Day 9: Gorse flower tea

Ulex europaeus

The overgrown wasteland between our house and the railway line down below is a favourite nature bathing spot for my two cats. They loved that I went to join them there today.

I had to take my secateurs because I’ve not slipped through the fence since this time last year and my little narrow path to the gorse was a tangle of bramble, old man’s beard and viburnum.

The path is only about 12 steps long, but it took me a good 20 minutes to make my way to my destination. Once there, and after a few photos I started to recognise the benefit of hanging out in a bush with nature again.

With the birds and the bees. Trees and a slight breeze. Bright blue sky and amazing sunshiny yellow gorse blossoms. It’s no wonder they didn’t fail to brighten my mood after a draining 6 hr day on public transport.

I love that diving into a bush has become my new favourite pastime!

I feel restored.

ID features

Bright sunshiny yellow pea shaped flowers, clustering the ends of very sharp dark green spikey branches. It’s a woody shrub that gets up to 7 feet where I live.

Medicinal uses

So far as I know, gorse isn’t used in herbal medicine, however, it is used as a valued Bach Flower Remedy for hopelessness and uncertainty.

To me it is sunshine in a cup! Uplifting the greyest of spirits.

I guess the yellow colour indicated flavonoids which provides the antioxidant action.

How to make a cuppa

I put about 15 – 20 flowers in my cup and poured on hot water to make my tea. It turned the water bright yellow which made me smile and stare and stare in awe and wonderment.

Taste

I can taste some slight astringency, which supports its uses as a folk remedy for sore throat. I can also detect a slight bitter aftertaste which supports its past use as a digestive aid.

Cautions

Watch out for the exceptionally sharp pointed needle-like leaves.

Only consume the flowers, never the seeds or seed pods which are toxic.

 For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th April. Meet in Peel Park, (on the Community Centre side), in Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS41 9DP. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. 

There will also be a walk in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

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£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

 Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's larder. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk