Chickweed - Stellaria media

This is one of my favorite little medicinal plants. Once I  realized what it had to offer, I thought back to all those times I used to pull this "weed" out of my flower beds wondering, what in the world is this and how can I keep it from growing back! Since that time, chickweed has become my go to plant for just about any skin issue.  

Plant description and where to find it 

The light green leaves are small, oval shaped with pointed tips. The
leaves are smooth but yet at times can be slightly hairy.
Slender stems stretch along the ground forming a dense mat 
anywhere from 1 to 10 inches tall. It has tiny white flowers. Each flower has 5 petals that are lobed. Lobed is like having a cut in the individual petal which gives it the appearance of having 2 petals and not just one. Hence, with chickweed, 5 petals looking like it has 10. 


Chickweed grows in a wide variety of habitats and soil textures. It's one of the most common plants found in yards. (No wonder it was always growing in my veggie and flower beds.) You can also find it in fields, pastures and along the roadside. This plant loves cooler weather so start looking for it as early as April and into the early summer months, then to reappear again in the late fall and in some areas throughout the winter months.  

Parts used: leaves, stems and flowers

Medicinal properties: diuretic, lymphatic, nutritive, anti-viral, anti-bacterial 

High in nutrients. Delicious when mixed with other greens in a salad or made into an herbal infusion
High in saponins; regulates blood sugar, reduces internal inflammation.

 As a lymphatic cleanse, chickweed tea or an herbal infusion is commonly taken in the spring to aide in stimulating and clearing toxins from the body. 

As a diuretic, the medicinal properties release excess water from your body through an increased urine flow. (Makes you pee more) This process flushes out bacteria from the kidneys and urinary tract system, helping to relieve painful urination and inflammation associated with urinary tract infections. Although not commonly used to "treat" UTI's, but rather, to soothe the symptoms.

Chickweed has a cooling effect on red, itchy, inflamed skin associated with poison ivy, poison oak, bee stings, bug bites, minor burns, eczema, psoriasis, diaper rash, minor cuts, scratches, boils, rashes and just about anything else that has to do with issues with the skin.            

chickweed loves cool weather

Regarding the eczema and psoriasis; any preparation whether it be herbal or pharmaceutical is really not going to address these types of skin issues head on and will only offer temporary relief. These particular skin issues need to be dealt with from the inside out as well as outside in. 

There is a root cause to the symptoms. It could be from food allergies, a chemical allergy from laundry detergents, soaps, shampoos and lotions. Emotional and or mental stress can also be the cause. 

Another area to look into would be diet. On a daily basis, the body needs a good amount of water to stay hydrated; healthy fats, vitamins and nutrients from fruits, vegetables, nuts and or seeds in order to "feed" the skin from the inside out. So be sure to address the root cause/s in conjunction with any treatment you are using. 👌

Chickweed can also help in drawing out splinters. You can try this by simmering some fresh chickweed in water for 1- 2 hours. Stain the liquid, be sure to keep the plant as well. Soak a cloth in the liquid then squeeze out gently. Be sure to leave a good amount of the liquid left in your cloth. You can wrap the cloth around the area of the splinter just as is or you can take some of the plant you saved and lay that across the area first and then wrap your soaked cloth around the area. Replace this every 1-2 hours until you can see that the splinter has come to the surface enough to where you can safely pull it out. 

