30 Days of Wild Teas

30 foraged herbal teas in April

1st - 30th April 2026

with Herbalist, Sarah-Jane Cobley

As a lazy herbalist I love the simplicity of preparing herbs as tea. Pack a flask, teacup and sit mat. Venture out. Pick and pour. Settle in and relax. A daily nature ritual to support wellbeing within nature.

Every day I will add a new wild tea herb to share my enjoyment and hopefully encourage you to take a wild cuppa outdoors this spring!

You will find stunning photographs to accompany specific identification features, medicinal qualities and what they’re like as a drinking tea.

This is an opportunity to get intimate with a wild medicinal plant every day in April. A journey into nature and into yourself. This is a daily pause where immersion in nature is the medicine, even before you ingest the herb. Let the journey begin!

Day 1: Birch tea

Betula spp.

I began my month of wild teas under the domed canopy of a birch tree. Its pendulous branches reaching down to the grass creating the perfect den for our moment together. I cut a small twig into pieces, along with some leaf buds and tiny new leaves. They all went into my teacup with hot water from my flask.

I love both the russet orange colour of the tea and its resinous scent. It has a full flavour which is sweet and floral with some slight bitterness from the tannins. The resin gives it its antiseptic quality and combined with its diuretic action makes it perfectly suitable to use in bladder infections. As a salicylic acid containing tree it can also be used as a milder aspirin substitute, effective for joint pain, headaches and fevers.

Bringing it to a simmer on the stove and leaving it covered overnight deepens the flavour and increases its cleansing action. It can be used as a spring tonic drunk cold in the morning, or re-warmed, to aid detoxification via the kidneys.

Day 2: Sweet Violet tea

Viola odorata

This morning I hopped on my bike and cycled down the road to our local farm shop. I was excited to visit a patch of violets I know to have tea with them. It was early-ish and still dewy as the sun wasn't high enough to reach them. This reminded me that flowers are at their most scented just before the full midday sun which was yet to come.

The floral scent was detectable in my cup as I brought it to my nose, but had not yet infused the air as it will a little later on. Often I have turned my head towards the scent when walking, smelling them before my eyes have spotted them nestled shyly at the verge.

Violets are shade loving and will often be found under trees. They are a cooling remedy used to ease hot conditions such as tonsilitis. It was once used widely as a children's cough syrup that was naturally blue from its anthocyanin pigment. One of the delights of taking tea with violets is the swirly release of the dye into the water Like a beautiful dance of indigo butterflies transforming my tea before my eyes!

These anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that reduce the harmful impact of free-radicals caused by stress thus reducing age-related degeneration. They have been used in creams to soothe irritated skin conditions. As a salicylic acid containing herb they can be used as a mild aspirin alternative to reduce a high temperature and relieve pain such as headaches. They also have a mild sedative action which aids sleep due to containing alkaloids in its chemical make-up.

Day 3: Poplar leaf bud tea

Populus nigra

I ventured out in the rain to meet poplar for tea today. Black poplars are huge trees but couldn't offer any shelter whilst still in bud. The buds were why I'd come so early in the month and I noticed most of them were just starting to open out into leaves. I was happy to find enough that were still closed and on a branch low enough to harvest.

This tea break was in my local park which has two huge poplar trees, one male and one female. The male has just dropped a carpet of long red catkins which will have pollinated the female catkins that will continue to grow, swelling into little buds of cotton fluff. These pop open in the summer to release little white seed fairies that float about in the air much like tiny dandelion clocks. Interestingly the female is already in full open leaf.

On a warm sunny day with a breeze it is easy to spot a poplar by nose as the scent carries quite some distance, especially when the sticky resinous buds are in abundance. I picked about 7 for my cup which opened out into a tulip flower shape when I poured the hot water on them; golden with red edging. The resin is sticky and leaves bright yellow spots on the teacup. It is collected by bees to make propolis.

Resin is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing. The buds have traditionally been used to make Balm of Gilead; a warming chest rub for congestive coughs. Poplars are in the willow family and contain salicylic acid, the precursor of aspirin. This offers a mild pain relieving and temperature lowering action especially helpful in colds and 'flu.

Poplar bud tea is my absolute favourite with a floral caramel-like taste. It was well worth meeting in the rain. Even more so with a little blackbird singing happily in the tree top!

