FORAGING TUTORIALS
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FORAGING WILD GARLIC (Allium vineale)
Learning Objectives: 1-1. Learning how to identify the different stages of wild garlic 1-2. Understand what parts of the plant are edible 1-3. Understanding how to prepare them for cooking purposes |
National Audubon Society Wildflower Field Guide pg 595
Medicinal use of Wild Garlic:
The whole plant is antiasthmatic, blood purifier, carminative, cathartic, diuretic, expectorant, hypotensive, stimulant and vasodilator. A tincture is used to prevent worms and colic in children, and also as a remedy for croup. The raw root can be eaten to reduce blood pressure and also to ease shortness of breath. Although no other specific mention of medicinal uses has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavor) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system.
Plant Description:
Bulb Height: 2 ft or 60 cm, Flowering: June to July
Habitat:
Low woods, thickets and meadows, backyards of homes
Edible parts of Wild Garlic:
Leaves - raw or cooked. Rather stringy, they are used as a garlic substitute. The leaves are available from late autumn until the following summer, when used sparingly they make a nice addition to the salad bowl. Bulb - used as a flavoring. Rather small, with a very strong flavor and odor. The bulbs are 10 - 20 mm in diameter. Bulbils - raw or cooked. Rather small and fiddly, they have a strong garlic-like flavor.
Other uses of the herb:
The juice of the plant is used as a moth repellent. The whole plant is said to repel insects and moles. The juice of the plant can be rubbed on exposed parts of the body to repel biting insects, scorpions etc.
Known hazards of Allium vineale:
There have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities and by some mammals, of this species. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible.
Medicinal use of Wild Garlic:
The whole plant is antiasthmatic, blood purifier, carminative, cathartic, diuretic, expectorant, hypotensive, stimulant and vasodilator. A tincture is used to prevent worms and colic in children, and also as a remedy for croup. The raw root can be eaten to reduce blood pressure and also to ease shortness of breath. Although no other specific mention of medicinal uses has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavor) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system.
Plant Description:
Bulb Height: 2 ft or 60 cm, Flowering: June to July
Habitat:
Low woods, thickets and meadows, backyards of homes
Edible parts of Wild Garlic:
Leaves - raw or cooked. Rather stringy, they are used as a garlic substitute. The leaves are available from late autumn until the following summer, when used sparingly they make a nice addition to the salad bowl. Bulb - used as a flavoring. Rather small, with a very strong flavor and odor. The bulbs are 10 - 20 mm in diameter. Bulbils - raw or cooked. Rather small and fiddly, they have a strong garlic-like flavor.
Other uses of the herb:
The juice of the plant is used as a moth repellent. The whole plant is said to repel insects and moles. The juice of the plant can be rubbed on exposed parts of the body to repel biting insects, scorpions etc.
Known hazards of Allium vineale:
There have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities and by some mammals, of this species. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible.
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FORAGING WHITE CLOVER (Trifolium repens)
Learning Objectives: 1-1. Understand what parts of the plant are edible 1-2. Understanding how to prepare them for cooking purposes |
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National Audubon Society Wildflower Field Guide pg 549
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide pg 232
Edible Wild Plants pg 183
Incredible Wild Edibles pg 266-
Medicinal use of White Clover:
The plant is antirheumatic, antiscrophulatic, depurative, detergent and tonic. An infusion has been used in the treatment of coughs, colds, fevers and leucorrhoea. A tincture of the leaves is applied as an ointment to gout. An infusion of the flowers has been used as an eyewash.
Plant Description:
Evergreen perennial, Height: 4 inch or 10 cm, Flowering June-September
Habitat:
Lawns, roadsides, and fields
Edible parts of White Clover:
Leaves - raw or cooked as a potherb. The young leaves are harvested before the plant comes into flower and are used in salads, soups etc. They can also be used as a vegetable, cooked like spinach. The leaves are best cooked. Flowers and seed pods are dried, ground into powder and used as a flour or sprinkled on cooked foods such as boiled rice. Very wholesome and nutritious. The young flowers can also be used in salads. Root - cooked. The dried leaves impart a vanilla flavour to cakes etc. Dried flowering heads are a tea substitute.