* In acute ophthalmia, the bruised leaves will likewise be found a valuable application.            ~King’s American Dispensatory

* An ointment, made by bruising the recent leaves in fresh lard, may be used as a cooling application to erysipelatous and other forms of ulceration, as well as in many forms of cutaneous disease (J King). ~ King’s American Dispensatory

* A tincture of Stellaria media has been extolled in some quarters as a remedy for rheumatic pains of a fugitive and shifting character.
 ~ King’s American Dispensatory

A couple summers ago, I was using a loofah sponge. If you're familiar with one you know how the edges can be somewhat scratchy. I managed to scratch my arm with the edge of the sponge. A couple days later I noticed that the scratch was becoming infected. I used other forms of ointments, however, it kept getting worse and worse. I finally went out and gathered some fresh chickweed and simmered it in water for about 2 hours. I then took some of the plant out of the water and laid it across the infected area on my arm. Then I took an ace bandage and soaked that in the chickweed liquid then wrapped that around the chickweed I had placed on my arm. I replaced the plant and re-soaked the bandage every 2 hours throughout the day. I did this for just one day. 2 days later, I could hardly tell where that infected scratch was on my arm. 😀


My granddaughter, when she gets into poison ivy or gets a bug bite, her skin swells up and is very painful to the touch and itches like crazy. I'll apply chickweed infused oil on her skin every couple of hours. For her, it's usually the next day and the bug bites or the poison ivy is pretty much all cleared up. Now, I'm not saying that it will work this fast for everyone. But I do know from experience how it works for me and my family.

**  For additional information check out Dr. John R. Christopher's research on chickweed.

Infusing Herbal Oils

So, just what are infused oils anyways..

This is a process of extracting the medicinal properties of an herb/herbs. 

We do this first by chopping and or crushing the fresh or dried herb then adding it to a carrier oil and then allowing it to soak in the oil over a slow period of time. The finished oil contains the healing benefits of the herbs used and also the healing benefits of the oil. You can then use this oil for making herbal salves, massage oils, bath oils, body oils, body butters (which are amazing by the way. If you have never used body butters you gotta try it!) shampoos, homemade soaps and so much more!

There are several different methods of infusing. I'm going to share my favorite method. Solar infusing. 🌞 For me, there is just something special about the oils when they have been infused by the warmth of the sun. They smell different to me. They have more of an earthy... a richer, fuller, sweeter smell. Especially dandelion infused oil. It's like capturing summer in a jar. Or perhaps it's the smell that reminds me of summer - it has a light, airy, (reminiscent of a warm summer breeze) slightly sweet fragrance. And chamomile oil, that has such a sweet, warming fragrance. Perfect for using as a body oil. Okay, so lets get into this now...

Fresh or Dried Herbs

You can use fresh or dried herbs. If you choose to use fresh, make sure they are free from any dirt when you're picking them. Do not wash them as you don't want any extra moisture to contend with. Lay them on a screen or a cookie sheet for 24 hours before adding to your oil. This will allow for the moisture in the fresh plant to evaporate. If any moisture or water gets into your oil you stand the chance of it spoiling and you will have to throw it out and start over. And believe me, that is not fun.

Choosing what herbs to use depends on what you're wanting to use your oil for. Once you have that decided, then you can do research on what herbs will give you the particular medicinal benefits you're searching for. 

What oils to use?

Grapeseed Oil - cold-pressed or expeller-pressed - is a lighter, thinner oil. I like how it absorbs into the skin without feeling greasy. Contains your omega fatty acids for hydrating and moisturizing your skin cells. Rich in Beta- Carotene and vitamins C, D and E. Also has astringent properties that work to tighten skin and improve elasticity. Works well with most all skin types. Especially helpful for eczema and minor wound healing and sunburns.  

Extra Virgin Olive Oil - is another good one to use. This is a thicker oil than the grapeseed. It also contains your omega fatty acids that the skin cells need, making it rich, moisturizing and hydrating for the skin. Especially dry skin, eczema and psoriasis. Contains antioxidants and squalane - anti-aging and hydrating properties. It helps to stimulate cell repair giving you soft, clear smooth skin. Also has healing properties for minor burns and wounds, which makes it a good oil for making herbal salves. Also for making soaps, bath oils or body oils.    

Solar Infusing 

uses the heat of the sun over a period of time to infuse the medicinal properties of an herb with the oil. There are several different thoughts as to how long one should let the oil infuse. You can go anywhere from 1 to 3 months. The longer you infuse, the stronger your oil will be with the herbs medicinal properties. This could come in handy if you're wanting to make an extra strong massage oil for sore muscles. 

