Wonderful "pantry" Next To Us

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Going out into nature on weekends, we do not think that under our feet there is a whole "pantry" of useful plants. It is able to support the body in the winter-spring period of lack of vitamins, to cure many diseases. People have used the healing properties of nature since time immemorial. They drank decoctions from meadow and forest herbs (Ceylon tea was available only to wealthy people)

It is difficult to find good quality tea leaves these days. And the price for it is not always cheap. Therefore, I have long forgotten its taste. I use only decoctions of plants known to me.

My grandmother instilled in me a love for medicinal herbs since childhood. An impressive list (collection plan) was drawn up for the summer. At first we went for walks together. She showed you how to identify the right plant. Explained where it is safer to collect herbs (you should not take them from roadways, near industrial enterprises, in urban areas).

Walking through the forests and meadows, we combined the useful with the pleasant: we communicated, replenishing the piggy bank of knowledge, collected herbs, breathed fresh air, sunbathed in the sun. Having matured, I began to make such "trips" on my own. I brought plants according to the list.

Grandmother laid them lovingly in the shade for drying, spreading each leaf. Then she put it away for storage in linen bags. Each had a label with information: the name of the plant, the year of collection. She strictly followed the expiration dates. Every summer the closet underwent a thorough revision. Old copies were removed and replaced with fresh ones.

There was always an impressive pile of books on the table, marked with a pencil about the medicinal properties of each species. In those days, such literature was not easy to obtain. Therefore, they were presented as the most valuable gift. One (the thickest) was sent by close relatives from Belarus. These books are passed down from one generation to the next. Now this archive has passed from my mother to me. I hope that in due time I will pass it on to my granddaughter.

Before using this or that plant, be sure to consult with your doctor. Because the diseases and the body are different for everyone. There are also contraindications for individual cultures. I brew teas myself every day on a purely intuitive level. Using the most common herbs, with minimal side effects.

For colds, I compose a collection of raspberry leaves, strawberries, linden flowers. When a cough begins, plantain, coltsfoot, licorice root help well.

In the winter-spring period, more vitamin C and a tonic effect are required. Therefore, I brew rosehips in a thermos for the night or in a teapot in the morning the leaves of lemongrass, black currant, needles of a Christmas tree or pine.

Red clover inflorescences perfectly cleanse blood vessels from harmful cholesterol, strengthen the nervous system, and treat skin diseases. It is simply impossible to list all its useful properties.

The broth of fireweed has long been considered the drink of kings. He was invariably present during the meal before the import of Ceylon tea into Russia. As a child, my grandmother cured my incipient stomach ulcer with this plant. As soon as pain appeared, I ran for help to my "doctor" (as we called her in childhood and firmly believed that she was a real doctor). Ivan tea was taken out and brewed. After 30 minutes, the discomfort disappeared. What could not be cured in the hospital with pills was done by ordinary inconspicuous weed.

Every day, the composition of the tea changes depending on the mood and needs of the body. Fortunately, I have a large choice in stock.

I will share with you my grandmother's recipe for an amazing dandelion jam. Whoever tries it for the first time does not even know that it is not honey (it looks like it in appearance).

In May, I collect 400 pieces of loose dandelion inflorescences without stems. I soak it in cold water for a day. Twice I replace the solution with a fresh one (this leaves all the bitterness). I drain the water. I transfer the flowers to the pot. I pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. Boil for 15 minutes. I insist 1 hour. Separate the liquid from the thick part through a colander with gauze. I use only a decoction. I add 1 teaspoon of citric acid in powder or juice of 1 fresh lemon to it. I pour in 1 kg of granulated sugar. Cook until cooked (you can use intermittent cooking for 20 minutes with breaks for 5 hours). In terms of consistency, the jam is similar to honey of medium density. The color becomes amber yellow due to citric acid. I hope that the result will exceed all your expectations!

I do not urge you to blindly repeat my recommendations. I just wanted to draw your attention to the "vitamin pantry" around us and think about maintaining my health.