WELL-BEING
Hope springs eternal
inflammation of the bladder and kidneys is considered a result of sluggish lymphatic system making Cleavers an ideal herb for the urinary system. It was traditionally decocted in cold water to preserve its virtues. You can add 5g of freshly chopped Cleavers herb to a clean jar, cover in fresh filtered cold water and leave for 8 – 12 hours. Strain and sweeten with honey to taste.
MEDICINAL
We cannot leave behind one of the most undervalued plants with an unfair reputation as a pesky weed; the humble dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis). Dandelion has an old reputation as a spring tonic and blood purifier. It is a very bitter herb, hence its use in liver and gallbladder complaints. If you snap off the stem just a taste of the white latex on the end tells you how bitter it really is! Less known are its potent anti-viral effects. In 1933, Dr Swinburne Clymer wrote, “Dandelion is the ideal spring cleanser, spring bitters, and spring tonic. Its mineral contents are more evenly balanced for this purpose than any ‘medicine’ any chemist could invent. Perhaps, it is needless to say, it is a desirable and efficient food at any other time of the year.” A few of the bitter leaves can be added to a salad or juiced with apple, celery and ginger. So next time you wander along the hedgerows, know that right at your feet is a medicinal apothecary.
Naomi Murray is a herbalist from Botanica Health in Rusthall. This month the champion and expert of natural remedies looks at how a variety of seasonal hedgerow herbs can aid our well-being
T
he season of spring is so wonderful. It comforts and demonstrates to us year in and year out that we can have faith that some things never change. The once naked trees come to life, tiny buds appear, shoots poke through the cold earth and we know that summer will follow spring, and winter autumn and so this grand show is eternal. There is a sense of renewal and new things in store, a feeling of anticipation, warmer days and lighter nights. The right herbs seem to arrive at just the right time. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a spring time plant that can be confused with mint but on rubbing the leaves an aromatic lemon fragrance is released. It is a really worthwhile plant to grow in the garden and especially useful after a difficult year. Traditionally it is used to calm the nerves and reduce feelings of panic
Naomi Murray
Co-founder of Botanica Health
and anxiety. As with all herbs, Lemon balm is multi-modal and is indicated as an antiviral, anti-spasmodic and sedative. To soothe frayed nerves simply place a small handful of the leaves into a teapot, add boiling water and brew for 10 minutes before consuming. You could add honey and also have as a bedtime drink. We see this time of year as an opportunity to cast off the winter; the heavy foods and hibernation-style behaviour. There is a desire to cleanse and freshen up. Everywhere the Cleavers (Gallium aperine) can be seen in hedgerows. As children we called it ‘sticky willy’ and I still haven’t quite got over the thrill of throwing it on the unsuspecting back of the person sharing my stroll. Cleavers is primarily used as a blood purifier and for lymphatic congestion. We have long used it in the practice when a person complains of swollen lymph nodes, tonsillitis, glandular fever and congested skin. In traditional herbal medicine,
PAUSE FOR THOUGHT: “Forgive me if I never vis it. I am from the fields, you kn ow, and while quite at home with the dandelions, make a so rry figure in a drawing room .” Emily Dickinson
SO Magazine | May 2021 | 39
