Sanicle (Sanicula Europea), also known as Wood Sanicle, favors shady, damp parts of deciduous woodland. It’s considered to be one of the eighty known plant/tree signifiers that the woodland where you found it is probably ancient. Usually, the aerial parts of the plant are harvested and made into an infusion with water. The roots can also be used. (See *Please Note section below). In times gone by, it was often said of Sanicle: “He who has Sanicle and Self Heal needs neither physician nor surgeon.” Its name even comes from the latin verb ‘Sanare’ which means ’to heal’. Famous English herbalist Nicholas Culpepper (1616 - 1654 A.D.) believed Sanicle could heal tumors in any part of the body. Interestingly, no insects are known to feed on it.

- Compounds in Sanicle soothe swollen, inflamed airways and can be used to treat any issues of the mouth, gums, chest and lungs.

- It’s astringent and styptic so it’s great for diarrhoea, for staunching bleeding wounds and can reduce heavy menstruation.

- Sanicle is one of the oldest known, traditional, European consounds, or wound herbs, where it is known to reduce inflammation, fight infections and speed-up the healing time of the wound. A Sanicle and water infusion can be used to bathe wounds and the leaves can also be chewed-up or bruised to make a poultice for the affected area..

- Protects the body against free radicals which cause infammation and aids the removal of toxins.

- Thins mucus and has an all-round tonic effect on respiratory and digestive systems.

- Sanicle has been used for years to shrink cancerous tumors due to its strong anti-oxidant properties.

- Relieves ulceration in the lungs and stomach and can be used as a traditional remedy for Tuberculosis or to treat Scrofulas.

*Please Note:

Whilst it is stated above that Sanicle’s roots can be used for medicine, this is not recommended. Unfortunately, as Sanicle’s natural habitat becomes rarer and rarer due to the relentless development of these areas, like Vervain, Sanicle itself is also becoming rarer, hence, you don’t really want to be digging it up by the roots. Besides, there’s no need to as its leaves are effective enough for medicinal use. Why not plant some in your garden. It’s another perennial, so it’s low maintenance, and it will serve you well…just be sure to plant it somewhere shady.

Also, please be careful if you decide to go foraging for Sanicle. It’s a member of the Apiaceae family and has some deadly-toxic lookalikes. Of course there are clear differences if you know what to look for, but for the inexperienced, always please make sure you know what you are harvesting or don’t harvest it at all. As they say, ”When in doubt, leave it out”. We are not responsible for any other person’s decisions and we will not accept liability for any harm, loss or injury whch may occur if you choose to act on this information. Please be aware you do so at your own risk.

Once you’ve positively identified some Sanicle, you can harvest 15 - 20 leaves. When you get home, bring about 2 - 2.5 litres of water to the boil, then add your Sanicle leaves. Put the lid on, turn the heat down and simmer for another 15 mins. When the 15 mins is up, remove the pot from the heat, keeping the lid on, and let the water cool with the leaves still in the pot. Strain the leaves out when it’s cold and store the liquid in the fridge to drink over the next 3 - 5 days. It’s so refreshing, cooling and soothing. Lovely! If you find it too strong, just dilute it with more cold or hot water.