Here is a very beautiful and in depth article about poplar medicine:

https://ravensongherbals.com/blog-post/poplar-medicine

Day 4: Maple blossom tea

Acer platanoids

My plan was to take tea in the park with maple blossom before the arrival of the human's. Despite arriving at 7.30am I was still joined by a fitness group which sent me out of the park and up the hill into the wood... a bluebell wood!

I took a couple of Norway maple flower clusters of with me and then found some sycamore flower panicles in the wood. The latter with leaves fully opened and the former without leaves, not yet emerged from their buds. Both smelling sweetly like quality local honey!

I sat on a narrow path between masses of scented bluebells, beneath a bare tree canopy and enveloped by the sweet morning song of birds so happy to wake up in spring. I began the day immersed in nature, such pure sweet medicine in itself, before I even made my tea!

Maple is of course known for its sweet syrup that's made from condensed tree sap. The scent of the flowers is more distinctive than the tea which is super mild. It's one of those that offers its pleasure through beauty in the cup and on nibbling them as they reach the mouth. There is a short burst of sweetness initially when munching the crisp blossoms which then offers some very mild astringency.

It is a gently drying and cooling plant traditionally used for calming fevers, inflammation and sores. The syrup can be added to water as an alternative to a sports drink as it contains many vitamins and minerals to replenish glucose and electrolytes.

Taking tea in the woods with maple today was a beautiful way to start my day!

Day 5: Barberry blossom tea

Berberis darwinii

I love munching on these bright orange blossoms for a tart and tasty treat. It's more of an urban forage than a wild tea as it is planted widely as an ornamental in gardens and public spaces. It was introduced by Darwin in the 1800's after an expedition to South America.

The colour of the flowers is owed to the carotenoid pigments including β-carotene which is among the strongest of antioxidants. Antioxidants combat the harmful effects of stress that cause premature aging to the skin and brain. Some carotenoids serve as the precursors of vitamin A, essential for the health of the eyes, skin and immune system.

Their tart flavour indicates vitamin C content. Interestingly, the medicine used by herbalists is extremely bitter owing to an alkaloid named berberine. This comes from the bark of its roots and stems, either ground into a yellow powder or tinctured into a yellow liquid medicine. Berberine is antibacterial and traditionally used to treat bacterial diarrhoea like dysentery which causes a diarrhoea and vomiting with painful gut inflammation and gripes.

As well as killing off the excess bacteria, the bitter principles improve the function of the gut via reflex action from the taste buds of the tongue direct to the liver, gall bladder, stomach pancreas and intestines. Improving the function of the liver means toxins, (such as dead bacteria), are cleared out more efficiently rather than left circulating contributing to the unpleasant symptoms.

The powder is sold in India for blood sugar control in Type 2 Diabetes in a similar way to Metformin. The berries are also edible and used in jam making. They look a bit like clusters of small blueberries and are very delicious, if like me, you like tart berries. The blue/black colour is caused by the anthocyanins, and like the orange carotenoids are also very strong antioxidants.

I put a tablespoon of blossoms in my teacup as they make a very mild flavour tea. I enjoyed drinking and eating at the same time. If you have a bush near you, I recommend picking some to brighten up a salad dish.

Day 6: Bay leaf & blossom tea

Laurus nobilis

It is interesting that I have visited the highly resinous herbs at the start of the month, including birch, poplar and bay. It has been on account of needing to catch them within their harvesting window which is almost coming to an end. That and the fact that I couldn't wait to take tea with them as this is the flavour I am most drawn to.

It tastes strong. Resinous, floral, sweet, bitter... it's like a tea cocktail. It's no wonder that it's medicine is as versatile as a whole medicine chest!

It has actions upon all systems of the body. For the digestive system it stimulates the release of digestive juices, eases cramps and wind, is anti-inflammatory and helps heal wounds. It is a similar story for the urinary system. As a diuretic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, healer and pain-reliever it will treat bladder infections. The pain-relieving quality can also treat headaches and joint pain and inflammation.

It boosts the immune system in a number of ways as well as directly reducing viral, bacterial and fungal load. It is mildly sedating so useful for anxiety and insomnia, as well as for supporting proper rest in colds and 'flu. For the respiratory system it thins the mucous and prevents and treats infections. It is also effective for blood sugar management.

I see it as one of those cure-all herbs; if you don't know what to reach for, have a bay leaf tea!

CAUTION: Be sure of correct ID as some people confuse it with the unrelated and poisonous cherry laurel which has tall spikes of flowers rather than clusters.

