Tag: foraging
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Why You Probably Need Burdock Root in Your Life
If you have ever walked through the edges of your backyard or weeded a particularly tough spot of earth in your garden, you have likely crossed paths with burdock (Arctium lappa). You might even know it best by its stubborn, sticky burs that cling to your socks and dog fur. But beneath those big, beautiful…
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Sweet Relief: The Soothing Magic of Gentle Violet
When spring rolls around and tiny purple blossoms blanket shady lawns, most people see a common weed. But to herbalists, Violet (Viola odorata or Viola canina) is one of the most comforting, cooling, and restorative wild allies available right in our backyards. The whole plant is edible, though I’m not personally a fan of the…
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Solomon’s Seal: The King of Herbs for Connective Tissue Problems
Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum spp.) is a plant native to the Americas that most people just plant as an ornamental in their garden is by far one of my favorite medicinal herbs. Its unique, bone-shaped roots strengthen bones, marrow, and especially tendons. Note: I am an Herbalist, not a doctor. This post is not intended as…
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My Most-Used Foraging Gear as a Professional Forager
If you’re hoping for some secret, fancy foraging gear… this might disappoint you. Because the truth is, what I use most often is pretty simple, everyday stuff. No magic knife, no special bag—just practical tools that get the job done. That said, as a professional forager, there are a few things I always have on…
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The ONE wild plant I can’t live without: Plantain
Any time I hear someone ask me, “What’s the one herb you would want to have with you if you were lost on a deserted island?” my answer is almost always going to be Plantain. And no, that’s not a big starchy banana. There are three varieties of plantain species you’re likely to find in…
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Foraging in Connecticut: Learn the Land Through Your Senses
Connecticut is home to a wide variety of wild edible plants and medicinal herbs year-round. In spring, look for stinging nettle, greenbriar shoots, and serviceberries. Summer brings elderflower, chanterelle mushrooms, and St. John’s Wort. Fall is ideal for rose hips, sassafras roots, and hickory nuts, while winter offers evergreen barks like wild cherry. With diverse…
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Birch vs Birch: Is there a difference among them?
You probably know by now that I love birch trees, because birch bark is a phenomenal herbal pain reliever. But what are the differences among the various varieties of birch trees? Let me tell you what I have personally experienced and you can make the final decision. The first time I ever worked with Birch…
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Witch Hazel: Connecticut’s Most Powerful Wild Medicine
Did you know Connecticut is considered the Witch Hazel capital of the world? [Source] If you’ve ever stepped onto a wooded trail here, that probably doesn’t surprise you. Witch hazel is everywhere—tucked along stream banks, lining old forest roads, even growing right off hiking paths. One of my favorite fall moments is catching that faint…
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The Ancient Plant that hoards Precious Minerals
Horsetail is one of the world’s oldest plants, dating back over 300 million years. Many people find it on their property and decide to hate it, as it’s incredibly difficult to eradicate once it has populated an area. But those “in the know” see this wild being as the precious resource it truly is. There…
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The Mushrooms Sent me Messages in the Forest
Yesterday’s workshop was WONDERFUL! There was no cell phone service for anyone in Northwest Connecticut, so our phones were neither a distraction nor help. I took a small group first on a foraging walk around this gorgeous farm land property, then after a lunch break we reconvened for a Forest Bathing therapy session in the…