Recommended Reading Material for Winter 2010
Out of all of my herbals, my two favorites would definitely have to be Stalking the Healthful Herbs by Euell Gibbons, and Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore. I would recommend reading Gibbons' book first, as he writes a fabulous narrative - it's as though you are taking a walk in the woods together and discussing each plant as you come across it. When you are finished with Stalking the Healthful Herbs, move on to Moore's book for a deeper look at the medicinal properties of each herb.
The two herbs that I am learning the most about at the moment (and am the most excited to grow this spring) are Stinging Nettles and Yellow (or Curly) Dock. These two plants (as with many plants) are considered "weeds" by the uninitiated, but to the modern herbalist are invaluable tools of the natural world.
Interesting note: Yellow Dock can be used to ease the pain and rash of a brush against Stinging Nettles. Stinging Nettles almost always grow next to Yellow Dock, but Yellow Dock does not always grow next to Stinging Nettles.
Nettles appear to be one of the "super herbs" of the plant world - I find it interesting that so many think it's nothing but an annoying weed. Drying or cooking disables the "stingers" on nettles, and allows for its nutritional and medicinal properties to be utilized. Nettles are rich in vitamins A & C, high in protein, filled with chlorophyll, and probably exceedingly rich in trace minerals as well. Grazing animals will not eat live nettles, but will avidly gobble up dried nettles. A diet of nettles will improve an animal's coat and boost milk and egg production in dairy livestock and poultry, respectively. The stalks of mature Nettles yield a valuable textile fiber when processed like flax. Gather the first tender shoots of spring for eating, and make sure to wear gloves! Nettles can also be used in place of rennet for curdling milk. Is there any end to the wonder that is this plant?
