The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides Podalirius) is one of the largest butterflies in Central Europe. It was once quite bountiful, but is getting rarer and rarer. This year is a severe drought year, but despite the growing scarcity of the Scarce Swallowtail, I see them from time to time on the meadows. On my latest run … Continue reading “Scarce Swallowtails Pollinating Field Thistle with Widow-Maker Creaking in Background”
Tag: Foraging
Ajuga Reptans (Bugle, or Bugleweed) – Edible and Medicinal but Underappreciated
In this video I talk about Ajuga Reptans, a plant commonly known as Buggle or Buggleweed. This plant is edible and has a long history of medicinal use, but despite all its potential, it remains vastly unappreciated by herbalists and the general public alike. Ajuga Reptans Much as the Ground Ivy which I introduced to … Continue reading “Ajuga Reptans (Bugle, or Bugleweed) – Edible and Medicinal but Underappreciated”
Magic Trick Using Milky Sap of Toxic Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia Cyparissias)
In this video I perform a simple, but fun magic trick using the plant called Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia Cyparissias). This plant is toxic and contains milky sap which can also be toxic to sensitive individuals. Consequently, it’s not advised to try the magic unless you are sure you will not have an allergic reaction to … Continue reading “Magic Trick Using Milky Sap of Toxic Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia Cyparissias)”
Ground Ivy (Glechoma Hederacea) – Medicinal and Edible Plant with Many Uses
Today I’m out harvesting Ground Ivy (Glechoma Hederacea) – it’s a useful plant that’s edible, medicinal and abundant. It grows an extensive root system which easily breaks and when broken, it encourages the plant to grow more shoots, so you can’t really overharvest the plant. For this reason it’s known as Creeping Charlie in the … Continue reading “Ground Ivy (Glechoma Hederacea) – Medicinal and Edible Plant with Many Uses”
Early Morel (Verpa Bohemica) Season Is Here – How to Identify This Edible Mushroom
Today I’m taking you mushroom picking and we’re after Early Morels. Alongside True Morels, Early Morels are among the first substantial edible mushrooms of the year (unlike Scarlet Elf Cups, which are also early season mushrooms, but very scarce and rather small, and thus unsubstantial). They grow in early spring and are delicious. They can … Continue reading “Early Morel (Verpa Bohemica) Season Is Here – How to Identify This Edible Mushroom”
Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa) – Hardy Bushes in Full Bloom
Even though I filmed this video very early in the season, when hardly anything else blooms, leastways not among the trees and bushes, Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa), also known as “Sloe” in England is all out. Yet in my climate, even though it’s technically already Spring, we get at best +6 degrees Celsius during the day, … Continue reading “Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa) – Hardy Bushes in Full Bloom”
Coltsfoot (Tussilago Farfara) – How I Harvest and Use the Medicinal Plant for Health
I want to tell you about the herb which has a documented medicinal use going as far back as Ancient Greece or the Roman Empire. The herb is Coltsfoot (Tussilago Farfara). Coltsfoot Identification Coltsfoot is an early season plant which usually blooms between March and April. It’s perennial, meaning it grows year after year from … Continue reading “Coltsfoot (Tussilago Farfara) – How I Harvest and Use the Medicinal Plant for Health”
Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha Austriaca) – How to Identify and Use This Edible Mushroom
In this video you can learn how to identify and use the Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha Austriaca) – an edible and tasty mushroom. As its name suggests, the Scarlet Elf Cup is a cup shaped fungus which features this rich, red, or scarlet color. The exterior is pale and dull, but the interior is bright … Continue reading “Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha Austriaca) – How to Identify and Use This Edible Mushroom”
Shikimic Acid and Other Health Benefits of Pine Needle Tea
I have a bunch of pine trees growing all around me. Most of them, the ones growing within the woods, are too tall and their crowns are at least a dozen meters off the ground. But the ones growing on the fringes of the forest have their crowns within easy reach and I regularly visit … Continue reading “Shikimic Acid and Other Health Benefits of Pine Needle Tea”
Lungwort (Pulmonaria sp.) – Early Season Healing Plant with Medicinal Properties
Lungwort (Pulmonaria sp.) is a healing plant with medicinal properties. It’s one of the first plants of the season to grow, and flowers while it’s still cold outside. As the Latin name of the species – Pulmonaria – suggests, the plant’s medicinal properties are particularly known to benefit the upper respiratory tract. It’s traditionally used … Continue reading “Lungwort (Pulmonaria sp.) – Early Season Healing Plant with Medicinal Properties”