Simple Ways to Nourish Yourself with Nature's Magic

Wildcrafting is one of my favourite words...

Except it doesn't exist. It is not in the dictionary, I looked it up. You can find it on Wikipedia.org though, and they say: "Wildcrafting (also known as foraging) is the practice of harvesting plants from their natural, or 'wild' habitat...".

So it is a new word for something humans have done forever.

John William Waterhouse, Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May 1909

Can't you just see yourself out in a field or by a stream gathering flowers for your own tea blend? Wear a dress, carry a pretty basket and you'll feel like you just stepped into a painting. A romantic notion, but truly, little compares with wildcrafting on a gorgeous summer day. 

Roll me Over in the Clover.

Red Clover blossoms make the perfect base for a wildcrafted tea blend. They are sweet and tasty and easily available regardless of where you live. When I lived in suburbia, I found clover on roadsides and growing in ditches.

A drive into the country will provide all the clover you could possibly need, without trespassing on a farmer's land. Of course these days I have a field of the stuff next door.

My neighbours know I am the one collecting flowers in the hayfield, but they may not know that I am also quietly saying 2 words over and over to the plants. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

You can pluck the flowers with the leaves around the base of the bloom.  The blooms provide the delightful flavour and will also bless you with a long list of healing and tonic properties.

"Research shows that adults taking red clover often experience overall improved satisfaction regarding many different “symptoms of aging” compared to placebos — and even conventional medicines too.

Over the past several decades, red clover (RC) has come to be known as a top herbal supplement. What are the benefits of taking red clover?

Traditionally it’s been used to balance hormones and decrease mucus accumulation in the oral and nasal passages. There’s some evidence that red clover isoflavones may also help treat menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, improve bone mineral density, and lower the risk for osteoporosis and heart-related problems, like high cholesterol and high blood pressure symptoms.

Considering red clover is generally safe for most people and may work relatively quickly — potentially leading to positive changes in libido, mood, sleep, skin and bone health within several months of use— it’s worth a try."

- From DrAxe.com

It is important to make sure your herbs are very dry before blending and packaging them up.

They will go moldy (yuk!) if you put them in a jar while still moist. There are many easy ways to dry herbs effectively.

My herbal drying area at the farmhouse and fresh clover blossoms.

I use a collection of old window screens and vintage tulip bulb trays as drying racks. I have blocks of wood in between the screens so that there is plenty of air circulation. My racks are stacked in a spot that catches the breeze and never gets direct sunlight. In dry breezy weather it only takes a few days to thoroughly dry the herbs.

You can achieve the same effect by using a large basket. 

While I prefer to air dry my herbs to preserve all their wonderful properties, I sometimes use a food dehydrator when the air is hot and muggy. High humidity and heat are the enemy! They create the perfect circumstances for spoilage and mold to happen. 

I am careful to check the drying progress frequently when using the dehydrator because it blows hot air and heat can destroy some of the beneficial components of the herbs. They only stay in there till dry, and go directly into a container that seals well. 

I have 2 dehydrators because I process a lot of herbs, but both came from thrift shops and cost only a few dollars. On those hot humid days I set the machines out on the porch to avoid adding heat to the house. Our farmhouse has no air conditioning!

Fun to gather, tastes great and good for you? What could be better?

A Personal Blend.

You might want to try my favourite blend, but you can create your own by choosing any herbs you are drawn to. The top note should remain the Red Clover, with 2 or more different herbs providing subtle undertones. Here is my recipe, it will give you an idea of the proportions I use:

1 cup dried Red Clover blossom

1/4 cup dried Mint leaves

1/4 cup dried Calendula flowers

Mint is a great choice as it perks up the flavour of any blend and is easy to find. Calendula is a sunny herb with stellar health properties. It has a slightly bitter taste that adds depth. You won't find it growing wild, but it is available at garden centres, is easy to grow and incredibly prolific.

I have served this blend to all sorts of people and everyone loves it.

Even if you do not have access to a garden you can create your own blend. Dried herbs are inexpensive and available at any health food store, or on Amazon.

Wishing you wonderful adventures in tea-making,

Cheers,

Laura