Helen Gray is a practicing medicinal herbalist who undertook extensive professional training. At the October meeting, the Kilmersdon Gardeners were interested to hear how many familiar plants found in our gardens and fields, some that may be thought of as ‘weeds’, can be used in herbal first aid.

The benefits of having simple remedies on hand, using plants you have grown, can be very empowering. The herbal craft is one developed by our ancestors using what was to hand. Peter Rabbit was a lucky bunny, as his mother had chamomile tea ready to soothe him when he came home!

There is a lot of effort and skill involved in selecting plants, drying and then making a preparation to use. This can be a simple tea infusion, a tincture or a salve, for instance. It all depends on the application. Herbalists use vegetable oils that are better for the skin than the petroleum derivatives in some commercial preparations and their preparations are fresher and haven’t travelled so far.

The Elder tree is a pharmacy in itself! The flowers can help colds, flu and hayfever. The leaves can be used to make an insect repellant. The berries can provide a boost to the immune system and have anti-viral properties. The common Daisy is an anti-inflammatory and good for bruises. Dandelions have a myriad of uses, salad leaves, root vegetable, marmalade from the flowers and wine. This plant contains many vitamins and minerals and is a remedy for liver and kidney complaints.

Plantain is a common field and garden weed whose leaves can be used to help IBS. The Marigold Calendula has antifungal and antimicrobial properties that help prevent infection and heal injuries. It is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components which may ease muscle fatigue. Yarrow is good in teas for easing the effects of colds and flu. Fennel, Peppermint and chamomile are good for the digestion. Comfrey is a garden herb with properties that promote healing of scrapes. It is so effective that it should not be used on open wounds, as they may heal too quickly, trapping infection. Meadow Sweet and St John’s Wort are good for wounds and the latter also for burns.

Garden herbs Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano and Sage are good for the digestion and the latter made into tea with honey can soothe a sore throat.

At the next meeting at 7.30pm on Wednesday, November 10th Dave Moon will give an illustrated talk on RHS Gardens in Kilmersdon Village Hall. Visitors will be made very welcome. There will be refreshments, a raffle and a few plants for sale. Trisha Jordan