Supplies Needed:  

Sterilized mason jar; mason jar ring
cheesecloth
labels or masking tape
fresh or dried herbs
utensil for stirring 
mesh strainer
carrier oil


I'll mention some important tips before you get started. Regardless of what infusing method you use, always, always, sterilize your jars and any utensils you're using in boiling water before beginning.


Be careful to not let any water come in contact with your oil. If this happens you stand the chance of your oil spoiling. So make sure your jars, utensils and hands are dry before beginning.

Okay, just one more before we go on. When I first started learning how to make infused oils 17 years ago, I quickly discovered that the teaching methods varied, which was really confusing. What it came down to was that every herbalist has their own way of infusing, based on their own experience with trial and error and how they had been taught. That is what I have put together for you here, from my experiences. And it will no doubt be different from someone else's writings on infusing oils. So, take what feels right to you from here and continue learning from other herbal loving people along the way.     

Place your herbs in your jar, about 2/3 of the way full. 

Spearmint infused extra virgin olive oil

Slowly pour your oil over the herbs about 1 inch from the top. Take your utensil and poke the herbs into the oil while gently stirring. Now take a piece of the cheesecloth and place that over the top of the jar, then screw the mason jar ring into that. I have learned from trial and error that using the cheesecloth instead of a lid allows the oil the breathe, therefor preventing any condensation building up inside the jar which will cause spoiling. 

* If you are using dried herbs you can use a metal lid as there will be no moisture issues with your dried herbs.

Okay, now take your label or masking tape and write the date, the name of the herb used and the oil you used and place that on your jar. That's it! Now you're ready to set your jar out in the sunshine.

Be sure to bring the jar in every evening, take the lid off and give your oil a stir. This is to allow any air bubbles to escape. Then place your lid back on. This is what I do everyday for as long as I'm infusing the oil. If I want to infuse longer than 30 days, at each 30 day mark I will strain the used herbs from my oil then replace with more fresh of dried herb. Be sure to use a clean, sterilized jar, just like you did in the beginning.

* When using dried herbs you do not have to stir everyday. There will be no issues with moisture and or air bubbles.  

When your oil is finished, strain and pour in a clean, sterilized jar. Be sure to label with the herb used, oil used and the date. Store the oil in a cool dark place. If you keep it in the refrigerator it will last longer. 

Your oil is ready to use for a massage oil, bath oil, use in place of body lotions or for making herbal salves, body butters, soaps... so many possibilities for you to explore.   

Dandelion infused grapeseed oil

    



   

Spring Greens

Dandelion has yummy greens with a bitter bite.

It is time for Spring Greens!  This is a very wet spring here in the Willamette Valley.  The nights were cold a long time. The ground has been water logged,  and the plants are hesitant but still appearing. All the spring greens are becoming available for eating and my mouth starts watering in anticipation of tasty herbal feasts awaiting my palate. You too can enjoy the bounty of spring. This is the time to collect nettles, chickweed, dandelion, wood sorrel and other yummy morsels. Make sure you identify them correctly before harvesting.

Nettles

Nettles from above

Collect in the spring as a food or up until flowering to use the leaves for medicine. Wear gloves when harvesting and processing nettles. I have more than once, been on a hike and been surprised by a patch of nettles. In my overwhelming glee at finding the first spring nettles I have temporarily lost my mind and decided to collect them without gloves. Each time I have nursed my wounds, questioning such a crazy decision. No matter how carefully I harvest, this tasty plant reminds me that she is protecting herself and she is to be respected. Luckily once the plant is cooked the sting disappears and you can savor this delicacy without concern. Stinging nettle is beneficial as a spring tonic and rejuvenator. As a medicine it tends to be very stimulating and drying. It has a supportive effect on our immune system, spleen, circulatory system, urinary tract, nervous system, respiratory tract, digestive system and the endocrine system; including the adrenals, thyroid, and the pancreas. It nourishes our entire body as well as nourishing us spiritually by increasing receptivity to the natural energetic flow of our spirit. Nettle is rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and silicic acid. The high mineral content may be the reason for nettle tea’s ability to reduce the severity and occurrence of leg cramps as well as menstrual cramps and its ability to support strong bones.

