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Invasive Plant Medicine:
Responsible wildcrafting within your backyard's ecosystem
A thread on herbalism and botanical wisdom
Responsible wildcrafting within your backyard's ecosystem
A thread on herbalism and botanical wisdom
Ever since the arrival of colonial-settler culture to the continent known by some as Turtle Island and others as North America, there has been a huge exchange of wildlife between the hemispheres, resulting in all kinds of plants, animals, insects and other life forms to spread.
European settler-colonists halfhazardly, absent-mindedly and sometimes even unintentionally introduced hundreds of plant species that had no natural predators and found niches in which to spread far and wide.
The more that the landscape was altered by agriculture, industrialization, urbanization and suburban sprawl (usually in that order, more or less), the soil has been severely depleted of nutrients and polluted with toxins like heavy metals.
Native species oftentimes cannot tolerate such stresses to the natural environment, and rapidly reduce in numbers. Stands of imported, "invasive" species are easily established and spread under such conditions.
Here's some common invasive/opportunistic plants that you ought to feel free to develop a relationship with the plant, and understand its relation to the ecosystem and etheric fields around us. Ask permission of the plant to harvest medicine, and be careful!
Many of these plants absolutely thrive in polluted areas, so be aware of where you are harvesting from. Nearest industrial areas, roadsides and housing developments are a bad idea!
Artemesians
Wormwood (A. absinthium) grows abundantly in fields all over, especially on the edges of forests, along with goldenrods. It's where absinth is derived from and in addition to its hallucinogenic qualities (it's best used as a dream herb, before bedtime, burned/smoked)
Wormwood (A. absinthium) grows abundantly in fields all over, especially on the edges of forests, along with goldenrods. It's where absinth is derived from and in addition to its hallucinogenic qualities (it's best used as a dream herb, before bedtime, burned/smoked)
the plant was utilized by the VC during the Vietnam War to treat malaria, and extracts of Artemisinin save millions of lives every year to this day. The plant contains thujone, quercetin, high levels of vitamin C, rutin, beta-carotene and many antioxidants.
Rubus
Blackberries and raspberries (in addition to being delicious) grow so widespread in most places, they're practically weeds to many gardeners. The leaves and roots provide a whole lot of valuable medicines, especially within fertility medicine for menstruators.
Blackberries and raspberries (in addition to being delicious) grow so widespread in most places, they're practically weeds to many gardeners. The leaves and roots provide a whole lot of valuable medicines, especially within fertility medicine for menstruators.
A handful of Rubus leaves (the medicinal properties of different species are very similar, although because it has the most forgiving thorns, red raspberry is most common within herbalism) added to a hot teapot to infuse for five or ten minutes will relieve moderate period cramps
Red raspberry leaf infusion can also be used externally for ulcers, sores, acne, boils, etc.
Taraxacum (Dandelion)
Every part of the plant is edible, and the leaves and roots are diuretic (makes you pee, the French word for it "pissenlit" literally translates as "piss the bed"), and is very detoxifying and toning of the liver, as well as high in potassium.
Every part of the plant is edible, and the leaves and roots are diuretic (makes you pee, the French word for it "pissenlit" literally translates as "piss the bed"), and is very detoxifying and toning of the liver, as well as high in potassium.
Dandelion roots can be dug up, washed, cut laterally and dried on a hot windowsill or warm oven, then boiled for ten minutes in a decoction. Leaves are less bitter before flowering. Buds can can harvested before budding as a capers replacement.
Dandelion wine recipe from the Wild Foods Cookery by John Tomikel
Hedera helix (English Ivy)
Going back to ancient times ivy garlands and wreaths were placed on those who were honored. The leaves are also highly medicinal, removing toxins, inflammation, and arthritis pain. They provide vitamins, antioxidants and unique compounds, and filter air
Going back to ancient times ivy garlands and wreaths were placed on those who were honored. The leaves are also highly medicinal, removing toxins, inflammation, and arthritis pain. They provide vitamins, antioxidants and unique compounds, and filter air
I'm not done with this thread but I've been going hard for the last half hour and I need a break.
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venmo: (at)Elliot-Dale-2
cashapp: $ell10tdale
