Wild plants

I love our summers here in central New York, with the beautiful green trees, abundance of wildflowers, and creeks. This past winter was hard and the snow continued well into May. Typically, we get one last snow after I put away snow boots and coats. We always try to wait because we know it's coming. This year, I think the snow came back three times. The boots and coats are still out. But spring did arrive, and the last trees to leaf (black walnut) are now thick with lush green leaves, and dropping nuts in the lawn.

I grew up in Trumansburg, and because of this, that side of Cayuga Lake holds a special place in my heart. Although this whole area is filled with gorges, creeks and trees, each place also has its own unique feeling. I guess it's all the happy memories of roaming around outdoors in the woods and quarries, exploring and making my own fun, that make Trumansburg seem so special to me.

During the summers, when I was a kid, we'd take our VW camper to Taughannock Park with the kayak that Papa made sticking out of the back. My brother and I spent the whole day in the water, walking the gorge, and boating. Back then, we all sat in the sun to get tans, and ate candy from the concession stand.

When our own kids were little, we lived in Ludlowville, and they were creek kids. What a beautiful place to grow up! We spent as much time as possible outdoors, where they dug in the yard, played with the hose, and built forts in the woods (pre-tick, I guess).

Now we live in Dryden, and I've learned to appreciate this area as well. I missed Salmon Creek for a long time, but we've discovered the Jim Schug Trail, with it's lovely straight mowed paths, and the Roy H. Park Preserves. A few weeks ago, my husband and I went to Pocket Falls in Lansing. What a hidden gem that is! I felt like a child again, as I drank in the beauty of that creek and the woods surrounding it.

There's a wild area near our house, the unfinished continuation of our road, where we walk and watch the seasons pass. Over the years, the landscape changes subtly. For a while, there were huge rock piles where we'd search for fossils, and make piles of rocks on top. Those grew over, and then were flattened, and grew over again. This past year, construction debris was dumped up there, with rebar and other junk, and this was sad to see. But again, the area was flattened, and although it looked like a barren wasteland during the spring, now the plants are coming.

During our walks, I try to really notice what's around us. It gives me the space to stop worrying about what's going on in the world, and to re-center. When I live right there in the moment, I start to notice the little things that God created, like these tiny chamomile plants. 

One of these plants that I've "discovered" is the medicinal "weed," broadleaf plantain (Plantago Major), which thrives in dry rocky soil. The seeds and leaves have been used for centuries to heal wounds. The plant contains two biologically active components, aucubin and baicalein, which have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. According to what I've read, it can be used for coughs, wounds, inflamed skin, insect bites, acne, plus it helps with hair growth. Amazing (as Papa would say). I suggest looking it up if you're interested to learn more about this humble plant.

Learning about plantain has brought about a little mind shift for me (I love those), and now I see plantain all over the place. You can look for it too, at the edges of your driveway or the road. Of course, I'm experimenting with harvesting, drying and using the plantain leaves.

Obviously, one of my first thoughts was, with these amazing properties, it would be wonderful to add to soap or hand salve! Many people do this, infusing the dried leaves in olive oil, or making a tea with it to use in their lye solution. I've made one small batch of soap so far, and do love the pale jade-like color and natural scent. I'll keep you posted if I make more!

We (meaning I) have also tried it brazed with kale and dandelion greens. Yum!

And last night I made a tea with it, and then soaked my feet. Not sure if this will work to heal the dry skin, but it's worth a try!