Wild Edibles - Part I

 

What an amazing rewarding day! I had the opportunity to explore nature's bounty and learn (what I used to take for granted) about our local native plants.

 

 Katrina, the author of the book, Local Wild Life, was our teacher today. We didn't have to walk far - EVERYWHERE we turned, Katrina held up another, and yet ANOTHER edible plant.

 

 

We tasted leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, and learned about the nutritional and medicinal properties of each plants.

 

 Pita bread was exceptional. Thanks Elani!

 

 

The juice from all that we collected was surprisingly very delicious. What a health boost!

 

 

The first plant we studied was the Chickweed.

The Chickweed, also known as Starweed (known by the star shaped flowers) is commonly found all over the world and blooms from March through October.

A Traditional Look at Chickweed

Chickweed has been used for generations as a common wild herb in folk traditions. It is often found growing in yards, gardens, and cool-weather areas, and many foragers recognize it as one of the early green plants of the season.

Historically, chickweed has been used in teas, salves, poultices, and bath soaks. Some people enjoy it as a mild herbal tea, while others use it externally in homemade skin-care preparations. Like many traditional herbs, its uses have been passed down through families, herbal books, and folk-gardening communities.

Chickweed Tea and External Use

Chickweed tea is sometimes prepared by steeping the dried or fresh herb in hot water. Some herbalists have traditionally used chickweed in gentle baths or skin rinses, especially when looking for a cooling, soothing herb.

Because chickweed grows wild in many areas, proper plant identification is extremely important. Never harvest wild plants unless you are certain of what they are, and avoid areas treated with pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals.

A Caution About Herbal Remedies

This post is shared for gardening, homesteading, and historical interest only. It is not medical advice. Chickweed should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Anyone who is pregnant, nursing, taking medication, has allergies, or has a medical condition should speak with a qualified healthcare professional before using herbs medicinally.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/121118-benefits-chickweed-tea/#ixzz1qSrCt0Id

I scribbled what I could, but am depending on the help of my fellow students to make sure I logged this correctly. I'll be posting Part II tomorrow, as we had covered many plants, and I need to go over my notes, verify spelling, and double check information. (worm not edible) :)

http://www.altnature.com/gallery/chickweed.htm