The Traditional and Modern Uses of Water Pepper
As I write this, I am sitting on a bench. Opposite me is a large patch of water pepper. I write with an ancient, primitive … Continue
Plants
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Laver
Laver seaweed has traditionally been harvested in Scotland, Wales and Ireland to make laverbread, and cultivated in countries such as Japan, Hawaii and the … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Purple Loosestrife
Purple loosestrife can be used as food and medicine. Below you’ll learn the parts used, harvest time, nutrition and other ways humans use this … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Bramble (Blackberry)
Introduction A popular bramble fruit, blackberries are often picked in late summer to autumn to make jams, jellies and pies. Bramble is one of … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Wild Garlic (Ramsons)
The leaves of wild garlic (Allium ursinum) harvested before flowering have a delicious, sweet and pungent taste. Excellent raw in salads and as pesto. … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Lesser Celandine
Lesser celandine belongs to the buttercup family. The bright yellow flowers appear briefly in early spring. The plant has a long history as a … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Hawthorn
Common hawthorn in blossom is a familiar sight along hedgerows, woodlands and scrubs in spring. It was famously known as the May-Tree or may-blossom … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Beech
Introduction The Beech belongs to the same family as the oak and chestnut – Fagaceae. Its species name Fagus sylvatica refers to the tree’s … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Ash
Introduction One of the principal uses of ash (Fraxinus excelsior) has been as a timber tree. The wood is renowned for its strength and … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of 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
The Traditional and Modern Uses of 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
The Traditional and Modern Uses of 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
The Traditional and Modern Uses of 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
The Traditional and Modern Uses of 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
The Traditional and Modern Uses of 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