Mullein moth

The Mullein moth (Cucullia verbasci), or rather the caterpillar there of, so named due to their taste for the mullein family of plants. A gang of these buggers have butchered what was shaping up to be a grand Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) in the garden; these  impressive plants will grow up to 2m tall, most of which is a majestic spike densely covered in yellow flowers. Great Mullein's a common wild flower found in myriad habitats, and is a useful plant in traditional folk medicine with many medicinal benefits, including having antiviral and antibacterial qualities. The colourful nature of this moths' caterpillar is not reflected in the Mullein Moth itself, which is perfectly camouflaged to look like dead wood, ragged edged, brown and buff with a dark tufted back. A cool looking moth.

Meadow Sweet

Covid, it's associated effects and consequences on aspects across society served to accelerate my already reawakened interest into the medical attributes of wild plants. Wild plants, and particularly herbalism, was something a group of friends and I were right into back in the late 80's early 90's; later it became the focus of my under graduate dissertation whilst studying for my degree. I never really abandoned my interest, although life and stuff pushed it to the periphery, only coming into play here and there, or when asked advice about herbal remedies. Over the last couple of years it returned to the fore with the potential social degradation and shortages threatened by a brexit; it was one thread of my preparation efforts.  I know, I sound like a loon, though I'm not (of course, that's what a loon would say). Though, I think there's growing evidence to suggest that our society and it's structures are buckling under an unprecedented combination of coalescing and possibly insurmountable problems; the climate crisis, an resurgence of  populist politicians too inept to govern (maybe purposely) and late stage capitalism's 24/7 imperative to consume ever decreasing and finite resources.  In the light of these potential and maybe existential risks I've been polishing up my survivalist skills, such as they are, just in case, in the hope they'd be of some use.   

So, in light of the above, #1 in my occasional and proposed ongoing overview of useful plants I give you......Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria). Meadowsweet is commonly found in damp areas all over Britain, in reality you'll often find it growing in the most niche of damp spots. It stands one to two meters tall, with a reddy stem, dark green leaves and incredibly tight clusters of abundant creamy-white strong sweet smelling flowers. As with so many wild plants it has myriad uses: Medicinally, the aids digestion, helpful in healing ulcers, treating heartburn, hyper-acidity, gastritis, and diarrhoea. It contains salicylic acid and so has excellent anti-inflammatory properties making it suitable for treating rheumatism, and unlike other sources of salicylic acid is gentle on the stomach. Meadowsweet also has immuno-modulatory properties, it's used to treat infections, chest complains such as bronchitis, fevers and colds. The parts used are the leaves and flowers, usually in tea form. Kitchen, traditionally meadowsweet  has been used to flavour beers, wines, meads and vinegars, the flowers added to jams and stewed fruits imbue a subtle almond flavour. Other uses, historically the whole plant was valued as a strewing herb for it's sweet smell, and a black dye can be obtained from it's roots.

Hops

Our Hops (Humulus lupulus) have done really well this year, it's looking like we'll have a nice crop. I wont be making beer or ought though (not this time), rather I'm going to collect and dry the flowers in order to use them in teas. They need to stored in airtight containers away from light, as they will quickly lose their potency otherwise. Hops can be used in herbal teas similarly to Valerian to combat anxiety and insomnia. I used to collect out in the wild, though that was often a hit and miss affair, relying on me finding a good, accessible, source.  Growing them is a much better option.