Five Wild Herbs growing on the Welsh border that Support Wellness.
The Welsh borders are rich in natural beauty and home to a large selection of wild herbs that have been used for centuries to support health and wellness. Let’s explore five wild herbs from this region that are worth knowing about.
1. Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Meadowsweet is a fragrant herb often found in damp meadows and along hedges. It has a long history as a natural remedy, mainly for soothing digestive discomfort and reducing inflammation. Traditionally, it was used to ease stomach aches and as a gentle pain reliever due to its salicylate content, which calms gastritis without the potential damage of aspirin (which it was originally manufactured from) or NSAIDs.
2. Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Despite its reputation for stinging on contact, common nettle is actually a powerhouse of nutrients that can help you get your spring back after a long winter as well as helping to calm spring allergies. Found abundantly across the countryside, nettle leaves are packed with many vitamins including A, C, iron, and calcium amongst others. They can be used in teas or soups to support immune function, skin conditions, and enhance kidney health. Properly dried or cooked nettles lose their sting, making them safe and nutritious.
3. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow grows wild in grasslands and along roadsides here and has a rich tradition in supporting circulation and wound healing. It’s well known for its ability to staunch bleeding, both internally and externally (think Achilles heel - after whom the plant is named). Herbalists have used yarrow tea to reduce stubborn fevers and ease congestion in all forms. This resilient herb’s compounds also support digestion as a bitter tonic.
4. Elderflower (Sambucus nigra)
Elderflower blossoms and berries, found on the elder bushes that are often scattered in hedgerows, are famous for their immune-boosting properties. The flowers are harvested in spring and early summer for making soothing teas, syrups, and infusions that help alleviate cold and allergy symptoms by promoting mucus membrane health and reducing congestion. The berries are nutritive and can be used as a prophylactic against viral infection, although it is important to process them properly and remove the seeds as they contain cyanogenic glycosides.
5. Cleavers (Galium aparine)
This is a gentle, yet effective herb commonly used to support the lymphatic system and promote detoxification by stimulating lymphatic drainage, helping the body to clear toxins and reduce fluid retention. This makes cleavers particularly beneficial for skin conditions, swollen glands, and general cleansing of the lymphatic pathways. It can be consumed as a tea or tincture as a supportive herb in cases of chronic inflammation.
Exploring the wild herbs of the Welsh border gives a fascinating glimpse into nature’s medicine cabinet. These plants not only add to the region’s lush landscapes but also offer gentle, effective ways to support your wellness. Whether you pick a handful of elderflowers for tea or use nettles in a nutrient-rich soup, connecting with these herbs is a wonderful way to bring a bit of the areas natural calm into your health routine.
Note: Always ensure correct identification before harvesting wild herbs and consult a healthcare professional if you have any underlying conditions, potential allergies or are taking medications.
If you’d like to learn more, keep an eye out on my “classes & events” page for upcoming herbal walks on the Wales/Shropshire/Herefordshire border.