A Field Guide to Medicinal and Edible Plants

Folklore surrounding the use of these plants carries a rich oral tradition of how people viewed their world. Sometimes, the name of a plant can give you an indication of its use. Fleabane, as the name implies, was used to repel insects as well as fleas.

The stories regarding the use of plants are both practical and curious. Harvesting plants for food makes perfect sense. Plants provided subsistence. On the hand, one has to wonder how St. John’s Wort received its other common names, Devil’s Scourage and Witch’s Herb, as reported on Wildflower Information.org.

Doctrine of Signatures

During the Middle Ages, a widespread belief called the “doctrine of signatures”, dictated how plants were used for medicinal purposes. Simply, the belief was that God marked plants in some fashion as an indication of its purpose.

For example, the toothed leaves of the plant, toothwort, resembled the teeth of a human. Thus, the interpretation of the plant’s divine purpose was that it was meant to be used to cure toothaches.

Deceiving Appearances

While all plants are edible once, the inviting color or fruit of a plant can belie its actual effect when ingested. The purple berries of the plant, moonseed, resemble wild grapes. Even its leaves are similar. While wild grapes are indeed edible, moonseed is not. Moonseed is quite poisonous and perhaps fatal if eaten in sufficient quantities.

General Rules

There are several basic rules you must follow before ingesting wild plants for culinary or medicinal reasons. First, do not eat any plant unless you are absolutely certain of its identification. A field guide will provide the necessary information.

Second, when identifying plants, be sure and note its habitat. Some plants of the carrot family are edible. However, water hemlock which is found in wetlands is probably the most lethal wild plant in which you may encounter.

Third, never pick threatened or endangered species. Your state extension office can provide further assistance.

Medical Evidence

Herbalists determined the medicinal properties of plants through observation. Medical evidence, in some cases, has proven some claims to be true. Willow bark, for example, has a long history of use for treating such ills as arthritis and rheumatism.

As it turns out, the bark contains salicylic acid derived from .salicin. This product is a precursor for the synthesis of aspirin. Other plants such as wild garlic have shown anti-cancer activity.

Examples

Several wild plants are generally considered safe to eat. Bear in mind, however, that some individuals as with any food item may be allergic. The entire dandelion plant may be eaten. The young leaves can be used as a salad green or steamed as a vegetable.

The young buds can be battered and fried as a fritter. You can also dry and grind the roots of the plant to make a pleasant tasting coffee like beverage which is non-caffeinated.

As with any wild plant, exercise caution when collecting and ingesting wild plants. Do take time though to learn the folklore of wild plants for a fascinating look at the oral tradition.

Sources:

Foster, S. and Duke, J. (1990) Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants.

Peterson, L. (1977) Edible Wild Plants.