Elder (Sambucus nigra)

Medicinal Properties:

• Flowers: Anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, mild diaphoretic (induces sweating)
• Berries: Immune-supporting, rich in antioxidants and vitamin C

Harvesting in Manchester:

• Flowers: May-June, found in abundance along the Fallowfield Loop
• Berries: August-September, prolific around Chorlton Water Park edges
• Sustainability: Never take more than 1/3 of flowers or berries from any single tree

Simple Preparations:

• Elderflower tea: Steep 2-3 fresh flower heads in hot water for 10 minutes, strain. Traditionally used for hay fever and colds.
• Elderberry syrup: Simmer berries with water, strain, add honey. Must be fully cooked – never consume raw berries.
• Storage: Flowers dry easily; berries best preserved as syrup or dried.

Traditional Use: Elder has been called "the medicine chest of the common people" – the flowers have been used for centuries to treat colds, flu and allergies, while the berries are a traditional immune support during winter months.

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Medicinal Properties:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Nutritive (mineral-rich)
• Mild diuretic
• Blood-building (due to high iron content)

Harvesting in Manchester:

• Best season: Spring (March-May) before flowering
• Abundant locations: Canal paths throughout Manchester, particularly lush along the Ashton Canal
• Sustainability: Nettles respond well to harvesting – taking the tops actually encourages bushier growth
• Safety: Wear gloves!

Simple Preparations:

• Nettle tea: Steep dried leaves in hot water for 4-8 hours for a mineral-rich infusion
• Nettle soup: Traditional spring tonic (cooking destroys the sting)
• Nettle tincture: Preserve in alcohol for longer shelf life
• Storage: Dries exceptionally well – hang bundles or use a dehydrator

Traditional Use: Historically used for joint pain, seasonal allergies, and as a spring tonic after winter's limited diet. The high iron content made it valuable for treating anaemia, particularly in women.

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

Medicinal Properties:

• Cardiovascular tonic
• Mild sedative
• Antioxidant-rich
• Blood pressure regulating

Harvesting in Manchester:

• Flowers: May (also called May blossom)
• Berries: September-November after they turn red
• Leaves: Early spring when young and tender
• Abundant locations: Hedgerows throughout Heaton Park, mature specimens in Alexandra Park

Simple Preparations:

• Heart-supporting tea: Combine dried flowers, leaves and berries, steep 15 minutes
• Hawthorn berry tincture: Preserve in vodka or brandy (6-week maceration)
• Hawthorn berry honey: Infuse berries in raw honey for 4 weeks
• Storage: All parts dry well; berries can be frozen

Traditional Use: Known as "the heart herb" in many traditions, hawthorn has a long history of use for heart health, including supporting healthy blood pressure and strengthening heart muscle function.

Plantain (Plantago major and P. lanceolata)

Medicinal Properties:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Astringent
• Antimicrobial
• Drawing action (for splinters, stings)
• Soothing to mucous membranes

Harvesting in Manchester:

• Available: March-October
• Abundant locations: Lawns throughout Manchester parks, Fletcher Moss Gardens, pavement cracks citywide
• Identification tips: Broad-leaved (P. major) or narrow-leaved (P. lanceolata) with distinctive parallel veins

Simple Preparations:

• "Spit poultice": Chew a leaf briefly and apply to insect bites or minor wounds in an emergency
• Plantain salve: Infuse leaves in oil, strain, add beeswax to solidify
• Plantain tea: For sore throats and digestive complaints
• Storage: Dries well but loses some drawing properties; best used fresh or as preserved preparations

Traditional Use: Known as "nature's bandage," plantain has been used for wound healing across many cultures. Native Americans called it "white man's footprint" as it spread wherever European settlers walked.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Medicinal Properties:

• Styptic (stops bleeding)
• Diaphoretic (promotes sweating)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Astringent
• Antimicrobial

Harvesting in Manchester:

• Best season: June-September when flowering
• Abundant locations: Meadow areas in Wythenshawe Park, less-manicured sections of Platt Fields Park
• Identification tips: Feathery, fern-like leaves and flat-topped clusters of small white flowers (occasionally pink)

Simple Preparations:

• Fresh leaf poultice: Crush leaves and apply directly to small cuts to stop bleeding
• Yarrow tea: Traditional for reducing fevers through sweating
• Yarrow-infused oil: For topical inflammatory conditions
• Storage: Dries extremely well with minimal loss of properties

Traditional Use: Named after Achilles, who supposedly used it to treat soldiers' wounds during the Trojan War. Yarrow has an ancient history as a battlefield herb for stopping bleeding and preventing infection.

How to Make Basic Herbal Preparations

Herbal Infusion (Tea)

1. Use 1-2 teaspoons dried herb or 1-2 tablespoons fresh herb per cup of water
2. Pour boiling water over herb, cover to preserve volatile oils
3. Steep 10-15 minutes for standard infusion
4. For mineral-rich herbs like nettle, steep 4-8 hours
5. Strain and drink up to three cups daily

Herbal Salve

1. Fill a clean jar with chopped herbs
2. Cover completely with olive oil or other carrier oil
3. Steep for 2-6 weeks in warm place, or heat gently in double boiler for 2 hours
4. Strain herbs out, reserving the oil
5. Melt 1 part beeswax to 4-5 parts infused oil
6. Pour into small containers, cool completely before capping

Tincture

1. Fill a jar 2/3 full with chopped herbs
2. Cover completely with vodka or apple cider vinegar
3. Seal and store in cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally
4. Strain and bottle in dark glass with droppers
5. Label with herb name and date
6. Standard dose: 1-2 droppers full, 1-3 times daily

Responsible Medicinal Plant Foraging

1. Absolute certainty is essential – never use a plant medicinally unless 100% identified
2. Start with small amounts – test for personal sensitivities
3. Research contraindications – some plants interact with medications
4. Respect traditional knowledge – many of these uses have been refined over generations
5. Sustainable harvesting is critical – medicinal plant populations can be damaged by overharvesting
6. Document your experiences in a herbal journal
7. Consult healthcare providers before treating any serious condition

Remember, herbal medicine works best as preventative care or for minor ailments. These traditional plant remedies offer a connection to historical knowledge and can complement (not replace) modern healthcare approaches. Come as you are, you're welcome here – whether you're making your first plantain salve or developing a comprehensive home apothecary.

‍