Day 7: Elm samara tea

Ulmus glabra

Elm samaras are the brightest green in the treeline and I was drawn across a field by one to shelter from the wind. I nestled onto a bed of ivy surrounded by sunny lesser celandine and bluebells beyond.

Samara is the name given to a winged seed grown by trees and designed for wind dispersal; like the "helicopters" of sycamore. They grow in clusters that look like bright green blossoms similar to cherry blossom "pompoms". Each samara has a single seed between 2 thin layers.

They are a foragers delight being crisp, smooth, fresh, nutty and sweet when eaten straight off the tree. A few handfuls will make a fresh spring soup and they brighten up a salad. To me they taste similar to fresh pumpkin seeds and sweet lettuce.

Herbalists prescribe slippery elm powder, (made from the bark), for its mucilaginous quality. When cold water is added it goes slimy like chia seeds and can be drunk straight down as a digestive aid. It can also be made into a nutritious warm drink with milk and was traditionally given to babies as a first weening food as well as people in convalescence to build strength.

It provides a physical barrier to protect damaged skin and for the digestive tract so that healing can occur underneath. It will also coat the throat to calm soreness and reduce an irritating cough, as well as the irritation caused by reflux.

It only has a small harvest window where the samaras are fresh and young. Often they can be spotted dotting a path after high winds. Branches are not always low enough to reach and some samaras can be seedless, (apparently, though I've always had seeds). Good luck finding some!

Day 8: Primrose tea

Primula veris

Today I sat blissfully bathing in nature, atop rabbit burrows in a thicket dotted with bluebells, violets, celandines and cowslips. The yellows and blues of spring. A most idyllic setting for a wild cup of tea.

I had collected a few primrose flowers and leaves from the grassy verge beside a country road. They grew alongside ferns and ground ivy and nettle. I was surprised not to see rabbits as I usually have there. On my journey to and from my little English woodland sanctuary, I saw blackbirds flying with nesting material in their beaks, a buzzard hovering low and a newt near a watering hole.

Primrose means "first rose" as it's often the only flower blooming in winter. It persists into the spring and so is seen as representing seasonal transition. It holds both the energy of the winter melancholy, as well as the sweet hope of spring. Sitting with a cup of primrose tea is an opportunity for reflection and orientation.

Traditionally, the roots of primrose were used as an expectorant due to containing saponins. They can be too irritant for the digestive tract of some people and so the milder leaves and sepals can be used instead. The soap-like quality thins mucous that is thick, sticky and hard to bring up. The mild irritation also aids the expectoration.

Primrose tea is relaxing and helps ease anxiety. It has a kind of cucumbery taste, mild and pleasant, fresh and ever-so-slightly sweet.

Day 9: Cherry blossom tea

Prunus spp.

When cherry trees bloom, the Japanese have an annual ritual of flower viewing. They enjoy it as a shared outing with walks and picnics specifically to honour its fleeting nature as a reminder of the beauty of the present moment.

I went for an urban forage rather than a wild cherry, simply because I love the big pink pompom looking blossoms. Flower viewing is a big part of the medicine that nature brings and of my daily wild tea ritual. I chose a quiet 7am morning tea on the bench beneath the bows before all the village bustle began.

The flower are used in the cosmetic industry for its astringent, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant quality. In herbal medicine we use the bark, in folk medicine the cherry tails, (stalks), and nutritionally the berries or their juice.

Cherry bark is an effective cough suppressant and should only be used after the infective stage, when a cough is debilitating through the night. It will allow the sleep needed for proper recovery. Cherry juice is used in throat sweets to reduce sore throats via its anti-inflammatory quality. The pure tart juice or a supplement of it is effective for arthritis.

It is interesting that cherries contain natural melatonin and so improve sleep.

The blossom tea tasted of almond due to containing cyanogenic glycosides, (as do all stone fruits; cherries, plums, peaches, sloes etc...). In large amounts over time, cyanide can accumulate, so it is best to keep this tea to a once a year ritual. They lost their colour the moment I added hot water and to avoid this in Japan they preserve theirs with plum vinegar and salt first, (sakura tea).

Day 10: Lime / Linden leaf tea

Tilia spp.

I have to be honest, I was feeling a little out of sorts this morning; subdued and a little on the sloth side. The local park was too exposed and busy for me, so I ventured off the beaten track. I am known to climb old gates long been used and probably out of bounds for one reason or another. If I can see that no-one ever goes there, then it's perfect!

