Wayside Medicine

Wayside Medicine is packed with practical information on the use of over 50 native plants as sources of herbal medicine.





The countryside abounds with cures which really work and cost a fraction of over-the-counter commercial brands. Have the satisfaction of picking and making your own simple herbal medicine, which has worked for centuries. The authors of Wayside Medicine remind us of a cornucopia of nature's healing plants which have somehow been forgotten.





Here are clear instructions from a renowned professional herbalist on how to make your own remedies: teas, oils, tinctures, poultices and creams. Stunning colour pictures accompany all the plants, as well as a comprehensive index matching health problems to the right herbal cure



Preface    7

Introduction    9

Harvesting from the wayside    10

Using your wayside harvest    13

Alexanders 20

Ash    24

Avens    28

Bistort    32

Black horehound    36

Blackthorn    40

Bugle     44

Butcher's broom    48

Chicory    50

Cranesbill    54

Creeping jenny & yellow loosestrife

     58

Daisy    62

Fleabane    68

Forget-me-not    72

Fumitory    76

Goldenrod    80

Greater celandine    84

Ground elder    87

Ground ivy    92

Gypsywort    96

Heather & bell heather    99

Herb robert    104

Hogweed    108

Lesser celandine    112

Mouse-ear hawkweed    116

Navelwort    120

Ox-eye daisy    124

Pine    128

Primrose & cowslip    134

Purple loosestrife    139

Rowan    144

Sanicle    148

Scabious    152

Sea buckthorn    157

Silverweed, tormentil & cinquefoil

     162

Sowthistle    166

Speedwell    170

Sphagnum moss    176

Sweet chestnut    178

Thistle    182

Valerian    187

Violet    192

Walnut    198

Wild carrot    202

Wild strawberry    206

Woundwort    210

Notes to the text    214

Recommended reading    219

Resources    220

Index    221

The authors    224



What a joy it has been to receive and read this book! Clearly laid out with well researched information on identification, history, traditional and modern uses. The photographs… are both beautiful and clear. This book offers a practical insight into the medicinal uses of local plants showing clearly that we have our own medicine chest right on our doorstep – all we have to do is step outside!



Many of the herbs may be common, but are often neglected as generations have resorted to chemical substitutes. However, Julie and Matthew have tried and tested these herbs and their recipes offer the reader insightful experience to encourage the use of these glorious herbs.

 Plants, like people, may have gone but should never be forgotten. The herbs in this book have earned a reputation and have many uses that, thankfully, we are reminded of and hopefully encouraged to bring back into use.



Herbal knowledge has been declining since its peak in the mid-17th century, but this book – packed with practical information on the use of over 50 native plants as sources of herbal medicine – seeks to change that. With clear instructions from a professional herbalist on how to make your own tinctures, poultices and creams, stunning colour photographs and an index that matches health problems to the right herbal cure, you'll be inspired to put some tried-and-trusted remedies to the test.