A useful weed gathered mainly from mid-May to mid-June. Found in fields, sandy roadsides.
LIke most weeds, cinquefoil has been used medicinally in the past. Cinquefoil contains large amounts of tannins so that an infusion made from the root can be used as an astringent for cleansing and soothing the skin. It is even used as an additive in some anti-wrinkle cosmetics. To make a compress to relieve skin irritations, boil two tablespoons of chopped fresh cinquefoil leaves in a pint of water. Allow it to steep for 15 to 20 minutes, strain and cool to lukewarm.
The powdered or crushed root of cinquefoil can be used to stop small cuts from bleeding by causing blood vessels to contract.
Cinquefoil is also useful and effective as a means of detoxing and has been found helpful in reducing withdrawal from addictive alkaloids like nicotine and cocaine. Since there are no side effects associated with the use of the cinquefoil, overdose or prolonged use is not an issue.
Cinquefoil also has antiseptic properties and is used to make a mouthwash for thrush infections as well a gargle for periodontal disease and other gum and teeth problems.
A strong decoction will inhibit infections wounds. I wouldn't suggest throwing out your antiseptics in the medicine cabinet, but when you are camping or without medical supplies for some reason, it would be better than no antiseptic. I don't endorse any switch to herbal medicines (such as the "recipe" below) unless it is an emergency but in an emergency situation it is great to be able to use common, readily available herbs. A word of caution, however: whenever gathering plants in the wild, do make certain you have correctly identified the plant.
Pain relief decoction (effective for headaches and premenstrual cramps):
4 tsp fresh cinquefoil leaves
1 tsp fresh valarian (optional)
4 cups water
Boil the fresh plants for 5 minutes (or steep dried herbs for 15 minutes).
Drink one cup of this tea before meals.
Should you want to use the plant, the best time to harvest cinquefoil is in June by pulling the entire plant. Dry it in a shady area.
Vanessa virginiences, or American Lady on Liatrus Spicata, or Button Snakewort.
Both Native
There are a lot of expressions that we hear now and then; most we think we know the origin of, some we don't. For the most part we just don't ponder the origin of commonplace expressions because they are... common. The first thing I discovered when beginning to read this little gem of a book, was not only hadn't I considered where many common sayings come from, but my preconceived idea of their origin was actually wrong! Kinda embarrassing, but guessing I may not be alone in this. I thought it would be of value then to share some tidbits from this book. Audio format is nice, as you can multitask while listening to this. This is my first attempt at recording reading a book, so any constructive criticism is welcome!
There are a lot of expressions that we hear now and then; most we think we know the origin of, some we don't. For the most part we just don't ponder the origin of commonplace expressions because they are... common. The first thing I discovered when beginning to read this little gem of a book, was not only hadn't I considered where many common sayings come from, but my preconceived idea of their origin was actually wrong! Kinda embarrassing, but guessing I may not be alone in this. I thought it would be of value then to share some tidbits from this book. Audio format is nice, as you can multitask while listening to this. This is my first attempt at recording reading a book, so any constructive criticism is welcome!
There are a lot of expressions that we hear now and then; most we think we know the origin of, some we don't. For the most part we just don't ponder the origin of commonplace expressions because they are... common. The first thing I discovered when beginning to read this little gem of a book, was not only hadn't I considered where many common sayings come from, but my preconceived idea of their origin was actually wrong! Kinda embarrassing, but guessing I may not be alone in this. I thought it would be of value then to share some tidbits from this book. Audio format is nice, as you can multitask while listening to this. This is my first attempt at recording reading a book, so any constructive criticism is welcome!
Cool! I've never noticed galls on staghorn sumac. Location: SE NH.
Melaphis rhois on Rhus typhina
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1112
Happy garden with all the heat, humidity, and occasional rain.
I made a yummy zucchini chocolate bread for my sister's visit. Going to air fry some of what I just picked.
