One day, I took a short walk towards the woods with a camera.
Along the way are some huge Pines. I believe that these are Lodgepole Pine. Either way, as with all Pines, the resin is made into a turpentine for wounds, ulcers and other skin complaints. It is also a great pectoral for chest and lung complaints and an expectorant for bronchial coughs.
The Hawthorn were in bloom. One of my favourite trees and a great healer. As I have a heart condition, I tend to make a lot of use of it’s medicine. Hawthorn is a Heart restorative; a coronary vasodilator. It is antispasmodic, anti-hypertensive, diuretic and a nervous system sedative. It is a cholesterol and mineral solvent. It strengthens heart muscle, increases the flow of blood through the heart and improves circulation in arteries. Hawthorn is probably the most important herb for those suffering with any form of heart disease; Myocarditis, arteriosclerosis, atheroma, thrombosis, paroxysmal tachycardia, angina, etc., etc. This plant literally keeps me alive!
The water of boiled seeds will draw out thorns and splinters, too.
The photos are of Midland Hawthorn. Apparently, it was once more abundant than the now more common Hawthorn we see today.
There was a large patch of Crowfoot. This is a herb that is rarely used due to its toxicity. However, as a poultice, it can be used to draw a blister.
I found another large patch of Red Clover.*
Some lovely little Slender Speedwell. Another little herb that stays all manner of bleeding, from nosebleeds to women’s courses, cleanses all ulcers, etc. and an expectorant for catarrh, bronchitis and whooping cough, etc.
And some beautiful Dead Nettle,* purple, this time.
There were also loads of Greater Stitchwort, aka Chickweed. An ideal little herb in the Summer for all forms of heat rash, particularly in the groin area. It cools, soothes and relieves irritation. It’s great for all kinds of skin conditions; eczema, psoriasis, boils, varicose, ulcers, abscesses, etc., including scabs and the like. A poultice or ointment can be made for rheumatism, gout and other inflammatory conditions.
I was surprised to find a strikingly yellow fungus growing in amongst the wood chippings where I chainsaw large logs. There were a few clumps of Egg Yolk Fungus. It is known as Cowpat Toadstool as it’s most commonly found growing on dung, but loves any well-manured spots; rotting hay or straw, for example, which explains it’s attraction to the rotting wood chippings. It has no nutritional value.
Later, I discovered this lot on the exterior sidewall of my caravan.
Garden Cross Spider, aka Crown Orb Weaver spiderlings.
*see entry A little herbal forage
very interesting