We packed porridge in food flasks and enjoyed the ride through empty country roads and morning birdsong. We were greeted with an awesome first sight on arrival at the stone circle; the only sun rays escaping the clouds were directly above which illuminated the scene in the centre of the landscape.

I enjoyed the shared circle we formed, together honouring the directions, elements and nature, and in particular, fire and fertility. It was very activating and connecting. The singing was beautiful and the blessings meaningful for someone in adoration of nature and all its wild wisdom. There was humour, honestly and playfulness. And so much joy as we sang and spiralled to the drum beat!

It was a beautiful way to honour the arrival of summer and reminded me of a song taught to me on a singing walk with Sorrel Wilde. Enjoy! ...and welcome to the Summer!

Photos on my website: www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/blog

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The opening is an invitation to nourish the spirit and we do that by celebrating with friends outdoors with music and dancing, or simply just sitting in the company of nature.

Hawthorn both opens the heart and strengthens it. It dilates coronary arteries, which means the heart muscle will receive more oxygen and nutrients allowing it to work at its optimum.The strength of contraction is increased so that more blood leaves the heart to serve the body with each pump. This reduces the heart rate and lowers stress.

Where there is tension in the arteries of the body, hawthorn relaxes the muscles in the vessel wall to lower high blood pressure. It also tones the inner wall, increasing structural integrity of the vessels. So it both relaxes tension and tones laxity, improving structure and thus function.

It can be take long term and works best this way. It also contains very high levels of flavonoids that act as free radical scavengers. Hawthorn is a strategy to prevent age related degeneration and heart disease.

It has a scent that some love and some do not. In the cup the flowers go brown and remind me of cherry blossom tea. The taste is ever-so mildly almond, fresh with some slight sweetness and astringency. Similar to apple perhaps.

I felt honoured ending my journey in the company of hawthorn. We sat together on the hill as the sun rose above the tree tops. I could see many spots where I’d taken tea with different plants over the past 30 days. Bathing in nature bliss. This months Wild Teas have nourished my soul!

Read the full article here: www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/blog

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Walnut hulls have been processed for use as an antiparasitic for at least 200 years. They release a chemical called juglone when damaged or decomposing. If you have collected fresh walnuts you will know they have a hard green outer layer that softens and shrivels and goes black with time. This contains the most juglone and when collecting will dye fingers as well as henna for a few days.

The leaves are milder medicine than the hulls and some English walnut trees may not contain juglone, but may contain salicylic acid depending on variety and conditions. As well as treating parasitic worm infestations, bacterial overgrowths and fungal infections internally, the antiseptic nature of a wash made from the tea will help prevent infections in the skin. Adding to this, the tannins act to tighten and reduce inflammation to aid healing.

The red anthocyanins are present in the young leaves of English walnut as they are late to come into leaf. These flavonoids act to protect the delicate new leaves from the sun as we move from spring into summer.

Along with other herbs like wormwood, black walnut formed part of a huge industry that processed vast amounts traditionally used as a worm killer before the arrival of synthetic wormers. Interestingly, the overuse of the synthetic treatment in farming has caused some resistance similar to the arrival of antibiotic resistance. Organic farmers are choosing natural alternatives and in our health food shops we can buy our own natural antiparasitic supplements, many of which contain black walnut hulls as an ingredient.

Full article here: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/post/day-27-walnut-leaf-tea

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I always thought the leaves look like fairy wings. The Latin “bi-loba” means two lobed. They are the shape of a brain viewed across the frontal plane showing the left and right hemispheres.

Ginkgo is a popular supplement for brain health. It is sold as a standardised extract to maximise flavones and minimise ginkgolic acids. As a cognition enhancer it improves mental focus, learning and memory through stimulating blood circulation to the head. The brain receives more oxygen and nutrients, as well as protection from oxidative damage due to its high antioxidant activity.

It can help treat and prevent Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Raynaud’s syndrome, dizziness, vertigo and macular degeneration all due to its positive effect on circulation. It also enhances tissue perfusion and promotes healing. As a PAF-inhibitor, (Platelet Aggravating Factor), it is added to asthma mixes to help reduce airway constriction, inflammation and mucous.

A colleague of my husband arrived to work as I was sat under the tree. I told her about the wonders of ginkgo and she asked, “how long do you have to sit under it?” I absolutely loved this idea! Indeed, how long sitting under a tree before we start to enjoy greater cognitive performance? A beautiful reminder again that the medicine of nature bathing is indeed enough to sooth our nervous systems and sharpen our mental acuity. No tech. Just out in the green and blue!

I enjoyed the fresh gentle taste of the tea which to me included very mild astringency, sweetness and tartness. It is advised not to eat raw leaves, to avoid if taking blood thinners and to stop taking two weeks before surgery. In China they also use the seeds medicinally.

Please see website for photos: www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/blog

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Elderflower clusters sit atop the cliffside trees open to the suns rays. The lower down clusters are still tightly closed in bud. But it won’t be long. Soon the frothy white sprays will be dotting the hedgerows and filling the air with the scent of summer.

When fully attentive to the taste sensations, elderflower is more than simply floral. It is sweet as well as sour, with a texture that is smooth and dry. Volatile oils help reduce the microbial load. The sourness suggests vitamin C. Mucilage is sweet and silky, a quality best drawn out by cold water. Leaving it to go cold will increase the viscosity that will sooth the throat. The cooling drying quality is partly owed to tannins and flavonoids.

Flavonoids are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and diaphoretic. The latter means it induces sweating to cool the body in a fever by bringing peripheral vessels closer to the surface and relaxing the pores of the skin. Particularly effective as a hot tea.

Elderflower tea is a very supportive remedy in the early stages of a cold or flu. It gives a boost to the immune system and in particular, reduces an excessively runny nose and relieves the pain of sinusitis. It is a valuable ingredient in hay fever teas, often combined with nettle and plantain. Gently drying with the soothing protection of a little mucilage.

Elderflower can be preserved as a cordial for all year round enjoyment. But my favourite by far is fresh and wild, straight from the tree to teacup! As a late spring/early summer blossomer, you are sure to see some soon. It has a lingering and distinctive taste of summer.

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Dandelion feels like such a humble herb for me. A weed stamped on and stamped out, and yet so resilient and sunny. It just keeps on shining its rays with absolute faith in nature. It is a spring tonic herb that helps us release toxins and absorb nutrients. Cleansing and fortifying.

The whole plant is both diuretic and bitter, with the leaves being more diuretic and the roots more bitter. Bitters stimulate the taste receptors on the tongue which directly stimulates the digestive organs via nerve pathways. There is a French custom of eating rocket salad before a meal to prepare the system to recieve. This means the breakdown of our food is more effective allowing us to gain more nutrients.

Dandelion also adds it own nutrition as it’s densely packed with vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K and folate. In fact, there is so much potassium, that even though it is lost through its diuretic action, the end result is a net increase! (This cannot be said of conventional diuretics).

Waste removal is improved by supporting the action of the kidneys, liver and bowel. Water soluble elements via the urine and fat soluble by the liver. An example of fat soluble toxins processed by the liver are stress hormones. If the liver can’t keep up with its detoxification load, they can recirculate and cause menstrual imbalances and skin problems. The skin is an excretory organ only enlisted if the digestive and urinary systems can’t keep up.

Most people know of dandelion root coffee; it gets the bowel going as coffee does. However, it also contains inulin that bulks up the stools. This adds weight and form to decrease transit time. It also draws toxins into the stool for excretion. A sluggish bowel can allow toxins in the stools to be reabsorbed adding to ill health. Healthy flow is synonymous with health.

The flowers are also edible, (but not the stalks which contain irritant latex), they particularly support nervous system health by strengthening and soothing. My tea was very mild in taste so I ate the leaves at the end to get maximum nutritional value.

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My tea today also has some seemingly contrasting effects. As a balancer, it treats according to need. Which sounds far-fetched until the mechanism of action is understood. It is a general tonic, with particular affinity for the blood vessels, which of course serve everything.

Where there is laxity, such as in varicose veins, it will tone them and where there is tension, such as in hypertension, it will relax them. It does this by acting on tissue layers. The inner layer of veins are toned and strengthened, and where there is tension in the muscular layer of arteries, they are re-laxed.

This balancing action works in the pelvic area as well. Drinking yarrow over time will strengthen and tone the uterus. Improving structure also improves function and so periods can become normalised. And where there is excess menstrual bleeding, it will close off the tiny capillaries to reduce flow, and yet if a period is slow to start due to congestion, it will bring on the flow and ease the associated pain.

This blood vessel affect can also be employed to a reduce fever. As a peripheral dilator it brings vessels closer to the surface of the skin to be cooled.

I have come to love starting my day with a Wild Tea ritual. It meets my need for gentle entry into the day. Quiet awe and reverence for nature and this new day. At least quiet from human busy-ness; the woodpecker and pigeon soundscape told another story!

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I cut a new growth twig about 7mm diameter. It’s yellow and peels easily to reveal a moist and smooth inner bark. I then proceed to peel off the tough outer layer so that only the inner bark remains for my tea. This is where the stronger stuff lives and exposing it fully helps it infuse into my tea. I also pop in a few young leaves, weaker in taste and action, but adds a satisfying beauty to the cup.

Willow is nature’s aspirin. It was used in the very first human clinical trial in the late 1900’s. Take it for lowing a fever, reducing headache and easing joint pain. It is not just one isolated chemical that creates the desired effect. Salicylic acid is one component, there are others such as tannins that tighten and tone and bring an antimicrobial action.

Flavonoids that reduce oxidative damage and protect and strengthen capillaries, increasing their flexibility. This means that inflammation and associated pain is reduced through the synergistic action of the plant constituents.

The taste is variable depending widely on the species and its conditions. Today my tea is very bitter with the salicin only just detectable. The tea doesn’t have a scent but the fresh leaves are ever so gently floral. I recommend taking your tea to taste, however is most agreeable to you. Its a general rule of thumb to guide your dosage.

CAUTIONS: Avoid on blood thinners and do not take in aspirin allergy or if pregnant.

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After trains and buses and a walk down a country track, bordered by bright yellow rapeseed fields under a bright yellow sun, I knew I wanted something cooling. Cleavers seemed the obvious choice. Amazingly my flask of hot water stayed hot, always on standby for my wild tea moment.

Cleavers is a remedy that brings relief to any hot condition. Such as tonsilitis or covid, as well as digestive inflammation and cystitis. It is best as a cold infusion, simply pop it in your water bottle, or better still, cut up a handful into a pan, add cold water and mash with a potato masher to maximise juice extraction. Leave overnight then strain and drink first thing in the morning, or refrigerate for drinking throughout the day.

You will notice it has a succulent juicy stem which can also be juiced if chopped first to avoid stringing up the blender. The juice can be frozen in ice-cube trays for using as a morning vitalizer rubbed directly on the skin. As well as being toning, it is encourages tissue healing which is helpful in skin conditions like acne and eczema.

Cleavers water is a well known spring tonic that gets the lymphatic system flowing and draining. This is especially helpful after the winter where we are all more sedentary and have probably come down with a cold or two. Encouraging the movement of lymph means that any left over debris, such as dead pathogens and inflammatory waste that are still hanging around in the glands can be cleared out, like a spring clean. Some even liken the plant to a broom or duster that freshens up.

Drinking cleavers feels very revitalizing. To be regarded as a spring tonic, a herb must be cleansing as well as fortifying. It detoxifies via the kidneys and adds strength via action of flavonoids, iridoids, tannins and minerals like silica. One caution I will add is to not swallow the leaves as they can stick to the throat which is quite unpleasant... she says from personal experience.

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I picked both narrowleaf and broadleaf plantain. The broadleaf has sprouted up along the route from our gate to our caravan, as they like to grow on well trodden ground. The narrowleaf seems to have nestled into the boarder with the lemon balm. The wind cooled my tea pretty swiftly which was helpful as it brought out the sweet taste of the mucilaginous quality best extracted by cold water. It also made it smooth and silky like linden and mallow. It is a mild pleasant tea with a slight astringency.

Plantain is well known as a wild styptic. Applied directly onto an open wound it helps staunch bleeding and reduce inflammation whilst the antiseptic action helps prevent infection. Zinc and other constituents work well with poorly healing wounds, both internally and externally, toning and strengthening tissue generally to improve function.

Broadleaf is also well used for cystitis with blood in the urine, while narrowleaf is a valuable ingredient in hay fever tea. They have a drying action that reduces nasal secretions, and at the same time provide a protective demulcent layer to prevent further damage and allow for healing.

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It was a different sight to that of my memory, as those that greeted me were still very little and new. I remember walking into a mature colony of meadowsweet that was at least up to my waist. That would have been in full summer when they were in flower. Fluffy cream clusters of tiny flowers; the strongest part of the plant medicinally.

The scent of meadowsweet can be detected the moment a leaf or stem is broken. It isn’t strong, only very distinctive. Many people describe it as “medicinal”. Of all the salicylate wild teas, this is the only one that clearly tastes like aspirin. It is also slightly sweet and mildly astringent.

Meadowsweet can be used in the same way you would use aspirin; to reduce inflammation, temperature and pain. This includes headache, body aches and joint aches, such as in ‘flu. It is also an effective hangover cure. It’s main use is as an antacid treating reflux and ulcers anywhere in the digestive tract. It is useful in ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s and IBS.

The astringency and anti-inflammatory action supports tissue healing and the carminative nature of the volatile oils relieve trapped wind. The antiseptic, diuretic and pain relieving quality helps treat cystitis.

At this size, which was about the size of my hand, the most distinguishing feature was the red stem and the tiny pairs of stemless leaves growing between each large pair of leaves. Like little leaf babies.

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I always cut the top 4-6 leaves per plant for my teacup. Even without chopping it up the strength of the nettle came through in my tea instantly. The fresh tops are best for foraging as the stinging hairs are still small. When they get older and larger, (being made of silica), they can be irritant to the kidneys.

Nettles are highly nutritious. They have deep taproots that form an extensive network. This means they can access minerals from deep within the soil that most plants cannot reach. I like to make an iron tonic using nettles as the primary ingredient. It is more effective than off-the-shelf supplements because it comes ready packaged with a whole host of other nutrients that improve the absorption of the iron.

Improving the iron status of blood improves the oxygen carrying capacity which translates as more energy. This is helpful to anyone, but particularly for those with anaemia, pregnant and breastfeeding mums, athletes and those in recovery. Nettle makes a great convalescent tonic as it helps the body regain its strength after depletion.

It also improves detoxification via the kidneys aiding the removal of wastes products of everyday metabolism as well as that caused by injury or infection. Joint and skin health is improved by the removal of toxins that can aggravate them. Nettle also has an affinity for the pelvic area and its styptic action will support a reduction in heavy menstruation.

The minerals have wide reaching effects with calcium and magnesium supporting the nervous system, magnesium aiding the relaxation of muscles, and calcium, silica and boron strengthening bones. Plant-derived histamine is weaker than the body’s natural histamine. Consuming it blocks histamine receptors, decreasing the body’s own histamine production and alleviating inflammation and hay fever symptoms.

I always feel honoured to be in the presence of this beautiful green ally. It is elegant, strong and fierce. I certainly feel revitalised from its medicine.

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This dark blue flavonoid/anthocyanin dye turned the tea into a teal colour once I’d popped all the blobs. It was the most beautiful looking tea in my journey yet!

There are many sensory observations that give us information about the effect a herb can have on the body. For instance, its bitter taste tells us it will improve digestion, the astringent quality is tightening and toning to reduce inflammation and aid healing, the blue pigments are powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage, the volatile oils floating on the top of the water are antiseptic.

Traditionally they were used to support tissue healing for the skin, mouth and digestive system. They were also picked by travellers as good luck charms for safe journeys. Some even sewed them into jackets for safe passage through life.

I have loved these sweet little blue flowers since my childhood! Blue is the colour of peace and tranquility. I certainly felt this hanging out with speedwell for my wild tea break today!

