‘Medicine On Your Doorstep Vol. I’ is available from December 2023.
“And God said, Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree”
Genesis 1:29
“He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs for the service of man”
Psalm 104:14
Latest Blog Post
Foraging For Usnea (Lichen)
There are around 600 or so species of Usnea lichen growing all over the world many of which share the same medicinal qualities. Colloquially known as ‘Old Man’s Beard’, Usnea is a very slow-growing plant formed by the symbiotic relationship between a lichen and a fungus, and only grows where the air is clean, hence it’s often called the ‘lungs of the forest’. Rich in polyphenols, polysaccharides …
St John’s Wort
St John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) is perhaps one of the best known and most commonly used medicinal herbs. Presumably, this is due to the fact there has been much more research done on St John’s Wort than many of our other native medicinal plants. In recent years it has come to be regarded as a bit of a “cure-all” due to its impressive range of health benefits for many conditions.
Sweet Annie
Sweet Annie (Artemisia Annua) is an aromatic shrub that has been in use for at least 2500 years as a cure for Malaria, fevers, chills and parasites, as well as being used for moxibustion. Apart from it having gorgeous, sweet smelling leaves it is one of the most useful medicinal plants you can have in your garden:
Queen Anne’s Lace
Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus Carota) or Wild Carrot is a biennial native to Europe and South-West Asia named after Queen Anne of Denmark. The story goes that she was challenged to make some lace as beautiful as a flower. While making the lace she pricked her finger and left a drop of blood in the centre of the flower.