Stinging Nettles Urtica dioica Easily-cultivated wayside plant, known to grow in gardens. Historical uses include brushing the leaves against the skin to relieve arthritis. This does actually work if there is no acute inflammation but is best for "cold", chronic arthritis. Fortunately they will also work if taken internally! A great cleanser, nettle is used for stubborn skin conditions. It is highly nutritious and makes a splendid general tonic and a good plant fertilizer.
	Dandelion Taraxacum officinale Another easily-cultivated plant! It has a gentle cleansing action, stimulating the liver and kidneys and increasing excretion. This basic function is useful for virtually everything, as it ensures good flow of wastes away from diseased areas and allows repair and restoration of damaged tissues to progress unhindered. Makes a terrific cordial with Burdock, and a dreadful coffee substitute.
Clivers Galium aparine Another great cleanser, clivers keeps your lymphatic system in top condition. Useful for all cases of infection (viral, bacterial or fungal), which tend to block your lymph nodes ("glands"), and particularly recommended for sore throats and tonsillitis. Best used fresh (handful to a pint of water), clivers is a peerless treatment for cystitis. It is also traditionally used for ulcers and tumours, presumably a tribute to its lymphatic cleansing action.
	Lime flowers Tilia cordata Not lime as in gin and lime, but the flowers of the magnificent lime tree or linden. Lime flowers are a wonderful relaxing remedy for that poor over-stressed brain. They are also restorative and nourish the nervous tissue, helping to counter the negative effects of long-term stress. A strong tea used as a gargle will also relieve sore throats and gums. Useful in cases of 'flu, it is also considered specific for raised blood pressure associated with stress and "clogged" vessels.
Elder flowers Sambucus nigra One of the most pleasant-tasting herbal remedies and a real pleasure to imbibe. Elder flowers are THE remedy for colds and blocked noses. Taken as a tea, they soothe the mucous membranes and ease breathing. They will relieve a fever. Try a mix with elder, mint and yarrow in equal parts, sweetened with a little honey. Elder berries are also useful, being anti-inflammatory and laxative, as well as highly nutritive.
	Yarrow Achillea millefolium Known also as "nosebleed", this plant has considerable wound-healing properties, as well as being an effective means of stopping blood flow. It is also a good tonic for blood vessels, particularly varicose veins and haemorrhoids. Yarrow is bitter, which means it stimulates digestion, and also tends to shunt blood to the outer parts of the body, making it useful in many digestive and skin complaints. This action also increases sweating, which can assist an overloaded excretory system, and help reduce fevers. Yarrow can often relieve cramps and painful periods.
Marigold Calendula officinalis The number one remedy for wounds and infected skin, particularly fungal conditions. Used mostly as a cream (mix concentrated tea into a cream base). Also invaluable for internal inflammation, particularly in the digestive system – heartburn, ulcers, colitis, etc. Marigold has a normalising action on the menstrual cycle.
All the plants described here are easily-identified and generally safe to use. In most cases, a tea made from 25g dried herb to 1 litre of water, taking 1 cupful 3 times a day will be more than adequate (store tea in fridge). Remember that increasing the dose will not necessarily increase the beneficial effect and that children require considerably less quantities than adults. It is best not to overdo any plant, even "harmless" ones and to vary your intake. If your symptoms persist or you have any doubts, please ask.	Wildcrafting This basically means picking from the wild, but note the term "craft". The keyword for wildcrafting is respect – for the plants and their surroundings. There are a few basic rules which should always be followed: Be sure you are picking the correct plant. If you are not sure check – but by taking the book to the plant and not the plant to the book! Pick only fresh, unblighted leaves. Beware of possible contamination from pesticides. Take only what you need. Do not leave the plant unnecessarily damaged, nor the area around it. Take no more than 10% of any stand. Be aware that you need owner's permission to pick on private land and that many plants are protected species. Put your herbs in a bag (not plastic) and label it! You might not recognise them when you arrive home.