It is a wonderful experience to connect with the countryside around us and the plants that grow there. Sadly, many of us have lost this connection. With modern conveniences it is easy to forget that, before we travelled outside our local area, we used to totally rely on what grew around us both for food and as a medicine; they are an integral part of our botanical heritage. The wild herbs of the UK offer a treasure trove of flavours, remedies, and health benefits that have been valued for centuries. Many of these wild herbs grow abundantly in woodlands, meadows, and hedgerows, from the humble nettle to the fragrant elderflower, offering those that know the bounty of nature.
A point to note, before you go off foraging in your hedgerows, please do not consume anything you are uncertain of and ensure you check with someone knowledgeable and trained prior to changing your diet or taking herbs as medicine (or contraception!). I am not a trained herbalist, but a grower and horticulturist with a passion for herbs and their uses for the last 40 or so years.
I have chosen just a mere 10 wild herbs of the UK to highlight, they all grow around my house.
- Marsh-Mallow, Althea officinalis
- Nettle, Urtica dioica
- Yarrow, Achillea millefolium
- Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale
- Wild Garlic, Allium ursinum
- Elder, Sambucus nigra
- Plantain, Plantago major
- Caraway, Carum carvi
- Meadowsweet, Filipendula ulmaria
- Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna
Marsh-Mallow, Althea officinalis
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This is a tall perennial herb with soft, velvety leaves and pale pink flowers, native to Europe and now widely naturalised. Historically, it is found in marshlands, riverbanks and costal areas. Althea officinalis has been used for centuries in the kitchen and medicinally. Its name is derived from the Greek word ‘altho’ meaning ‘to heal’ highlighting its importance in traditional medicine. |
Historical uses
The Romans considered this herb a delicious vegetable, used it in barley soup and in stuffing for suckling pigs. For the London apothecaries, women picked the leaves and dug the roots of Marsh-Mallow on the salt marshes of the Thames estuary where it still grows. No household would have been without this plant in the garden.
Today’s common uses
- The leaves and/or roots are used in teas and syrups to treat coughs and bronchitis.
- Poultices for treating burns, rashes and skin irritations.
Nettle, Urtica dioica
The stinging Nettle is perhaps one of the most well-known wild plants in the UK and it is a herb. While it is infamous for its sting, it is also valued for its medicinal properties and culinary uses. Nettles are packed with vitamins A, C, iron, and calcium, making them a popular choice for teas and soups. Cooking or drying the leaves neutralises the sting, allowing them to be safely consumed. Traditionally, Nettle has been used as a blood purifier and to treat conditions like arthritis.
Historical uses
Plants with stinging hairs, prickles or thorns have played an important role in plant-lore and were seen as a remedy against demons. Another wonderful fact dated 1952 was that in Hampshire, Nettles were used as a contraceptive. This method was for a man, they lay a thick layer of nettle leaves in the sole of their socks, they were then wore for 24 hours before intercourse!!! Apparently, this worked!!!
Today’s common uses
- Herbal teas to reduce inflammation.
- Soups, stews, and pestos for a nutritious boost.
Nettle, Urtica dioica
Yarrow, Achillea millefolium
Yarrow is a common sight in UK meadows and roadsides, recognised by its feathery leaves and clusters of tiny white or pink flowers. Historically, it was used as a wound healer on battlefields, earning it the name “Soldier’s Woundwort.” Yarrow has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and is commonly used in teas to aid digestion or relieve colds and fevers.
Historical uses
There is an old superstition which apparently still lingers in remote parts of Britain and the United States. It is said that if young girls tickled their nostrils with sprays of Yarrow and their nose started to bleed, this proved the fidelity of their lovers. A rhyme that went with this weird way of finding ones true love was "Yarrow away, Yarrow away, bear a white blow?, if my lover loves me, my nose will bleed now."
Today’s common uses
- Teas for cold relief or digestive issues.
- Topical applications to soothe minor cuts and bruises.
Yarrow, Achillea millefolium
Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion is one of nature's great medicines and it really proves that a weed is only a plant out of place! It is in fact one of the most useful European herbs. It has become naturalised throughout the temperate regions of the world and flourishes on nitrogen rich soils in any situation up to a height of 2,000m. All parts of the plant—roots, leaves, and flowers—are edible and full of nutrients. The leaves can be used in salads or brewed into a tea that acts as a mild diuretic, helping the body eliminate excess water. Dandelion root is often used in detox teas and has been historically prized for supporting liver health.
Historical uses
The Arabs promoted the use of the Dandelion in the 11th century. By the 16th century it was well established as an official drug of the apothecaries who knew it as Herba taraxacon or Herba urinari, and Culpeper called it Piss-a-beds all of which are in reference, no doubt, to its diuretic qualities.
Today’s common uses
- Dandelion tea to support liver function.
- Young leaves in salads or smoothies for a nutritional boost.
Wild Garlic, Allium ursinum
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Wild Garlic, also known as ransoms, grows in damp woodlands and is easily identified by its broad leaves and pungent garlic smell. In spring, its white star-shaped flowers appear, carpeting forest floors. Wild Garlic has a milder flavour than traditional garlic, and its leaves are often used to make pesto, added to salads, or incorporated into sauces. |
Historical uses
Historically in Devon Wild Garlic leaves were boiled and the water was then poured over young plants to keep pests away. Also, this water was used as a spray on scale insect. I feel that these remedies could easily be used today by the home grower.
Today’s common uses
- Wild Garlic pesto or added to soups and sauces.
- Used raw in salads or sandwiches for a burst of flavor.
Elder, Sambucus nigra
The Elder tree, native to the UK, produces both elderflowers and elderberries, which have a long history of use in traditional medicine and food. The fragrant white elderflowers bloom in late spring and are commonly used to make cordials, wines, and teas. These flowers are said to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
Historical uses
The learned Roman, Pliny the Elder ( 77AD) recorded magical deeds with elder, such as that a person can be cured of certain skin disease by flogging them with elder twigs. In the 17th century, in the county of Somerset in the UK, slits were cut into an Elder leaf to correspond with the number of the patients warts, the leaf was then rubbed over the warts, and then buried, as it decayed the warts vanished.
Today’s common uses
- Elderflower cordial and tea. Elderberry wine and syrup
- An ingredient in desserts or syrups to add a floral or fruity note.
Elder, Sambucus nigra
Plantain, Plantago major
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Broadleaf Plantain, commonly found along paths and lawns, is a herbaceous plant known for its healing properties. Its leaves have been used for centuries to treat wounds, bites, and stings. In herbal medicine, Plantain is used as an anti-inflammatory, and its soothing properties make it ideal for treating skin irritations and respiratory problems when used in teas. |
Historical uses
One of the most consistent historical uses of Plantain is in the treating of wounds and skin irritations. Throughout the Middle ages and well into the 19th century the leaves were applied as a poultice to stop bleeding, reduce swelling and speed up the healing process.
Today’s common uses
- Crushed into poultices to treat insect bites or minor cuts.
- Used in teas to help soothe coughs and colds.
Caraway, Carum carvi
Until modern agricultural practice became dominant in this country this pretty biennial herb with its delicate white flowers, crescent shaped seeds and feathery leaves could be found growing wild throughout the countryside. I am lucky enough to live next to a farm where there is one field that has not been turned for over 90 years and it is full of wonderful wild herbs including Caraway.
Historical uses
Both the common and botanic name of this herb stem directly from the ancient Arabic word for its seed "karawya". The fossilised Caraway seeds have been discovered at Mesolithic sites, indicating that this herb has been used for at least 5,000 years. It has also been found in the remains of Stone Age meals, Egyptian tombs and ancient caravan stops along the silken road. It probably came into use in Europe in the 13th century.
Such an ancient herb is not without magical properties. Caraway gave protection from witches and was believed to be able to prevent departures, so it was used in love potions to prevent lovers from straying and given to doves, pigeons and poultry for the same reasons!
Today’s common uses
- Teas to relieve indigestion, bloating and gas and to relieve menstrual cramps.
- Used in breads, baking and season for meats, liqueurs and spirits.
Meadowsweet, Filipendula ulmaria
Meadowsweet grows in damp meadows and is distinguished by its creamy-white flowers with a sweet almond fragrance. It has been valued for centuries in herbal medicine for its pain-relieving properties. In fact, it was from this plant that scientists first derived salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin. Meadowsweet tea is used to treat headaches, indigestion, and inflammation.
Historical uses
In the 16th century it was a favourite strewing herb of Queen Elizabeth 1st . She desired it above all other herbs in her chambers as it was a custom during this period to cover floors with rushes and herbs both to give some warmth underfoot and to keep away smells and infections.
Today’s common uses
- Teas to relieve headaches or indigestion.
- Used as an anti-inflammatory herb in natural remedies.
Meadowsweet, Filipendula ulmaria
Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna
Hawthorn is a common sight in British hedgerows and is renowned for its heart-healing properties. The berries, leaves, and flowers are all used in herbal medicine to support cardiovascular health. Hawthorn berries are rich in antioxidants and have been used in syrups and teas to strengthen the heart and improve circulation. As a child in spring my mother gave me hawthorn sandwiches, which was made with the young leaves, this was called bread and cheese.
Historical uses
in the past in England, a lone Hawthorn tree often marked the locations of the administrative meetings such as moots and manorial courts. In Ireland, however a ‘sentry Thorn’ or ‘lone bush’ was a meeting place for fairies which therefore had to be treated with the greatest respect and was especially dangerous on May Day, Midsummer and Halloween when fairy magic was at its most powerful.
Today’s common uses
- Teas and tinctures to support heart health.
- Hawthorn berry jams or syrups as a nutritional boost.
Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna
Foraging Tips and Safety
Foraging for wild herbs can be a rewarding way to connect with nature, but it’s important to follow some guidelines to ensure safety and sustainability:
- Identification: Make sure you can positively identify any herb before consuming it, as some wild plants can be toxic. Carry a field guide or consult an expert if you’re unsure.
- Environment: Only forage from areas that are free from pollution, avoid areas such as busy roads or fields treated with pesticides.
- Sustainability: Never take more than you need, and leave enough behind for wildlife and to allow the plant to regenerate.
- Legal Considerations: In the UK, foraging for personal use is generally allowed, but it is illegal to uproot any plant without the landowner’s permission under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom’s landscape is rich with a variety of wild herbs that have been used for centuries in cooking, medicine, and rituals, offering those who know what to look for a natural bounty of flavours and remedies. Whether you’re a forager, gardener, or herbal enthusiast, discovering the wild herbs of the UK opens up a world of botanical wonder.
Please forage responsibly. Thank you.
Want to know more?
You can find more about herbs in Jekka’s blog, our past newsletters and videos as well as Jekka's new book '100 Herbs to Grow' and Jekka's existing books, namely 'A Pocketful of Herbs' or Jekka's Complete Herb Book, and also by browsing Jekkapedia and exploring our herb based recipes.
Alternatively, come and visit the herb farm in South Gloucestershire at one of our Open Days, Master Classes or Herb Experiences such as last year’s Jekka’s HerbFest (see the highlights).
For advice on growing and maintaining herbs, check out ‘Jekka’s Seasonal Tips’ blog series, which includes what to do in your herb garden in early spring, late spring, summer and autumn & winter. Together they form the basis of Jekka’s guide on how to grow herbs.
Please also see Jekka's herbs of the month blogs: Bay (January), Rosemary (February), Salad Burnet (March), French Tarragon (April), Angelica (May), Alliums (June), Lavender (July), Basil (August), Mint (September), Szechuan Pepper (October), Thyme (November) and Curry Tree (December)
Herb plants are available and you can organise a collection from our herb farm in South Gloucestershire or at one of our Open Days. Please see our 'Looking Good List' for availability and use our webform or email your list directly to us (sales@jekkas.com). We no longer offer a general mail order service for our plants.