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.
Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa or quaternata)
July 8, 2012
There are many different species of this vine in the Atlanta area. But as far as I know, only the native species are usable medicinally. They are easy to recognize due to the whorled leaf pattern they make at the base of the vine, on display here.
We use Wild Yam for a variety of complaints in First Aid situations. It is a powerful antiinflamatory and antispasmodic to smooth muscle tissue, making it an important remedy for menstrual cramps and stomach cramps or even gall bladder spasms.
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
July 29, 2013
Skullcap is a lovely nervine (both tonically and in acute situations) and is a member of the mint family. This is not our native Skullcap, but easily cultivated here in Atlanta and the rest of the southeast. Our native species is the lovely Scutellaria incana, which I have photos of further down the page. Unlike many of the other mint family members, it does not have a distinctive aroma.
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
July 29, 2013
Setting up fresh Skullcap tincture. I tincture Skullcap at a ratio of 1:2 with 95% alcohol. Chop the fresh flowering tops and leaves, pack into a jar, and pour the alcohol on top. Poke out any air bubbles and cap. Macerate for at least 2 weeks before straining. Skullcap makes a great relaxing nervine to help with sleep. I also like using it for nerve pain and agitation.