WILD FLOWER WELLNESS

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On Tuesday afternoon I decided to walk through the garden to decide what brew to make – I knew it would include Lemon Verbena (called Verveine here), so I picked a handful of the tips of new shoots. Then three sprigs of the new growth of Lemon balm/Melissa (called Melisse here), plus three dandelion flowers (Piss-en-lit/Dente de lion).

 

After shaking thoroughly to make sure there were no insects lurking, I placed them in a large jar, covered with cold water, then topped up with hot water from the kettle.

 

It was covered and left for about an hour, then a blob of a wonderful local honey was added to sweeten it – other sweetening will do, but this is a local one from bees who foraged exclusively on a type of mountain heather called Callune. Not only is it highly medicinal, but also very tasty, making it one of my favourites at this time of year.

 

Wednesday morning I had another wander in the garden and picked the same herbs, plus a sprig of Blueberry leaves (feuilles de myrtille), to make another refreshing, uplifting brew.

 

I also picked some edibles from the garden to accompany lunch: marigold/calendula (Soucis), dandelion & nasturtium (Capucine) flowers, rose petals and small leaves of nasturtium. I will do this every day that they are still available from the garden, and add others when they are – I am hoping for some fresh nettle leaves for the next brew.

 

We are also busily harvesting those herbs, flowers, etc that are at their peak now, for drying, and other forms of storage, for use when there is nothing, or very little available outside.

 

You could also be doing the above wherever you live. If you are lucky enough to have a good-sized garden, like me, it’s easy to obtain, but anywhere there is not a busy road close by is a reasonable source. 

 

Try going for a foraging walk with someone who knows what they are looking for - there are some wonderful, organised ones available in most of Britain. You could do like me and follow your instincts, if you know enough to be aware of what would be good for you personally.

 

It’s something I have been doing for many years now, and if I am not sure, I currently have a resident herbalist to check with.