The grass was long and lush interspersed with nettles and cleavers. I stopped to sit at a patch well worn by animals and shown to me by a squirrel. I watched two little gold finches hop close by and saw some very bright green little birds fly across the path; maybe siskins.

I nestled into the tranquility of this wild space and felt very held. Being immersed in nature like this, drinking tea with linden relaxed me into a space of gratitude. The medicine of this tree is very opening. It eases tension and anxiety, opens up the blood vessels and soothes the digestive tract. It is particularly helpful in stress-related hypertension and will bring down a fever, whilst calming any fretfulness.

I picked clusters of small leaves newly opened in the springtime sunshine. I also munched on a reddish tinged bud which is sweet and silky due to the mucilage. The tea also had a silky quality to it and left a tactile and protective layer to the oral cavity and throat.

Day 11: Bramble leaf tea

Rubus fructicosus

Our humble bramble bush offers nourishment beyond the berries. The leaves were once a common way to prevent scurvy by chewing fresh. The vitamin C content is higher in the leaves than berries and the berries have more than oranges. A free and easy way to boost your immune system!

They also work well for keeping good oral hygiene as their astringency stops bleeding gums and their antimicrobial action will prevent bacterial overgrowth. As a gargle or tea it will help reduce a sore throat.

You can think of it as a herb to "reduce leakage". A funny term that I like which means it helps the body retain water. In diarrhoea, excess menstruation, runny nose and excess catarrh it offers a drying action, reducing the flow and loss.

Spiritually brambles are strongly associated with protection. I've heard it referred to as the "midwife of the forest" due to the way it bends over and protects new growth until ready to stand strong. I love spotting these arches and can't resist ducking under one as it was once thought that doing so would cure many ailments.

They are fierce and resilient, as well as abundant and giving. You could say they represent finding the sweetness, (berries), in difficult situations, (thorns). They are in the rose family and share many characteristics. I think they taste like a very mild and gentle green tea with an ever-so slight tang.

Day 12: Red dead nettle tea

Lamium purpurea

There was a constant roar of wind in the trees during my early morning woodland walk. I believed the plant I hoped to have tea with would be out in the open field but on the margin of the wood. I left the trees and found patches of red dead nettle growing close to the boundary edge. There was a panoramic view of the valley clear enough to see as far as the coast, but the wind was roaring and cold, so I picked my herbs and took to the hedge. With my sit mat on a nice flat rock and my teacup on a mossy rock, I settled into my daily nature pause watching the rain clouds forming in the distance over Bristol.

Red dead nettle is in the mint family which is clear from it's square stem, irregular flowers and scent. I wouldn't say it's a pleasant scent, but it certainly looks pretty with its red whorl of fury leaves and pink flowers. The scent is very earthy, maybe mushroom-like and rotting wood. It tastes as it smells with the addition of a mineral flavour and drying astringency.

This tightening effect means it will staunch bleeding on the skin, in the mouth and in the gut. The drying anti-inflammatory quality will help ease symptoms of hay fever. The flavonoids and polyphenols give it an action stronger than vitamin C which decrease inflammatory enzymes that trigger chronic inflammation. This helps reduce age-related degeneration in the skin, heart, brain and of all the body's cells.

It can be used as a nutritious wild vegetable in the same way as spinach, though I am not convinced I would like it. It has taken me a few years to learn to appreciate the taste of red dead nettle which I do now. I am curious who would like it first time. Let me know what you think!

Day 13: Ground ivy tea

Glechoma hederacea

The low bright sun drew me out early, its rays penetrating mist that lingered just above the humanscape of Bristol off to the east. I felt my spirit lift and my step lighten as I crossed the old bridge over the railway, leaving civilisation behind and merging into the dewy countryside.

There was a quiet stillness that brought me peace until reaching the hilltop where the sound of the commuter traffic was audible in the distance. I climbed a wet gate and arrived at a well hidden patch of ground ivy. I've been seeing it around a lot lately and knew it was time to enjoy a cuppa. I took my tea to a wooden bench, in memory of whom I couldn't read the inscribing. It was placed at the top of the hill when there was an extensive view of the valley, on a clear day all the way to the sea. It is now a secret tea spot since the university planted trees that obscure the view. Mixed feelings. However, I am rather partial to a secluded hideaway!

