Meadowsweet

Filipendula ulmaria

F: Reine des Près / NL: Moeraspirea

PL: Wiązówka błotna

Also known in other languages as the “Queen of the Meadow” (Reine des Près), or as “nature’s aspirin”, Meadowsweet has always been highly esteemed in folk medicine. In Druid tradition, it was one of the three most sacred herbs, sharing the throne with Vervain and Valerian. The list of healing properties of Meadowsweet goes on and on in most herbal books. 

It is particularly known for its salycilate containing aspirin-like effects, relieving pain, inflammation and fevers. But the effects of meadowsweet have a much broader effect than the “aspirin” one can buy in drugstores and it does not present the usual side-effects aspirin-users experience. While concentrated aspirin tends to lead to gastric ulcers, depending on the dosage, meadowsweet infusion (or as tincture) seems to have a protective and healing effect on the protective layer of the stomach, being used to effectively treat gastric ulcers. This is a clear example of how the healing properties of a plant cannot be singled out to a particular substance - in the beautifully arranged plant alchemy every substance plays its essential role.

Meadowsweet is used in herbal medicine as astringent, antiseptic, tonic and it has cooling

and drying properties. It is used to treat diarrhoea, hyperacidity, heartburn, common cold, cough, bronchitis, headaches, arthritis and other painful conditions. Some herbalists use it also to reduce the symptoms of certain infectious conditions such as measles, chickenpox, diphtheria and pneumonia. For its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties it can also be used to alleviate cystitis, urethritis and other urinary ailments. It is said to “soften” hardenings such as kidney stones or hardened blood vessels.

Externally it can be used to heal wounds or skin inflammations. 

The flowering plant can be harvested and dried or tinctured for further use. 

Below you will find various enriching articles and a video on the wonders of meadowsweet:

Meadowsweet has a range of uses in herbal medicine: Napiers The Herbalists

Filipendula ulmaria - Great monograph by Herbal Medicine with Natasha Richardson

Meadowsweet: a natural aspirin - Herbologist.net

Meadowsweet: Queen of the meadow - Methow Valley Herbs

Meadowsweet elixir - LearningHerbs.com

Meadowsweet cordial - Wilde in the Woods

Meadowsweet ointment - Wilde in the Woods

In each seed, a new plant can come to life! I love giving seeds as presents. 

Periwinkle

Vinca minor

F: petite pervenche / NL: kleine maagdenpalm

Periwinkle (or minor periwinkle) is a commonly seen as ground cover in both medicinal as ornamental gardens. It has been employed as folk medicine for more than thousand years. It is currently known in herbalism as a replacement of gingko biloba. Similarly to gingko, periwinkle activates blood circulation and it acts as vasodilator, improving blood flow to the tissues and therefore increasing cell metabolism. It enhances various brain functions such as concentration, memory; it reduces anxiety, nervousness and it relieves tinnitus and headaches. It can thus be used to prevent early ageing of the brain cells, such as observed in dementia or Alzheimer. While gingko must be avoided by those using blood thinning drugs or those with a general tendency to bleeding, periwinkle does not have the same counter-indications. Its action stimulating blood flow seems to be balanced by its high tannin content, which has an astringent effect, making it useful also to stop bleeding.

Next to that, periwinkle has also analgesic, hypotensive, antispasmodic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known in herbal medicine to help treating various rheumatoid conditions, fibromyalgia, to reduce blood pressure and heavy menstruation. Also used as astringent to help treating diarrhoea and sore throat.

Externally it can be used to disinfect and help wound healing. Also great in mouthwash, to treat bleeding gums, toothache and canker sores. 

Its leaves, flowers and roots are all used in folk medicine, fresh or dried, in infusions, tincture, capsule or extract.

Vinca minor, or periwinkle, is a strong plant native from all over Europe, hardy from zones 4 to 9. It is considered to be invasive, as it grows quickly conquering any territory it finds ahead. If you want to contain its growth, harvest it regularly and use it in infusions to improve blood flow and general brain performance - or if you don’t need it, offer it to friends and family that could benefit from it. What a wonderful present it can be!

A chemical in periwinkle called vincamine can be converted (in laboratory) to the compound vinpocetine, which is sold as a dietary supplement. This isolated extract might have some stronger counter indications, as it does not contain the other substances found in the whole herb. 

Periwinkle should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.

Here is a video-tour to help you to identify this plant:

Periwinkle - Vinca minor - Helen Linda Drake

More on periwinkle:

Lesser Periwinkle - Vinca minor - by Herbs Garden

PFAF - Vinca Minor

Mullein

Verbascum thapsus - Family:  Scrophulariaceae

Common names: Great Mullein, Common Mullein / NL: Koningskaars / F: Molène

Mullein is probably one of the most ideal herbs to treat a wide range of conditions of the respiratory tract. The reason for this is that it contains equally balanced medicinal properties that are required to treat the most common respiratory ailments: antiseptic, astringent, demulcent, emollient, expectorant, pectoral, vulnerary and mild sedative. In short, Mullein tones the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, stimulates expectoration and reduces inflammation. Its entire aerial parts can be used in infusions or tinctures to help relieving coughs, bronchitis, asthma and and other respiratory conditions. Native Americans smoked this herb, as part of the treatment in spasmodic coughs or asthma. Some claim that smoking Mullein has helped them quitting tobacco smoking - especially if combined with Lobelia. 

When preparing the herb in infusion or tincture for internal use (also the flower infused oil if used in the ear), make sure to filter it finely, through a coffee filter or cheese cloth, so as to get rid of all the fine bristles, which could cause throat irritation.

Mullein is also very helpful to heal various intestinal conditions, including hemorrhoids. It has the property to strengthen the intestines.

An oil infused with Mullein flowers make an external remedy with bactericide action. This oil can be used to help healing bites, wounds, eczema, frostbite or to relieve earache. In fact this oil helps to relieve various types of ear problems, including otitis media, deafness resulting from mucus accumulation or ear mites in animals.

In poultices, used externally, it helps to draw splinters and boils. It also helps to speed up the recovery of broken bones.

One amazing use of Mullein - both as poultice as internally - has been shared recently by herbalist Jim McDonald (see link to his website below): to help re-align the spine. He quotes Matthew Wood's Book of Herbal Wisdom on this particular property of Mullein, which I will re-quote here: “It has a moistening, lubricating effect on the synovial membranes… so that it is hydrating to the spine and joints. It is often indicated in back injuries. People think they are untreatable and incurable, but an increase the synovial fluids will make the spine more pliable and comfortable. The vertebra will slip back into place more readily, pain and inflammation will decrease and the condition will get better."

Since Jim McDonald made this information available, Mullein has been widely tested with great results by several herbalists and their closed ones - as one can read in various herbal blogs and forums. It is really worth trying it!! Thank you, Jim!

Mullein helps to relieve various conditions where lymphatic congestions are involved - also (glandular) swellings - in which case it can be used both internally as externally.

One can still find indications for Mullein in the treatment of ringworms, erysipelas, toothache, cramps, blood-shot eyes (external compress), urinary inflammations, urinary incontinence and it can even help to treat certain types of convulsions and migraines. It contains sterol substances that reduce inflammation processes, working as a mild painkiller.

Another folk use of Mullein is to place one leaf inside each of the shoes to stimulate circulation, relieve foot-ache and keep the feet warm.

Other uses for Mullein: one can make a hand drill for making fire or a torch with the stalk, the flowers give a yellow or green dye, its dried leaves and fluffy hair serve as insulation material and can also be made into candle wicks. 

Mullein seeds has insecticide properties, meaning that they contain toxic substances. The seeds should therefore not be ingested or employed in preparations for internal use.

Verbascum nigrum

There are other species of Verbascum that have similar medicinal properties as the Verbascum thapsus. One of them is Verbascum nigrum, pictured on the side.

Want to know more about Mullein? Here is a selection of articles with more extensive details:

Verbascum thapsus, by Survival Plants Memory Course

A Golden Torch: Mullein’s Healing Light, by bearmedicineherbals.com

Mullein, by Jim McDonald

Mullein & Lobelia, by Dr Christopher’s Legacy

Mullein Benefits and side effects - Natural Alternative Remedy.com


Helpful videos on Mullein:

Plant Portrait - Common Mullein, by IdentifythatPlant.com

Mullein: video with Elindria

Mullein: Harvesting tips and how to make syrup, with Linda Bostock

Katrina Blair on some extra uses of Mullein

Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

F: Verge D'or  - Solidage / NL: Guldenroede

Goldenrods can be seen in flower all over the fields, gardens, in most places in Europe from August till October, depending on the region. Its flowers show all their glory when most other plants are no longer in flower, to the joy of the bees, which are delighted to feast on them.

Luckily for Goldenrod's lovers, this plant has been studied by the scientific community and some of its properties have been already recognized - by the German Commision E - for its effectiveness when used in the treatment of illnesses of the urinary tract. Its restorative, anti-inflammatory, tonic and cleansing properties make it one of the top herbs to aid in any kidney and bladder condition, including kidney stones, nephritis and cystitis.






Next to that Goldenrod also has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, diaphoretic, antiphlogistical, astringent, spasmolytic, hemostatic, anti-mucus, expectorant and anti-oxidant properties. It has been used in folk medicine for centuries to help in the treatment of a wide range of conditions such as seasonal allergies, asthma, colds and flu, tuberculosis, capillary fragility (e.g. varicose veins, hemorrhoids, hemorrhage) and even diabetes mellitus.

Externally it can help disinfecting and healing wounds and various skin problems. It can also be “soaked” in oil to be used in ointments or salves to relieve pain - both muscular and rheumatic pain.

On the top of all these healing properties, Goldenrod has also high amounts of antioxidants - more than green tea!! Its antioxidants work scavenging free-radicals, cleaning up the body, helping to heal and prevent a great deal of illnesses. It is also a delicious tea to use.

Its leaves and flowers are edible, raw or in soups and stews.

There are more than hundred species of Solidago and the most commonly found types (S. virgaurea, S. gigantea, S. canadensis) can apparently all be used in a similar way. Their medicinal properties will surely vary in potency though, depending on the species, on where it grows, etc.

a happy bee feasting on its flowers

In the links below you will find enriching information on Solidago plants:

How to identify Solidago / Goldenrods - LuminEarth

Edible and Medicinal Plants - Goldenrod - Sigma 3 Survival School

Goldenrod: A Torch of Healing - Methow Valley Herbs

Glorious Goldenrod - Susunweed.com

Of Solidago Canadensis: phenolic composition and biological activity

Antioxidant and Radical-Scavenging Activity of Flavonoids From Solidago canadensis

Antibacterial and antimutagenic activity of extracts aboveground parts of three Solidago species.

Marshmallow

Althea officinalis

NL: Echte heemst /
F: Guimauve sauvage

Marshmallow is a powerful medicinal herb that has been proven to soothe and heal inflammations an irritations in mucous membranes of the respiratory, urinary and digestive tract. That covers quite a lot of conditions: bronchitis, peptic ulcers, gastritis, cystitis, mouth and throat inflammations, etc.

All parts of the plant are edible and can be used medicinally.

Externally, as poultices or in creams, it promotes cellular healing. It is therefore employed in the treatment of skin inflammations, burns, insect bites, bruises, sprains... its fresh leaves can be lightly crushed between the fingers and rubbed into insect bites and stings to relieve itchiness and to reduce allergic reactions. It can be also infused in oil to be used after shower to keep skin’s health. Just a side note on this: our skin is our major “defense” organ, protecting our body against undesired organisms, so it is a good idea to treat our skin with a thin layer of (herbal) oil after shower.

Old time healers used marshmallow to prevent and heal degenerative conditions, including plagues, tuberculosis and blood losses. Dioscorides prescribed it to neutralize intoxication in the body: “The decoction of the roots and leaves helps all sorts of poison, so as the poison be presently voided by vomit”

The powder of the leaves or roots is used to help to drag pus and inflammatory liquids from gangrenous wounds, tumors, (painful) swellings, boils, abcesses. It is also used to draw out stings, splinters or thorns.

It has a cooling effect and it can help reduce hot flushes during the menopause. It also helps to boost milk production in lactating mothers.

Its demulcent and emollient properties make marshmallow a very popular supporting herb in formulas, as it combines well with many other herbs. The root powder is even used to bind with other medicinal herbs in pills and capsules.

Our ancestors used mallows also as a food source. Its richness in mucilage makes it not as palatable to everyone, so those who are less keen in slimy dishes might consider mixing it with other leafy vegetables, instead of using it pure.

