|
|
Post by rivervalleymama on Apr 19, 2009 10:16:57 GMT -6
I'm going by Rose Barlow's virtual herb walk and have noticed that everything's a little behind this year. BUT we now have yellow dock, winter cress, chickweed, nettles, mullein, and we still have watercress thriving (since February). I have yet to see any garlic mustard or ramps but it really has been a dry spring so far. Burdock isn't really even coming back yet! I've already scouted out some good berry patches and a wonderful hidden trout hole  ! Now neither Jon or I have been fly fishing but there's more than one way to catch a trout (of course, Jon's idea, ahem dynamite, is probably the less realistic and discreet method) I'm sure we'll just stick to what we know. I'm hoping we get a good soak soon so we can start searching for morels!!!!! |
|
|
|
Post by rivervalleymama on Apr 22, 2009 9:45:14 GMT -6
This was just too beautiful to pass taking pics and sharing! Here's my dandelion harvest from yesterday.   |
|
|
|
Post by rivervalleymama on Apr 22, 2009 15:49:31 GMT -6
I also harvested a bunch of nettle and a little bit of chickweed. Darn near filled up my big ol excaliber!
Here's a little something Moutnain Rose Herbs posted on facebook today-
Stinging Nettle is used around the world as a springtime tonic and whole body detoxifier. This lovely green herbaceous perennial grows in abundance throughout Europe, Asia, Canada, northern Mexico, and every state within the US except Hawaii. The leaves and roots can be used fresh or dried in a variety of internal and external preparations. However, the living leaves are spiked with formic acid filled needles, so the plant requires careful handling when harvested in the wild.
Nettle's purported anti-inflammatory effects are particularly helpful in treating allergic rhinitis, relieving symptoms of itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose. One strong cup of Nettle tea per day can help prepare your body for the pollen filled breezes of spring! These properties are also used to reduce the inflammation of rheumatism and arthritis. The leaf has been used traditionally as a diuretic as well.
stinging trichomes
The medicinal effects of the leaf and root are markedly different in this plant. For example, Nettle root exhibits exceptional usefulness in treating prostate complaints in men, but the Nettle leaf is only mildly effective. The leaf, on the other hand, shows promise in boosting immune system functioning and is a valuable treatment for many skin conditions.
Nettles are quite versatile and can be taken daily in a tea, tinctured, encapsulated, or used topically. These nutrient dense greens can even be incorporated into culinary dishes like soups, salads, pastas, pesto, and smoothies.
|
|
|
|
Post by rivervalleymama on May 3, 2009 16:40:01 GMT -6
Here's a pic of our wildflower salad-  Dandelion- greens and blossoms Violet- Greens and blossoms Chickweed Watercress |
|
|
|
Post by hollyberrylady08 on May 3, 2009 19:31:09 GMT -6
Mmmmm - that wildflower salad looks kinda good!  Thanks for the pics rivervalleymama! 
I heard nettle spreads like crazy! 
Is it true? 
|
|
|
|
Post by rivervalleymama on May 3, 2009 19:36:14 GMT -6
The salad was awesome! I especially love the chickweed and violet- yum!
Yes nettles get way out of control, if you don't like them..... I wouldn't purposely grow them in my yard or garden, not that I have a need to. I have no problem finding them anywhere! Although they do, in fact, grow in my yard, and garden.....
hehe
|
|
|
|
Post by hollyberrylady08 on May 3, 2009 19:46:20 GMT -6
Your dandelion harvest looks pretty tasty too!  I know people that harvest dandelion greens for salads too - I've just never tried them.  They do look good though. I can imagine them with some tasty dressing on them!
Thanks for sharing. 
|
|
|
|
Post by Rita on May 11, 2009 16:53:05 GMT -6
OK I have MASS Violets in my yard .. what do they taste like .. No chemicals have ever been used in my yard well in 5 years .. these are about a foot tall and flowers are everywhere ..
Do they have any healing or other properties to them .. and if so what are the other uses for this herb / flower ??
|
|
|
|
Post by rivervalleymama on May 11, 2009 17:42:41 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by Rita on May 11, 2009 18:10:36 GMT -6
Better?
|
|
|
|
Post by rivervalleymama on May 12, 2009 15:36:03 GMT -6
ummmmmm, kind of. THe dandelion pics are still too big. And the other one still nedds to be rotated but it's the right size now.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rita on May 12, 2009 16:35:17 GMT -6
The dandelion pics are fine for forum size now I have my photo bucket set up like that .. Is the wild flower salad upside down or did you want it rotated around the other way? OK done and other pics are deleted |
|
|
|
Post by rivervalleymama on May 12, 2009 17:01:49 GMT -6
Heh, well now I just down't know! I think it's the last one.
|
|
|
|
Post by Wrennie on May 13, 2009 8:11:01 GMT -6
that wildflower salad looks so pretty! Do you grow nasturtiums (i know, not wild) for your salads too??
|
|
|
|
Post by rivervalleymama on May 13, 2009 11:13:42 GMT -6
Not yet but they should start coming up soon!
|
|
|
|
Post by rivervalleymama on Sept 3, 2009 18:21:43 GMT -6
Ok so no longer spring but I thought I'd just continue with the wildcrafting in this thread. I was laid up for a while and missed out on some stuff but it's picking up again. Yesterday I harvested some wild grapes and juiced for winter medicine. Hey were beautiful but my pic turned out a little fuzzy.  |
|
! Now neither Jon or I have been fly fishing but there's more than one way to catch a trout (of course, Jon's idea, ahem dynamite, is probably the less realistic and discreet method) I'm sure we'll just stick to what we know.
I know people that harvest dandelion greens for salads too - I've just never tried them. 
