Foraging 101

In the past several years foraging and herbalism have become quite popular! During the pandemic it seemed that a large number of people were pushed outside, back into nature. Many were even reaching for more natural remedies to cope with sickness. Presently, social media accounts that share these type of remedies are being frequented by more people than ever before. Understandably these individuals are beginning to realize just how obtainable these natural "medicines" and remedies are. This new realization comes with its own hesitations, apprehensions, and questioning where to start. Hopefully this blog post will ease some of those doubts and answer some questions!

When beginning to forage its important to gather good resources (apps, books, pamphlets). Here are some books I suggest:

• Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants by Steve Brill and Evelyn Dean

• Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and herbs of Eastern and Central North America by Steven Foster and James A. Duke

• Wildflowers of Tennessee the Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians by Horn, Cathcart, Hemmerly, and Duhl.

• The Forager's Harvest by Samuel Thayer.

  
  

To be honest I very rarely carry a field guide with me at the moment when out foraging. My phone is usually pretty handy for this at the time and keeps me from having to pack around my physical resources. I have an app on my phone that is called LeafSnap. This program allows me to take a picture and it generates information from a data base where other pictures and information from the internet have been compiled. It is AI generated so I am very careful to research and double check what it compiles because it has been wrong before and recently there has been a problem with AI generated herbal information. This is where my physical resources come in handy. And lets face it, there may come a time or circumstances when the internet and my phone won't be accessible.

Something else I HIGHY suggest is starting your own materia medica WITH drawings, especially of plants that you find readily accessible near you! Materia medica is Latin for "medical material/ substance". Many probably don't consider themselves artistic but I find this helpful because it helps you to become observational, picking out the smallest details of the plant. Having your materia medica will also allow you to compile information from the internet, books, and other resources. Here is an example of my "not so perfect" materia medica:

Some important points to keep in mind when creating a materia medica:

-Always write the Latin or scientific name of the plant. There are many different varieties and having the Latin name will ensure that your researching the correct plant.

-learn the different medical terms for the 'plant actions'

-include any 'safety concerns, 'other uses', and 'when to harvest' if information is offered in resources....along with common 'use to treat'.

Here are some rules and suggestions that I follow while foraging:

1. Know the area where your foraging

   - If you're unable to forage on your own property make sure to get permission.

   - Make sure the area where your foraging is clean from pollution... Stay away from heavily trafficked areas, areas where herbicides and pesticides maybe used (public parks are areas to keep this in mind

   - Be aware that in most national parks its prohibited to pick plant life

   - Carry a map ( maybe even a pack/knapsack) with you and be aware of trail directions if not on your own property... Don't get lost.

2. Don't over forage

   -Be observational on the number of plants/colonies/ etc. If the number of plants isn't substantial leave it alone.

   - Do not take more than what you need. Wildlife also depends on the plant life.

   -If on public land know if there are any limitations: some plants they prohibit collection based on population.

3. Wear appropriate clothing and be aware of the weather

   -Most of the time I know I'll be walking through brush and the woods... pants and boots are a must! If too far from home a rain jacket or warm attire may be needed.

4. For beginning foragers, start with one plant: draw it, study it, read about it, know the best time to harvest/collect, and identify it everywhere you can.

This basic information and suggestions are just to get you started. Foraging will open a new world of possibilities for you and your family! Here on the homestead it seems I'm learning about a new plant almost daily! Happy foraging!