Other uses of the herb:
The plant makes a good green manure, it is useful for over-wintering, especially in a mixture with Lolium perenne. Produces a good bulk. It is a host to "clover rot" however, so should not be used too frequently. It can be undersown with cereals or with tomatoes in a greenhouse (sow the seed before planting the tomatoes). Fairly deep rooting but not very fast growing. A good fast ground-cover plant for a sunny position.
Known hazards of Allium vineale:
This plant has been known to cause problems for grazing animals, though this has never happened in Britain. The problem may be associated with the climate in which the plant is growing. The species is polymorphic for cyanogenic glycosides. The leaves and flowers of certain cyanogenic phenotypes contain a glycoside which releases cyanide on contact with the enzyme linamarase.
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide pg 232
Edible Wild Plants pg 183
Incredible Wild Edibles pg 266-
Medicinal use of White Clover:
The plant is antirheumatic, antiscrophulatic, depurative, detergent and tonic. An infusion has been used in the treatment of coughs, colds, fevers and leucorrhoea. A tincture of the leaves is applied as an ointment to gout. An infusion of the flowers has been used as an eyewash.
Plant Description:
Evergreen perennial, Height: 4 inch or 10 cm, Flowering June-September
Habitat:
Lawns, roadsides, and fields
Edible parts of White Clover:
Leaves - raw or cooked as a potherb. The young leaves are harvested before the plant comes into flower and are used in salads, soups etc. They can also be used as a vegetable, cooked like spinach. The leaves are best cooked. Flowers and seed pods are dried, ground into powder and used as a flour or sprinkled on cooked foods such as boiled rice. Very wholesome and nutritious. The young flowers can also be used in salads. Root - cooked. The dried leaves impart a vanilla flavour to cakes etc. Dried flowering heads are a tea substitute.
Other uses of the herb:
The plant makes a good green manure, it is useful for over-wintering, especially in a mixture with Lolium perenne. Produces a good bulk. It is a host to "clover rot" however, so should not be used too frequently. It can be undersown with cereals or with tomatoes in a greenhouse (sow the seed before planting the tomatoes). Fairly deep rooting but not very fast growing. A good fast ground-cover plant for a sunny position.
Known hazards of Allium vineale:
This plant has been known to cause problems for grazing animals, though this has never happened in Britain. The problem may be associated with the climate in which the plant is growing. The species is polymorphic for cyanogenic glycosides. The leaves and flowers of certain cyanogenic phenotypes contain a glycoside which releases cyanide on contact with the enzyme linamarase.
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FORAGING HORSEWEED (Erigeron canadensis)
Learning Objectives: 1-1. Understand what parts of the plant are edible 1-2. Understanding how to prepare them for cooking purposes |
National Audubon Society Wildflower Field Guide No Information Found!!
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide pg 384
Medicinal use of Horseweed:
In traditional North American herbal medicine, Canada fleabane was boiled to make steam for sweat lodges, taken as a snuff to stimulate sneezing during the course of a cold and burned to create a smoke that warded off insects. Nowadays it is valued most for its astringency, being used in the treatment of gastro-intestinal problems such as diarrhoea and dysentery. It is said to be a very effective treatment for bleeding haemorrhoids. The whole plant is antirheumatic, astringent, balsamic, diuretic, emmenagogue, styptic, tonic and vermifuge. It can be harvested at any time that it is in flower and is best used when fresh. The dried herb should not be stored for more than a year. The seeds can also be used. An infusion of the plant has been used to treat diarrhoea and internal haemorrhages or applied externally to treat gonorrhoea and bleeding piles. The leaves are experimentally hypoglycaemic. The essential oil found in the leaves is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and internal haemorrhages. It is a uterine stimulant and is also said to be valuable in the treatment of inflamed tonsils plus ulceration and inflammation of the throat. A tea of the boiled roots is used to treat menstrual irregularities. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of haemorrhoids and painful menstruation.
