Newsletter-

Winter










Pine; Pinus spp
So many products come from this tree. Timber,disinfect, fuel, rope, dye, food, and medicine, to name some! However, it can seem a little under
respected in Britain today, generally, ‘confined to city parks and plantations’, One way to appreciate the wonder of this tree is to locate a local full-grown specimen, stand under it and gaze up!
Pine resin has a history of use for decreasing arthritis and muscle pain, the antimicrobial resin (exuded from the bark) can be used e.g.in a salve or as a bath herb. The microbial busting properties of a salve can be very useful for chesty coughs and
colds as well as helping heal cuts and scrapes. Chewing on a few pine needles, produces an
interesting flavour which usually includes sourness and indicates a rich source of Vit C. Scientists have identified 39 different flavours in pine needle tea. The late American herbalist, Michael Moore, classifies pine needle tea as expectorant and mildly
diuretic and inner pine bark tea with honey as stronger and useful for late stage chest colds. The most potent medicine he said was chewing on a small piece of resin. (1.) Modern research has indicated a role for the flavanols (OPC’s) contained in pine, in cancer prevention; these same OPC’s may also help slow the accumulation of fat
in the arteries which contributes to heart disease. (2.) One simple way to use pine and enjoy its many benefits is to make a vinegar. Place needles in a wide necked jar in a pattern of your choice, (ID Guide; the needles will always be found growing in either pairs, or up to 5 in a group, on the branch). Pack to near the top and pour on apple cider vinegar to cover. Screw on a plastic lid, use protective film if using a metal lid, and leave for at least 3 weeks. This vinegar can be used in vinaigrettes, in cooking (it is similar to Balsamic vinegar) or simply drunk with a little water and maybe honey added. So good!
I have just noticed a recipe particularly pertinent to the time of year!
Passionate Pine Electuary
Grind together in a food processor; 3 tbsp pinenuts, 3 tbsp dates or raisins, 1 tbsp honey,
1 teasp licorice powder (optional, avoid if raised blood pressure is an issue), 1 teasp. cardamom powder.This is a based on an old love potion (pine kernels
are reputed to be aphrodisiac). Also, ‘Take a teaspoon several times a day for relieving dry
coughs’. (3.)
For identification of Pine or any plant, use a reputable fieldguide or you may find https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ useful. .
1 to 3 -Seal, J. B & Seal M. (2012). Forgotten Medicine. Ludlow : Merlin Unwin
Other sources-Hoffmann D. (2003). Medical Herbalism.  Grieve, M: A Modern Herbal; Penguin Books, 1980 Floret, R: 2021 on-line source
Floret, R & Han, E, Wild Remedies. 2020, Hay House Inc.. Weed, S. Healing Wise, 1989. Ashtree Publishing.

 
Summer

Mugwort; Artemisia vulgaris












The herbalists herb! A ancient herb of healing, magic and divination, around the world. ‘A protector of women and travellers’ and well known for its value in female disorders. 1
The botanical name suggests Mugwort’s significance. Artemis, is the Greek Moon Goddess and patron of women. In the Anglo-Saxon Leech Book of Bald, she is recorded as 'Una’,2. St John the Baptist was said to have carried it into the wilderness to ward of evil.3. Today, in Western Herbal Medicine, it is used as a warming bitter tonic for digestion and as a tincture 'to aid normal menstrual flow’, particularly where the flow is scanty or absent4.
The more esoteric uses include being burnt as a smudge stick to clear stuck energy, placed under the pillow to encourage vivid dreams, or you could revive the age-old tradition of carrying mugwort, to relieve the weariness of travel!
Western herbalists do not normally use mugwort during pregnancy because it stimulates the uterus, ‘though in China it is an accepted treatment in preventing miscarriage’.5
For identification of Mugwort or any plant, use a reputable field guide or you may find www.wildflowers-and-weeds.com useful.