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I noticed how the flower buds are little ball shapes formed with the hood of the flower wrapped around all the other smaller petals And that when they open up they look like little flower people waking up who had their arms and legs rolled in and now they stand. A rice-paddy hat shielding them from the sun and rain.

White dead-nettles often grow with nettles and can be distinguished by their whole of flowers, either white, pink or yellow. Being in the mint family, they have a square stem and are aromatic when rubbed. They are a foragers food, often being sauteed with garlic mustard. I had a munch on the flower buds and enjoyed them as a snack. I also nibbled on the stem which had a similar to bok choy; crisp and crunchy, succulent and juicy. The tea was mildly aromatic and pleasant.

White dead-nettle is well known for its use as a woman’s herb by improving pelvic circulation. Its volatile oils ease menstrual cramps and associated pain, and the tannins and histamine help by reducing inflammation and menstrual blood loss. The flavonoids strengthen the vascular walls and the antioxidant action prevents free-radical damage that causes aging.

Sitting on the bench I can’t help feeling I am in the presence of a great ally.

What a friend to take tea with! Especially at that time of the month.

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Going up towards the fire pit and shelter there are lots of raspberry canes lining the path. They rise up tall whereas the blackberry stems clamber mostly horizontally unless using other plants to climb. Raspberry leaves looks very similar to blackberry leaves with slightly more pointed leaves, deeper serrations and a more silvery backside.

Raspberry leaf tea is a well known pregnancy herb; a “partus preparator” which means it prepares the womb for and efficient birth. It does this by strengthening and toning the uterine muscles with its astringent action and high mineral content. Contractions are more effective which causes a reduced duration of labour and effort with conservation of energy and resources. The styptic action also prevents against haemorrhage.

Post-partum recovery is supported by helping the uterus regain its tone as well as encouraging the breast milk to come in. It is nutritious and helps fortify mum and baby, containing iron, vitamin C and magnesium. The magnesium allows tissues to relax to which improves blood flow and the exchange of wastes and nutrients.

I drank a cup a day throughout the second trimester of pregnancy, up to 3 cups a day in the third trimester. I feel very confident that it contributed towards having straightforward births.

It tastes like a mild green tea. It’s important to take iron supplements a couple of hours either side to avoid reducing absorption.

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I explored the area and found a young population living on the old stone bridge above the little weir. No flowers, but plenty of green leaves and red stems, both hairy and shining in the light. I found one flower around the corner that I could reach. All the above ground parts of Herb Robert can be used for tea. The stems have slightly different properties to the leaves which are equally as valuable, so make sure you pop those in your teacup!

The tea has a mineral taste and slight astringency. It smells like geraniums, some say burned rubber. It is anti-inflammatory and highly antioxidant which supports its traditional use for healing poorly healing wounds, both internally and externally. It has a slight diuretic quality and some antiseptic action which suits its past use for sore throat and bladder infections.

Recent studies have found that it contains a chemical known as germanium, which functions as an oxygen carrier. A lack of oxygen within cells is linked to pain, inflammation, and cancer, making these herbs a new and natural method for healing and preventive medicine. Enhancing the oxygen levels in cells can not only help avert these conditions but also boost health by improving all oxygen-dependent cellular functions, such as respiration, thereby increasing energy and accelerating healing.

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... until I sat down with my little cup of sunshine and remembered what gorse is great for when used as a Bach Flower Remedy.

It is for people who find themselves in a sense of hopelessness about the future. The kind where they’ve given up in the belief that nothing they do will make any difference. A state where they cannot imagine opportunities becoming open to them no matter what effort they make. Taking gorse reconnects them to their faith in taking action, so that they can bounce back with a sunny outlook towards the future and their ability to influence it.

It was a gloomy morning clouded with grey above, however, merging gently into the day with sunny gorse made all the difference. My step as well as my spirit felt lighter on the walk back home.

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There was a quiet stillness that brought me peace until reaching the hilltop where the sound of the commuter traffic was audible in the distance. I climbed a wet gate and arrived at a well hidden patch of ground ivy. I’ve been seeing it around a lot lately and knew it was time to enjoy a cuppa. I took my tea to a wooden bench, in memory of whom I couldn’t read the inscribing. It was placed at the top of the hill when there was an extensive view of the valley, on a clear day all the way to the sea. It is now a secret tea spot since the university planted trees that obscure the view. Mixed feelings. However, I am rather partial to a secluded hideaway!

Ground ivy is in the mint family with a square stem, irregular purple flowers and a clear scent when rubbed. The scent is earthy, to me like wet wood in the morning that’s been mostly burned in an outdoor firepit the night before. Or hash cake in Amsterdam. I find it slightly nauseating. It has similarities to the red deadnettle of yesterday.

There is some bitterness which will stimulated the digestive system and indeed, it did get my bowels moving! This along with the volatile oils that reduce tension in the gut wall and ease trapped wind and the associated pain. It is also antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Herbalists make use of it for painful headcolds where stagnant catarrh is blocking the sinuses. Its drying nature lessens the volume of catarrh as well as getting it flowing again, hence relieving the inflammation and pain.

This cuppa was very much appreciated, particularly for warming my hands on this cold spring morning.

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Red dead nettle is in the mint family which is clear from it’s square stem, irregular flowers and scent. I wouldn’t say it’s a pleasant scent, but it certainly looks pretty with its red whorl of leaves and pink flowers. The scent is very earthy, maybe mushroom-like and rotting wood. It tastes as it smells with the addition of a mineral flavour and drying astringency.

This tightening effect means it will staunch bleeding on the skin, in the mouth and in the gut. The drying anti-inflammatory quality will help ease symptoms of hay fever. The flavonoids and polyphenols give it an action stronger than vitamin C which decrease inflammatory enzymes that trigger chronic inflammation. This helps reduce age-related degeneration in the skin, heart, brain and of all the body’s cells.

It can be used as a nutritious wild vegetable in the same way as spinach, though I am not convinced I would like it. It has taken me a few years to learn to appreciate the taste of red dead nettle which I do now. I am curious who would like it first time. Let me know what you think!

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They also work well for keeping good oral hygiene as their astringency stops bleeding gums and their antimicrobial action will prevent bacterial overgrowth. As a gargle or tea it will help reduce a sore throat.

You can think of it as a herb to “reduce leakage”. A funny term that I like which means it helps the body retain water. In diarrhoea, excess menstruation, runny nose and excess catarrh it offers a drying action, reducing the flow and loss.

Spiritually brambles are strongly associated with protection. I’ve heard it referred to as the “midwife of the forest” due to the way it bends over and protects new growth until ready to stand strong. I love spotting these arches and can’t resist ducking under one as it was once thought that doing so would cure many ailments.

They are fierce and resilient, as well as abundant and giving. You could say they represent finding the sweetness, (berries), in difficult situations, (thorns). They are in the rose family and share many characteristics. I think they taste like a very mild and gentle green tea with an ever-so slight tang.

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The grass was long and lush interspersed with nettles and cleavers. I stopped to sit at a patch well worn by animals and shown to me by a squirrel. I watched two little gold finches hop close by and saw some very bright green little birds fly across the path; maybe siskins.

I nestled into the tranquility of this wild space and felt very held. Being immersed in nature like this, drinking tea with linden relaxed me into a space of gratitude. The medicine of this tree is very opening. It eases tension and anxiety, opens up the blood vessels and soothes the digestive tract. It is particularly helpful in stress-related hypertension and will bring down a fever, whilst calming any fretfulness.

I picked clusters of small leaves newly opened in the springtime sunshine. I also munched on a reddish tinged bud which is sweet and silky due to the mucilage. The tea also had a silky quality to it and left a tactile and protective layer to the oral cavity and throat.

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I went for an urban forage rather than a wild cherry, simply because I love the big pink pompom looking blossoms. Flower viewing is a big part of the medicine that nature brings and of my daily wild tea ritual. I chose a quiet 7am morning tea on the bench beneath the bows before all the village bustle began.

The flower are used in the cosmetic industry for its astringent, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant quality. In herbal medicine we use the bark, in folk medicine the cherry tails, (stalks), and nutritionally the berries or their juice.

Cherry bark is an effective cough suppressant and should only be used after the infective stage, when a cough is debilitating through the night. It will allow the sleep needed for proper recovery. Cherry juice is used in throat sweets to reduce sore throats via its anti-inflammatory quality. The pure tart juice or a supplement of it is effective for arthritis.

It is interesting that cherries contain natural melatonin and so improve sleep.

The blossom tea tasted of almond due to containing cyanogenic glycosides, (as do all stone fruits; cherries, plums, peaches, sloes etc...). In large amounts over time, cyanide can accumulate, so it is best to keep this tea to a once a year ritual. They lost their colour the moment I added hot water and to avoid this in Japan they preserve theirs with plum vinegar and salt first, (sakura tea).

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I had collected a few primrose flowers and leaves from the grassy verge beside a country road. They grew alongside ferns and ground ivy and nettle. I was surprised not to see rabbits as I usually have there. On my journey to and from my little English woodland sanctuary, I saw blackbirds flying with nesting material in their beaks, a buzzard hovering low and a newt near a watering hole.

Primrose means “first rose” as it’s often the only flower blooming in winter. It persists into the spring and so is seen as representing seasonal transition. It holds both the energy of the winter melancholy, as well as the sweet hope of spring. Sitting with a cup of primrose tea is an opportunity for reflection and orientation.

Traditionally, the roots of primrose were used as an expectorant due to containing saponins. They can be too irritant for the digestive tract of some people and so the milder leaves and sepals can be used instead. The soap-like quality thins mucous that is thick, sticky and hard to bring up. The mild irritation also aids the expectoration.

Primrose tea is relaxing and helps ease anxiety. It has a kind of cucumbery taste, mild and pleasant, fresh and ever-so-slightly sweet.

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Samara is the name given to a winged seed grown by trees and designed for wind dispersal; like the “helicopters” of sycamore. They grow in clusters that look like bright green blossoms similar to cherry blossom “pompoms”. Each samara has a single seed between 2 thin layers.

They are a foragers delight being crisp, smooth, fresh, nutty and sweet when eaten straight off the tree. A few handfuls will make a fresh spring soup and they brighten up a salad. To me they taste similar to fresh pumpkin seeds and sweet lettuce.

Herbalists prescribe slippery elm powder, (made from the bark), for its mucilaginous quality. When cold water is added it goes slimy like chia seeds and can be drunk straight down as a digestive aid. It can also be made into a nutritious warm drink with milk and was traditionally given to babies as a first weening food as well as people in convalescence to build strength.

It provides a physical barrier to protect damaged skin and for the digestive tract so that healing can occur underneath. It will also coat the throat to calm soreness and reduce an irritating cough, as well as the irritation caused by reflux.

It only has a small harvest window where the samaras are fresh and young. Often they can be spotted dotting a path after high winds. Branches are not always low enough to reach and some samaras can be seedless, (apparently, though I’ve always had seeds). Good luck finding some!

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It tastes strong. Resinous, floral, sweet, bitter... it’s like a tea cocktail. It’s no wonder that it’s medicine is as versatile as a whole medicine chest!

It has actions upon all systems of the body. For the digestive system it stimulates the release of digestive juices, eases cramps and wind, is anti-inflammatory and helps heal wounds. It is a similar story for the urinary system. As a diuretic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, healer and pain-reliever it will treat bladder infections. The pain-relieving quality can also treat headaches and joint pain and inflammation.

It boosts the immune system in a number of ways as well as directly reducing viral, bacterial and fungal load. It is mildly sedating so useful for anxiety and insomnia, as well as for supporting proper rest in colds and ‘flu. For the respiratory system it thins the mucous and prevents and treats infections. It is also effective for blood sugar management.

I see it as one of those cure-all herbs; if you don’t know what to reach for, have a bay leaf tea!

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CAUTION: Be sure of correct ID as some people confuse it with the unrelated and poisonous cherry laurel which has tall spikes of flowers rather than cluste

The colour of the flowers is owed to the carotenoid pigments including β-carotene which is among the strongest of antioxidants. Antioxidants combat the harmful effects of stress that cause premature aging to the skin and brain. Some carotenoids serve as the precursors of vitamin A, essential for the health of the eyes, skin and immune system.

Their tart flavour indicates vitamin C content. Interestingly, the medicine used by herbalists is extremely bitter owing to an alkaloid named berberine. This comes from the bark of its roots and stems, either ground into a yellow powder or tinctured into a yellow liquid medicine. Berberine is antibacterial and traditionally used to treat bacterial diarrhoea like dysentery which causes a diarrhoea and vomiting with painful gut inflammation and gripes.

As well as killing off the excess bacteria, the bitter principles improve the function of the gut via reflex action from the taste buds of the tongue direct to the liver, gall bladder, stomach pancreas and intestines. Improving the function of the liver means toxins, (such as dead bacteria), are cleared out more efficiently rather than left circulating contributing to the unpleasant symptoms.

The powder is sold in India for blood sugar control in Type 2 Diabetes in a similar way to Metformin. The berries are also edible and used in jam making. They look a bit like clusters of small blueberries and are very delicious, if like me, you like tart berries. The blue/black colour is caused by the anthocyanins, and like the orange carotenoids are also very strong antioxidants.

I put a tablespoon of blossoms in my teacup as they make a very mild flavour tea. I enjoyed drinking and eating at the same time. If you have a bush near you, I recommend picking some to brighten up a salad dish.

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I took a couple of Norway maple flower clusters of with me and then found some sycamore flower panicles in the wood. The latter with leaves fully opened and the former without leaves, not yet emerged from their buds. Both smelling sweetly like quality local honey!

I sat on a narrow path between masses of scented bluebells, beneath a bare tree canopy and enveloped by the sweet morning song of birds so happy to wake up in spring. I began the day immersed in nature, such pure sweet medicine in itself, before I even made my tea!

Maple is of course known for its sweet syrup that’s made from condensed tree sap. The scent of the flowers is more distinctive than the tea which is super mild. It’s one of those that offers its pleasure through beauty in the cup and on nibbling them as they reach the mouth. There is a short burst of sweetness initially when munching the crisp blossoms which then offers some very mild astringency.

It is a gently drying and cooling plant traditionally used for calming fevers, inflammation and sores. The syrup can be added to water as an alternative to a sports drink as it contains many vitamins and minerals to replenish glucose and electrolytes.

Taking tea in the woods with maple today was a beautiful way to start my day!

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This tea break was in my local park which has two huge poplar trees, one male and one female. The male has just dropped a carpet of long red catkins which will have pollinated the female catkins that will continue to grow, swelling into little buds of cotton fluff. These pop open in the summer to release little white seed fairies that float about in the air much like tiny dandelion clocks. Interestingly the female is already in full open leaf.

On a warm sunny day with a breeze it is easy to spot a poplar by nose as the scent carries quite some distance, especially when the sticky resinous buds are in abundance. I picked about 7 for my cup which opened out into a tulip flower shape when I poured the hot water on them; golden with red edging. The resin is sticky and leaves bright yellow spots on the teacup. It is collected by bees to make propolis.

Resin is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing. The buds have traditionally been used to make Balm of Gilead; a warming chest rub for congestive coughs. Poplars are in the willow family and contain salicylic acid, the precursor of aspirin. This offers a mild pain relieving and temperature lowering action especially helpful in colds and ‘flu.

Poplar bud tea is my absolute favourite with a floral caramel-like taste. It was well worth meeting in the rain. Even more so with a little blackbird singing happily in the tree top!

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The floral scent was detectable in my cup as I brought it to my nose, but had not yet infused the air as it will a little later on. Often I have turned my head towards the scent when walking, smelling them before my eyes have spotted them nestled shyly at the verge.

Violets are shade loving and will often be found under trees. They are a cooling remedy used to ease hot conditions such as tonsilitis. It was once used widely as a children’s cough syrup that was naturally blue from its anthocyanin pigment. One of the delights of taking tea with violets is the swirly release of the dye into the water Like a beautiful dance of indigo butterflies transforming my tea before my eyes!

These anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that reduce the harmful impact of free-radicals caused by stress thus reducing age-related degeneration. They have been used in creams to soothe irritated skin conditions. As a salicylic acid containing herb they can be used as a mild aspirin alternative to reduce a high temperature and relieve pain such as headaches. They also have a mild sedative action which aids sleep due to containing alkaloids in its chemical make-up.

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I love both the russet orange colour of the tea and its resinous scent. It has a full flavour which is sweet and floral with some slight bitterness from the tannins. The resin gives it its antiseptic quality and combined with its diuretic action makes it perfectly suitable to use in bladder infections. As a salicylic acid containing tree it can also be used as a milder aspirin substitute, effective for joint pain, headaches and fevers.

Bringing it to a simmer on the stove and leaving it covered overnight deepens the flavour and increases its cleansing action. It can be used as a spring tonic drunk cold in the morning, or re-warmed, to aid detoxification via the kidneys.

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AKA May flower tree. The appearance of the blossom signifies a move towards summer. They are used in Beltane/May Day celebrations to symbolize fertility, protection and renewal.

Hawthorn is seen as a magical tree, a gateway to the faerie world which is especially open at Beltane. The openness to spirit is an invitation that nourishes our own spirit. Softening, opening and heartening.

The warmth and abundance of summer can be felt when drinking hawthorn tea, and as we do so we relax and feel like celebrating.

Drinking a fresh cup is a very held experience that has a ratio of openness and protection that is balanced. This allows access to an abundance of love, both in giving and receiving, which allows us to thrive.

Read my short Hawthorn Tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

Hawthorn is seen as a magical tree, a gateway to the faerie world which is especially open at Beltane. The openness to spirit is an invitation that nourishes our own spirit. Softening, opening and heartening.

The warmth and abundance of summer can be felt when drinking hawthorn tea, and as we do so we relax and feel like celebrating.

ID features

As a member of the rose family, hawthorn is a typical example that has thorns and 5-petaled flowers. It can grow as a small tree or part of a hedge. The pink variety is grown as an ornamental.

The leaves are around 5cm when mature, with about 3-5 deep lobes, bright green when young, getting darker with age. New growth twigs sometimes have stipules where the leaves are attached. These are small leaflike structures that kind of wrap around the twig. I didn’t notice them for years.

The twigs are slim and brown, sometimes reddish when exposed to the sun. Some twigs end in a sharp thorn, often around 2cm, sometimes as long as up to 8 cm! Thorns can also be present at each leaf bud along a branch.

The flowers are creamy white and grow in clusters, each one from its own stalk originating from the same bud. Each flower has a central stigma, (female part), which is yellow, and a ring around it of about 10-20 male stamen with anthers that sometimes have pink pollen. They are aromatic.

Medicinal uses

Hawthorn is known by herbalist as the “Nurse of the Heart”. It nourishes both physically and emotionally. As a cardiovascular tonic it enhances the function of both the heart and the blood vessels. It does this by opening up the aorta essentially feeding the heart muscle with all the nutrients and oxygen it needs for optimum function.

The result is a stronger force of contraction, which means more blood can be sent out to the body with each pump, thereby reducing the heartrate.

In addition to lowering the heartrate, it is also hypertensive, lowering high blood pressure. It does this by relaxing the vessels. However, it also has a tonic effect by strengthening the vessel walls. This means it is a balancer, toning and strengthening when lax, and relaxing when tense.

Additionally, it has a very high antioxidant action because of its flavonoids content, (OPCs: oligomeric proanthocyanidins, quercetin and other polyphenols). Hawthorn is non-toxic and safe even for the elderly and is especially good for long term use. It is a wonderful way to reduce age-related degenerative disease and to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Drinking a cup of hawthorn tea is a very held experience with a ratio of openness and protection that is balanced. This allows access to an abundance of love, both in giving and receiving which allows us to thrive.

How to make a cuppa

I put in 4 clusters of flowers with their leaves.

Taste

I found it green and soothing. A little sweet and a little nutty. Perhaps a little apple-like. Munching on the remains of my tea was pretty mucilaginous.

You may have heard of it referred to as “bread & cheese”, which relates to it being seen by peasant folk as a meal in one, the bread being the leaves and the cheese being the flowers.

Cautions

If you are taking other heart medications, consult a medical herbalist before taking hawthorn. It is best to take it under supervision as your need for the conventional drugs may change.

For those Local to me:

You can book me to host a herb walk either one-to-one, with a friend or as a group, (up to 20 participants max.) £10pp for group, or £30 single/in a pair. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. Contact to arrange date and time. Locations in and around the Bristol and North Somerset area.

sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

When I was studying my herbal medicine degree in London, I used to walk through Highgate Park every morning. I would stop at a tree with fairy-wing leaves and wonder what it could be.

Meanwhile at uni I was learning about the wonders of the ginkgo tree, wondering if I would ever meet one. It took me a while to marry up that they were one and the same.

Another name is maidenhair tree, but I’ll always think of it as fair-wing tree!

Read my short Ginkgo Tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

Meanwhile at uni I was learning about the wonders of the ginkgo tree, wondering if I would ever meet one. It took me a while to marry up that they were one and the same.

Another name is maidenhair tree, but I’ll always think of it as fair-wing tree!

ID features

To me the leaves look like little fairy-wings on long stalks. They are fan-like with veins running straight from the stalk to the top edge. Some of them have a central notch making two lobes. They grow in clusters from short stubby twigs that look like mini stacks of pancakes.

The tree I harvested from is female and I could see quite a few fruits starting to form within each leaf cluster. Some will mature to about the size of a damson and turn the colour of custard. They have an unpleasant scent are very squashy and inedible.

They are very resistant to pollution and so are being planted more and more in cities. Most trees planted in urban areas are male to avoid the smell of the fruit.

The trees grow quite tall and slim with erratic branching. Older trees widen a little at the top.

During autumn, the leaves turn a similar custard colour to the fruit. They are known to create a bright skirt surrounding the tree by dropping its leaves in one go.

Medicinal uses

Ginkgo is known for its benefits to brain health. It is a cognitive enhancer that improves thinking, learning and memory. This makes everyday life easier and evens out the mood.

It works by widening the blood vessels to allow more oxygen and nutrients to the brain, as well as providing high antioxidant action from its high degree of flavonoids.

This high antioxidation is thought to be part of the mechanism that serves to protect the nerves, including the brain. It is widely taken to prevent and stop progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s. It is also protective to the blood vessels and heart muscle and is used in the treatment of tinnitus.

The dried leaves are believed to be most potent, and modern research has centred on using standardized extracts of the powder. It is one of the most widely purchased of herbal remedies.

In China the seeds are used in culinary dishes.

How to make a cuppa

I picked about 10 young leaves including stalk for my teacup. I broke them up and left a couple of small ones whole to look like fairy wings.

Taste

I find them satisfying to munch on. To me they are a little citrusy.

Cautions

Avoid if taking blood thinners as they may potentiate the effects.

For those Local to me:

You can book me to host a herb walk either one-to-one, with a friend or as a group, (up to 20 participants max.) £10pp for group, or £30 single/in a pair. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. Contact to arrange date and time. Locations in and around the Bristol and North Somerset area.

sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Isn’t it funny that sometimes when we look for something, we cannot find it. Yet, when we stop looking, the thing appears, as if it had been hiding, playing a game. This happens to me with yarrow. It hides in the grass, rarely getting to flower due to frequent cutting.

When I find a good patch, I love to stroke it, like moss, or my cat Mossy. It’s a bit like Earth fur. I like finding Earth fur.

Read my short Yarrow Tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

When I find a good patch, I love to stroke it, like moss, or my cat Mossy. It’s a bit like Earth fur. I like finding Earth fur.

ID features

When hiding in the grass it is tiny, (2cm), up to 20cm. However, if left to flower it will reach around knee high or even up to a meter.

It has very feathery leaves, its Latin name, millefolium, means “many leaves”. The leaves cover almost the entire length of the stem. They grow facing one direction, with a hairy backside and glossier front. They are deeply lobed.

When young, each stem is just its own piece, with no branching. When mature, the stem has a number of these long individual stems and leaves which grow around the stem at an even distribution.

The flowers are white and grow in clusters at the top. They are particularly aromatic when crushed.

Medicinal uses

You may know yarrow as one of the field remedies to stop bleeding. It is frequently employed in tea mixes to reduce excessive menstrual bleeding. It is a styptic so will contract the little capillaries enough to staunch bleeding.

When taken over time, it strengthens and tones the tissues of the pelvic organs which has a regulating effect on the period. It will also bring on a bleed that is slow to start due to congestion, relieving any associated pain as the flow is encouraged.

Yarrow has a strengthening effect on the blood vessels by toning their inner wall. At the same time, or where needed, it relaxes the smooth muscle layer of the blood vessels. This means it will tone in cases of lax varicose veins and relax in the case of high blood pressure, (hyper-tension). So, it has a normalising action.

As a peripheral dilator, yarrow is used well for bringing down fevers. As the blood vessels dilate, they become closer to the surface of the skin which has an overall cooling effect by encouraging sweating.

Additionally, yarrow is a bitter herb, particularly when including the flowers. It shares some of the soothing digestive healing qualities of chamomile.

How to make a cuppa

I picked about 6 leaves and cut them up for my teacup. When the flowers are out in the summer, I would add those as well.

Taste

Today I found the taste very mild. Fresh and green. It was only on munching the remains of my tea that I could detect any bitterness. If I’d have had flowers, I think it would have tasted stronger. I imagine it may also be stronger after a sunny period and in more mature plants.

Cautions

Do not drink if pregnant as it is a herb that can induce menstrual bleeding.

For those Local to me:

You can book me to host a herb walk either one-to-one, with a friend or as a group, (up to 20 participants max.) £10pp for group, or £30 single/in a pair. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. Contact to arrange date and time. Locations in and around the Bristol and North Somerset area.

sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

My housing estate stands on an old fruit research station that was run by Bristol University for exactly 100 years until its closure in 2003. The streets names include brambly, perry and blackcurrant.

There are a few trees remaining, including a row of pear trees from which the first Babycham was created. There are a row of hornbeams and a couple of walnut trees and a very tall Dawn Redwood. Sadly, no blackcurrants are left from the first Ribena farm, (though I have planted some).

The smaller of the walnuts grows at what would have been the old gateway. It’s on the corner of Wild Country Lane and on a popular cycle route. I found myself behind the old metal railing, looking a little shifty, and in absolute awe of the beauty of the newly opening leaf buds.

They are very photogenic and would make lovely models for artists who enjoy drawing nature.

Read my short Walnut Leaf Tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

My housing estate stands on an old fruit research station that was run by Bristol University for exactly 100 years until its closure in 2003. The streets names include brambly, perry and blackcurrant.

There are a few trees remaining, including a row of pear trees from which the first Babycham was created. There are a row of hornbeams and a couple of walnut trees and a very tall Dawn Redwood. Sadly, no blackcurrants are left from the first Ribena farm, (though I have planted some).

The smaller of the walnuts grows at what would have been the old gateway. It’s on the corner of Wild Country Lane and on a popular cycle route. I found myself behind the old metal railing, looking a little shifty, and in absolute awe of the beauty of the newly opening leaf buds.

They are very photogenic and would make lovely models for artists who enjoy drawing nature.

ID features

Walnut leaf buds are black before they open. Then folded red leaves emerge with prominent green veins. I love the early days of leaves opening. The way they resemble closed fans which gradually fan out and flatten entirely. Its easy to observe each stage by looking at different branches. I think these look like hands in a kind of cupped prayer form.

About 4-5 leaf stalks and associated leaves arise out of one leaf bud. The leaf bud scales, which have opened to release the leaf clusters, peel back in a curl which looks so elegant, I can imagine it as a piece of iron work.

Each bud opens out into 8 leaves with small hairs. Eventually the leaves will become longer than my hand. The red colour is temporary, only around in the early days, before they turn green.

Male catkins are huge! The biggest I’ve seen on any tree, (longer than finger length). Long and broad with many stamens and pollen. They are stubby at first then elongate when mature. I picked off some of the individual flowers and noticed that they are flower shape. Light green with black anthers.

The female flowers were harder to spot. They are tiny and very discrete. I found a cluster of 3 which will turn into walnuts. I could just about make out the round shape beginning to form.

New branches are reddish and the bark is smooth and grey.

Medicinal uses

Walnut leaf, hull and bark was once a very important treatment for intestinal worms. Before the advent of synthetic anthelmintics, (agents that kill parasitic worms), there was a huge industry processing plants to keep human gut worms at bay.

Both walnut and wormwood were big players and are still combined today for a natural treatment option.

Incidentally, there is huge resistance to the synthetic drugs occurring due to vast overuse in the farming industry. It may be that we may see a return to our plant allies for support in this issue.

The main active chemical is juglone, and is active against parasitic worm infestations, bacterial overgrowths, and fungal infections.

It is also a bitter astringent which further supports digestive health.

The flavones and vitamin C contribute to its high antioxidant action.

It is also antiseptic and anti-inflammatory to aid in skin issues like eczema when used topically.

How to make a cuppa

I used too many leaves and made a cup that was very strong. I thought because they were so small, I’d need quite a few. Not true! I picked 4 leaf clusters and only needed one. I ended up pouring it into my flask to dilute further when I got home.

Usually, when fully mature, I use just one large leaf which is just right for my taste.

Taste

It smelled antiseptic and felt like pepper in the back of my throat. Pungent. It is an aromatic leaf which has citrus and floral notes. Usually, it is one of my favourites. A little bitter and astringent. Slightly like green tea.

I think they are so strong because they are only just out of bud. I will wait a month or two before harvesting again.

Cautions

Juglone is toxic in large amounts, so SHORT TERM USE ONLY!

3 weeks on, then take a break.

DO NOT TAKE IN PREGNANCY!

For those Local to me:

You can book me to host a herb walk either one-to-one, with a friend or as a group, (up to 20 participants max.) £10pp for group, or £30 single/in a pair. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. Contact to arrange date and time. Locations in and around the Bristol and North Somerset area.

sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

https://offthebeatentrackinsomerset.blogspot.com/2021/06/long-ashton-research-station.html

I caught the tail end of the morning birdsong today. Walking through the little wood, along a stream, across a wooden bridge and into a meadow. I found goat willow dotted all along the field margin right beside the stream.

With my little harvest I walked back over the bridge and into the little wood. I wandered some narrow mud paths winding between the trees. I knew when I’d found my tea spot. Secluded, dappled sunlight, prominent birdsong.

Perfect for a little nature bathing moment!

Read my short Goat Willow Tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

With my little harvest I walked back over the bridge and into the little wood. I wandered some narrow mud paths winding between the trees. I knew when I’d found my tea spot. Secluded, dappled sunlight, prominent birdsong.

Perfect for a little nature bathing moment!

ID features

Goat willow is also known as pussy willow because of the incredibly soft grey catkins when they first appear. Most of these have fallen off now, and the ones that remain have numerous stamens sticking out with yellow pollen stuck to each tip. These are the male catkins.

Female catkins are green and stick up. They grow on separate trees and look spikey but are soft. When their spikes open, they release cotton fluff, or willow fairies, as I like to call them. You may have seen them flying through the air recently. Like miniature dandelion clocks.

The new growth twigs are bright green and very flexible, (used for weaving). The leaves are very new as they appeared after the catkins. They are still soft with downy white hairs on the underside. Goat willow does not have long lance-like leaves like weeping willow or white willow. They are more oval and grow in clusters.

Medicinal uses

All willow trees contain salicylates. One of these is a glycoside called salicin which gets converted by the body into salicylic acid. This is the precursor to aspirin and so shares the same but milder effects. It was first isolated from meadowsweet.

Willow will ease pain, inflammation and fever and can be used as you would use aspirin.

It will reduce headache, body aches and pains, backpain, arthritis and period pains. It is a go to remedy for feverish colds and flu with body aches and head pain.

It is also astringent so will reduce blood and fluid loss.

Although willow is always referred to in terms of its salicin content, its effects are believed to be a combination of salicylates and flavonoids.

A nod towards the benefits of taking whole plant medicines instead of isolated chemical drugs. Aspirin overuse causes stomach ulcers which are responsible for a high number of deaths. Willow does not have this awful side-effect because the salicin is converted further down in the gut where it is no longer an issue to the tissue.

How to make a cuppa

I wanted to try the leaves today so picked the clusters of fresh new growth.

Sitting with my little willow harvest brought back memories of drinking the fresh bark tea last year as part of the quest. I remembered how therapeutic it was processing it and the amazing colour of the tea once I had brewed it for a while in my flask.

I used my knife to cut a vertical slit down the twig. I was then easy to pull off. I then peeled the inner bark out from the middle and ripped it into strips. I cut them into lengths of about 1 inch and popped them into my flask.

Taste

The taste of the leaves was very fresh and green, mild flavour and mild astringency. The colour was a light greeny yellow.

The colour of the inner bark tea was very exciting. It turned my tea bright red! As though I’d used a berry teabag. I can only assume it was a combination of the tannins and flavonoids.

Cautions

Do not take if you are allergic to aspirin.

For those Local to me:

You can book me to host a herb walk either one-to-one, with a friend or as a group, (up to 20 participants max.) £10pp for group, or £30 single/in a pair. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. Contact to arrange date and time. Locations in and around the Bristol and North Somerset area.

sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This one was discovered by Darwin in South America, hence the Latin name.

It’s a close relative of mahonia, the one that has bright yellow aromatic winter blossoms.

Discovering sour tasting medicinal plants always puts a sparkly in my eye, and since learning I could eat barberry flowers, I munch on them as I pass by. I’ve had a love of sour foods since my childhood and was even happy to eat a whole lemon as if it was an orange!

Read my short Darwin's barberry blossom Tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

This one was discovered by Darwin in South America, hence the Latin name.

It’s a close relative of mahonia, the one that has bright yellow aromatic winter blossoms.

Discovering sour tasting medicinal plants always puts a sparkly in my eye, and since learning I could eat barberry flowers, I munch on them as I pass by. I’ve had a love of sour foods since my childhood and was even happy to eat a whole lemon as if it was an orange!

ID features

Barberry is an evergreen thorny shrub that I found growing in a hedge along the edge of our local playing field.

It has bright orange-yellow flowers that grow in clusters on maroon stems. They contrast beautifully with the dark green foliage, which I think look like mini holly leaves in this variety.

The leaves grow in clusters of about 3-5 direct on the stem without any stalks. At the base of each leaf cluster are 3-4 very sharp small brown spikes. The leaves all tend to face the same direction, and the new growth is red.

When the fruit fully ripen, they are the colour of dusty blueberries, smaller and just as round.

Medicinal uses

Barberry tincture used by herbalists is made by soaking the bark of the root or stem in alcohol for a few weeks and then straining. The root bark is stronger but will reduce the plant growth and so stem bark is preferable if we want the shrub to persist.

The main active chemical in berberis is berberine. This is a very bitter yellow alkaloid. It is also antimicrobial, active against bacterial infections of the gut. In India it has a long history of use treating dysentery. It will reduce fever and vomiting, as well as diarrhoea and inflammation. It not only reduces the bacterial load, but it also helps remove the toxins created by the dead and dying bacteria as well. (which contribute to the unpleasant symptoms).

Its bitterness stimulates digestion, including bile release and liver enhancement. Because of this, it will help clear excess hormones from the body to help clear the skin in cases of acne.

Modern research has discovered that berberine can be used in place of metformin in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. It improves cell responsiveness to insulin and so lowers blood sugar levels.

The berries are blue-black so contain high levels of anthocyanins, well known for their powerful antioxidant effects. This is particularly helpful in reducing age-related degeneration, well documented in relation to the cardiovascular system, skin and brain.

They are tart, owing to the fact that they contain high levels of vitamin C. Also packaged in these little berries are zinc and other minerals that together give a boost to the immune system. Additionally, they contain about 15% RDA of iron.

I can only assume that the flowers share some of this make-up, as they also share the tart flavour.

How to make a cuppa

Both the flowers and the berries are edible either raw or cooked. I picked about 2 heaped teaspoonfuls of flowers and flower buds. I of course munched on them as I was going and when the tea was done!

Taste

The flowers have a tart sour taste, with some slight bitterness and slight sweetness.

Cautions

Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding

Beware of the spikes when harvesting.

If you take important prescription medicine, be aware that berberine will increase clearance of drugs by improving liver action.

For those Local to me:

You can book me to host a herb walk either one-to-one, with a friend or as a group, (up to 20 participants max.) £10pp for group, or £30 single/in a pair. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. Contact to arrange date and time. Locations in and around the Bristol and North Somerset area.

sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

I purposely sought out a haven for wildlife today. I wanted to be held by the peaceful serenity of a place little touched by human hands.

I arrived to rabbits in a thicket, a bright green woodpecker that few up to a tree, a slick red fox and a very confident dear.

All in the space of a 1 hr round trip from my home. Making it the perfect tea break to lift the spirits.

Needless to say, on my walk home I had quite the joyful spring in my step!

Read my short Ground Ivy Tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

I arrived to rabbits in a thicket, a bright green woodpecker that few up to a tree, a slick red fox and a very confident dear.

All in the space of a 1 hr round trip from my home. Making it the perfect tea break to lift the spirits.

Needless to say, on my walk home I had quite the joyful spring in my step!

ID features

As a mint family plant, ground ivy has a square stem and irregular trumpet-like flowers. There are hairs on the leaves and stem, and bare stem between each leaf and flower whirl.

It grows upright in clusters, and it spreads well enough to upset gardeners who like to weed out weeds. It often grows in shade with partial sun and the ones I found were poking up through long grass at the edge of a thicket.

The leaves are kind of ivy-shaped, a bit like a heart and slightly kidney-shaped. They have a scalloped edge and grow in opposite pairs. They can be reddish purplish at the top of the plant.

The flowers are purple and grow out of the leaf axils in clusters of 2-4. When they drop off, they leave a trumpet shaped green calyx. As the plant matures, empty calyxes are near the bottom half of the stem and the flowers are close to the top.

Medicinal uses

The bitterness and essential oils stimulate the digestive organs and relieve trapped wind, whilst the astringency encourages tissue healing.

The plant has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving actions.

It is most well known for its success in treating head colds. Congestion in the sinuses causes inflammation and pain from the pressure against the sinus cavity walls. As an anticatarrhal it reduces secretions, as well as encouraging drainage. This means it can ease the symptoms of sinusitis, and associated head pain and tinnitus.

How to make a cuppa

I picked about 5 or 6 stems, including leaves and flowers. The general recommended medicinal dose is 2 tsps. per cup. I cut it up with scissors and bruised it a little.

Taste

The aroma is released on rubbing and as soon as the water is poured on. It is quite a pungent herb. I never feel my words are adequate when trying to describe the taste of ground ivy. It’s clearly bitter and aromatic and has a kind of earthy mushroom-like taste. Perhaps a little like sage, and also of an old outdoor fire perhaps.

Cautions

It is advised to avoid long term use as there is a risk of liver toxicity from the pulegone. Use it only for as long as you have acute symptoms, or as a one off for nature connection and investigative purposes like me.

Do not take if you are pregnant.

For those Local to me:

You can book me to host a herb walk either one-to-one, with a friend or as a group, (up to 20 participants max.) £10pp for group, or £30 single/in a pair. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. Contact to arrange date and time. Locations in and around the Bristol and North Somerset area.

sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Perhaps a more accurate description of this type of sit spot is “in the bushes”.

So, this morning I was in the bushes again. Taking my tea with herb Robert, a very dear old friend of mine.

We both sat among the bluebells beside the flowing stream, listening to the birds and the breeze in the leaves.

Read my short Herb Robert Tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

Perhaps a more accurate description of this type of sit spot is “in the bushes”.

So, this morning I was in the bushes again. Taking my tea with herb Robert, a very dear old friend of mine.

We both sat among the bluebells beside the flowing stream, listening to the birds and the breeze in the leaves.

ID features

The flowers grow in pairs with 5 pink petals which have white lines and orange stamen. The seed pod develops into a long point which resembles a beak and inspired its other name of cranesbill.

The leaves are divided into 3 stalked lobes, which are deeply lobed and toothed, a little like cow parsley and fern, except they have little hairs on them, and are much lower are smaller.

The stem is also hairy and arises out of a basal rosette, which when open to the sun turns a distinctive red. The leaves also turn red in the presence of plenty of sunshine, however, the plant prefers damp shaded areas. It is a prolific weed that spreads by popping out its 5 seeds in 5 directions. They can also put down runners which further increases their coverage.

Medicinal uses

The traditional use of herb Robert has been as a tissue healer, especially for slow healing wounds, both internally and externally. It contains tannins which make it astringent, and is antioxidant, both of which create an anti-inflammatory action.

It has also traditionally been used for the bladder as it is slightly diuretic and also antimicrobial. Traditional usage also points to its use in throat issues and rheumatic pain.

Modern research has discovered a very impressive oxygenation action. It contains a substance called germanium which acts as an oxygen carrier. This improves the oxygen status of the cells meaning that cellular respiration is improved and hence greater energy production. In fact, all metabolic processes requiring oxygen will benefit, including general repair.

Lack of oxygen is implicated in pain and inflammatory states, as well as cancer. Evidence supports that cells cannot turn cancerous in the presence of oxygen. The combination of actions provided by this plant, including its nutritive profile, offer a natural form of health promotion.

How to make a cuppa

Use leaves, stalks and flowers, about 5 pieces each per cup.

Taste

Like geranium, (if you know what that is like!). Some liken it to burned rubber. I detected a mineral/metal taste and perhaps a sourish taste, confirming to me that it is indeed rich in vitamins and minerals.

For those Local to me:

You can book me to host a herb walk either one-to-one, with a friend or as a group, (up to 20 participants max.) £10pp for group, or £30 single/in a pair. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. Contact to arrange date and time. Locations in and around the Bristol and North Somerset area.

sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

My quest is something I like to fit into my everyday life. This means that I take tea with local herbs I can meet within a 20-minute walk or cycle. I like my medicines to be natural, free and right on my doorstep.

Borage is not native and so wherever it is found in the wild it will most likely be a garden escapee. This makes it a rarer find, and its flowers are blue stars! How could I resist?

Read my short Borage flower tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

Borage is not native and so wherever it is found in the wild it will most likely be a garden escapee. This makes it a rarer find, and its flowers are blue stars! How could I resist?

ID features

The most distinctive feature of borage is its blue star-shaped flowers. They are 5-pointed, with a red 5-pointed calyx which places a sepal between every petal. Within the blue star is a smaller white star with rounded tips, and within this is the male anthers which point together to create a longish black cone. Around this cone are some smaller purple points that merge out of the white portion. Some of the flowers have pink areas or are entirely pink.

It is an extremely hairy plant with coarse white hairs covering the stem, leaves, flower stalks and calyx. The flower stalk and calyx are red so contrast well with the blue flowers. When the flowers drop off, the calyx closes for the seeds to develop. It then looks like a flower bud again.

The leaves alternate on the stem, are rough, oval shaped, deeply veined, and smaller and less numerous than on comfrey, (of which it is a close relative). The flower buds grow out of the leaf base.

Medicinal uses

Borage is commercially grown for its seeds to produce a supplement which is known as starflower oil. It is often combined with evening primrose oil and blackcurrant seed oil and taken to treat PMT, (premenstrual tension). The oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, especially GLA, (gamma-linolenic acid), which is known for its anti-inflammatory action.

An infusion, (tea), of the leaves can be used both internally and externally as a demulcent to protect sore vulnerable surfaces. As a relative of comfrey, it shares some chemicals and characteristics that stimulate tissue regeneration that comfrey is well known for.

As a saponin containing plant it can be used as an expectorant for productive coughs, particularly helpful in hot conditions, as it is a cooling remedy.

Soldiers would take “Borage for Courage”, and it has also been used for melancholic states to sooth the nervous system and uplift the mood.

However, it is now most well known by modern herbalists as being an adrenal gland restorative. The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys and are responsible for mounting an adequate stress response. They produce hormones like cortisol, adrenalin and androgens. When the body is placed under long-term sustained stress, the adrenal gland run out of resources to create the necessary hormones. This can cause disruption to normal functioning and is characterized by exhaustion.

Borage has an affinity for the adrenal glands, feeding them to restore their capacity and proper functioning. Nettle seeds can also help with this, as well as liquorice.

How to make a cuppa

I picked off a few flowers, some with the red calyxes and some without. The calyx quickly lost its red colour and became green in the water. The blue flowers remained blue, and the water hardly changed, perhaps a little yellowish.

I could have added the leaves but didn’t have my scissors and they are bristly and can cause irritation when picked.

Taste

It was a very mild tea, tasting ever so slightly of cucumber and watermelon, just like comfrey does. I didn’t notice the water turning mucilaginous; there was no silky texture to the tea, however, on eating the flowers this quality was detected.

Eating the flowers also had a slight sweetness to them. I did not detect a scent.

Cautions

Due to the plant containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids, it is advised to avoid long-term consumption in order to avoid liver damage. However, the alkaloids are not well extracted in water like they are in alcoholic tinctures and a herbalist would prescribe borage along with a liver protecting herb like milk thistle or artichoke.

Avoid in cases of liver disease, pregnancy and lactation. Especially in tincture form.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Spending time in this beautiful garden helped to regulate my nervous system with all I was learning and releasing. It listened to the birdsong and studied the trees intently. I saw how resilient they are, continuing to flourish year after year. I saw their individual beauty, and how they related to each other.

Recognised that, even though genetically an elm will always be an elm, no one tree expresses itself in the same way. Many environmental factors influence how much space it can take up, which way it can grow, and how much it’s supported by those around it.

There were trees with blemishes and scars, some with tremendous losses. And yet they kept on flourishing year after year. They had recovered from adversity and their individual expression told a story. A story of their life, their perspective, their place in this world.

Sitting with wych elm reminds me of the power of nature to hold and heal. This is how it is for me. I have learned so much from immersing myself in nature.

Read my short Wych Elm Tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

I remember being on a compassionate connection healing retreat about a decade ago. This is when I first met wych elm. There was a beautiful white iron bench underneath the tree that had enough space to really spread its branches. I sat there for many a restorative pause and it was the seeds that caught my eyes as they were growing on low branches on this particular individual.

Spending time in this beautiful garden helped to regulate my nervous system with all I was learning and releasing. It listened to the birdsong and studied the trees intently. I saw how resilient they are, continuing to flourish year after year. I saw their individual beauty, and how they related to each other.

Recognised that, even though genetically an elm will always be an elm, no one tree expresses itself in the same way. Many environmental factors influence how much space it can take up, which way it can grow, and how much it’s supported by those around it.

There were trees with blemishes and scars, some with tremendous losses. And yet they kept on flourishing year after year. They had recovered from adversity and their individual expression told a story. A story of their life, their perspective, their place in this world.

Sitting with wych elm reminds me of the power of nature to hold and heal. This is how it is for me. I have learned so much from immersing myself in nature.

ID features

If you’re not familiar with elm leaves, they could be perhaps mistaken for hazel. Wych elm leaves are rough and have an asymmetric base with no stalk. They are toothed and pointed. Hazel leaves are much broader.

The fruit grows in bright green clusters, with around 3 clusters per small twig. Each fruit contains just one seed. The seed is in the centre of what is referred to as a wing, which is essentially two translucent layers stuck together to hold the seed in place.

The wings, (samara’s), are meant to aid their wind dispersal, however, I’ve only seen them get dropped in clusters directly below the tree. This is my main way of identifying wych elm in places I walk through all the seasons. The seed clusters carpet the floor after April winds.

Medicinal uses

You may have heard of slippery elm bark. It was once used as a baby weening food because it is nutritious and protects the gut lining. It is sold in health food shops.

It is a demulcent that can be used internally and externally. This means that it provides a protective layer on the gut mucosa, (skin of gut), which protects against further damage and allows for healing.

This protective layer is effective for soothing sore irritated throats, especially where there is a dry cough, and also reduces reflux.