Ground ivy is in the mint family with a square stem, irregular purple flowers and a clear scent when rubbed. The scent is earthy, to me like wet wood in the morning that's been mostly burned in an outdoor firepit the night before. Or hash cake in Amsterdam. I find it slightly nauseating. It has similarities to the red deadnettle of yesterday.

There is some bitterness which will stimulated the digestive system and indeed, it did get my bowels moving! This along with the volatile oils that reduce tension in the gut wall and ease trapped wind and the associated pain. It is also antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Herbalists make use of it for painful headcolds where stagnant catarrh is blocking the sinuses. Its drying nature lessens the volume of catarrh as well as getting it flowing again, hence relieving the inflammation and pain.

This cuppa was very much appreciated, particularly for warming my hands on this cold spring morning.

Day 14: Gorse blossom tea

Ulex europaeus

I woke up feeling a little gloomy this morning which is unusual for me. Even the pink sky out of my bedroom window brought to mind, "pink sky in the morning, shepherds warning". Interestingly, I had a one track mind for visiting gorse for tea and didn't think much on it...

... until I sat down with my little cup of sunshine and remembered what gorse is great for when used as a Bach Flower Remedy.

It is for people who find themselves in a sense of hopelessness about the future. The kind where they've given up in the belief that nothing they do will make any difference. A state where they cannot imagine opportunities becoming open to them no matter what effort they make. Taking gorse reconnects them to their faith in taking action, so that they can bounce back with a sunny outlook towards the future and their ability to influence it.

It was a gloomy morning clouded with grey above, however, merging gently into the day with sunny gorse made all the difference. My step as well as my spirit felt lighter on the walk back home.

Day 15: Herb Robert tea

Geranium robertianum

I walked the wild way and thought up names like 'Poplar Avenue', 'Birdsong Lane' and 'Wier Bridge' as I passed these natural landmarks. I was going to visit Herb Robert but when I arrived discovered they had moved out, giving their home to the bluebells.

I explored the area and found a young population living on the old stone bridge above the little weir. No flowers, but plenty of green leaves and red stems, both hairy and shining in the light. I found one flower around the corner that I could reach. All the above ground parts of Herb Robert can be used for tea. The stems have slightly different properties to the leaves which are equally as valuable, so make sure you pop those in your teacup!

The tea has a mineral taste and slight astringency. It smells like geraniums, some say burned rubber. It is anti-inflammatory and highly antioxidant which supports its traditional use for healing poorly healing wounds, both internally and externally. It has a slight diuretic quality and some antiseptic action which suits its past use for sore throat and bladder infections.

Recent studies have found that it contains a chemical known as germanium, which functions as an oxygen carrier. A lack of oxygen within cells is linked to pain, inflammation, and cancer, making these herbs a new and natural method for healing and preventive medicine. Enhancing the oxygen levels in cells can not only help avert these conditions but also boost health by improving all oxygen-dependent cellular functions, such as respiration, thereby increasing energy and accelerating healing.

Day 16: Cuckoo flower tea

Cardamine pratensis

AKA Lady's smock. This is an elegant and dainty herb when in flower. It stands tall and thin with a crown of lilac flowers that dance in the slightest breeze. In a meadow they create a hazy carpet that is not dense but consistent.

My mum used to gather them as a gift for her mum when she was a child. I didn’t see them at all as a child. I believe they were over-picked for a time. I love the contrast of the almost white pale lilac flowers with the dark green of the stem and tiny leaves. The stem is rigid compared to the fragile flowers. The water of the tea goes greenish, the petals white and lacey, their tips taking on a green-blue dye. Beauty in and out of the teacup! As a mustard family herb has a pungent quality. A scent and taste like watercress. Mild and gently warming. Mustards can ease tummy cramps and spasmodic coughing.

As a spring tonic herb, (like nettle, dandelion, cleavers & birch), it improves detoxification. Its slight bitterness encourages the healthy functioning digestive system and the mild diuretic action helps remove wastes via the kidneys. It is also fortifying, supplying nutrients like iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. You can add it to salads and I recommend it as a tea. Both common names point to a bygone era.

Day 17: Raspberry leaf tea

Rubus idaeus

I went up to the woods today and on my way I saw a beautiful red fox with a big bushy tail. It looked so healthy out in the wild and led me to reflect on how much better I felt being out in the wild after a night on the town.

Going up towards the fire pit and shelter there are lots of raspberry canes lining the path. They rise up tall whereas the blackberry stems clamber mostly horizontally unless using other plants to climb. Raspberry leaves looks very similar to blackberry leaves with slightly more pointed leaves, deeper serrations and a more silvery backside.

