wild foods/foraging

[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.