Here are some interesting links to extra information on marshmallow:

Soothing Marshmallow & Marshmallow Infusion - Learning Herbs

Slimy and Sweet - a closer look at Marshmallow - Methow Valley Herbs

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) - Avena Botanicals

Marshmallow | University of Maryland Medical Center

St John’s Wort

Hypericum perforatum

NL: St Janskruid / 
F: Millepertuis

St John’s Wort (SJW) is another powerful herb with a long history as folk medicine. In our days St John’s Wort got great media attention for aiding in the treatment of those suffering from depression, being known as the “natural prozac”

Long before SJW got to be used to treat depression, it was considered to be a “herb that chases the evil spirits away” as it was used to treat various types of insanity attacks. Paracelsus was whom mentioned it for the first time for treatment of a wide range of psychotic symptoms. Even though it is not yet clear to modern medicine how exactly SJW works on the nervous system, its nervine action is recognized by herbalists around the world.

Its most widespread use in herbal medicine is in healing wounds, bruises, sunburn, herpes, skin ulcers and inflammations. Most of its skin healing abilities are attributed to its properties as analgesic, antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic and astringent. In poultices, oils, salves and ointments it is used to heal many skin problems. 

As expectorant it is also employed to treat conditions of the respiratory tract. It is also used to help healing bladder problems, such as urine incontinence.

SJW should not be used by pregnant women. People using St John’s Wort are advised to avoid direct exposure to sunlight SJW, especially during summertime when the U.V. levels ar emuch higher, as it increases photosensitivity. 

Another word of caution goes to people taking prescription drugs: SJW contains chemical compounds that may block or alter the effect of several drugs. For a more extended list of interactions between some prescription drugs and SJW, click here. 

The (fresh) flowers are the most active part of the plant and they can be harvested from June to August. They can also be dried for further. Fresh or dried flowers can be prepared as teas, tinctures or in infused oil. 

The famous St John’s Wort oil can be used for healing skin conditions and to reduce pain and inflammation in the muscles and articulations - as in bruises, arthritis and even sciatica. To prepare the infused oil, gather the mature flowers around noon (after the morning dew has been evaporated) and place them in a clean, dry glass bottle (transparent). Cover the flowers with vegetable oil (almond, olive oil, sunflower oil, etc). Cover with a paper towel and a rubber band to avoid dust and insects from falling in. Leave it in a sunny window for 2 to 3 weeks, depending on how much sun you have. If you prefer to leave the oil under direct sunlight outside, even better. You must only care to bring the bottle every day to a sheltered place, where it can remain free from (condensed) moist or rain. You may keep adding new flowers to the oil every new harvest, so that the oil becomes more concentrated. When the oil gets a bright reddish color, it is ready to be used. Sieve the flowers with a clean cheese cloth into a dark glass bottle. Close the bottle tightly and label it with the date of bottling. Keep it in a cool, dark and dry place. 

In the links below you will find more practical information on identifying, harvesting and preparing St John's Wort. There is also a list of drug interactions that might occur with the regular use of SJW.

Table of SJW’s drug interactions

Hypericum - St Joan/John's Wort - with Susun Weed

St John's Wort - Hypericum perforatum - by HerbMentor

Elder

Sambucus nigra

NL: Vlier / F: Sureau Noir

Elder is a great pioneer shrub or small tree that can come to help when replanting woodlands or in a forest garden project. It grows very quick, it is resistant and helps to shelter and support larger, slow-growing trees, protecting them from harsh weather. It is a great garden-guardian, protecting the neighboring plants against undesirable insects. 

Elder leaves can be prepared in a decoction to be used as  insect repellent spray as well as to treat plants from fungal infection, leaf rot and powdery mildew. It improves fermentation of compost piles when growing near it. In fact, the plant can activate composting processes when added to compost heaps.

The only edible parts of the plant are the flowers and the very ripe berries, like in when they are really dark purple-black. Even then, the berries are safer to be consumed when cooked, as the possible traces of cyanogenic substances are then destroyed by cooking. Red-brownish berries should absolutely be avoided. All other parts of the plant, leaves, twigs, stems, contain poisonous cyanide-containing substances.