Plant Description:
Annual,, Height: 3' 1/4 inch or 100 cm, Flowering June-October
Habitat:
Low woods, thickets and meadows, backyards of homes
Edible parts of Horseweed:
Young leaves and seedlings - cooked. Boiled, cooked in rice or dried for later use. A nutritional analysis of the leaves is available. The source of an essential oil that is used commercially for flavoring sweets, condiments and soft drinks. The fresh leaves contain 0.2 - 0.66% essential oil. Root when boiled as a infusion gives a feeling of cool mint sensation and very refreshing,
Other uses of the herb:
The plant contains small quantities of essential oil. Since the plant is readily obtainable, extraction of the oil is feasible - it has a special quality that would make it suitable in the making of perfumes with unusual nuances.
Known hazards of Erigeron canadensis:
Skin contact with the plant can cause dermatitis in some people.
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide pg 384
Medicinal use of Horseweed:
In traditional North American herbal medicine, Canada fleabane was boiled to make steam for sweat lodges, taken as a snuff to stimulate sneezing during the course of a cold and burned to create a smoke that warded off insects. Nowadays it is valued most for its astringency, being used in the treatment of gastro-intestinal problems such as diarrhoea and dysentery. It is said to be a very effective treatment for bleeding haemorrhoids. The whole plant is antirheumatic, astringent, balsamic, diuretic, emmenagogue, styptic, tonic and vermifuge. It can be harvested at any time that it is in flower and is best used when fresh. The dried herb should not be stored for more than a year. The seeds can also be used. An infusion of the plant has been used to treat diarrhoea and internal haemorrhages or applied externally to treat gonorrhoea and bleeding piles. The leaves are experimentally hypoglycaemic. The essential oil found in the leaves is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and internal haemorrhages. It is a uterine stimulant and is also said to be valuable in the treatment of inflamed tonsils plus ulceration and inflammation of the throat. A tea of the boiled roots is used to treat menstrual irregularities. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of haemorrhoids and painful menstruation.
Plant Description:
Annual,, Height: 3' 1/4 inch or 100 cm, Flowering June-October
Habitat:
Low woods, thickets and meadows, backyards of homes
Edible parts of Horseweed:
Young leaves and seedlings - cooked. Boiled, cooked in rice or dried for later use. A nutritional analysis of the leaves is available. The source of an essential oil that is used commercially for flavoring sweets, condiments and soft drinks. The fresh leaves contain 0.2 - 0.66% essential oil. Root when boiled as a infusion gives a feeling of cool mint sensation and very refreshing,
Other uses of the herb:
The plant contains small quantities of essential oil. Since the plant is readily obtainable, extraction of the oil is feasible - it has a special quality that would make it suitable in the making of perfumes with unusual nuances.
Known hazards of Erigeron canadensis:
Skin contact with the plant can cause dermatitis in some people.
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FORAGING POKEWEED (Phytolacca americana)
Learning Objectives: 1-1. Understand what parts of the plant are edible 1-2. Understanding how to prepare them for cooking purposes |
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National Audubon Society Wildflower Field Guide pg 677
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide pg 232
Edible Wild Plants (Elias & Dykeman) pg 183
Incredible Wild Edibles pg 266-281
Medicinal use of Pokeweed:
Pokeweed has a long history of medicinal use, being employed traditionally in the treatment of diseases related to a compromised immune system. The plant has an interesting chemistry and it is currently (1995) being investigated as a potential anti-AIDS drug. It contains potent anti-inflammatory agents, antiviral proteins and substances that affect cell division. These compounds are toxic to many disease-causing organisms, including the water snails that cause schistosomiasis. All parts of the plant are toxic, an excess causing diarrhoea and vomiting. This remedy should be used with caution and preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women. The root is alterative, anodyne, anti-inflammatory, cathartic, expectorant, hypnotic, narcotic and purgative. The dried root is used as an anodyne and anti-inflammatory. The root is taken internally in the treatment of auto-immune diseases (especially rheumatoid arthritis), tonsillitis, mumps, glandular fever and other complaints involving swollen glands, chronic catarrh, bronchitis etc. The fresh root is used as a poultice on bruises, rheumatic pains etc, whilst a wash made from the roots is applied to swellings and sprains. The root is best harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use. The fruit has a similar but milder action to the roots.The juice is used in the treatment of cancer, haemorrhoids and tremors. A poultice made from the fruit is applied to sore breasts. A tea made from the fruit is used in the treatment of rheumatism, dysentery etc. The plant has an unusually high potassium content and the ashes, which contain over 45% caustic potash, have been used as a salve for ulcers and cancerous growths. The leaves are cathartic, emetic and expectorant. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh root. Its main action is on the throat, breast, muscular tissues and the joints.
