Never ingest anything you have not positively identified.
For practice with proper plant identification, go on a guided plant ramble or use a reliable field guide such as, Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants by “Wildman” Steve Brill, or Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide. Please harvest responsibly and review this Wildcrafting Checklist by Howie Brounstein who reminds us, “Wildcrafting is stewardship.”
Click on each photo for more detailed information.
Periwinkle (Vinca major)
February 3, 2013
A common ground cover in Atlanta, a tincture of this is used as a vasoconstrictor. Herbalist Michael Moore describes its use for migraines.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
February 3, 2013
Growing alongside the red clover in aforementioned construction site, dandelion is both food and medicine. Most all of the plants is used - root, leaves, stem milk, and blossoms. See last years entry for more information.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
February 1, 2013
“Where the Rosemary flourishes, the woman rules”
An old proverb that bears repeating 🙂
Rosemary is evergreen and that is an apothecary at your fingertips all year long. It does well in Atlanta and can tolerate droughts, just make sure to situate it in a well draining spot with full sun. This herb has been in our medicine chest for generations, which is why we often think of it more as a food than a medicine. The aromatics provide amazing benefits, as an antimicrobial, carminitive/digestive, stimulant, and diaphoretic.
Thorny Olive, (Elaeagnus pungens)
February 1, 2013
This evergreen shrub is fairly invasive in our area. I have it all over my land. So if you can’t beat it, eat it! The berries are edible and just beginning to ripen!
Thorny Olive, (Elaeagnus pungens)
February 1, 2013
Here is a closer view of the berries. They turn orangy-red as they ripen and have a tart taste. Careful about where you spit the seeds, you might just help it spread 😉
Oregon Grape (Mahonia sp.)
February 3, 2013
Oregon grape in bloom. It is the root of this plant we use as one of our anti-microbial berberine containing medicines. This makes a great alternative to Goldenseal which due to its popularity has been over harvested.