Medicinally speaking one could write an entire treatise on the possible healing applications for elder. Its most popular use is as anti-inflammatory and expectorant, used to treat coughs, common cold, flu, bronchitis and various affections of the respiratory tract. It also helps to relieve fever that might result from these conditions. Both flowers and berries are common ingredients of herbal anti-cough syrups. 

An infusion of the flowers is also used in cleansing cures, as general tonic and to treat eye inflammation. For its great emollient and astringent properties, the flowers can be used in various creams and lotions to help heal skin problems, burns, wounds, itchiness. Elderflowers are also part of some natural beauty creams.

Elderflowers are popularly used to prepare refreshing beverages in many countries. I love making my own elderflower lemonade by soaking the flowers with mineral water in a covered glass container exposed to sunlight (when available, otherwise, just at the window waiting for the sun to show up) for an entire day and one evening (24 hours). Then I strain it with a coffee filter, add freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice and sweeten it with stevia. I leave it cool down in the fridge for a few hours before drinking it and I make sure it is consumed within two days. The flowers (only the flowers, not the stems!) from the strained drink I try to use in other culinary creations, not to waste these precious nature gifts.

Want to know more about elder? Check out the links below:

Survival Plants Memory Course: Sambucus nigra

Sambucus nigra Monograph - Thorne Research

Elder - Sambucus nigra - Planet Herbs

Sambucus nigra - PFAF

Elder: tree medicine magic and lore

Wood Avens

Geum urbanum

NL: Geel nagelkruid /
F: Benoîte


Other popular names: herb Bennet, colewort and St. Benedict's herb.

Wood avens, as its name suggests, is found in woodlands and other shady places.

The young leaves can be eaten, cooked as potherb. Older leaves can be dried and powdered to be added to herbal salt. The roots can be harvested either in spring, when they can be more aromatic, or from september until late in the winter, as long as the soil is not so hard frosted. The root is the most popular part of this plant to be used in culinary creations. It adds an aromatic hint of cinnamon and cloves to dishes, soups or drinks, such as lemonades or chai.

Wood avens has a long list of medicinal properties. It is a good astringent herb that can help treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, vaginal discharges, mouth ulcers, throat inflammation. It relieves irritable bowel syndrome and various other gastro-intestinal disorders. In old folk medicine it was believed to be a remedy against poison and dog and snake bites. It apparently helps the liver to do its “detox” work.

Particularly the roots have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. A decoction of the roots can be used as wash to disinfect and heal skin problems. It is even said to help remove spots, freckles and to smooth the skin. A nice ingredient to add to our beauty creams!

The roots are also popular in folk medicine to relieve fevers. It can be dried and stored to be used as first aid remedy, as a quinine substitute, in intermittent fevers.

The dried root can also be also used to make moth repellent sachets for linen cupboards.

In the link below you can have a photographic tour to help you to identify this plant:

Geum urbanum

More information on this plant:

Wood Avens Health Benefits

Geum urbanum - PFAF

Wood Avens, Edibility, Identification, Distribution, by Galloway Wild Foods

Herb Robert

Geranium robertianum

NL: Robertskruid
F: Géranium Herbe à Robert

Geranium robertianum grows spontaneous and abundantly in many gardens. Some people keep wondering about its edibility, since there is not much to be found about it in books on edible wild plants. Its less than appealing taste seems to be at least partly responsible for its absence in culinary creations. In survival situations, where one would need to live on what’s available, this plant could be a real asset, since it is rich in essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamins A, C, etc. It is also rich in the element germanium, which has antioxidant activity, helps to strengthen the immune system and is essential to providing energy and oxygen to the cells.

Even though this little plant does is no longer so popular among modern herbalists, it used to be highly praised in old times. Nicholas Culpeper used it for kidney stones and skin irritations. 

Its leaves, stems and roots can be used as astringent to stop nosebleeds, diarrhea and to reduce excessive menstrual flow. 

It has also antibiotic, antiviral and antiseptic properties, making it a handy anti-inflammatory herb to disinfect wounds and to help healing toothaches, sore throats, mouth ulcers and a wide range of skin ailments. 

Recent research has suggested an extract of the leaves can help reduce blood glucose levels, being useful in the treatment of diabetes. 

More information on Geranium robertianum:

PFAF: Herb Robert

Here is a nice photographic tour on this plant, much better than my own attempts:

Geranium robertianum