Plant Description:
Perennial, Height: 6' 1/2 inch or 2 m, Flowering August-September
Habitat:
Damp rich soils in clearings, woodland margins and roadsides.
Edible parts of Pokeweed:
Leaves - they must be boiled in water twice the first time 8 minutes and with a change of fresh water and then a second time 4 minutes. They taste much like spinach. Only the young leaves should be used since they become toxic once the flowering stage begins age. Young shoots - cooked. An asparagus substitute, they are delicious. The shoots are sometimes blanched before using, or forced in cellars to provide an early crop. The tender clear inner portion of the stem can be rolled in cornmeal and fried. Although cultivated on a small scale in N. America for its shoots, caution is advised if any tingling sensation begins to happen in mouth the time for cooking was not enough, Poisonous raw, causing vomiting and diarrhea are the worst cases.
Other uses of the herb:
A red dye is obtained from the fruit
Known hazards of Phytolacca americana:
Skin contact with the plant can cause dermatitis in some people.
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide pg 232
Edible Wild Plants (Elias & Dykeman) pg 183
Incredible Wild Edibles pg 266-281
Medicinal use of Pokeweed:
Pokeweed has a long history of medicinal use, being employed traditionally in the treatment of diseases related to a compromised immune system. The plant has an interesting chemistry and it is currently (1995) being investigated as a potential anti-AIDS drug. It contains potent anti-inflammatory agents, antiviral proteins and substances that affect cell division. These compounds are toxic to many disease-causing organisms, including the water snails that cause schistosomiasis. All parts of the plant are toxic, an excess causing diarrhoea and vomiting. This remedy should be used with caution and preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women. The root is alterative, anodyne, anti-inflammatory, cathartic, expectorant, hypnotic, narcotic and purgative. The dried root is used as an anodyne and anti-inflammatory. The root is taken internally in the treatment of auto-immune diseases (especially rheumatoid arthritis), tonsillitis, mumps, glandular fever and other complaints involving swollen glands, chronic catarrh, bronchitis etc. The fresh root is used as a poultice on bruises, rheumatic pains etc, whilst a wash made from the roots is applied to swellings and sprains. The root is best harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use. The fruit has a similar but milder action to the roots.The juice is used in the treatment of cancer, haemorrhoids and tremors. A poultice made from the fruit is applied to sore breasts. A tea made from the fruit is used in the treatment of rheumatism, dysentery etc. The plant has an unusually high potassium content and the ashes, which contain over 45% caustic potash, have been used as a salve for ulcers and cancerous growths. The leaves are cathartic, emetic and expectorant. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh root. Its main action is on the throat, breast, muscular tissues and the joints.
Plant Description:
Perennial, Height: 6' 1/2 inch or 2 m, Flowering August-September
Habitat:
Damp rich soils in clearings, woodland margins and roadsides.
Edible parts of Pokeweed:
Leaves - they must be boiled in water twice the first time 8 minutes and with a change of fresh water and then a second time 4 minutes. They taste much like spinach. Only the young leaves should be used since they become toxic once the flowering stage begins age. Young shoots - cooked. An asparagus substitute, they are delicious. The shoots are sometimes blanched before using, or forced in cellars to provide an early crop. The tender clear inner portion of the stem can be rolled in cornmeal and fried. Although cultivated on a small scale in N. America for its shoots, caution is advised if any tingling sensation begins to happen in mouth the time for cooking was not enough, Poisonous raw, causing vomiting and diarrhea are the worst cases.
Other uses of the herb:
A red dye is obtained from the fruit
Known hazards of Phytolacca americana:
Skin contact with the plant can cause dermatitis in some people.
