Herbal medicine. Wild food. Education.
Spruce resin has been recorded as being traditionally used by Indigenous peoples of the Americas for dental hygiene. Resin is very anti-microbial, trees produce it in order to protect themselves from invading microbes. I particularly enjoy making mouthwash from the
A previous version of this article first appeared on the Light Cellar blog in 2016. People have had a long relationship with roses throughout history. What garden would be complete without an archetypal rose offering its soft beauty and fragrant
White Spruce (Picea glauca): Key identification features: Conifer trees that have single needles that can be rolled between the fingers. Branches are very rough and stubbly as the leaf (needle) stalks remain on the branch. Medicinal usage:Spruce is antimicrobial against
One of my favourite recipes over the past couple summers has been to make an oxidized Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) tea. This is frequently described as fermented tea, however, technically the process is oxidation. Oxidation refers to the sum of chemical
Lamb’s quarters also known as fat hen, goosefoot or pigweed (not to be confused with redroot pigweed) are common names for a plant called Chenopodium album (literally white goosefoot). This wonderful wild edible is found worldwide. Formerly in the Goosefoot
I absolutely love stinging nettle, it is one of my favourite spring time greens. Why? Because it is absolutely delicious. Nettle is also a plant that doesn’t give up its leaves without a fight – it has stinging hairs that
I have been fascinated for a while now about making mustard from wild mustard seeds. Many mustard species are weedy in urban spaces, they are easy to identify (as being mustards) due to their pungent aroma and flavour when crushed.
I’m finding rose hips particularly abundant and beautiful this time of the year. They are a seasonal favourite for supporting the immune system and preventing colds and flu. It’s easy to see why, as in addition to being full of
What is an infused vinegar? An infused vinegar is essentially steeping plant material in vinegar for a period of time, an ideal amount of time is 4 weeks. The reason behind infusing a vinegar may be to flavour vinegar, to
Common lilac or Syringa vulgaris is a wonderfully fragrant, spring-flowering ornamental. It is easily recognized by its large purple or white blossoms. The leaves are also characteristic. They are arranged oppositely along the branch and are heart-shaped. I love to