Robin Harford

Wild Angelica

Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris) has often been regarded as the poor man’s substitute for garden angelica (Angelica archangelica). However, the uses of this wild … Continue

Alexanders

Introduction Alexanders has a fascinating past, used as food and medicine since Roman times. Once called “parsley of Alexandria,” people grew this herb in … Continue

Mugwort

Mugwort is one of our commonest weeds, with around 250-300 species in northern Europe, including wormwood, southernwood and the common mugwort. As a group … Continue

Dandelion

Introduction Dandelion grows abundantly in many parks and gardens. This easily recognisable weed was once a cure-all of herbal medicine and is still popular … Continue

Duke of Argyll’s teaplant

The plant was introduced to the British Isles in 1730 and is now considered naturalised. How to use The dried, red fruits are eaten … Continue

Mallow

Common Mallow is an attractive species that has been used throughout history in food and medicine. In traditional folk medicine, common mallow was often … Continue

EP13: Absinthe alchemy

I’d like introduce you to one of the world’s foremost absinthe experts, and the first person who was able to authentically reproduce the premium … Continue

How to safely eat sea arrowgrass

What we are looking at here is a plant called Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima). It’s common names are coriander grass or wild coriander, because it actually … Continue

EP12: Passion potions

Many moons ago I met two awesome ‘herbalistas’ called Karen and Fiona at the first Radical Herbalism Gathering (RHG). RHG is definitely a weekend … Continue

Wild Garlic Kimchi

The sun is shining. The wind is fresh. And there’s that inevitable feeling in one’s bones that Spring may well have finally sprung! Excitement … Continue

Is field horsetail edible?

I have written this brief profile as a result of some confusion on social media as to whether Field Horsetail Equisetum arvense is edible. … Continue

How to make a delicious pine oil

Important Update: Some folk are little concerned about possibly getting food poisoning from this recipe. The advice is to keep plants in oil no … Continue