the plant would not have lasted through time. As a matter of fact, the Swiss priest, Kunzle, shows that nettle would have been destroyed by insects and animals by now, had it not defended itself by stinging.

However, folk medicine has proved the usefulness of this property: fresh nettle leaves placed on the skin, and especially on the kidney area (a practice named urticaria) induces a stinging and burning sensation, with the effect of easing more profound rheumatic pains.

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Wormwood

Properties and benefits of Wormwood plant:

Wormwood contains absinthine, bitterish glucose, absinthol, tannin, chlorophyll and malic acid. The essence contains thujone, tanacetone, azulene and cadinene (which increase the muscular tonus and activates over the areas where the epileptic crises appear).

It also contains vitamins B6 and C. it is a powerful tonic, antiseptic, antidiarrheic, antipyretic and it regulates the menstruation

Treatments:

Because it is a digestive tonic, wormwood increases bile secretion when it is administrated as infusion. If it is administrated as powder (0.5 - 2g in honey or sugar) it helps the human body reduce fever.

Infusion is also good against belly worms and oxiuris. For intestinal worms, the wormwood tincture is recommended to be administrated in 9 days long cures.

The bitter compounds and volatile oil components have an excitant action over gastric secretion, they are anti-inflammatory and anthelmintic. Wormwood increase diuresis and can be used as a laxative.

Internally, wormwood is recommended for the treatment of liver insufficiency, kidney oedema, anemia and absence of the menstrual cycle. It is also good for anxiety and gout and it is generally good for all the diseases that involve the retention of water in tissues.

Wormwood is a good cicatrizing. The infusion can be used to treat ulcerations and the oil can be applied on wounds.

Externally it is also used to treat hemorrhoids and vaginitis.

Caution:

Its consumption is not recommended for pregnant women or in cases of acute intestinal disorders. The wormwood treatment mustn't be prolonged because it can cause digestive and neural disorders.

The wormwood mixtures must be administrated only when they are needed and overdoses can cause headaches and inflammations on the gastric mucous membrane.

Wormwood powder can be irritant, which is why it is recommended to use a protection mask when dealing with the herb.

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Cowslip

Proprieties and benefits of Cowslip:

This herb can be used fresh as well as dry, and therapeutically only its flowers, stem and roots are used. Its flowers and leaves are rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, potassium, calcium, sodium and salicylates which help strengthen the immune system through its antioxidant properties and by lowering the cholesterol level.

Also, the herb contains saponoids which bring about expectorant and emetic effects.

The root and stem contain saccharum, amidine and tanoids. Cowslip is also a natural diuretic, soothing sedative.

Treatments:

Owing to the substances contained, cowslip is used in treating lung disorders (virosis and bronchitis) and helps eliminate secretions.

The herb is used to eliminate insomnias in adults as well as children. For this a tea from this herb is prepared and for a more efficient effect over the body the herb is mixed with hop plant.

To treat gout and arthritis it is recommended to use cowslip. The treatment must be followed for a long period of time, depending how serious the illness is.

In cases of anxiety tea made from cowslip flowers and roots is prepared. This herb has beneficial effects on the heart especially if it is consumed as tea. It is recommended to be consumed by the individuals who suffer from heart diseases.

Against wounds a macerated mixture made from cowslip flowers is especially effective.

Cowslip tea is a sure way of strengthening the nervous system and heart; it can effectively alleviate headaches and also has a noticeable effect over the myocardium and the tendency towards apoplexy.

This herb is also used in cosmetics, by being an ingredient in many face creams due to its regenerating effects. Moreover it can be used externally in warm poultices applied on painful areas because of its calming nature.

Warning:
Cowslip is not recommended to those who are allergic to aspirins, because of its high quantity of salicylants which are the main basis for aspirin. It is also not recommended to be consumed by those who follow anticoagulant treatments or by pregnant women.

It can be used, however by the women who breastfeed because cowslip tea stimulates lactation.

