Hedgerow medicine - How many have you tried?

As a medical herbalist working here in the rolling countryside where Shropshire, Herefordshire and the Mid-Wales border meet, spring/summer is my favourite time of year. After the dark winter months, the hedgerows are bursting with plants rich in nutrients and beneficial compounds. These familiar plants have a rich history of traditional use and when approached with knowledge and respect, can be wonderful allies for wellbeing.

Hedgerows are nature’s apothecary, containing medicinal herbs that have been used for centuries, from which sprung the origins of our modern pharmaceuticals. Here are four well-known plants that double as medicine…

Nettles (Urtica dioica)

Common and often seen as a pest, stinging nettles are one of spring’s first gifts. Young nettle tops could be seen as nature’s own multivitamin and are rich in vitamins A and C, iron, silica and many other minerals.

Traditional use: Nettles are considered a nourishing tonic herb. They are often used to support joint health, seasonal allergies and urinary issues. A simple tea made from the young tops can be deeply restorative as we transition into spring.

Safety: Avoid picking from roadsides or contaminated ground. Those on blood-thinning medication or with kidney conditions should seek professional advice.

Cleavers (Galium aparine)

Also known as goosegrass or sticky willy, cleavers are well known and hard to miss.

Traditional use: Cleavers are traditionally used to support the lymphatic system and gentle detoxification processes. Fresh cleavers juice or a cold infusion is preferable, as the herb loses potency when dried.

Safety: A gentle herb but introduce gradually as it can increase urination.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Another common “weed”, Dandelions are often then bane of the gardener but in fact all parts of the plant have medicinal use.

Traditional use: Dandelion leaves are valued as a bitter tonic to support digestive and kidney function. An easy way to use the leaves is add them to salads as you would rocket leaves. The root, commonly harvested in autumn, is used to support the liver and improve sluggish digestion.

Safety: Avoid if you have bile duct obstruction or gallstones without professional guidance. Those taking diuretics should use cautiously, as the leaf can have a mild diuretic effect.

Elder (Sambucus nigra)

Elder trees are a distinctive feature of our native hedgerows, with their frothy white blossom in spring and dark clusters of berries in autumn.

Traditional use: Elderflower is widely used to support immune health during seasonal transitions and for upper respiratory support, taken as a tasty cordial or tea. The berries are well known for their immune properties and are often used a syrups in winter.

Safety: Do not consume raw elderberries, leaves or stems, as they contain compounds that may cause nausea.

A note on safe and sustainable foraging.

• Be confident in plant identification – if in doubt, don’t pick it.
• Harvest from clean areas away from pollution and dog walking areas.
• Take only what you need (the rule of thumb being never to take more than a third) and leave plenty for wildlife, never taking a plant by its roots.

Finding medicine among the hedgerows offers a restorative way to reconnect with both the land and natures rhythms. Why not step outside today and see how many you can find?