Raspberry leaf tea is a well known pregnancy herb; a "partus preparator" which means it prepares the womb for and efficient birth. It does this by strengthening and toning the uterine muscles with its astringent action and high mineral content. Contractions are more effective which causes a reduced duration of labour and effort with conservation of energy and resources. The styptic action also prevents against haemorrhage.

Post-partum recovery is supported by helping the uterus regain its tone as well as encouraging the breast milk to come in. It is nutritious and helps fortify mum and baby, containing iron, vitamin C and magnesium. The magnesium allows tissues to relax to which improves blood flow and the exchange of wastes and nutrients.

I drank a cup a day throughout the second trimester of pregnancy, up to 3 cups a day in the third trimester. I feel very confident that it contributed towards having straightforward births.

It tastes like a mild green tea. It's important to take iron supplements a couple of hours either side to avoid reducing absorption.

Day 18: White dead-nettle tea

Lamium album

I went back to my local green park again today. Early birdsong, dewy grass and bright morning sunshine. The dead-nettles are fascinating to explore and get to know on an intimate level. I picked one for my tea and one for deep observation.

I noticed how the flower buds are little ball shapes formed with the hood of the flower wrapped around all the other smaller petals And that when they open up they look like little flower people waking up who had their arms and legs rolled in and now they stand. A rice-paddy hat shielding them from the sun and rain.

White dead-nettles often grow with nettles and can be distinguished by their whole of flowers, either white, pink or yellow. Being in the mint family, they have a square stem and are aromatic when rubbed. They are a foragers food, often being sauteed with garlic mustard. I had a munch on the flower buds and enjoyed them as a snack. I also nibbled on the stem which had a similar to bok choy; crisp and crunchy, succulent and juicy. The tea was mildly aromatic and pleasant.

White dead-nettle is well known for its use as a woman's herb by improving pelvic circulation. Its volatile oils ease menstrual cramps and associated pain, and the tannins and histamine help by reducing inflammation and menstrual blood loss. The flavonoids strengthen the vascular walls and the antioxidant action prevents free-radical damage that causes aging.

Sitting on the bench I can't help feeling I am in the presence of a great ally.

What a friend to take tea with! Especially at that time of the month.

Day 19: Speedwell tea

Veronica spp.

Today I had the delight of making a new discovery. I poured on very hot water from my very good quality flask and something happened that I'd never seen before. All the dye in each petal concentrated itself into a bubble at each petal tip. This transformed the flowers from blue, to white with a dark blue blob. There are 4 petals per flower each with one dark blue spot. When I squashed a flower between my fingers I could feel the blob burst as blue dye splat against the side of my teacup!

This dark blue flavonoid/anthocyanin dye turned the tea into a teal colour once I'd popped all the blobs. It was the most beautiful looking tea in my journey yet!

There are many sensory observations that give us information about the effect a herb can have on the body. For instance, its bitter taste tells us it will improve digestion, the astringent quality is tightening and toning to reduce inflammation and aid healing, the blue pigments are powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage, the volatile oils floating on the top of the water are antiseptic.

Traditionally they were used to support tissue healing for the skin, mouth and digestive system. They were also picked by travellers as good luck charms for safe journeys. Some even sewed them into jackets for safe passage through life.

I have loved these sweet little blue flowers since my childhood! Blue is the colour of peace and tranquility. I certainly felt this hanging out with speedwell for my wild tea break today!

Day 20: Nettle tea

Urtica dioica

Life has been busy and I felt like I needed a quick energiser. Nettle seemed like the obvious choice being our native superfood. Crouching down outdoors can often look suspiciously like doing a wild wee. A dog walker last week even commented that she thought I was having a poo! Seeing someone coming my way I decided to wait for them to pass before getting settled into the nettle patch. Extending my gaze I witnessed two deer making their way across a field and disappearing into the bluebell wood.

I always cut the top 4-6 leaves per plant for my teacup. Even without chopping it up the strength of the nettle came through in my tea instantly. The fresh tops are best for foraging as the stinging hairs are still small. When they get older and larger, (being made of silica), they can be irritant to the kidneys.

Nettles are highly nutritious. They have deep taproots that form an extensive network. This means they can access minerals from deep within the soil that most plants cannot reach. I like to make an iron tonic using nettles as the primary ingredient. It is more effective than off-the-shelf supplements because it comes ready packaged with a whole host of other nutrients that improve the absorption of the iron.