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Roadweed

Properties and benefits of Roadweed plant:

Roadweed contains pectines, acids, vanilla, caffeine, vitamins A, C and K, small quantities of starch, mucilage, mineral salts with potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, manganese, zinc, boron, copper, molybdenum and aluminum elements.
The active elements in the plant offer it the properties of being emollient, haemostatic, and antiseptic, having a cicatrizing and antibacterial role.

Treatments:

Roadweed is used for treating digestive diseases and gastric pains. The plant is a remedy used for treating respiratory wounds and diseases (hoarsening, flues, virosis, asthma, and bronchitis). Consumed in the form of infusion, it helps the weakened body to regenerate and restore its energy. It is recommended for liver diseases and urinary infections.

The roadweed syrup helps clean the blood, through the elimination of toxins. It can be used for healing insect stings, irritations, inflammations and varicose ulcerations. Roadweed can also be used for ointments used in treating herpes, eczemas or arthritis.

Gargle with infusion of leaves is recommended against laryngitis and diseases of the mouth cavity. The plant decreases arterial pressure and reduces cholesterol.

Roadweed leaves are recommended in cases of furunculous, and are applied as cataplasms.

People who walk long distances can place fresh leaves in their shoes, to avoid blistering or can bathe their feet in roadweed infusion mixed with hollyhock and field horsetail.

Mixtures:

Roadweed infusion:
Roadweed infusion is prepared from one teaspoon of dried leaves added to 200 ml of boiling water. It is infused for 15 minutes, filtered, sweetened and one tablespoon of it is then administered every 2 hours for treating gastric and duodenal ulcer.

For those suffering of phlebitis and those who spit blood, an infusion of 50 g of roadweed leaves and 5 g of anise fruit to 1 liter of hot wine is prepared. It is left to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes, filtered and consumed in proportion of 3 to 4 cups per day through rare gulps.

Roadweed decoct:
Roadweed decoct is obtained from one tablespoon of dried leaves added to 250 ml of water or milk. It is boiled for 5 minutes, infused for 10 minutes, filtered and one teaspoon of it taken at intervals of hours for a period of 6 weeks.

Roadweed syrup:
Roadweed syrup is prepared like this: 100 g of fresh leaves, well washed, are crushed into small pieces and boiled in 1 liter and a quarter of water, to which 300 g of sugar is added and 250 g of honey.

They are mixed on a weak fire until a thick consistency is obtained which is poured in well corked small bottles or jars and kept in the refrigerator. A teaspoon is taken before meals for a period of 3 weeks.

Roadweed juice:
Roadweed juice is the result of the mixture of fresh leaves with honey. It is boiled for 20 minutes and 2 tablespoons are taken each day.

Roadweed powder:
Roadweed powder is prepared from 1 g of dried leaves crushed into a fine powder. It is administered 2 to 3 times per day after the important meals.

Roadweed tincture:
Roadweed tincture is obtained from 100 g of dried leaves to 1 liter of 70 degrees alcohol, it is left to macerate for 24 hours, filtered, the gauze is sapped and 2 to 3 compresses are applied on the affected areas.

Roadweed oil:
Roadweed oil is prepared from 400 g of fresh leaves, crushed into small pieces and 300 ml of 70 degree alcohol and 500 ml of sunflower oil. It is left to macerate for 3-4 days, boiled in a bath of water for 3 to 4 hours, filtered and then bandages are placed on the affected areas.

Local baths:
Local baths are made with infusion out of 100 g of leaves to 3 liters of boiled water. The bowl is left covered for 20 to 30 minutes and filtered in bath water at a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. The bath should not last more than 15-20 minutes.

Roadweed cataplasms are prepared with fresh leaves, washed and crushed, applied with a cotton swab on the affected areas of the skin.

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Milfoil

Proprieties and benefits of Milfoil:

The plant's inflorescences are the parts with the highest amount of active substances. Among these substances we find: etheric oil, acids (achileic, formic, auteic, aconitic, ascorbic, folic, salicylic), flavones, saccarose, glucose, amino acids, proteins, tannins and inorganic substances with the chemical elements: iron, manganese, zinc, copper, nickel, silicon, calcium.

