Harvest

Stinging Nettle contain histamine, formic acid, serotonin, mucilage, ammonia, many minerals including silica, vitamins A,B and C and tannins.

Uro (Greek) means urine; di-oikos (Greek) means in two houses (male and female flowers are separate). Nettle fibers have been used like flax, for textiles in many parts of the world. During World War 1, Germany collected over two million kilograms which were used to make army uniforms.

Stinging Nettle References and Resources:

• Healing Wise, Susun Weed, Ash Tree Publishing 1989
• Herbs Partners in Life, Adele G. Dawson, Healing Arts Press, 1991
• The Complete Medicinal Herbal, Penelope Ody, Key Porter Books Ltd., 1993

“If they would eat nettles in March, and drink mugwort in May, So many fine maidens would not go to the clay.” Funeral song of a scottish mermaid.

Dandelion leaves are the second plant we “mamas” harvest in spring. Early spring is the time to harvest these leaves (before the flowers appear). We will talk about harvesting the roots in the fall. The meaning of the latin name refers to Taraxos (Greek) means disorder, Achos (Greek) means remedy. The name dandelion was invented by a fifteenth century surgeon, who compared the shape of the leaves to a lion’s tooth, or “dens leonis”.

Dandelion has many beneficial properties and actions. The leaves contain bitter glycosides (active plant constituent containing one or more sugar groups), terpenoids (generally, highly aromatic plants), carotenoids (various yellow to red pigments that occur in plants), choline (part of the vitamin B complex essential to liver function), potassium salts, iron and other minerals, vitamins A,B,C and D. The leaves are an effective diuretic (encourages urine flow). Dandelion increases bile flow from the liver and aids in digestion.

The area we live in has FINALLY banned pesticide use on lawns. For years I would giggle on my way home, in the spring, as I passed our neighbours with their pristine, weed free lawns. Then you would come to our house which would be a sea of beautiful yellow flowers. Thank you for your beauty Mr. Dandelion and all your many herbal healing benefits. I salute you!!!!

1. Correctly identify plant before picking. Many herbs are similar and it could be dangerous if you pick the wrong herb.
2. Do not pick herbs that are close to the road or in an area that uses pesticides.
3. Pick your plant material once dew has evaporated and before the hottest part of the day. Volatile oils will be at their prime.
4. Only pick in an area of abundance. Do not wipe out a patch of any herb.
5. Give thanks while picking your bounty.

Wild Violet is the first herb “two herbal mamas” harvest in the spring. Although there are many varieties of violets such as pansy, heart’s ease, three colour violet, jump up and wild pansy, it is the wild violet found in cool areas on the forest floor that we are referring to. The arial parts of the plants are harvested-leaves and flowers. Be sure to read our Herbalist Golden Rules before you begin to harvest these precious plants.

Violet has many beneficial properties and actions. This herb contains saponins, salicylates, alkaloids, flavonoides and volatile oils. The actions of this shy plant are anti-inflammatory, expectorant, diuretic, anti-rheumatic, laxative and stabilizes capillary membranes. Violet contains an enormous amount of Vitamin A. Chew on a violet leaf and spit it out on to your hand. Give the leaf a good rub. You will feel the slippery mucilage contained in this powerful plant. Mucilaginous herbs are moist, and soothe skin ailments and internal mucous surfaces.