Improving the iron status of blood improves the oxygen carrying capacity which translates as more energy. This is helpful to anyone, but particularly for those with anaemia, pregnant and breastfeeding mums, athletes and those in recovery. Nettle makes a great convalescent tonic as it helps the body regain its strength after depletion.

It also improves detoxification via the kidneys aiding the removal of wastes products of everyday metabolism as well as that caused by injury or infection. Joint and skin health is improved by the removal of toxins that can aggravate them. Nettle also has an affinity for the pelvic area and its styptic action will support a reduction in heavy menstruation.

The minerals have wide reaching effects with calcium and magnesium supporting the nervous system, magnesium aiding the relaxation of muscles, and calcium, silica and boron strengthening bones. Plant-derived histamine is weaker than the body's natural histamine. Consuming it blocks histamine receptors, decreasing the body's own histamine production and alleviating inflammation and hay fever symptoms.

I always feel honoured to be in the presence of this beautiful green ally. It is elegant, strong and fierce. I certainly feel revitalised from its medicine.

Day 21: Meadowsweet tea

Filipendula ulmaria

I wanted to see if a little field edged by a C-shaped river was still abundant in meadowsweet. It was a bit of a trek, first by bike then on foot, even leaping across a narrow part to the stream down in a ditch. There were other waterside loving plants like big crowns of comfrey and tiny new shoots of horsetail. I know that spaces left to wild can house successive species depending on how the neighbouring species, soil, space and light change, so I had no idea if meadowsweet would have moved out since my last visit.

It was a different sight to that of my memory, as those that greeted me were still very little and new. I remember walking into a mature colony of meadowsweet that was at least up to my waist. That would have been in full summer when they were in flower. Fluffy cream clusters of tiny flowers; the strongest part of the plant medicinally.

The scent of meadowsweet can be detected the moment a leaf or stem is broken. It isn't strong, only very distinctive. Many people describe it as "medicinal". Of all the salicylate wild teas, this is the only one that clearly tastes like aspirin. It is also slightly sweet and mildly astringent.

Meadowsweet can be used in the same way you would use aspirin; to reduce inflammation, temperature and pain. This includes headache, body aches and joint aches, such as in 'flu. It is also an effective hangover cure. It's main use is as an antacid treating reflux and ulcers anywhere in the digestive tract. It is useful in ulcerative colitis, Crohn's and IBS.

The astringency and anti-inflammatory action supports tissue healing and the carminative nature of the volatile oils relieve trapped wind. The antiseptic, diuretic and pain relieving quality helps treat cystitis.

At this size, which was about the size of my hand, the most distinguishing feature was the red stem and the tiny pairs of stemless leaves growing between each large pair of leaves. Like little leaf babies.

Day 22: Plantago tea

Plantago lanceolata / P.major

I have to say the wind really wasn't enticing me to get out and about this morning so I decided to hang out in the garden instead. I have all sorts of "weeds" growing, some I introduced and some that have just sprung up. I've invited cleavers, nettle, dandelion, herb Robert, violets and plantain to live in my garden. It was plantain I decided to take tea with this time.

I picked both narrowleaf and broadleaf plantain. The broadleaf has sprouted up along the route from our gate to our caravan, as they like to grow on well trodden ground. The narrowleaf seems to have nestled into the boarder with the lemon balm. The wind cooled my tea pretty swiftly which was helpful as it brought out the sweet taste of the mucilaginous quality best extracted by cold water. It also made it smooth and silky like linden and mallow. It is a mild pleasant tea with a slight astringency.

Plantain is well known as a wild styptic. Applied directly onto an open wound it helps staunch bleeding and reduce inflammation whilst the antiseptic action helps prevent infection. Zinc and other constituents work well with poorly healing wounds, both internally and externally, toning and strengthening tissue generally to improve function.

Broadleaf is also well used for cystitis with blood in the urine, while narrowleaf is a valuable ingredient in hay fever tea. They have a drying action that reduces nasal secretions, and at the same time provide a protective demulcent layer to prevent further damage and allow for healing.

Day 23: Cleavers tea

Galium aparine

I took a long journey today out of Somerset and into Oxfordshire. It's my first time and so I wondered who I would be taking tea with. And at the same time, kind of knew I'd come across many of my usual wild ones!