The flowers improve the working of the circulatory system (they improve venous circulations and heal varices).

digestive system (they are recommended to individuals suffering from bad digestions) and urinary system.
Other pharmaceutical properties:
expectorant.
antispastic.
gastrointestinal disinfectant and sedative.
biliary antispastic.
haemostatic.
analgesic.
hemorrhoidal decongestionant.
it can decrease gastric secretions.
Milfoil is recommended for disorders of the menstrual cycle. Its salicylic acid is used to prepare aspirin because it has the power to heal the pain and lower body temperatures.

Used externally, the herb has a disinfectant, anti-inflammatory and sedative effect. Because of the substances it contains, milfoil can stop the inflammatory process, eliminate microorganisms and help the healing of wounds. Because of this, the inflorescences are used for treating dry complexions, burns, and festering wounds of the tegument.


Caution:
The herb must not be used by pregnant women or women in lactation periods. High doses can produce headaches or allergies.




Also Pink, Yellow, Other?

Toxicity: Toxic to Horses, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs

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BINDWEED

Properties:

The plant contains resins, tanoids, vitamin C and mineral substances. Therefore it has purgative, choleric and cholagogue properties.


Treatments:

Bindweed is used to increase the size of the bile. It has a purgative action, due to the resins that it contains, also being far less irritating. For this purpose an infusion of bindweed leafs is prepared.

For external use it is utilized for furuncles and abscesses. The leaves applied on wounds can stop the bleeding. It is also used in diets based on losing weight, combined with herbs such as dandelion, corn silk, birch or elder.

Mixtures:

Bindweed tincture is prepared from 25g of dried plant added to 120ml of alcohol of 75 degrees, and it is then left to macerate for 12 days. Two to three spoonfuls of this mixture are consumed daily, mixed with syrup or honey to mask the bitter taste. One teaspoon is taken each morning on an empty stomach.

Bindweed decoct is obtained from a spoonful of herb mixed in a cup of water. It is consumed 2 times a day.

Bindweed infusion is obtained from 2 teaspoons of herb added to 200ml of boiling water. It is consumed on an empty stomach.

Bindweed tea mixed with other herbs: celandine, milfoil, all-saints'-wort, buckthorn bark, dandelion roots, mint, eglantine, and corn silk, is boiled for 5 minutes, kept to infuse for another 15, partially sweetened with honey and consumed in a quantity of 2-3 teacups per day, 30 minutes before the most important meals.BINDWEED

Properties:

The plant contains resins, tanoids, vitamin C and mineral substances. Therefore it has purgative, choleric and cholagogue properties.


Treatments:

Bindweed is used to increase the size of the bile. It has a purgative action, due to the resins that it contains, also being far less irritating. For this purpose an infusion of bindweed leafs is prepared.

For external use it is utilized for furuncles and abscesses. The leaves applied on wounds can stop the bleeding. It is also used in diets based on losing weight, combined with herbs such as dandelion, corn silk, birch or elder.

Mixtures:

Bindweed tincture is prepared from 25g of dried plant added to 120ml of alcohol of 75 degrees, and it is then left to macerate for 12 days. Two to three spoonfuls of this mixture are consumed daily, mixed with syrup or honey to mask the bitter taste. One teaspoon is taken each morning on an empty stomach.

Bindweed decoct is obtained from a spoonful of herb mixed in a cup of water. It is consumed 2 times a day.

Bindweed infusion is obtained from 2 teaspoons of herb added to 200ml of boiling water. It is consumed on an empty stomach.

Bindweed tea mixed with other herbs: celandine, milfoil, all-saints'-wort, buckthorn bark, dandelion roots, mint, eglantine, and corn silk, is boiled for 5 minutes, kept to infuse for another 15, partially sweetened with honey and consumed in a quantity of 2-3 teacups per day, 30 minutes before the most important meals.

[Scythe13]

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