Slippery elm bark is sold as a powder that can be made into a paste by adding some water. It soaks up the water and makes a jelly-like substance. This is what makes it so effective.

It also means that it can be used as a drawing paste for splinters.

How to make a cuppa

I didn’t harvest the inner bark but have bought it many times. We love it in our household and see it as a treat. It is yummy. My eldest is particularly partial to it, especially when made into a milky drink.

I picked 3 clusters of fruits for my teacup, each cluster bearing around 20 fruits. I also ate the remains of the tea after I’d finished drinking. The seeds contain protein and oils which there’s no point in wasting.

Taste

As a tea made with the fruits, it is clear that it is a mucilaginous plant. The tea is silky in the mouth and slightly sweet. The seeds taste like other fresh seeds do, similar to those of pumpkin; sweet and buttery.

I’d say this tea is more about the texture than the taste and it is a pleasant experience. They also make tasty foragers snacks.

Cautions

It is important to source slippery elm from sustainable sources, as commercial use has made it endangered in the wild where it has been wildcrafted without adequate consideration.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

I’m surprised how relaxed I felt having a cuppa with a rosemary and a red telephone box on the main road through my little village. It is Sunday morning though, and Easter, so I suspect most are still in bed.

I like that while the world is waking, I’m having my morning cuppa out with the birds and bees!

And rosemary certainly is abundantly flowering right now which attracted a bee or two even at this early hour.

Read my short Rosemary Tea article, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

I’m surprised how relaxed I felt having a cuppa with a rosemary and a red telephone box on the main road through my little village. It is Sunday morning though, and Easter, so I suspect most are still in bed.

I like that while the world is waking, I’m having my morning cuppa out with the birds and bees!

And rosemary certainly is abundantly flowering right now which attracted a bee or two even at this early hour.

ID features

An aromatic evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and purple flowers. The flowers are typical mint-family shaped and to me looked like Georgian women in pretty frocks.

When the flowers drop out it leaves a calyx that looks like a baby bird with its beak open waiting for food from its mama. A cluster of them is like a little nest full.

Medicinal uses

Rosemary is combined with meat dishes because it helps us to digest heavy meals. The bitterness stimulates the liver and digestive organs to release their juices in readiness to receive the food.

The essential oils ease out any abdominal cramps or spasms, which also works to release trapped wind. They oils and resins give it an antiseptic quality which prevents and treats infections.

For the respiratory system it works like thyme for thinning mucous and aiding expulsion in congestive coughs.

Many people have heard the saying, “Rosemary for Remembrance” and this relates to it improving the blood circulation to the brain. This means that it will improve mood, memory and learning.

It is also helpful in reducing anxiety, pain and inflammation, and can be used for headaches and migraines. For myalgia and neuralgia, (muscle and nerve pain), it works well as a topical application.

Rosemary covers so many bases that it was my one herb I packed when I went travelling.

How to make a cuppa

I cut off about a 5cm tip including leaves and flowers for my cup. I didn’t need to cut them up. In fact, it’s best to leave them whole if you are not straining because the leaves can get stuck in your throat.

I plucked off lots of extra flowers because I love flowers in my tea. Some went brown, but some went a pale blue.

Sometimes my rosemary tea turns the water red. I haven’t worked out why yet.

Taste

Rosemary, including the flowers, tastes very bitter, resinous and aromatic.

Cautions

Do not take rosemary medicinally if you are pregnant.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Plantago is a common weed that grows abundantly all around. It is one I dissected as a child, pulling out the fleshy parts of the leaf from between its veins. The veins are very stringy and can be made into a mini guitar with some careful action of the fingernails!

Its familiarity can mean it gets overlooked, though I do like the way it stands tall and proud, especially with the seed heads. These seed heads make a great game if you wind the stalk around itself and use it to flick off and propel the head at targets. Like the bellybutton of a sleeping parent. Such giggly fun!

Read my short Narrowleaf plantain Tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

Its familiarity can mean it gets overlooked, though I do like the way it stands tall and proud, especially with the seed heads. These seed heads make a great game if you wind the stalk around itself and use it to flick off and propel the head at targets. Like the bellybutton of a sleeping parent. Such giggly fun!

ID features

Narrowleaf plantain is long and pointed like a lance, which is referenced in its Latin name. The veins grow in parallel straight lines from stalk base to very near the tip.

It grows in a basal rosette where the flower stalk also originates. The flower stalks are long, firm and furrowed, often exceeding the leaves in height. The head is small brown and stubby with a ring of white stamen when in full bloom.

When the tiny seeds form, they are arranged in a similar way to catkins, and contain as many as 200 seeds per head. These seeds are known as psyllium, the husks of which are used as a fibre source. Psyllium husks are a big industry from Indian plantain.

Medicinal uses

Plantago leaf is a great tissue healer that works via a symphony of actions. It is astringent which means it tightens tissue to aid healing. It is also anti-inflammatory.

It provides a drying action that works to reduce secretions such as in sinusitis and rhinitis, so can be another ingredient in hay fever tea. It also offers a protective layer of mucilage that soothes the tissue and gives it the time it needs to heal.

On top of all of that it is antiseptic will prevent wounds getting infected AND stimulates new cell growth to really speed up the healing process.

This means it lends itself well to chronic inflammatory conditions of the gut, and interestingly, the respiratory tract as well, (both upper and lower). It can be used to soothe a cough and as a gently expectorant will aid the removal, as well as reduction of phlegm.

The psyllium husks swell in water like chia seeds. When taken with a lot of water they bulk up the stools and encourage a speedier transit time to treat constipation. The gel-like substance also draws in toxins from the gut so that they can be expelled from the body.

When the seeds are taken with a small amount of water, they can be used to treat functional diarrhoea. This is because it absorbs the water in the gut and creates a firmer stool. This treatment should only be used short-term because it is habit forming.

How to make a cuppa

I cut up a few leaves which amounted to about 2 teaspoons in my teacup. It quickly turned the water green. If you have a good juicer, I recommend you try this as you would a wheatgrass shot.

Taste

I think grass. Freshly mown. On chewing I could detect the sweet polysaccharides, and also some mild bitterness.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

I suspect that if it had been a hot day, given the amount of blossom on it, this tree would have been buzzing. As it turned out, it was me that ended up buzzing! All from the excitement of meeting a new friend.

I got to know bay first by tasting its flowers, then the short-brewed and long-brewed tea, and finally by inspecting the flowers more closely.

It was not only the joy of a chance encounter, but also the depth of interest that it inspired in me. My tastebuds were well and truly tickled!

What a delightful wild tea break.

Read my short Bay leaf Tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

I got to know bay first by tasting its flowers, then the short-brewed and long-brewed tea, and finally by inspecting the flowers more closely.

It was not only the joy of a chance encounter, but also the depth of interest that it inspired in me. My tastebuds were well and truly tickled!

What a delightful wild tea break.

ID features

Bay leaves are smooth and dark green, pointed and too tough to chew. About 6 long leaves point out from a central point where the flowers blossom.

The yellowish flowers have 4 tepals, (indistinct petals/sepals), and 8-12 stamen each with 2 prongs and attached pollen. The tepals are a much paler yellow than the stamen and pollen.

5 flowers grow from one small stem beside a number of other flower clusters, which together form one large central cluster at the base of 6 leaves, all at the end of a branch.

It can grow as a large shrub or a small scrawling tree with smooth dark brown bark. They make nice dens underneath when very large.

Medicinal uses

Bay is so well known as a culinary herb, I wonder why its not more widely known for its medicinal benefits which are numerous.

It has volatile oils that ease digestive cramps and trapped wind, and bitter principles that stimulate digestion. It is also astringent and anti-inflammatory which aids tissue healing.

The volatile oils also lend themselves well to treating coughs and colds. I guess the sedative action comes from its alkaloids. This means it slightly depresses the central nervous system making it of use in seizures, anxiety and sleep issues, as well as having a pain-relieving quality for arthritic conditions.

As an antimicrobial, it is effective against bacteria, virus and fungal infections, and stimulates the immune system in other ways.

It is diuretic so can help to treat urinary tract infections with its antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions.

Additionally, it improves the ability of insulin to breakdown glycogen into glucose for the cells, improving the picture for type-2 diabetes.

How to make a cuppa

I picked off most of the blossoms from one head of flowers, then cut the leaves into wide strips. At first it did not give off an aroma, then once the tea had developed for a white the scent and taste strengthened.

Taste

I initially thought it reminded me of thyme and rosemary as I drink a lot of these teas. Then it seemed more like eucalyptus and pine. Some say it has notes of black pepper and menthol. I’m not sure about the latter. It’s kind of like a bitter cough sweet. When I put it like that, it’s a wonder I like it so much!

I will definitely be having more bay leaf tea; it’s delicious!

The flowers were nice to much on too, with a bit of added sweetness.

Cautions

Avoid cutting the leaves too small if, like me, you rarely strain the tea. The leaves are tough and a choaking hazard, which is why they are removed from food before serving.

Do not drink it if you are pregnant, which is the same for thyme and rosemary.

It can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter which will exacerbate gastroesophageal reflux, (GERD).

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

I felt very peaceful today sitting with Veronic Speedwell. She is an old friend of mine that I often sat with as a child on sunny patches of grass close to my home.

Every time I picked her, she lost her pretty blue head, which taught me that flowers are far happier in their natural habitat. Hence my joining them for tea outdoors, instead of bringing them over to my place.

I think one of the reasons why I love blue flowers so much is because of this relationship forming at such a young age. They are also rarer, mostly a springtime blossom, which makes them feel special.

Blue flowers are often linked to positive emotions like tranquillity, peace and serenity. They are soothing like a clear blues sky and represent hope and faith.

The name speedwell refers to a time when travellers would see them at the roadside and believe them to be a lucky charm for safe travel. Apparently, they were even sewn into clothing for safe travel throughout life.

Read my short Speedwell Tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

Every time I picked her, she lost her pretty blue head, which taught me that flowers are far happier in their natural habitat. Hence my joining them for tea outdoors, instead of bringing them over to my place.

I think one of the reasons why I love blue flowers so much is because of this relationship forming at such a young age. They are also rarer, mostly a springtime blossom, which makes them feel special.

Blue flowers are often linked to positive emotions like tranquillity, peace and serenity. They are soothing like a clear blues sky and represent hope and faith.

The name speedwell refers to a time when travellers would see them at the roadside and believe them to be a lucky charm for safe travel. Apparently, they were even sewn into clothing for safe travel throughout life.

ID features

There are between 400 to 500 variations of speedwell. Looking at a few wildflower keys, I think I found Germander speedwell.

It has hairy, stemless leaves, with sky-blue flowers which have a white centre. The flowers grow in spikes, with about 2 flowering at once. After they drop off, they leave a 4-pointed calyx sticking out on a stalk. Flowers also have 4 petals, as well as purple lines from the centre and a few stamen.

The flower buds and stem are also hairy. Mine were growing in clusters in a grassy area, but mostly I see them dotted about in the field.

Medicinal uses

It is Veronica officinalis that was once used as an official medicine of the British Pharmacopoeia. However, all varieties are edible and can be used medicinally.

They are bitter so stimulate the digestive system, including the liver, gall bladder, stomach and pancreas. This works by direct nervous system action from tongue receptors to the digestive organs. All you have to do is taste the bitter flavour, and hey presto, you get more nutrients from your meal.

The astringency and free-radical scavenging mean it works as an anti-inflammatory, both internally and externally. This, and its antiseptic action has meant it’s been used to support tissue healing, including skin, mouth and digestive tract.

Speedwell is an ingredient in my favourite cough sweets. They are a Swiss brand named Ricola. They blend around 10 herbs to soothe the throat and support effective removal of phlegm through coughing.

They work so well that I only need make one cough, rather than 10, to bring up what needs to be expelled. This is because they contain saponins which causes reflex irritation of the respiratory tract.

Speedwell were occasionally used to make beer which I can well believe as they taste like a pint of bitter.

They are also very mineral-rich, including a good amount of iron.

How to make a cuppa

All parts of the plant can be used, including stem, leaves, flowers and seeds. I put in around 5 that were about thumb-length. Cutting them up or bruising them would release more of their flavour and medicine.

I made sure all my blue flowers were whole, for beauties sake.

Taste

Initially for me, the taste reminded me of mould or fungus. Very earthy and mushroomy. It is strongly bitter to taste when chewing on the plant, but much less so in the tea.

I didn’t detect an aroma and wonder if I would be more aromatic if the day had been warmer and brighter.

After chewing on the remains of my tea, it suddenly came to me what it reminded me of; half a pint of bitter!

I think I could detect the minerals, or perhaps even iron, in among all that bitter as well somehow.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Leaving the house today for my nature tea break felt like an act of self-care. I was feeling low again and the rhythm of packing my flask and teacup felt very comforting.

I walked south from my home to a very familiar walk I’ve not been along in a while. There were willow and poplar catkins along the path, a robin singing its sweet song that made me stop to listen, and a rich scattering of blue/purple flowers like bugle, violets, speedwell and ground ivy.

Once I reached the streamside, the bluebells arrived.

It was a cluster of oak leaves that stopped me in my tracks. Brand new, glistening in the sunshine, blown off by the blustery day. I knew it would look stunning in my teacup. It felt like an invitation.

The oak was inviting me to sit with it a while. Sit on the earth, cocooned between its roots and bows, it’s mighty trunk behind me.

I felt supported, protected and earthed.

ID features

My oak tree was very large with a central limb lost long ago and doorways for creatures formed where trunk meets roots. The bark is rough and rugged with deep crevices. The branches reach far and wide over both the path and the stream. It may not have been as tall as the poplars but is certainly the widest. I marvel at how many creatures must have called it home over the centuries. These trees grow old.

The leaves today were incandescence due to their young age and the bright sunshine. They have rounded lobes and a very short stalk.

The male catkins are bright green and hang in clusters about 3-4cm long. The female flowers are tiny, red and upright. They can only be seen on close inspection and will eventually become the acorns.

Continue reading my Oak Leaf Tea article , and watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

I walked south from my home to a very familiar walk I’ve not been along in a while. There were willow and poplar catkins along the path, a robin singing its sweet song that made me stop to listen, and a rich scattering of blue/purple flowers like bugle, violets, speedwell and ground ivy.

Once I reached the streamside, the bluebells arrived.

It was a cluster of oak leaves that stopped me in my tracks. Brand new, glistening in the sunshine, blown off by the blustery day. I knew it would look stunning in my teacup. It felt like an invitation.

The oak was inviting me to sit with it a while. Sit on the earth, cocooned between its roots and bows, it’s mighty trunk behind me.

I felt supported, protected and earthed.

ID features

My oak tree was very large with a central limb lost long ago and doorways for creatures formed where trunk meets roots. The bark is rough and rugged with deep crevices. The branches reach far and wide over both the path and the stream. It may not have been as tall as the poplars, but is certainly the widest. I marvel at how many creatures must have called it home over the centuries. These trees grow old.

The leaves today were incandescence due to their young age and the bright sunshine. They have rounded lobes and a very short stalk.

The male catkins are bright green and hang in clusters about 3-4cm long. The female flowers are tiny, red and upright. They can only be seen on close inspection and will eventually become the acorns.

I love how these trees are sometimes fondly regarded as “twisted oak”. The branches really are the twistiest of all trees.

Medicinal uses

Oak bark was used in the tanning industry to turn animal hides into leather. This means it is a powerful astringent which must be used in low doses for short periods only, (max. 2 wks).

It can be used as a gargle for oral hygiene and sore throats because the astringent action also works to reduce swelling and inflammation, as do the antioxidant flavonoids.

The tightening action is one reason why it is effective with healing ulcers. Additionally, oak is antimicrobial which will keep gut and mouth flora in check, reducing gum disease and tooth decay. Traditionally, oak twigs were chewed on.

As an astringent it reduces blood loss and fluid loss, including catarrh and diarrhoea. However, we must remember that diarrhoea is an immune response that removes pathogens quickly and effectively from the body.