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FORAGING COMMON BLACKBERRY (Rubus allegheniensis)
Learning Objectives: 1-1. Understand what parts of the plant are edible 1-2. Understanding how to prepare them for cooking purposes |
National Audubon Society Wildflower Field Guide No Information Found!!
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide pg 232
Edible Wild Plants (Elias & Dykeman) pg 183
Incredible Wild Edibles pg 58-72
Medicinal use of Common Blackberry:
The roots are antihaemorrhoidal, antirheumatic, astringent, stimulant and tonic. An infusion can be used in the treatment of stomach complaints, diarrhea, piles, coughs and colds, tuberculosis and rheumatism. The infusion has also been used by women threatened with a miscarriage. The root can be chewed to treat a coated tongue. An infusion of the root has been used as a wash for sore eyes. The leaves are astringent. An infusion can be used in the treatment of diarrhea. An infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of urinary problems. A decoction of the stems has been used as a diuretic.
Plant Description:
Deciduous Shrub, Height: 9' 3/4 inch or 3 m, Flowering May-July
Habitat:
Dry thickets, clearings and woodland margins.
Edible parts of Common Blackberry:
Fruit - raw, cooked or dried for later use. A pleasant sweet and somewhat spicy flavor. The fruit is about 12 mm in diameter and can be 3 cm long. Young shoots - raw. They are harvested in the spring, peeled and used in salads.
Other uses of the herb:
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.
Known hazards of Rubus allegheniensis:
None Known
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide pg 232
Edible Wild Plants (Elias & Dykeman) pg 183
Incredible Wild Edibles pg 58-72
Medicinal use of Common Blackberry:
The roots are antihaemorrhoidal, antirheumatic, astringent, stimulant and tonic. An infusion can be used in the treatment of stomach complaints, diarrhea, piles, coughs and colds, tuberculosis and rheumatism. The infusion has also been used by women threatened with a miscarriage. The root can be chewed to treat a coated tongue. An infusion of the root has been used as a wash for sore eyes. The leaves are astringent. An infusion can be used in the treatment of diarrhea. An infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of urinary problems. A decoction of the stems has been used as a diuretic.
Plant Description:
Deciduous Shrub, Height: 9' 3/4 inch or 3 m, Flowering May-July
Habitat:
Dry thickets, clearings and woodland margins.
Edible parts of Common Blackberry:
Fruit - raw, cooked or dried for later use. A pleasant sweet and somewhat spicy flavor. The fruit is about 12 mm in diameter and can be 3 cm long. Young shoots - raw. They are harvested in the spring, peeled and used in salads.
Other uses of the herb:
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.
Known hazards of Rubus allegheniensis:
None Known
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FORAGING DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) Coming Soon!
Learning Objectives: 1-1. Understand what parts of the plant are edible 1-2. Understanding how to prepare them for cooking purposes |
National Audubon Society Wildflower Field Guide pg 677
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide pg 362
Edible Wild Plants (Elias & Dykeman) pg 104
Medicinal use of Dandelion:
The dandelion is a commonly used herbal remedy. It is especially effective and valuable as a diuretic because it contains high levels of potassium salts and therefore can replace the potassium that is lost from the body when diuretics are used. All parts of the plant, but especially the root, are slightly aperient, cholagogue, depurative, strongly diuretic, hepatic, laxative, stomachic and tonic. The root is also experimentally cholagogue, hypoglycaemic and a weak antibiotic against yeast infections. The dried root has a weaker action. The roots can be used fresh or dried and should be harvested in the autumn when 2 years old. The leaves are harvested in the spring when the plant is in flower and can be dried for later use. A tea can be made from the leaves or, more commonly, from the roots. The plant is used internally in the treatment of gall bladder and urinary disorders, gallstones, jaundice, cirrhosis, dyspepsia with constipation, oedema associated with high blood pressure and heart weakness, chronic joint and skin complaints, gout, eczema and acne. The plant has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Pneumococci, Meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, Proteus etc. The latex contained in the plant sap can be used to remove corns, warts and verrucae. The latex has a specific action on inflammations of the gall bladder and is also believed to remove stones in the liver. A tea made from the leaves is laxative.
