A rainy day activity

I’ve been eagerly waiting for the rain to arrive, not only because the earth really needed it after such a long dry spell, but I’ve also wanted some time inside to write about and research some of the plants I’ve been foraging. I’ve really loved slow, early mornings, going for a walk locally and seeing what herbs and plants call to me that I can pick up.

Now that the weather is rainy, I feel I can finally enjoy doing research on the plants that I’ve found, how to use them and which parts are edible. For instance, I have been adding fresh lady’s mantle leaves to my nettle infused water, only to find that lady’s mantle leaves are best boiled first before adding to water. So I’m learning and adjusting as I go along and I feel that every year I’m improving, able to identify more plants and learning how to best utilise them.

When I’m researching I always try to find out the following:

• How to identify the plant

• When is the best time to harvest it and which parts can be used

• What are the medicinal benefits and how did the plant used to be used historically

• What is its nutrient content and how can I best extract those nutrients (cold water infusion, hot water, oil infusion, tinctures etc.)

• What is its emotional impact and symbolic meaning

• Recipe ideas

I’ve been using some of my foraging books for this and other herbalist’s websites who already have experience in working with a particular herb or plant.

My journal entry on hedge garlic or garlic mustard

I love the peaceful nature of this work. It’s so kind to the earth, slow moving, observant of what grows in your immediate environment. And it’s when I’m out walking and foraging, connecting to the earth that I feel most connected to myself. I am truly grateful that I have this opportunity to connect to the land in this way and to myself. How do you connect to your local environment and plants? Do you have any favourites?