As an external application it can be used to reduce haemorrhoids and varicose veins along with witch hazel and horse chestnut. It will also aid the healing skin sores and reduce swelling.

How to make a cuppa

I picked the smallest most translucent leaves for my teacup and watched the water turn a little greenish. I used around 10 leaves.

Taste

I was expecting them to taste bitter and feel astringent, but this was not my experience. To me they were fresh and green, (whatever that means!), mild astringency with a little bit of a kick in the throat.

Cautions

As this tree is known for its high tannin content, it’s wise to stick to one cup for the sake of nature connection, or 3 cups a day for 2 week maximum. This is because it progressively tightens the gut wall to the extent of impeding nutrient absorption, and can be toxic in large amounts. Do not eat the catkins.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm at Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

I was out late last night so didn’t wake with my usual ready-for-the-day feeling. I could tell my nervous system needed a little extra love, likely resulting from the noisy atmosphere of the venue I spent the evening in.

My mind went to linden leaf, knowing that it would offer just the little relaxation nudge I needed.

On my bike, I cycled to the next village where several trees surround the village green. Each tree was at a different phase of growth, even trees standing side-by-side. There was one in full-leaf with flowers starting to form, while its neighbours’ leaves were still contained in bud.

I remember how the newly opened buds look a bit like giant beetles to me. This time they looked like women in fancy dresses from the Victorian era.

Read my short Linden Leaf Tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

My mind went to linden leaf, knowing that it would offer just the little relaxation nudge I needed.

On my bike, I cycled to the next village where several trees surround the village green. Each tree was at a different phase of growth, even trees standing side-by-side. There was one in full-leaf with flowers starting to form, while its neighbours’ leaves were still contained in bud.

I remember how the newly opened buds look a bit like giant beetles to me. This time they looked like women in fancy dresses from the Victorian era.

ID features

When trees are left to form their natural shape, their branches grow low, swooping down to the ground creating a circular den beneath their bows all around the trunk. The one I visited looked well played under by local children.

Apparently, important community meetings were held within the safe holding of a linden tree. I can see the sense in that, especially during the flowering season when the intoxicating scent of the blossoms omit their deeply relaxing volatile oils. I imagine it would have made for an easier meeting with everyone in a relaxed state. I also heard of a folklore that says you cannot tell a lie under one. Perhaps the relaxation allows complete trust that all will be well.

New shoots often sprout out of the bottom of the trunk. New twigs are red and so are the leaf buds, which look pinker as they open.

The leaves are bright green, heart-shaped, serrated, soft at first and then shiny. The leaves darken as they grow older.

Medicinal uses

Traditionally, linden has been used for nervous tension and hysteria, as well as high blood pressure and feverish colds.

The blossoms are an ingredient in many nighttime sleepy teas as they have a relaxant action. A cup of linden tea feels soothing, especially good before bed or when restless or fretful during a bad cold or ‘flu episode.

It also relaxes the blood vessels, widening the arteries to ease high blood pressure and brings capillaries closer to the surface of the skin to induce sweating during a fever.

It can also be effective in cases of migraine.

How to make a cuppa

Generally, we use the flowers and bracts in the summer months, (June is best to gather). However, the leaves and leaf buds are still effective.

For my tea I used my scissors to increase the surface area before adding water. The water first turned greenish, then orangish after a time.

Taste

Eating a leaf bud is sweet due to the mucilaginous polysaccharides. Chewing them coats the inside of the mouth a bit like butter. Its smooth and silky.

The leaves are very similar but milder. Both make tasty foragers snacks. They taste a bit like sugar-snap peas, but less sweet.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th April. Meet in Peel Park, (on the Community Centre side), in Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS41 9DP. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea.

There will also be a walk in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

On day 14 I’m almost half-way through April’s Wild Tea Quest. I notice a theme has emerged. I’ve worked out what lures me in. It’s colour and form and scent. I want to share my tea break with those that tickle my senses. Especially the unusual and fleeting.

There is such variety to choose from when making a wild or urban foraged tea.

The scent of maple flowers stop me in my tracks. The contrast of the yellow flowers against the red leaves of the “Royal Red” variety turn my head. In fact, wow, just WOW! Nature is just stunning.

It lures me in and I can’t take my eyes away. I feel like a honeybee drawn to sweet nectar.

It’s an invitation. An invitation into the energy of awe and reverence.

An invitation to sit a while.

An invitation to fill my cup.

Read my short Norway maple blossom tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

There is such variety to choose from when making a wild or urban foraged tea.

The scent of maple flowers stop me in my tracks. The contrast of the yellow flowers against the red leaves of the “Royal Red” variety turn my head. In fact, wow, just WOW! Nature is just stunning.

It lures me in and I can’t take my eyes away. I feel like a honeybee drawn to sweet nectar.

It’s an invitation. An invitation into the energy of awe and reverence.

An invitation to sit a while.

An invitation to fill my cup.

ID features

Norway Maples have large palm shaped leaves with 5 pointed lobes and serrated edges. The one I picked today is a red variety and has red leaf buds, red leaves, red flower stalks and red fruits.

The flowers, however, are yellow, perhaps with a slight greenish tint. They have 5 petals and 5 sepals that are hard to distinguish until closer inspection. It was easy to see the stamen with pollen at its tips.

There are about 20-30 flowers in each cluster, many of which drop off in the wind and never develop into fruit. The fruit are the winged samaras aka “helicopters”. As children we used to enjoy collecting the dry ones and throwing them up into the air to watch them spin back down.

Norway Maple flowers and samaras can be distinguished from sycamore flowers and samaras by the way they are arranged. On the Norway they grow in clusters and the two-winged seeds are attached together in a straight line. Whereas the sycamore flowers hang in spikes, forming a shape like a bunch of grapes. Additionally, their samaras are attached at an angle which is more triangular and downward pointing.

Medicinal uses

Maple syrup is a familiar food to most households in the northern hemisphere, and yet to my knowledge very little research has been done on the medicinal qualities of the other parts of the tree, such as the flowers.

Like the sap, it they are likely to contain vitamins and minerals like manganese, riboflavin and zinc. Some suggest it is a healthier alternative to a sports drink when exercising. It also has antioxidant activity.

Norway maple has been used as medicine in Central and Northern Europe for centuries. The buds, leaves, sap and bark were used. It is drying and cooling, so can be used for a fever. One application is to use crushed leaves on the soles of the feet.

Andreea Laza, (of “My Natural Treatment”), says,

“Freshly squeezed juice of leaves and seeds has tonic, diuretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties”.

I’ve always wondered what the seeds taste like. I’ve watched the squirrels out my window munching on them for years.

How to make a cuppa

I picked a few clusters of flowers for my cup, including the stalks.

The best time to harvest flowers is mid to late morning, once the dew has dried and the sun has encouraged the phytochemicals to strengthen. Best before a strong sun has dried them out too much. Bright mornings generally make tastier plant material.

Taste

The scent is like maple syrup. Even just walking beneath the bows. Eating the flowers is crips and fresh. They taste slightly astringent, and the sweet nectar is very apparent. Some liken the taste to honeysuckle.

References:

Ref: https://www.mynaturaltreatment.com/maple-tree-uses-benefits-home-remedies/

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th April. Meet in Peel Park, (on the Community Centre side), in Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS41 9DP. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea.

There will also be a walk in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Hence the early Sunday morning visit. Ahh, quiet bliss.

Time to reminisce.

I see the petals scattered on the grass and it takes me back to when I used to shake a branch above my little sister who was so delighted by the shower of pink petals raining down on her. Smiles, arms wide, dancing and spinning and bouncing with joy.

Even as an adult I couldn’t resist bestowing this little guilty treat upon my own children.

Read my short Cherry blossom tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

I come across a lot of wild cherry trees on my wild walks, and yet I cannot resist the big fluffy pink pompoms. These tend to be in busier areas which is less suitable for my purposes.

This year I found a pink one in a field near an old estate house. It felt wilder and so I planned to spend time there one morning enjoying a cuppa. This was the day I changed my plan when coming face to face with 4 new calves in the cherry tree field.

This sent me back to a majestic cherry central to our village, brightening up many a soul as they pass each spring. It has a splendid wooden bench right beneath it, and another couple nearby.

However, as a central village feature, it’s generally a spot with far too much going on for me to feel the restoration I seek from my outdoor tea break.

Hence the early Sunday morning visit. Ahh, quiet bliss.

Time to reminisce.

I see the petals scattered on the grass and it takes me back to when I used to shake a branch above my little sister who was so delighted by the shower of pink petals raining down on her. Smiles, arms wide, dancing and spinning and bouncing with joy.

Even as an adult I couldn’t resist bestowing this little guilty treat upon my own children.

ID features

Cherry trees blossom in April for about 2 weeks. They can have pink or white flowers. The wild ones have 5 white petals and hang from a cluster of 2-6 flowers. The pink ornamental ones are much fuller, like cultivated roses with many petals, and so each cluster looks like a fluffy pompom.

The leaves are long and broad with a serrated edge. They open with the flowers, and whilst small are outshined by the flowers on the ornamental trees, and more apparent on the wild ones.

The bark is very smooth and red, sometimes with peeling paper when young. Older bark is reddish, or greyish brown with horizontal grey, brown or black spots, (called lenticels, which are pores for gaseous exchange).

Medicinal uses

Every spring in Japan they have an annual tradition called “Hanami”, which means, “flower viewing”. People intentionally walk near blossoming cherry trees and share picnics under them to aid their health and wellbeing. It encourages both mindfulness and community, which in turn reduces stress and improves mood.

Again, all before the tea has even been ingested.

Nature bathing, like forest-bathing, (or Shinrin-yoku, as it’s known in Japan), has been well studied for its positive health effects. I am sure this is why I love to have flowers in my tea for as many days as I can during the spring.

It is my flower viewing in a cup moment.

I am curious to try cherry blossom tea as it is prepared in Japan. They preserve their flowers in either plum vinegar or salt, which must create a new tasting tea altogether.

I’ve mentioned before that I call myself a “Lazy Herbalist”. The simpler the medicine the better. If you can pick it and pop it in a cup of water, then wonderful. If you can set your eyes upon it, and be immersed in its beauty, even better.

What a gentle way to fill our heart and ease our body.

Applications

The blossoms are used in skincare products for their astringency, inflammation reducing and antioxidant actions.

As herbalists, we use cherry bark tincture. This is reserved for debilitating coughs where a suppressant action is needed. Conditions like whooping cough or chronic bronchitis that can keep you up at night.

A cough suppressant will allow you to get the sleep you need to recover. However, they must be avoided during the infective stage. A cough is the natural reflex of a healthy immune response and necessary to help expel the pathogens. Inhibiting it will extend the illness.

As a home remedy, the cherry tails, (stalks), can be made into a tea by bringing to the boil and steeping before drinking.

The cherries themselves also make wonderful medicine, reminding us that food is indeed our best medicine, (and what are herbs, if not food?). Apart from being delicious, the red pigment contains high levels of anthocyanins which are potent antioxidants.

You will have seen that cherry is often used in cough sweets as they work brilliantly with sore throats. They are also anti-inflammatory and used to good effect with arthritis.

As one of the only food sources of melatonin, they also improves sleep quality and duration.

How to make a cuppa

I poured the hot water into the cup first and then placed 3 blossoms on the top, giving them a gentle poke. The colour left them within the first minute exposing the veins within the petals. This left a lace-like affect that was some consolation for the loss of the endearing pink.

Taste

The aroma, as well as the taste, is strongly almondy. This is due to the cyanogenic glycosides which are contained in all plum family flowers and fruits, particularly the stones, (such as plum, peach, sloe, apricot…).

Cautions

Cherry blossom tea is best kept as a once-a-year ritual. Long-term use is not advised due to the possibility of cyanide accumulation in the body.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th April. Meet in Peel Park, (on the Community Centre side), in Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS41 9DP. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea.

There will also be a walk in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

The cherry tree that I had hoped to visit had young calves in the field, just since yesterday, so I continued on my round towards home. I walked back along a cycle path where earth had been pilled up for a stretch of about 100m. Almost the whole lot was covered in red dead nettle, along with some speedwell and shepherd’s purse.

I found a quiet corner of the wild and sat with it for a while.

The cherry tree that I hoped to visit had young calves in the field, just since yesterday, so I continued on my round towards home. I walked back along a cycle path where earth had been pilled up for a stretch of about 100m. Almost the whole lot was covered in red dead nettle. Along with some speedwell and shepherd’s purse.

I found a quiet corner of the wild and sat with it for a while.

ID features

Red dead nettle is in the mint family so has a square stem and typical mint-family shaped flowers. The flowers are pink and, to me, look like happy little toddlers in bonnets.

The leaves are heart-shaped, toothed, soft and hairy. They grow in opposite pairs.

The flowers grow in whorls around the stem condensed at the top portion of the stem. There are a few layers of the whorls with just the top ones still housing flowers in the calyx.

Each calyx that has lost a flower looks like a 5-pointed star and 4 nutlets can be seen inside each one when they start to form.

It is aromatic, some might say stinky. I used to think it was quite like rotting wood and now I describe it as earthy.

Medicinal uses

The mineral aftertaste indicates its use as a nutrient dense wild spring vegetable. It’s very well suited to cooking in the same way as we might use spinach, in stir fries and egg dishes for example. I’d like to try it sautéed with garlic.

This added nutrition is strengthening to the whole body and immune system. It has a stronger action even that vitamin C.

Consuming it in any way will give you a massive antioxidant boost. It contains flavonoids and polyphenols which together protect against age-related degeneration. This is beneficial for the skin, cardiovascular system, brain and all cells.

It also provides anti-inflammatory action which can be used as a hay fever remedy in wild tea blends that include nettle, elderflower and plantain.

As a mild astringent it also supports gut health, and with its array of nutrients supports the health of the gut flora as well.

How to make a cuppa

Because there were so so many, I decided to experiment with using just the flowers to see if the taste was much different. The taste was milder and I was kind of disappointed to so had another cup with all the arial parts included. This was better.

Break it all up to increase the surface are and help release the contents. The calyx whorls have a very cool shape that looks good floating about. Unfortunately, the flowers lose their colour almost immediately, going a very dull pink to brown.

Taste

It’s like eating earth. With a very distinctive and lingering mineral aftertaste. I think I’m getting used to it.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th April. Meet in Peel Park, (on the Community Centre side), in Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS41 9DP. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea.

There will also be a walk in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's larder. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

I have already been drinking birch tea this spring. It is an excellent spring tonic, and I have a tree growing right beside my house.

It’s always been a friend to me, like in the early parenting years when I would step outside my door with a crying baby and both of us would be soothed by its swaying branches.

Or while I’m working, and I glance out the window in the summer and see a flock of tiny birds hanging on a pendulous branch eating the bird-shaped seeds of the catkins. Which, by the way, cover our garden, and sometime even manage to make it into my bath!

My tree has shot up so tall to reach the light that I cannot reach the branches without a ladder anymore. So, this morning, I choose to meet a new birch friend in my local park. It has the space to droop and spread its long branches.

Read my short Birch Tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

It’s always been a friend to me, like in the early parenting years when I would step outside my door with a crying baby and both of us would be soothed by its swaying branches.

Or while I’m working, and I glance out the window in the summer and see a flock of tiny birds hanging on a pendulous branch eating the bird-shaped seeds of the catkins. Which, by the way, cover our garden, and sometime even manage to make it into my bath!

My tree has shot up so tall to reach the light that I cannot reach the branches without a ladder anymore. So, this morning, I choose to meet a new birch friend in my local park. It has the space to droop and spread its long branches.

ID features

Birch trees are the ones whose white bark peels off in papery strips which you can draw on or write notes to a friend. Larger older trunks, like the one I visited, have lost the papery outer layer, but still have the smooth white bark in vertical portions between deep furrows of very rough brown bark.

The branches look red and so a birch tree can be identified from afar when bare in the winter from the white trunk and red branches.

The leaves are kind of triangular with a pointed tip. They are double toothed, which means that the teeth on the edge of the leaves are also serrated.

