Rose Hips (Rosa spp.):

Rose hips are the fruit of wild roses and can often be found in hedgerows and along woodland edges. They are high in vitamin C and can be used to make tea, jams, or syrups.

Haws (Hawthorn Berries – Crataegus monogyna):

Hawthorn berries, known as haws, are commonly found in hedgerows and are usually available well into November. They can be used to make tea, tinctures, or jams.

Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea):

Ground ivy is a low-growing perennial herb that can often be found in sheltered areas, even during the colder months. It can be used to make tea or add flavour to soups.

Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum):

In some areas, wild garlic may continue to grow throughout the winter. Its leaves have a mild garlic flavour and can be used in various dishes.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium):

Yarrow can sometimes be found during the early winter months. Its feathery leaves and aromatic flowers have various culinary and medicinal uses. Yarrow contains flavonoids that increase saliva and stomach acid to help improve digestion. Yarrow may also relax smooth muscle in the intestine and uterus, which can relieve stomach and menstrual cramps.

Nettle leaves (Urtica urens & dioica):

Use leaves of young nettles or bright green tops of larger plants when foraging in autumn or winter. The fresh growth from nettles that grow after being cut back is also fine. Wear gloves when collecting nettle leaves. Nettles stimulate the detoxifying action of the liver and support the cleansing action of the kidneys through their diuretic action. They also inhibit inflammation that can trigger seasonal allergies by blocking histamine receptors and stopping immune cells from releasing chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms.

Due to its high mineral content, including iron, nettles make for a good iron tonic.

Nettles are also useful in the treatment of arthritis, diabetes, urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, enlarged prostate and allergies like hay fever.

Cleavers (Galium aparine): also known a Sticky Willie

Mostly found in spring but fresh growth also appears in November.

Cleavers supports the lymphatic system in its cleansing and immune work. It used for treating swollen lymph glands, lymphatic congestion and swollen breasts, as well as for glandular fever, post-viral fatigue and tonsillitis. It has a reputation as a spring cleanser.

Dandelion leaves and roots:

Found all year round on waste land, meadows and as a weed in gardens.

The leaves are bitter and used to stimulate the appetite, help digestion and to reduce water retention by supporting kidney function. Dandelion flower has antioxidant properties. Dandelion root is used to detoxify the liver and gallbladder. The roasted roots are also used as a coffee substitute.

Dandelion isn’t just your average weed – it’s like nature’s superhero for our health! With its all-around safety and the way it works its magic in various parts of our body, it’s basically the ultimate wild healing plant.

Be sure to properly identify any wild plants you plan to use for any purpose, especially when making edible or medicinal preparations. By integrating wild plants into your self-care routine, you can enhance your connection with nature and enjoy the numerous physical and mental health benefits they offer.

Herbal Teas:

Harvest and dry wild herbs like chamomile, nettle, mint, or lavender to make soothing herbal teas. Enjoy a cup of tea to relax and unwind.

Aromatherapy:

Collect aromatic wild plants like lavender, rosemary, or pine needles, and use them to create natural potpourri or sachets. The scents can promote relaxation and calm.

Wildflower Bouquets:

Pick a bouquet of wildflowers in your area and bring a touch of nature indoors. Arranging wildflowers can be a creative and aesthetically pleasing self-care activity.

Nature Walks and Meditation:

Take a mindful walk in the woods or a natural setting, paying attention to the sights, sounds, and smells of the environment. Practice meditation or deep breathing to reduce stress and anxiety.

Natural Skincare:

Explore the use of wild plants in homemade skincare products. For example, you can make a face mask from clay and wild herbs like calendula or chamomile.

Wild Plant Baths:

Create a relaxing bath by adding dried wild plants or flowers to your bathwater. Soaking in a wild plant-infused bath can soothe both the body and the mind.

Natural Medicine:

Learn about the medicinal properties of local wild plants and use them to make herbal remedies like salves, tinctures, or balms for minor ailments.

Wild Edible Recipes:

Incorporate foraged wild edibles into your meals to nourish your body and connect with nature. Try using ingredients like dandelion greens, dandelion root, nettles and wild berries in smoothies, salads and soups.

Plant Identification:

Spend time studying and identifying wild plants in your area. This can be a meditative and educational self-care activity that deepens your connection to the natural world.

Environmental Stewardship:

Participate in local conservation efforts, such as cleaning up a natural area or planting native wild plants to promote biodiversity and protect the environment.

Nature Art and Crafts:

Use natural materials like twigs, leaves, and rocks to create art and crafts. This hands-on, creative activity can be both relaxing and satisfying.

Remember: Always practise ethical foraging by respecting the environment, not overharvesting, and following local regulations and guidelines.

Some simple yet effective ways to incorporate something wild into each day:

Morning Nature Meditation:

Start your day with a short meditation in a natural setting. Focus on the sounds, smells, and sensations around you. It’s a great way to centre yourself before the day begins.

Wild Breakfast:

Include wild ingredients in your breakfast. Add berries, nuts, or edible flowers to your cereal, yogurt, or smoothie for a nutritious and wild touch.

Desk Greenery:

Bring a small potted plant or a bouquet of wildflowers to your workspace. Having a touch of nature in your immediate surroundings can improve mood and productivity.

Nature Breaks:

Take short breaks throughout the day to step outside and breathe in fresh air. Even a few minutes in nature can rejuvenate your mind and reduce stress.

Wild Tea Time:

Replace your regular tea or coffee with a wild herbal tea. Use foraged herbs like mint, chamomile, or lemon balm for a calming and flavourful beverage.

Afternoon Foraging:

If possible, spend a few minutes foraging for wild edibles during the afternoon. It could be as simple as collecting edible leaves, flowers, or berries.

Nature Journaling:

Keep a nature journal and document something wild you observe each day. Sketching, writing, or even taking photographs can be a creative and reflective practice.

Wild Workout:

Take your exercise routine outdoors. Whether it’s a jog in the park, yoga in the garden, or a hike in the woods, incorporating movement into nature can boost your well-being.

Evening Sunset Ritual:

Wind down your day by watching the sunset in a natural setting. Reflect on the day and appreciate the beauty of the changing sky.

Starry Nights:

Spend a few minutes stargazing before bedtime. Connecting with the night sky can be a tranquil and awe-inspiring way to end the day.

Wild Dreamscape:

Before sleeping, visualize a wild and peaceful natural setting. It could be a forest, beach, or meadow. This mental imagery can promote relaxation and better sleep.

Detox Smoothie

Using dandelion, clever, and nettle Ingredients:

· 1 cup brewed and cooled cleaver and nettle tea (1 tsp of each steeped in 8 oz. cup hot water for 5 minutes)

· 1 cup water

· 1 apple cut into quarters

· 1/4 of a cucumber cut in half

· 1/2 of a lemon cut in half, with the rind included

· 1 TB green pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

· 2 TB hemp seeds 1 tsp. Flax seeds

A handful of dandelion greens 4 fresh mint leaves

Ice (optional)

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a high powered blender.

Process until smooth and enjoy!

Nettle and Cleaver pesto

Ingredients

· Handful of Nettle leaves

· ½ handful Cleaver leaves

· 50g Cashew nuts lightly toasted in a frying pan

· (if allergic to nuts, use pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds)

· 1 Lemon, juiced

· Salt and pepper to taste

· ½tsp Honey (optional)

Instructions

· Step 1 Pick the nettles using a garden glove. Rinse the nettle and cleaver leaves then pop in a pan with a splash of water to wilt and get rid of stings. Once softened down, make sure to drain well.

· Step 2

Put all the ingredients in a food blender and blitz until you have the desired consistency. If you’d like to add the smidgen of honey, I find it takes an edge of any bitterness in the greens and compliments the overall flavour.

· Step 3

It should stay fresh in a jar in the fridge for the week. If adding to pasta, make sure to leave a little of the cooking water in the bottom of the pasta pan so that when you add the pesto, it’ll form a juicy sauce that will be clinging to your spaghetti and dripping from your chin within minutes.

Source: beththefreerangechef.com