Nettle is also beneficial in excessive menstrual bleeding. It is used for chronic respiratory, digestive and urinary tract illnesses that involve excessive mucus. Nettle favors elimination of uric acid and is therefore useful in gouty arthritis. It is used in hay fever, asthma, and edema. Nettle is best used long term when treating chronic illnesses. I use nettles for my own health as well as patients. It is one of my favorite herbs. I can personally attest to its efficacy in most of the areas mentioned. Due to its pleasant taste, I usually give it to patients in the form of a tea.

To make Nettle Tea: Tea - 1-2 heaping tablespoons per cup of water as an overnight infusion or if in a hurry simmered for 30 minutes (won't taste as good).

My current herb class recently made a nice nettle pesto with fresh nettles, organic walnuts, organic extra virgin olive oil, and organic goat parmesan cheese. We enjoyed it on quinoa.  Quite yummy.  Remember the stinging nettles do sting, wear gloves to collect and process them. If you also want to make a pesto, I suggest putting them through both your food processor and a hand mortar and pestle to assure you destroy their stinging ability before eating them as a pesto. If you don’t want to go to all this work, then you can steam them before making them into a pesto as the heat will also destroy their stinging ability.

Here are additional photos of spring plants to help you in identifying them. The chickweed aerial parts are added to salads as are the leaves of wood sorrel. Wood sorrel has a very pleasant sour taste.

Chickweed.

Closer look at chickweed flower.

Wood sorrel.

Herb Class March 4th, 2012

Recap of March “Becoming An Herbalist” class at Wise Acres Farm

We were all here this time and what a lovely and diverse group of folks.

We continued looking at  roots and barks. It started with a discussion of astringent plants and tannins in general.

Highlights form the morning discussion on tannins.

We noted that astringent herbs bind with protein and cause contraction of tissues. When we taste them, they contract our mucous membranes and dry out the mouth. This astringing action is due to tannins. We talked about the two groups of tannin containing plants of interest to us called hydrolyzable and condensed (proanthocyanidins). Astringent plants with tannins are used for diarrhea. Tannins precipitate proteins on the gut wall and numb the sensory nerves and decrease stimuli that causes peristaltic activity. They also decrease secretions and inflammatory proteins as well as inhibiting microorganisms that may be causing the diarrhea. Astringent plants with tannins are used for passive bleeding. They act as a hemostatic or stypic by causing local vasoconstriction as well as creating artificial blood clots which are probably due to tannins precipitating proteins. These astringent herbs are used for internal and external beleeding, diarrhea, incontinence or other excessive secretions. They are also used for hemochromotosis (a condition causing excess iron in body) as tannins will bind with minerals. They bind with and decrease iron. It has been shown that one cup of strong coffee taken within two hours of consuming a meal will impair 60% of iron absorption (Coffee contains tannins). 

Old Gall on Small Oak Tree in Winter

We talked about tannins being soluble in water and alcohol so we could make a tea or tincture. They will precipitate alkaloids (proteins) so if both are in a tincture they will precipitate and settle out. 5% glycerin added to the tincture can help stop this from happening.

Young Gall Collected in Summer

We looked at galls on oak trees and discussed they are very high in tannins. They can contain 50-70% tannin known as gallotannic acid.

We noted the effect tannins have on animals that eat them and how those with proline rich proteins  (PRP) are able to eat more tannic plants than those with low levels of this protein in their saliva as the tannins bind to this protein. Humans have about 40% PRP in their saliva. Research shows that the more tannins a ruminant animal eats, the more PRP their body makes.

Lastly we talked about the concern of using too much tannic plants or using them over time and how they might cause problems. I pointed out they are used to tan hides and can cause problems precipitating out proteins in our gastrointestinal tract if use in high amounts or for a long time. They can cause an anti-nutritional effect as they will bind with minerals, carbohydrates and of course proteins in our meals and decrease their absorption. Although, there is controversy about how much tannins are actually absorbed in the GI tract, we know they are absorbed to some lesser or greater degree and can be problematic in large quantities. Toxic doses of them can be fatal. This is why they are generally no longer used in emergency rooms to bind alkaloids after alkaloid poisonings although this use to be a standard protocol.

Poplar Bud Collection & Tincture Making

Group Collecting Poplar Buds in March

Poplar Bud

Poplar Bud Tincture

After our morning discussion it was warming up outside. It was our first really warm day of 2012 and I sure enjoyed it. We were lucky enough to have a perfect day to collect Poplar buds at our altitude of 500 feet. We made a folk tincture of the fresh buds using 95 percent organic alcohol. We reviewed these wonderful resinous poplar leaf buds. They are used as an antimicrobial in the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract and urinary tract. They are a wonderful stimulating (irritating) expectorant and taste good in cough elixirs. They also have a numbing quality so it helps to decrease pain if used in a cough elixir or throat spray. Their anti-inflammatory property is also helpful in a throat spray. (Special notes: Resins do not dissolve in water and it is best to make a tincture out of them with 95% alcohol to preserve them. The resin can clog spray bottles if you put too much in a formula.) I meant to get out and collect some more buds and dry them for a second addition to our tincture but I did not get them in time. If anyone finds some at the bud stage to add, bring us a dried cup of them please. I plan for us to make a cough elixir later with this.

Digging Up Comfrey Root

Comfrey Root Digging and Making Slurry
We also had fun digging up comfrey root and making a slurry out of it. Everyone got to put their hands into the gooey concoction and see how soothing and healing comfrey root is. I have used the slurry for healing chapped hands of gardeners and contractors as well as for beat up feet. It is also wonderful for soaking wounds on the hands and feet as long as the wound is completely free of debris. Comfrey heals so fast, that a wound with debris can get healed over with the debris still there and cause an infection. The constituent in comfrey that lends it to being a vulnerary (wound healing) is called allantoin. This same constituent is in Aloe and is also produced by maggots used to clean and heal wounds. We discussed the problems with identifying comfrey and disagreements among some folks.


Some Comfrey Species Information

The creamy yellow-flowered form is stated by Hooker to be Symphytum officinale proper, and the dark purple flowered he considered a variety and named it S. officinale, var patens. The botanist Sibthorpe makes a definite species of it under the name patens.

"Symphytum grandiflorum "Hidcote Blue" Large Flowered Comfrey" – pink/red buds and blue flowers.

Symphytym uplandicum or Bocking is the one most folks have – light purple color and sterile. Many people call this officinale species even though it is uplandicum.

There has been controversy about which comfrey species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which alkaloids are harmful and if they are really mutagenic (cancer causing) and cause veno-occlusive disease in people or not. So we discussed this until I almost put people to sleep. Most herbalists do not use comfrey internally any more and just use it externally to be safe. We discussed when to use it and when not to use it.  The recent research I have seen shows that they all contain a wide variety of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in differing amounts. Although some herbalists still use comfrey internally, the research shows that they all contain some amount of pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are harmful. This amount changes depending the part of the plant studied,  the time of year collected and how they are grown.

 

The Scoop on Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids…

Everyone has heard about Comfrey and the concern about the pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Comfrey causing hepato veno-occlusive disease (HVOD). The liver changes the pyrrolizidines into potent alkylating agents that react rapidly with cell constituents resulting in cellular destruction or abnormal cell growth patterns. This is a rare form of liver disease that results in blockage of the small veins of the liver and causes necrosis of liver tissue. It is diagnosed by liver biopsy. Clinically it appears to be hepatitis or cirrhosis without liver biopsy. They herbs that usually protect against liver damage would be no help here. Liver function tests may not pick this problem up until the veins are occluded and the necrosis is taking place which is too late. Even giving harmful pyrrolizidine alkaloid plants to people with healthy livers can be problematic.

Reseaerch needs to be completed with comfrey and the prevelence of HVOD. The cases that exist are sketchy and few but are reason for us to act cautiously. What most people don’t seem to realize is there are other medicinal herbs that also contain toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The FDA has made it illegal to sell any of them for internal consumption. These herbs are Alkanna tinctoria (Alkanet), Anchusa officinalis (bugloss), Borago officinalis (borage), Crotalaria spp., Cynoglossum spp., Erechtites heiraciifolia, Eupatorium cannabium (hemp agrimony), Eupatorium purpureum (gravel root), Heliotropium spp., Lithospermum officinale (European gromwell), Packera candidissima, Petasites spp., (e.g., butterbur), Pulmonaria spp., (e.g. lungwort), Senecio jacobea (European ragwort), Senecio vulgaris (groundsel herb), Symphytum spp., (comfrey), and Tussilago farfara (coltsfoot).

AHPA requires the following labeling for products with pyrrolizidine alkaloids: For external use only. Do not apply to broken or abraded skin. Do not use when nursing.

Some manufacturers  remove pyrrolizidines from Comfrey to use it internally. The best route will be for growers to select for and provide a comfrey plant free from the harmful pyrrolizidines. Some species of comfrey are known to contain more harmful pyrrolizidine alkaloids than others. Symphytum officinalis has been thought to contain less than Symphytum uplandicum. However, Symphytum uplandicum has been sold as Symphytum officinalis in the past and the purchasers have not been aware they were buying the incorrect species. Most people think they are growing officinalis when it is really uplandicum. The  Comfrey leaves contain less alkaloid than the root generally and plants that do not go through the full winter season are thought to contain more of the alkaloid than comfrey that that lives in regions with a winter.

Comfrey is said to have been used to feed anmals in the past. It is said that animals have been fed comfrey to improve their health and to increase their productivity. I have read that chickens fed comfrey have been known to lay more eggs while comfrey fed cows gave more milk. However, this is not common practice. I would love to hear peoples stories of consumption of comfrey. Susan Weed says she eats it all the time.

Marshmallow Root in Bowl

Marshmallow
We made marshmallow lozenges with the marshmallow that had been collected in February and dried. We also made some slippery elm lozenges. We will have to take a look at the slippery elm tree here next time we have class. We discussed how they could both be made into slurries and drank or added straight to hot cereals. The important thing to remember when using water soluble fibers such as these is to be sure to drink a glass of water after taking them as a slurry, in a capsule etc. They will soak up fluid in your gut other wise and can make you constipated or even worse case scenario cause a bowel obstruction (Unlikely but to be sure, drink plenty of water when you consume water soluble fibers.) We also noted that while poplar buds are a stimulating (irritating) expectorant that marshmallow is a soothing expectorant.

Fresh Cut Bark

Oregon Grape and Berberine

Mahonia aquifolium - Oregon Grape Flowering

 We collected bark from Oregon grape and tasted it. We all noticed it was very bitter due to the isoquinoline alkaloid called berberine. Berberine can also be found in other Mahonia spp plants as well as goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis), gold thread aka yellow root (Coptis chinensis), and cork tree (Phellodendron amurense). We talked about how these plants with the berberine alkaloid have all been used similarly historically. They are all bitter (the alkaloid berberine is bitter) so they are used to support normal digestive processes, as well as choleretics and cholagogues; meaning they stimulate production of bile in the liver and flow of bile from the gallbladder. This also gives them a slight laxative effect. This herb and the others have commonly been used as antimicrobials and antiparasitics. They are helpful lowering fevers and decreasing inflammation when used in infectious conditions. Externally they are also used to decrease inflammation and infection in wounds. One of the practitioners in our group said she has used the tincture of Oregon grape mixed with sodium bentonite clay to apply topically for MRSA. I mentioned some research I had collected on the use of berberine for MRSA and yes, I will be getting a pdf of that and all the other research emailed to you all very soon. I don’t think we mentioned it is an anti-oxidant. We also discussed the use of the alkaloid berberine in research and in clinical practice for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The amount being used by most practitioners is 500 mg three times per day of berberine. Research has shown it to be as effective as the common antidiabetic drug metformin. I would point out this is not an herb being used. Berberine is a plant constituent and a “neutraceutical”. Some western herbalists have noted the hypoglycemic action of plants with berberine in them in the past but have not used the plant for diabetes as it is a strong plant. There was concern by some of us that it would be irritating used long term. There are of course other herbs used for diabetes as well as dietary/lifestyle measures that work well. The side effects noted in research with berberine has been digestive in nature. Here is some data regarding side effects. This is from one example of research  giving berberine 500 mg tid (These adverse events included diarrhea in 10 percent, constipation in 7 percent, flatulence in 19 percent, and abdominal pain in 3.4 percent. The side effects were observed only in the first four weeks in most patients. In 24 percent, berberine dosage was decreased from 500 to 300 milligrams thrice daily because of gastrointestinal adverse events, and all of these side effects disappeared within one week. Dewick, P. (2009). Medicinal Natural Products: A Biosynthetic Approach (3rd ed.). West Sussex, England: Wiley. p. 358. ISBN 0471496413.) The most notable side effect I have found with giving high doses of berberine containing herbs is a headache.

Processing Tinctures

We also pressed the Echinacea tincture, dug up more Echinacea and added it to the tincture. We will press it next time for the final time.

We additionally pressed out the elecampane and it is settling for filtering.

Tidbits

Chickweed-Stellaria media

English Daisy - Bellis perennis

We looked at hellebore, English daisy and chickweed. Hellebore is not used usually anymore. It was used by the eclectic physicians, but it is a strong purgative and although it has been used in the past for congestive heart failure we discussed other herbs used that are not so harsh and that do not have the drastic reaction of hellebore root. Hellebore is a low dose botanical and toxic, so I suggested not to use it. We also munched on some chickweed which is used in salads and noted it is also a diuretic and used as a vulnerary (wound healing). English daisy is used similarly to Arnica but is specific for internal bruising.

Indian Plum Blooming

I forgot to show you the Indian Plum flowering. Here is a couple photos of it at least. Remind me to show you the bush next time.

Close Up of Indian Plum Flowers

More Herbal Videos Available

I uploaded another herbal video to YouTube a few days ago. It was uploaded in two parts as listed below. I hope you enjoy them and if you watch them, don't forget to "like" them.

Edible & Medicinal Herbs 1 - Part 1 - In this video I take you for a walk where you learn how to identify and use Colts foot, Oregon grape, Stinging nettles, False solomons seal, Wild ginger, Heal all, Wild ginger, Wild strawberry, Trillium, Hazel nut tree, Plantain, Candy stripe, and Bunch berry, and Horsetail as food and or medicine.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WexBzw7paw&feature=related

Edible & Medicinal Herbs 1 - Part 2 - In this video I take you for a walk where you learn how to identify and use  Saint John's Wort, Balsamroot, Yarrow, Chickweed, English daisy, Ball Head Cluster Lilly, and Iris as food and medicine. Additionally she explains some wildcrafting and collection techniques and you learn how to make Saint John's Wort oil.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMEbGyd5YD0&feature=related

The Edible & Medicinal Herbs II - Part 1 and 2 was made available a few weeks back and you will find links to them from Edible & Medicinal Herbs 1 - Part 2 on YouTube at the end of that video if you missed these before.