Medicinal uses

Birch is a spring tonic which helps us detoxify after winter. The winter is perhaps a time where we are more sedentary, eat richer foods and less greens. This can put extra strain on the liver.

When the liver is under pressure, toxins can be pushed out through the skin which can cause flare ups. Any herb that aids detoxification will help unburden and clear the skin.

It also benefits joints as well because they have a poor blood supply and can accumulate toxins which exacerbate joint issues. Birch improves detoxification by improving the job of the kidneys. This improved flow means that toxins that have accumulated around the joints can be moved on and excreted in the urine.

It will also help relieve swellings and water retention.

As a salicylic acid containing tree, (like willow and poplar), birch can be used for anything you’d take an aspirin for. It lowers the temperature and reduces inflammation and also relieve pain. In addition, it is antiseptic.

Birch has an affinity for the bladder and so makes great medicine for bladder infections.

How to make a cuppa

It’s tastiest and more medicinal to use the fresh new leaf buds before they open out. When they are still sticky with resin. However, the young leaves and small twigs can also be used. I cut about a 10-20cm twig complete with leaf buds and cut it into tiny pieces.

You will get some flavour by just pouring on the hot water, however, it’s even tastier if you pop it in your flask of hot water and leave it to brew for a time.

Better yet, put in a pan and bring to the boil, then leave overnight. Drink as a refreshing tonic in the morning to really appreciate the fullness of its flavour.

For a shorter infusion the tea goes an beautiful orange colour, and overnight it will turn brown.

Taste

The taste is medicinal. Resinous, floral, slightly sweet and slightly bitter. With perhaps a peppery kick at the throat.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th April. Meet in Peel Park, (on the Community Centre side), in Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS41 9DP. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea.

There will also be a walk in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's larder. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This means the sweet violets have got plenty of springtime sunshine over the years and the once small patch has now expanded to cover about 9m3.

I love my annual wild violet tea ritual. I can hardly believe my eyes when the water starts to turn blue, beginning with thin whisps of anthocyanin dye trailing out of each little butterfly wing.

It is mesmerizing.

Read my short Sweet violet Tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

The overgrown wasteland between our house and the railway line down below is a favourite nature bathing spot for my two cats. They loved that I went to join them there today.

I had to take my secateurs because I’ve not slipped through the fence since this time last year and my little narrow path to the gorse was a tangle of bramble, old man’s beard and viburnum.

The path is only about 12 steps long, but it took me a good 20 minutes to make my way to my destination. Once there, and after a few photos I started to recognise the benefit of hanging out in a bush with nature again.

With the birds and the bees. Trees and a slight breeze. Bright blue sky and amazing sunshiny yellow gorse blossoms. It’s no wonder they didn’t fail to brighten my mood after a draining 6 hr day on public transport.

I love that diving into a bush has become my new favourite pastime!

I feel restored.

Read my short Wild Gorse Tea article here, or watch my accompanying video. You’ll also find some stunning photographs to aid your plant ID and lift your spirits!

I had to take my secateurs because I’ve not slipped through the fence since this time last year and my little narrow path to the gorse was a tangle of bramble, old man’s beard and viburnum.

The path is only about 12 steps long, but it took me a good 20 minutes to make my way to my destination. Once there, and after a few photos I started to recognise the benefit of hanging out in a bush with nature again.

With the birds and the bees. Trees and a slight breeze. Bright blue sky and amazing sunshiny yellow gorse blossoms. It’s no wonder they didn’t fail to brighten my mood after draining 6 hr day on public transport.

I love that diving into a bush has become my new favourite pastime!

I feel restored.

ID features

Bright sunshiny yellow pea shaped flowers, clustering the ends of very sharp dark green spikey branches. It’s a woody shrub that gets up to 7 feet where I live.

Medicinal uses

So far as I know, gorse isn’t used in herbal medicine, however, it is used as a valued Bach Flower Remedy for hopelessness and uncertainty.

To me it is sunshine in a cup! Uplifting the greyest of spirits.

I guess the yellow colour indicated flavonoids which provides the antioxidant action.

How to make a cuppa

I put about 15 – 20 flowers in my cup and poured on hot water to make my tea. It turned the water bright yellow which made me smile and stare and stare in awe and wonderment.

Taste

I can taste some slight astringency, which supports its uses as a folk remedy for sore throat. I can also detect a slight bitter aftertaste which supports its past use as a digestive aid.

Cautions

Watch out for the exceptionally sharp pointed needle-like leaves.

Only consume the flowers, never the seeds or seed pods which are toxic.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th April. Meet in Peel Park, (on the Community Centre side), in Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS41 9DP. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea.

There will also be a walk in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's larder. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Again, I have found that the ritual of a wild daily tea break outdoors provides a valuable restorative pause in my day.

And I got to know a sweet little plant a little more intimately.

Some time passed before I spotted today’s tea choice. It is so small and nestled into the grass in shady areas. I’d have easily missed it if I hadn’t have fully stopped and turned my attention to nature.

Again, I have found that the ritual of a wild daily tea break outdoors provides a valuable restorative pause in my day.

And I got to know a sweet little plant a little more intimately.

ID features

It’s mustard family so has 4-petals. The flowers are tiny and white. The leaves look like a small version of watercress. It grows in clusters, and the flowers grow in clusters.

The whole plant grows in a rosette in damp shady places. They have elongated seed pods that point up much higher than the flowers.

Medicinal uses

Mustard plants are warming which makes them a good choice for respiratory issues.

Like watercress and cuckoo plant, it is high in vitamin C which gives a boost to the immune system. It also offers an antioxidant action which reduces free-radical damage.

How to make a cuppa

I picked about 5 finger-length stems complete with their leaves, flower buds, flowers and seed pods. I used scissors to cut them up to allow the plant chemicals to infuse into the tea release the flavour.

Taste

It’s like watercress, peppery and mustard-like. A bit like rocket, but perhaps not so bitter. I found it refreshing.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th April. Meet in Peel Park, (on the Community Centre side), in Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS41 9DP. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea.

There will also be a walk in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's larder. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Most of the trees are still bare. Except for the elder. There are catkins on the willow and the oak which I sit beneath. I have found a rock to use as my tea table.

My meditation soundtrack is again the birdsong, (and unfortunately some building works that causes me to re-locate). I feel quite excentric walking in nature with a teacup in hand!

Walking through a nature reserve today, I notice there are a lot of trees and grassy areas. The most prominent herb for me is the nettle which I can smell and is carpeting certain areas where brambles seem to have been cleared.

Most of the trees are still bare. Except for the elder. There are catkins on the willow and the oak which I sit beneath. I have found a rock to use as my tea table.

My meditation soundtrack is again the birdsong, (and unfortunately some building works that causes me to re-locate). I feel quite excentric walking in nature with a teacup in hand!

ID features

Does nettle need a description? Hmmm. Green pointed leaves with toothed edge that grow in opposite pairs. The whole plant is covered in stinging hairs.

Medicinal uses

Nettle leaf is incredible. It is such a well-rounded medicine that benefits all ills. It’s a general tonic restorative because it is so nutrient rich. Take it to recover strength after any illness or injury. It will provide much needed goodness for your body to replenish its stores.

The iron is well absorbed due to it being packaged with a whole host of co-factors that increases bioavailability. This means it works very well for iron-deficiency anaemia, but also for anyone who would like an energy boost because the extra iron increases the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.

Pregnant and nursing mothers’ benefit, as much of their minerals are given over to help grow the baby and so nettle will aid replenishment of these and help avoid exhaustion. Nettle has an affinity for the pelvic area and is used for reducing heavy periods. It also stimulates milk production.

Minerals such as boron, calcium and silica strengthen the bones, and calcium and magnesium support the nervous system. Additionally, magnesium is relaxing for muscular tension.

Not only does nettle strengthen, it also supports the body in its detoxification process. This works via supporting the kidneys in its job of removing the products of metabolism and other toxins circulating in the blood.

This removal of toxins helps ease joint and skin issues which are aggravated by circulating toxins.

Nettle is used as part of a hay fever tea along with herbs like elderflower, plantain and red deadnettle. It provides histamine which blocks the body’s histamine receptors, thereby reducing the body’s own histamine production. Plant histamine is much milder in action than our body’s own histamine, and so this causes a reduction in inflammation.

How to make a cuppa

Use scissors to cut the nettle top and use one top per cup with boiling water. The water must be boiling to soften the stinging hairs. It’s best to consume the nettles at the end of the tea, if you’re happy to do this, (I like it). You get the benefit of all the nutrients then.

Taste

I think nettle tastes like the scent of freshly cut grass. I also notice the mineral-rich taste, even just from the tea, but more so when I eat the leaves at the end of my drink.

Cautions

Use only the fresh young tops, as the stinking hairs of the older leaves contain large silica crystals that are irritant or damaging to the kidneys.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th April. Meet in Peel Park, (on the Community Centre side), in Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS41 9DP. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea.

There will also be a walk in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's larder. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

I felt absorbed in the moment, connected to the here and now, without concern for modern scientific analysis. It was just me, the birds, the trees and a cupful of delight.

I hope you enjoy my wispy reflections.

I took a wander around a little community managed woodland with narrow winding paths, little ponds dotted about and dappled sunlight making its way through the leaves.

When I came to a patch of green alkanet I knew nothing was going to outshine it today. I sat down marvelling at the piercing blue flowers, knowing that it was an unusual choice in terms of herbal medicine, and yet eager to get them into my cup.

ID features

The intensely blue flowers are small and 5 petalled. The flower buds are pinkish. They look a lot like forget-me-not flowers. If you know borage you will see the family resemblance, except borage flowers are bigger and starshaped with pointed black stamen. Green alkanet flowers have a white centre without stamen and the petals are rounded.

The leaves are pointed and very hairy, as is the stem and each cluster of flower buds. The leaves also have deep veins like borage and comfrey with irritant hairs which makes it unsuitable for eating.

The plants I spent time with were 30-60cm high and enjoying the sunshine.

Medicinal uses

Green alkanet is no longer used in herbal medicine, and it is only the flowers that can be consumed. The leaves can be used to make a skin wash that is soothing and healing for skin burns.

How to make a cuppa

Take care to avoid the surrounding hairs when picking the flowers. The flowers themselves are soft without hairs. I picked around 10 for my tea. More to do with aesthetics than anything else.

Taste

It reminded me of comfrey leaves. A bit cucumbery and slightly water-melony. A kind of green refreshing flavour and not at all strong.

Cautions

I would imagine the same cautions exist for this plant as for comfrey. Some sources recommend not ingesting comfrey and to reserve it only for external healing needs for which it is very effective. This is due to concern over its liver toxicity in long term high doses.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th April. Meet in Peel Park, (on the Community Centre side), in Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS41 9DP. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea.

There will also be a walk in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's larder. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

They’re not so common as dandelions and brambles, and are often planted in gardens to lighten the spirits through the winter months.

They’re not so common as dandelions and brambles, and are often planted in gardens to lighten the spirits through the winter months.

My relationship with them is one built up since childhood where I associate them with arriving at my cousins house for the holidays. I knew we were close then they became denser in the country lanes. They were holidays where we’d play outside a lot, especially in nature creating all sorts of adventures together.

ID features

They five petalled, pale yellow, with a brighter yellow centre around a hole which must house the nectar. The flower buds are long and green and the stem is hairy and about 10cm long. The leaves are tongue shaped with very deep wrinkles and grow in a rosette.

Medicinal uses

It is the roots of primrose that were traditionally used to make cough remedies due to their saponin content. This can also be found in lower amounts in the sepals and leaves.

Saponins, (which means “soap-like”) can be too irritant to the digestive tract for some people. In small amounts it makes a very effective expectorant. This is because it thins mucous and phlegm making it much easier to cough up. It’s helpful for bronchitis-like conditions.

It is also a mind sedative which can reduce anxiety and aid relaxation and sleep.

How to make a cuppa

I put in about 4 flowers including the green sepals. You can also use the leaves. The water turned a pale yellowish colour.

Taste

Both the scent and the taste are very delicate and unassuming. Mildly sweet which I could only really notice when eating the flowers. I found it pleasant enough to want to drink a second cup. I’m not sure if the relaxation that came over me was from the peaceful pause of the tea ritual and tranquillity of the nature I was immersed in, or the sedative action.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th April. Meet in Peel Park, (on the Community Centre side), in Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS41 9DP. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea.

There will also be a walk in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's larder. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

It’s no surprise as it is stunning, and I’m always lured in by the most tranquil spots. I think I’m getting even more of a sense of myself as well. My hunger for exciting new discoveries, as well as the comfort of old friends.

I love learning and the prominent piece of learning that I’m noticing this year is an eagerness to go deeper with my experience of taste, and how to describe it. I know this will build up an even stronger relationship with the herbs around me as it is so intimate.

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

It’s no surprise as it is stunning, and I’m always lured in by the most tranquil spots. I think I’m getting even more of a sense of myself as well. My hunger for exciting new discoveries, as well as the comfort of old friends.

I love learning and the prominent piece of learning that I’m noticing this year is an eagerness to go deeper with my experience of taste, and how to describe it. I know this will build up an even stronger relationship with the herbs around me as it is so intimate.

ID features

I love the way these small trees spread out their low winding branches in a way that I can imagine a pixie would enjoy perching right in the middle of. The big tulip-shaped flowers also look like the perfect bed for a flower fairy!

I find the pink ones most alluring, especially when the flowers are young and still cup-shaped. Older flowers spread out and become more star-like and eventually the petals drop off leaving the large stamen covered stigma which becomes the fruit.

In the pink ones the centre looks like smaller dark pink spikes surrounding a large central green spike. In the younger flowers you can see the pollen on the dark red spikes of stamen.

The petals are quite thick and succulent, and the scent is a sweet floral lemony scent, which reminded me of jasmine and vanilla.

Medicinal uses

This is not a medicine I have used in my practice and so I have been intrigued to find out more. It is the seeds that are used, and it is reported that they have a variety of effects including being antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, the latter being due to its prostaglandin inhibiting action.

It has also been found to stimulate the immune system as well as offer neuroprotection, reducing seizures and promoting sleep. It has a positive effect on the heart and blood pressure, plus the digestive and respiratory track.

As a muscle relaxant it treats anxiety and tension both internally and environmentally. One look at magnolia will instantly uplift the spirits!

How to make a cuppa

I broke up all the petals of one flower and popped it into my flask of hot water. I left it to brew for a while and even saved some for the morning. The taste didn’t really seem to infuse into the water which was disappointing and so I munched on the petals instead.

It seems to me that they are more edible than drinkable.

Taste

Eating the petals is more satisfying taste wise, and in doing so I noted a floral gingery taste. In the early stages of my learning to distinguish between flavours, I find it hard to separate the scent and the taste. The floral jasmine/vanilla aspect and the lemony/ginger spice portion.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th April. Meet in Peel Park, (on the Community Centre side), in Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS41 9DP. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea.

There will also be a walk in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's larder. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

The fleeting seasonal nature of the medicine which makes it even more sacred.

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

I wasn’t sure there would be a branch hanging low enough for me to reach, and sure enough, the task had me back in a bramble bush!

ID features

I’d say the main thing that stands out about this tree is its scent. When I Googled, “what does balsam smell like?” this is the AI response I got;

“balsam generally smells fresh, slightly sweet, and resinous, with earthy undertones, evoking a sense of a peaceful walk through a forest or a warm comforting, and natural fragrance”.

Whenever I pass a poplar tree in the spring, I can smell it before I see it. The buds, catkins and leaves all have the same distinctive smell, and I love it.

Another very distinctive feature is the way the leaves shimmer and shake in the breeze. Even more so when the leaves are older and thicker. Thomas Hardy said that a tree can be identified by its susurration. This phenomenon was shared on a BBC Radio 4 show where Bob Gilbert described the sound of poplar as like;

“the running of a young mountain stream”.

I heard that poplar can be seen as a gentle reminder that trembling is a natural response to fear and stress that allows energy to flow through, rather than stopping it in its tracks. Movement, as we know, is an outlet for adrenaline and stress hormones that wreak havoc when held within the confines of our bodies.