Plant Description:
Perennial, Height: 1' or 45 cm, Flowering April-May
Habitat:
A very common weed of grassland and cultivated ground
Edible parts of Dandelion:
Leaves - raw or cooked. When used in salads, they are rather bitter, though less so in the winter. Tender young leaves are considerably less bitter than older leaves. The leaves are often blanched (by excluding light from the growing plant) before use. This will make them less bitter, but they will also contain less vitamins and minerals. A very nutritious food, 100g of the raw leaves contain about 2.7 g. protein, 9.2 g. carbohydrate, 187 mg Calcium, 66 mg phosphorus, 3.1 mg iron, 76 mg sodium, 397 mg potassium, 36 mg magnesium, 14000 iu vitamin A, 0.19 mg vitamin B1, .26 mg vitamin B2, 35 mg vitamin C. Root - raw or cooked. Tastes is bitter. A turnip-like flavor. Flowers - raw or cooked. A rather bitter flavor, the unopened flower buds can be used in fritters and they can also be preserved in vinegar and used like capers. Both the leaves and the roots are used to flavor herbal beers and soft drinks such as "Dandelion and Burdock". The roots of 2 year old plants are harvested in the autumn, dried and roasted to make a very good coffee substitute. It is caffeine-free. A pleasant tea is made from the flowers. They are also used to make wine - all green parts should be removed when making wine to prevent a bitter flavor. The leaves and the roots can also be used to make tea.
Other uses of the herb:
The flowers are an ingredient of "QR" herbal compost activator. This is a dried and powdered mixture of several herbs that can be added to a compost heap in order to speed up bacterial activity and thus shorten the time needed to make the compost. A liquid plant feed can be made from the root and leaves. A low quality latex, which can be used for making rubber, can be obtained from the roots of this plant. A magenta-brown dye is obtained from the root. The plant releases ethylene gas, this stunts the growth of nearby plants and causes premature ripening of fruits. A distilled water made from the ligules (thin appendages at the base of the leaf blades) is used cosmetically to clear the skin and is particularly effective in fading freckles.
Known hazards of Taraxacum officinale:
There are reports that some people have suffered dermatitis as a result of touching the plant, this is probably caused by the latex in the leaves and stems.
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide pg 362
Edible Wild Plants (Elias & Dykeman) pg 104
Medicinal use of Dandelion:
The dandelion is a commonly used herbal remedy. It is especially effective and valuable as a diuretic because it contains high levels of potassium salts and therefore can replace the potassium that is lost from the body when diuretics are used. All parts of the plant, but especially the root, are slightly aperient, cholagogue, depurative, strongly diuretic, hepatic, laxative, stomachic and tonic. The root is also experimentally cholagogue, hypoglycaemic and a weak antibiotic against yeast infections. The dried root has a weaker action. The roots can be used fresh or dried and should be harvested in the autumn when 2 years old. The leaves are harvested in the spring when the plant is in flower and can be dried for later use. A tea can be made from the leaves or, more commonly, from the roots. The plant is used internally in the treatment of gall bladder and urinary disorders, gallstones, jaundice, cirrhosis, dyspepsia with constipation, oedema associated with high blood pressure and heart weakness, chronic joint and skin complaints, gout, eczema and acne. The plant has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Pneumococci, Meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, Proteus etc. The latex contained in the plant sap can be used to remove corns, warts and verrucae. The latex has a specific action on inflammations of the gall bladder and is also believed to remove stones in the liver. A tea made from the leaves is laxative.
