Tomas Enos, PhD of El Milagro Herbs in Santa Fe is leading wild plant walks this spring and summer in Santa Fe, NM
The following green plants were found on our walk after the winter months:
Spearmint- Mentha spicata
Yellow Dock- Rumex crispum
Hierba de la Negrita (Scarlet Globe Mallow)-Sphaeralcea coccinea
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Mallow-Malva neglecta
Catnip- Nepeta cataria
Burdock- Arctium lappa
The second session I talked about wild foods and herbs for Allergies, a common ailment of the spring. The third walk will take place on May 1st from 9 am to 1 pm. Everyday more edible plants are pushing up throught the ground providing us with an abundant amount of free food.
I have found that the nutritional content of wild foods is much higher than cultivated, even organic, foods. The alkaloid content has more healing properties in wild foods which clears out toxins from organs like the liver and enhances our immune systems.
How many people do you know who are eating very healthy foods but are chronically ill? It is my belief that our bodies need a regular amount of alkaloid-rich foods that are available from native wild plant sources. Our ancestors did eat a good amount of those plants; our agriculturalists bred many of our modern crops to taste LESS BITTER and consequently with less healing alkaloid content.
How many people do you know who are eating very healthy foods but are chronically ill? It is my belief that our bodies need a regular amount of alkaloid-rich foods that are available from native wild plant sources. Our ancestors did eat a good amount of those plants; our agriculturalists bred many of our modern crops to taste LESS BITTER and consequently with less healing alkaloid content.
Stay posted with me about more walks, apprenticeships, and gatherings! Just remember a few key guidelines when harvesting wild plants:
1. Don't overpick plants from any area.
2. Pick in clean areas away from pollution and roads.
3. Before ingesting any plant be absolutely sure it is what you want it to be.
4. Give thanks for your harvest, although these plants are free, we need to honor the gift and the knowledge about them.
5.When just starting always eat a very small amount of a plant. Our digestive systems are not accustomed to these foods which are also medicine. Eating too much may cause stomach upset and diarrhea.
6. Be creative in your wild food preparations, make them taste good with exciting recipes. Most people are doubtful of a new food but will love it if it tastes delicious!