You may notice the similarity of the branches with that of ash. Both have a swooping upwards shape, however, the poplar has narrower red and more pointed buds, while ash buds are black and stubby with a point.

Medicinal uses

The poplar buds have been traditionally harvested for their resin. They would have been dried to remove the moisture, then soaked in some sort of fat or oil for a time, (you could try olive oil for 8 weeks), then pressed and hardened into a balm with beeswax.

This is known as Balm of Gilead.

It is fantastic when used as a chest rub, especially for bronchitis-like conditions. It is antiseptic, warming, anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

It is a salicylic acid containing herb, related to willow and birch. This means you can use their medicine for the things you would use aspirin for. (Except this version doesn’t cause ulcers in your stomach lining like aspirin does).

Take it for colds and ‘flu to reduce fever and body aches, as well as any inflammation.

How to make a cuppa

For my cup I put in 4 pointy leaf buds and hot water. Then a fascinating thing happened; the buds opened! Almost like a flower opening, mini tulip shaped, with red outer petals, and green inner. They float looking beautiful.

I also made a discovery that catkin buds do not open when you add water. They sink. On closer inspection of a branch, each tip consisted of just one leaf bud with a number of catkin buds surrounding it.

Taste

The taste is much like the scent. The first time I poured myself this wild tea I found myself transformed into a cat with catnip. I had such an eager appetite for it, it surprised me. I still feel excited at this rare, once a year fresh treat.

It is aromatic, floral, honey-like with a kind of tang on your tongue and throat.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th April. Meet in Peel Park, (on the Community Centre side), in Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS41 9DP. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea.

There will also be a walk in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

https://fb.me/e/34RlEiN9W

£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's larder. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Listen in on today’s wild tea reflections to find out more.

I’d love to hear your wild tea tasting experiences!

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

I feel cautious and respectful around brambles. Sometimes resentful when they catch me. I have so much appreciation for the abundance they offer and love the refreshing taste of the leaf tea. As I sit, I start to settle.

Taking my tea break within a bramble bush is an experience. I drink three cups.

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

They follow my daily wild tea videos.

Expect a short one each day throughout April.

Enjoy!

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

A plant that’s been celebrated in ritual, magic and folklore for centuries in the UK. Known for it’s association with the fairies.

It is a heart opening herb, which feels very apt coming to the end of my 30 day wild tea adventure. My heart feels very much open and full of love and admiration for all those I have met on my journey through April.

Meeting old friends as they have awakened this spring to once again shine their beauty on our shared earth.

Each day has brought me a peaceful pause with a cup of pure delight, nature bathing and nourishing my soul. I feel uplifted and energised, warm and appreciative.

Thank you beautiful nature, and thank you Mother Earth!

Today’s Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/sarahjane.cobley/videos/1129008258340636?idorvanity=1344402789418519

Daily photo journal: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/post/30-day-wild-tea-challenge

Thanks for reading Sarah-Jane’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

It overlooks my village and feels a lot like our guardian.

It has a hole at the bottom with old acorns spilling out as though a squirrel has been preparing for lockdown. I worked out this was not the result of squirrel madness, but only that the trunk is hollow.

This oak is old with long low sweeping branches that I often high-five as I run pass.

Today I sit under its canopy for my wild oak leaf tea and then the wind sends me around to a sheltered groove in its trunk.

I stand there my back supported with cup in hand watching a bird in flight and listening to the delight of a little robin high up in its branches.

All is well.

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* because my daughter requested I drink a yarrow tea as she’s learned about it in her book

* because my period was a little late and my tummy felt a little painful congestion

I think because I turned up in squirrel energy, full of excitement and a little anxious I couldn’t see it anywhere. By the time I’d sank into the holding of community and of nature, more in a kind of oak-like energy, it appeared before me right at the gateway between our camping fields.

It had been there all the time. I just needed to slow down to see it, and stop looking.

After our closing circle, instead of hoping into the car and setting straight off on my journey home, I sat with yarrow and enjoyed her company. The sun came out and I got a chance to pause and catch up with myself before leaving.

It fortified me before navigating the Sunday motorway traffic.

Listen in to find out the precious medicine of yarrow.

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It doesn’t grow much where I live in my little green Somerset valley.

That’s why I’ve invited it to join me on my outing between the great red cliffs of South Devon and swashy swish of the tide along the pebbles.

These particular plants were quite rugged looking and not as fluffy soft as the tree mallow I drank during last April’s wild tea challenge. Those were North Devon coasters.

I like that it has a history of supporting lighthouse workers in their work keeping sailors safe. The ones I found did look like they were looking out to sea.

In my wild tea pause today I honoured how much plants support us every day in so many ways from food to medicine, to furniture and art.

Each leaf is a peace of art in itself. Geometrical beauty that has me in awe.

Today’s Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/sarahjane.cobley/videos/447293027676302?idorvanity=1344402789418519

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Primrose transcends both winter and spring, holding both melancholy and hope with its simple blossoms.

I find this reassuring as I often inhabit what seems like opposing energies at once. It reminds me that this is ok and I can honour both, or move between the two.

It often grows on the edges between eco-systems, along streams and hedges.

It’s one that I personally find uplifting because I associate it with childhood holiday’s at my cousins.

What do you enjoy about primrose?

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There’s a ginkgo tree that hangs over someone’s fence in our neighbourhood, and it’s pretty spectacular!

I always greet it when I pass and look forward to the return of it’s fairy-like winged leaves.

When young, the leaves are tender and succulent, almost juicy as a foragers snack.

They also look a lot like the two hemispheres of the brain; across the frontal plane. Listen in to today’s episode to find out why this is significant.

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I take a whole plant home with me and sit quietly to get to know it better.

It’s a familiar herb in terms of us having harvested it annually for the past decade, however, it’s only today that I’ve offered my full attention to get more intimately acquainted.

I learned so much. About how the smaller stems wrap red around the green base of the main stem, and how the leaves begin as red as their stem, at first opening up with red and green stripes, to finally loosing any leaf redness when fully unfolded.

Also, the cutest thing is the teeny weeny little leaves between the larger leaves.

The taste is also very familiar, what many have described as, “ooo it tastes very medicinal, doesn’t it?” Find out why in this episode!

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In fact it was so incredibly still.

I stopped with who I’d come to visit; wild raspberry leaves, and was joined by another local resident, my little friend the robin. It was as though it was inviting me to join it in the wood again, so I did.

Away from the busy-(ish) footpath and into the bushes.

Robin’s are particularly friendly to gardeners, like the one that followed my husband for his whole working day yesterday. I honestly don’t know why this little fella sought out my company today. I wish I lived in walking distance and could visit daily to see how our relationship could blossom.

But just as it is, I feel honoured to have attracted its close company.

I love the wild!

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A wood with ancient trees of oak and beech. The sound of tiny droplets falling on leaves, and then the trickle of a stream.

Stepping stones.

A carpet of ransoms, turns bluebells, then celendine and wood anemone. White, blue, yellow and white again.

Then a more delicate yellow, standing elegantly like a twirling ballet dancer. Whorls of yellow flowers inviting the big fluffy bumble bee into its chamber of nectar.

In this moment, I particularly wish I wasn’t getting bitten on my forehead by midges!

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I ran to the path where I hoped to seek out a couple of elm trees I remember, not knowing if there would be any branches hanging low enough for me to reach.

My enthusiasm for off-road running has returned now the thick muddy paths are navigable without wellies at last. However, not a great deal of running happened before I veered off into the winding wooded stream.

It’s like a little secret paradise in there. High embankments with ferns, primrose and bluebells, water running gentle over stones, a big rooty oaks creating animal caves, holly dangling, ivy sprawling…

And the sweet song of the birds.

I found my wych elm and went back to sit under the oak for a delicious wild cuppa.

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April is the month of the dandelion and today was a dandelion day.

They only open when it’s bright and sunny enough; a gorgeous bright reflection of the sun and its far reaching beams.

They recoil not long after being picked, reminding us of how we shine most brightly when we are in our favourite spaces.

I love inspecting the tiny little ray florets with each tiny curling stamen. A blossom so laden with pollen it dusts the shoes.

It was a joy combining 3 plant parts, root, leaf and flower, in one cup of tea.

And a joy relaxing in a field of bright sunny yellow blooms!

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It was incredibly therapeutic and I felt absolutely serene beside the flowing stream.

A rewarding experience as I’d felt a little unsure of myself when I left the house.

Despite having talked about the benefits of willow medicine for years on my herb walks, I’d never prepared myself a simple willow tea until today. Only taken it as a tincture with impressive results.

I’ve mentioned before that I’m a lazy herbalist, preferring medicine prep to be quick and easy, and so I planned to just try the leaves, despite most of the literature and market focus on the bark.

However, once I sat down in the sunshine beside the stream and a whole lot of young willow trees, I couldn’t resist preparing the bark.

I poured myself a cup of willow leaf tea and added the strips of inner bark to my flask.

Find out more in today’s episode…

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It always amazes me how a plant of just one colour can be so incredibly beautiful. I really enjoyed our photo shoot, nettles are very photogenic!

I visited a number of patches taking only a small portion of what was there, knowing I share with the small creatures, including many ladybirds this morning.

I noticed that I was mostly harvesting the female plants as they are bigger. I also noticed that I’d unknowingly co-ordinated my outfit with the male nettles who are velvety red as well as lush green.

I sat in the middle of the field enjoying the company of my nettle friends and feeling very lucky to live in such a green North Somerset valley.

I hope you enjoy today’s episode and get a chance to drink some nourishing nettles!

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I always love a wild staircase.

At the top of the hill I nestled into the bushes to shelter from the bitter cold wind. I’d come to hang out with the ground ivy for a cuppa & my hands were very glad of the warmth.

Combining my daily nature fix with a hill walk and brisk return got the blood and endorphins going before breakfast, setting me up well for the day.

Ground Ivy is a intriguing little herbs, especially by taste. Have a listen, (and a taste if you find some), and let me know what you think!

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It’s a scenic coastal path full of wild herbs that never fails to light me up.

I always think the best place to enjoy wind is on a coastal walk. It’s incredibly fresh and invigorating with an expanse of sky that gives me a bird-like feeling of freedom.

And then beneath my feet and within the green windy tunnels of wild hedge and rockery is the most magnificent thriving ecosystem.

It’s like going to a party and all my friends being there!

There were many herbs I could have picked for my wild tea, but I settled on a very unexpected guest for this time of year.

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There were many plant allies I passed on my cycle around Ashton Court Estate today, however, red dead nettle was the one that seemed to light me up the most.

Into the mug, into my cycle bag and off to find a spot for a peaceful cuppa!

Amazingly I found a sheltered spot under a hawthorn on the wild side of a church yard halfway home.

The sun came out for a spell so I unwrapped my extra layers and nestled in beside my companion for today’s wild tea!

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However, my adventures led me to a hedge sheltered by a grassy slope and on closer inspection the hedge opened out into a little glade.

What a delight to feel like I’d entered into a secret world within a hedge!

The perfect spot to rest with a wild cuppa and get my double dose of a nature fix on a Sunday morning.

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I was in a jungle-like thicket thick with brambles, old mans beard, budleja, hawthorn and viburnam.

Gorse being by far the the spikiest creates a strong boundary between our housing estate and the steep long slope to the railway track.

It had me playing and pondering on life’s boundaries, all the while uplifted by the birds and the sunhiny yellow blossoms reaching up for the blue sky.

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They are so short lived, and yet so stunning, it’s no wonder they are richly celebrated with an annual tea ceremony in Japan.

They remind me to notice. Notice what’s precious before it’s gone.

This particular tree is central to our village and every year I look forward to it being in full bloom.

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20 brisk minutes later I reach a fast flowing stream lined with comfrey.

On a farm track, I stop in the rain to make my cup of wild tea. Bemused dog walkers, a postman and a ramblers group pass me by.

I cut my live video short to go off and find a peaceful secluded spot to enjoy my brew.

I recorded this for you there!

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This is very apt in terms of relating to my core purpose of reconnecting people to the medicinal plants on our doorstep.

Lady’s smock or Cuckoo flower is making quite a come back these last few years. It loves wet grass which makes sense that it’s spread like wild flower this spring after all the rain we’ve been having.

Listen in to find out its medicinal qualities and why it may have been over picked,

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Each spring I tend to them by cutting back the dead stems and training new ones along my fence. This way I have bramble leaf tea on my doorstep almost all year round, AND a bumper crop of blackberries come late summer!

Brambles must be one of the most recognised plants in the wild. They are incredibly abundant and welcomed for their fruit.

Listen to find out about why it’s worth enjoying a regular cup of bramble leaves.

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I ended up at the busy local farm shop, struggling to find a peaceful spot to enjoy the tea. After exploring, getting rained on and falling off my bike, (yes I was riding with a mug of tea in my hand!), I finally stopped at a kissing gate to the fields.

I’ve discovered that old stone gateposts make great tea tables!

Sweet violets are have that wow factor for their depth of colour and scent. I also discovered the joy of watching their anthocyanin dye twirl out and turn the water blue!

Listen and find out more about these sweet delightful violets.

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There’s a strip of land beside our house separating us from the railway line. It’s a haven for birds because it’s a steep high bank where people don’t go. Many species have rewilded the area.

Birch, willow, and hawthorn among many others.

From my window I get to watch flocks of tiny birds eating the birch catkin seeds every summer. They hang upside down bouncing as they feast. Tweeting their celebration of the abundance.

I hope you enjoy my sharing of the health benefits of birch tea!

Do let me know if you get a chance to try some and what you think of it.

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Daily photo journal: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/post/30-day-wild-tea-challenge

I felt eager to get to the tree and for it to still be in bud. The buds are only around in early spring and I only ever seem to catch the tail end. Plus the trees are so tall, it’s hard to find one with branches I can reach. Thankfully it was still just about in bud.

Out of the 30 wild herb teas I drank last April, poplar bud is definitely the one that sticks out for me.

I find it heavenly.

This is what I remember from last year, but this year seemed even more powerful. I was salivating for it and couldn’t wait to get it in me.

Both the aroma and taste are divine.

I wonder what it is in it that my body craves so?

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AKA: Lettuce opium!

I pulled up a whole plant to take a good look from root to tip. The specimen I picked was in it second year of growth so due to flower this year.

It grows in abundance in costal regions. I found it along steep verges throughout all the lanes in this seaside town.

My first time trying wild lettuce!

(& my last day in Devon this spring so I had to give it a try!).

Daily photo journal: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/post/30-day-wild-tea-challenge

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This morning I was aiming for the nature reserve but didn’t get that far. I was stopped in my tracks along the country lane due to the wild and abundant verge leaning upwards to my left and the sound of the rushing stream to my right.

Whilst I was greeting all the species, a dog walker stopped to chat. She commented on how uplifting it is to be out in nature, especially as an antidote to all the upset going on in the world at the moment.

The birds, beetles, bouncing stream and blue sky certainly seemed to agree!

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#herbs #herbal medicine #herbalist #wild #tea #adventure

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There were so many wild herbs to choose my tea from today, far more exciting than the supermarket shelves!

I decided to go with one that I rarely see within walking distance from my home. It popped up every where along my walk today, including field, coastal path and green verge along the steps to the beach.

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It is still a challenge, despite having met it last year as it’s entirely unplanned and dependent upon catching herbs where I happen to be, or on how much time I have to get out on an adventure.

I can’t pick the same herb twice, and need to be mindful about which ones are about to go over, and which are yet to grow. So it’s a bit of a juggle, or an art!

I’d love to bring wild teas back into our common knowledge, so I hope you’ll follow my journey through the month and make some exciting discoveries for yourself.

Please share the adventure with your friends and together we can recommon our valuable lost medicinal plant knowledge!

Photo Journal: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/post/30-day-wild-tea-challenge

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Join the Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/30daywildteachallenge/

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Herb Walk: 6.30pm Tuesday 9th April 2024 at Peel Park, Long Ashton Community Centre, North Somerset, UK (£7pp): https://fb.me/e/b6z7rlFPH

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