Plant Description:
Perennial, Height: 1' or 45 cm, Flowering April-May
Habitat:
A very common weed of grassland and cultivated ground
Edible parts of Dandelion:
Leaves - raw or cooked. When used in salads, they are rather bitter, though less so in the winter. Tender young leaves are considerably less bitter than older leaves. The leaves are often blanched (by excluding light from the growing plant) before use. This will make them less bitter, but they will also contain less vitamins and minerals. A very nutritious food, 100g of the raw leaves contain about 2.7 g. protein, 9.2 g. carbohydrate, 187 mg Calcium, 66 mg phosphorus, 3.1 mg iron, 76 mg sodium, 397 mg potassium, 36 mg magnesium, 14000 iu vitamin A, 0.19 mg vitamin B1, .26 mg vitamin B2, 35 mg vitamin C. Root - raw or cooked. Tastes is bitter. A turnip-like flavor. Flowers - raw or cooked. A rather bitter flavor, the unopened flower buds can be used in fritters and they can also be preserved in vinegar and used like capers. Both the leaves and the roots are used to flavor herbal beers and soft drinks such as "Dandelion and Burdock". The roots of 2 year old plants are harvested in the autumn, dried and roasted to make a very good coffee substitute. It is caffeine-free. A pleasant tea is made from the flowers. They are also used to make wine - all green parts should be removed when making wine to prevent a bitter flavor. The leaves and the roots can also be used to make tea.
Other uses of the herb:
The flowers are an ingredient of "QR" herbal compost activator. This is a dried and powdered mixture of several herbs that can be added to a compost heap in order to speed up bacterial activity and thus shorten the time needed to make the compost. A liquid plant feed can be made from the root and leaves. A low quality latex, which can be used for making rubber, can be obtained from the roots of this plant. A magenta-brown dye is obtained from the root. The plant releases ethylene gas, this stunts the growth of nearby plants and causes premature ripening of fruits. A distilled water made from the ligules (thin appendages at the base of the leaf blades) is used cosmetically to clear the skin and is particularly effective in fading freckles.
Known hazards of Taraxacum officinale:
There are reports that some people have suffered dermatitis as a result of touching the plant, this is probably caused by the latex in the leaves and stems.
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FORAGING WOOD SORREL (Oxalis stricta) Coming Soon!
Learning Objectives: 1-1. Understand what parts of the plant are edible 1-2. Understanding how to prepare them for cooking purposes |
National Audubon Society Wildflower Field Guide pg 671
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide pg 246
Edible Wild Plants (John Kallas) pg 177-190
Nature's Garden pg 338-342
Medicinal use of Wood Sorrel:
An infusion of the plant has been used in the treatment of fevers, stomach cramps and nausea. A poultice of the plant has been used to treat swellings.
Plant Description:
Annual, Height: 11 3/4 inch or 30 cm, Flowering July-October
Habitat:
Dry open soils. Prefers impoverished soils, growing in abandoned fields, roadsides etc.
Edible parts of Wood Sorrel:
Leaves - raw or cooked. A nice acid flavor, the leaves can also be chewed as a thirst quencher. Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet, Flowers - raw. Added to salads. Young seedpods - raw. Root. No further details. A lemon-flavored drink is made from the leaves.
Other uses of the herb:
A yellow to orange dye can be obtained by boiling up the whole plant.
Known hazards of Oxalis stricta:
The leaves contain oxalic acid, which gives them their sharp flavor. Perfectly all right in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since oxalic acid can bind up the body's supply of calcium leading to nutritional deficiency. The quantity of oxalic acid will be reduced if the leaves are cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition.
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide pg 246
Edible Wild Plants (John Kallas) pg 177-190
Nature's Garden pg 338-342
Medicinal use of Wood Sorrel:
An infusion of the plant has been used in the treatment of fevers, stomach cramps and nausea. A poultice of the plant has been used to treat swellings.
Plant Description:
Annual, Height: 11 3/4 inch or 30 cm, Flowering July-October
Habitat:
Dry open soils. Prefers impoverished soils, growing in abandoned fields, roadsides etc.
Edible parts of Wood Sorrel:
Leaves - raw or cooked. A nice acid flavor, the leaves can also be chewed as a thirst quencher. Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet, Flowers - raw. Added to salads. Young seedpods - raw. Root. No further details. A lemon-flavored drink is made from the leaves.
Other uses of the herb:
A yellow to orange dye can be obtained by boiling up the whole plant.
Known hazards of Oxalis stricta:
The leaves contain oxalic acid, which gives them their sharp flavor. Perfectly all right in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since oxalic acid can bind up the body's supply of calcium leading to nutritional deficiency. The quantity of oxalic acid will be reduced if the leaves are cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition.