Day 8: Hairy bittercress

I didn’t have a particular area in mind to explore for wild tea candidates today. After I got back home, I stopped to lie on the warm trampoline. I studied the grass noting all the usual friends.

Some time passed before I spotted today’s tea choice. It is so small and nestled into the grass in shady areas. I’d have easily missed it if I hadn’t have fully stopped and turned my attention to nature.

Again, I have found that the ritual of a wild daily tea break outdoors provides a valuable restorative pause in my day.

And I got to know a sweet little plant a little more intimately.

ID features

It’s mustard family so has 4-petals. The flowers are tiny and white. The leaves look like a small version of watercress. It grows in clusters, and the flowers grow in clusters.

The whole plant grows in a rosette in damp shady places. They have elongated seed pods that point up much higher than the flowers.

Medicinal uses

Mustard plants are warming which makes them a good choice for respiratory issues.

Like watercress and cuckoo plant, it is high in vitamin C which gives a boost to the immune system. It also offers an antioxidant action which reduces free-radical damage.

How to make a cuppa

I picked about 5 finger-length stems complete with their leaves, flower buds, flowers and seed pods. I used scissors to cut them up to allow the plant chemicals to infuse into the tea release the flavour.

Taste

It’s like watercress, peppery and mustard-like. A bit like rocket, but perhaps not so bitter. I found it refreshing.

For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th April. Meet in Peel Park, (on the Community Centre side), in Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS41 9DP. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea.

There will also be a walk in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

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£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's larder. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk