Silverweed

Silverweed is another member of the rose family. It gets its genus name from the Latin word ‘potens’ meaning ‘powerful’. Silverweed will grow anywhere from nicely kept lawns, meadows and fields and the edge of forests,  roadsides, along riverbanks, in ditches or any places with moist soil. A small sprig, placed inside your shoe was said to help prevent blisters from forming. It has cosmetic uses in cleansing lotions which tighten and tone the skin. Although a bit small for an edible, their starchy roots are said to be delicious, raw or cooked and, like potatoes, can be eaten boiled or roasted. In Tibet the roots are harvested, dried and powdered for use.  In China, they’re eaten to cure bleeding piles. The young shoots are also edible and an astringent infusion can be made from the leaves.

- Astringency is this plant’s primary healing characteristic. As a general rule, astringents tighten, tone, help stop diarrhoea and can treat haemorrhoids, varicose veins, mouth infections or used as a gargle.

- As a local analgesic, the whole plant can be bruised and placed on any painful areas of their body to relieve pain.

- Silverweed was once used as a remedy for menstruation cramps and indigestion.

- Makes a good gargle or mouthwash for sore throats or mouth infections and can be dabbed on cold sores to dry them up.