You can forage year-round in the UK, with the cold month of January being no exception. This guide introduces you to some key wild medicinal herbs that you can harvest in January.
Dandelion Root
Where can you find it?
Iconic for their bright yellow, shaggy flowers, Dandelions can be found in abundance in gardens, fields, and meadows. As with any wild forage, harvest away from polluting roads and train tracks, but otherwise you should have no trouble finding this prolific herb. Digging up the root during wet, but not frosty, conditions improves its medicinal value. Larger roots of at least 2 years in age are better than small younger roots.
How is it used?
The dried or fresh root can be made into teas, tinctures, decoctions and poultices. The root has a strong diuretic effect, hence its french nickname ‘pissenlit’, literally - ‘piss in bed’. Diuretics are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, liver disease and some types of kidney disease, among other things.
Roasted dandelion root can also be ground into an excellent coffee alternative, providing a stimulating drink that mimics the taste of coffee whilst containing none of the harmful properties of normal strong coffee.
Dandelion root has a whole host of other fascinating medicinal properties, which is why it is one of our top choices for herbs to harvest this January.
Horseradish root
Where can you find it?
Although horseradish grows in abundance all over, the leaves die back in winter. When lush and green, the leaves look similar to dock leaves. A quick scrunch and sniff of the leaves will reveal the distinctive horseradish smell. However the winter months are the best time to harvest the roots, when all the energy and medicinal potency is concentrated here. Make a note of where you’ve spotted horseradish growing so that after the first frost, when the leaves have fully died back, you know where to harvest the root. Banks, ditches and hedgerows are good places to begin looking, being mindful of pollution.
How is it used?
Horseradish root is used topically to treat muscle and period cramps and for infections of the respiratory tract. It has diuretic properties that, coupled with its antibacterial nature, can flush out and treat urinary tract infections. Research has suggested that it can suppress the growth of certain cancerous tumors. The many medicinal properties of horseradish, as well as it being delicious to eat, make it definitely worth foraging for this winter.
Yellow dock root
Where can you find it?
Yellow dock can be found abundantly in fields, meadows, and along the roadside. It’s leaves look like a typical dock-leaf, long and rich green with undulating sides. Key to identifying Yellow Dock is the deep taproot that is a vibrant yellow colour when snapped in half.
How is it used?
The root can be boiled into a bitter tea, and is thought to detoxify the liver and benefit clear skin. It also contains anthraquinones, which work as a laxative. Yellow Dock is also used to treat sexually transmitted infections, and for pain and inflammation of the respiratory tract.
Pine needles
Where can you find them?
Pine trees are common in the UK. When foraging for needles choose a younger tree, and make sure you don’t accidentally harvest needles from a Yew.
How are they used?
Pine needles can be boiled into a tea and used to remedy colds, coughs and flus. Younger needles contain large amounts of Vitamin C. They have diuretic properties, increasing urination. As well as their medicinal properties, their beautiful scent makes for a lovely aroma to have around the home.
Holly leaf
Where can you find it?
Holly can be commonly found in the UK, and different species have different medicinal properties. This handy guide outlines the features of Holly species we have to choose from.
How is it used?
Depending on the species, holly leaves treat a range of different maladies; from coughs and colds to jaundice. They have also been used to open the bowels and as a diuretic (increase urination).
Ivy leaf
Where can you find it?
Ivy is a vine, commonly found winding around trees, houses and fences.
How is it used?
Ivy leaves are used as a potent medicine. The leaves can be dried and taken as a tea by steeping a spoonful of dried leaves in hot (not boiling) water. When taken by mouth ivy leaf is thought to help with swelling and blockages of the airways, as well as helping to bring mucus up from the lungs. Ivy leaf can also be applied topically to treat skin irritations such as burns and skin infections.
Further reading:
Dandelion root:
Horseradish root:
Yellow dock root:
Pine needles:
Holly leaf:
Ivy leaf
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