After trains and buses and a walk down a country track, bordered by bright yellow rapeseed fields under a bright yellow sun, I knew I wanted something cooling. Cleavers seemed the obvious choice. Amazingly my flask of hot water stayed hot, always on standby for my wild tea moment.

Cleavers is a remedy that brings relief to any hot condition. Such as tonsilitis or covid, as well as digestive inflammation and cystitis. It is best as a cold infusion, simply pop it in your water bottle, or better still, cut up a handful into a pan, add cold water and mash with a potato masher to maximise juice extraction. Leave overnight then strain and drink first thing in the morning, or refrigerate for drinking throughout the day.

You will notice it has a succulent juicy stem which can also be juiced if chopped first to avoid stringing up the blender. The juice can be frozen in ice-cube trays for using as a morning vitalizer rubbed directly on the skin. As well as being toning, it is encourages tissue healing which is helpful in skin conditions like acne and eczema.

Cleavers water is a well known spring tonic that gets the lymphatic system flowing and draining. This is especially helpful after the winter where we are all more sedentary and have probably come down with a cold or two. Encouraging the movement of lymph means that any left over debris, such as dead pathogens and inflammatory waste that are still hanging around in the glands can be cleared out, like a spring clean. Some even liken the plant to a broom or duster that freshens up.

Drinking cleavers feels very revitalizing. To be regarded as a spring tonic, a herb must be cleansing as well as fortifying. It detoxifies via the kidneys and adds strength via action of flavonoids, iridoids, tannins and minerals like silica. One caution I will add is to not swallow the leaves as they can stick to the throat which is quite unpleasant... she says from personal experience.

Day 24: Willow tea

Salix spp.

A chilly start to the day, edging and curling the leaves with frost. There is mist on the horizon and my breath in moist white puffs as I exhale. As the sun continues its ascent, rays make their way through the canopy to my little teacup as it sits atop an aged and furrowed mossy limb of an old willow tree.

I cut a new growth twig about 7mm diameter. It's yellow and peels easily to reveal a moist and smooth inner bark. I then proceed to peel off the tough outer layer so that only the inner bark remains for my tea. This is where the stronger stuff lives and exposing it fully helps it infuse into my tea. I also pop in a few young leaves, weaker in taste and action, but adds a satisfying beauty to the cup.

Willow is nature's aspirin. It was used in the very first human clinical trial in the late 1900's. Take it for lowing a fever, reducing headache and easing joint pain. It is not just one isolated chemical that creates the desired effect. Salicylic acid is one component, there are others such as tannins that tighten and tone and bring an antimicrobial action.

Flavonoids that reduce oxidative damage and protect and strengthen capillaries, increasing their flexibility. This means that inflammation and associated pain is reduced through the synergistic action of the plant constituents.

The taste is variable depending widely on the species and its conditions. Today my tea is very bitter with the salicin only just detectable. The tea doesn't have a scent but the fresh leaves are ever so gently floral. I recommend taking your tea to taste, however is most agreeable to you. Its a general rule of thumb to guide your dosage.

CAUTIONS: Avoid on blood thinners and do not take in aspirin allergy or if pregnant.

Day 25: Yarrow tea

Achillea millefolium

Venturing out in the early morning frost again seems bizarre after the 20 degree heat of yesterday afternoon. Spring can be so contrasting.

My tea today also has some seemingly contrasting effects. As a balancer, it treats according to need. Which sounds far-fetched until the mechanism of action is understood. It is a general tonic, with particular affinity for the blood vessels, which of course serve everything.

Where there is laxity, such as in varicose veins, it will tone them and where there is tension, such as in hypertension, it will relax them. It does this by acting on tissue layers. The inner layer of veins are toned and strengthened, and where there is tension in the muscular layer of arteries, they are re-laxed.

This balancing action works in the pelvic area as well. Drinking yarrow over time will strengthen and tone the uterus. Improving structure also improves function and so periods can become normalised. And where there is excess menstrual bleeding, it will close off the tiny capillaries to reduce flow, and yet if a period is slow to start due to congestion, it will bring on the flow and ease the associated pain.

This blood vessel affect can also be employed to a reduce fever. As a peripheral dilator it brings vessels closer to the surface of the skin to be cooled.

I have come to love starting my day with a Wild Tea ritual. It meets my need for gentle entry into the day. Quiet awe and reverence for nature and this new day. At least quiet from human busy-ness; the woodpecker and pigeon soundscape told another story!