The damp understory of a forest has a pleasing aroma that changes from one season to the next. Early in the year the fragrance of damp earth later is traded for the sweet perfume of blooming wildflowers. It isn’t long until the trees’ leaves shade the forest floor, but then another cycle of wildflowers takes over, keeping the wildflowers in a constant cycle of renewal. While these plants are pleasing to the eye, many offer additional benefits as well.
It is said, “The earth holds a cure for everything.” In many cases that saying has held true. Today researchers are constantly unlocking the mysteries that the natural world has held captive. Old time remedies, some refer to as herbal medicine, sometimes worked, while others are still draped in old wives’ tales.
Early doctors of medicine used a variety of plants to cure. Some were based on legend while others in fact worked. Take for example the Beebalm. This plant was once used to flavor tea and used for number of medical purposes, as were Fairy Candles, which were used to treat snakebite and repel insects.
One plant that can be used with reasonable results to repel insects is fleabane. This plant can be identified by its disc-shaped center fringed by white or lavender petals. The plant resembles the common daisy, but it is smaller. Add to that the black cohosh, or “bugbane”, with its white flowers displayed on 3 to 8 foot spikes and you have another natural insect repellent. The plant’s distinctive odor can have you wondering which is worse, the problem or the cure.
On the folklore side of wildflowers and plants, the spring-blooming hepatica was once considered a cure for liver ailments. Another wives’ tale centered on the common milkweed plant. Here it was believed that if pregnant women and new mothers would drink the white milkweed juice, it would benefit their babies.
In another case the purple trilliums and their odor were said to resemble rotting flesh. In the early days the plant was used to treat gangrene.
Jewelweed was and still is a plant that many use even today when it comes to home remedies. The orange-pedaled plant has a hollow stem, and its leaves hold a clear fluid that Indians used to treat eczema, athlete’s foot, and poison ivy.
While some plants were used to cure, others offer tasty table fare. Cattail sprouts, winter cress, dandelion, wild ginger root, wild leeks, and yes, even burdock shoots are edible.
Drinks can be fashioned from the likes of bee balm, burdock and catnip. Coffee substitutes included drinks made from chicory and dandelion, while wine was made from dandelion, coltsfoot, wild strawberry, and red clover.
Many plants can be developed into rubs, creams and the like, and even eaten or brewed into a drink, but doing so should be done with caution. First of all plants must be properly identified. In some cases plants have a look-a-like cousin. And if a misidentification is made, the results could be just the opposite than what you’re looking for.
Plant identification books are a must. Field guides are easy to use and offer special and distinctive methods to identify plants. Also learn from the experts. In many cases state parks that have a nature center offer plant identification classes.
Another good outlet to properly identify the good from the bad can be found at most public libraries. Another good starting point is to google it.
Plants, native and introduced, can provide not only natural cures but can also provide tasty treats. All you need to do is know what you’re looking for.
PA hunting license reminder
Now is the time to buy. PA hunting licenses became available for the 2018-19 year on the 18th of June.
An increasing number of sportsmen are purchasing their license online. However there is an exception, and that is for antlerless deer applications.
To apply for an antlerless deer permit for a specific county, it must be mailed in the official pink envelope. Specific instructions can be found on page 32 of the 2018-19 Hunting & Trapping Digest.
Antlerless Deer Applications by mail, for PA residents, begins on July 9th. For non-residents applications will begin on July 16th. The first round of unsold licenses begins on Aug. 6 and a second round will begin on Aug. 20.
In PA many hunting regulations remain the same. However annually there are changes. With this in mind take the time to review the digest.
Charlie Burchfield is an active member and past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, an active member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, Outdoor Writers Assoc. of America and the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers. Gateway Outdoors e-mail is GWOutdoors@comcast.net
