The end of summer and the beginning of autumn is a good time to collect herbs for the kitchen and home first aid kit. It is worth getting interested in wild ones, but also those grown in the garden. Many of them are proven natural medicines or dietary supplements. Which herbs and how to collect?

There are a few important things to keep in mind when acquiring herbs.Gathering herbsrequires rainless, relatively warm weather. Then the risk of molding of the cleaned raw materials is reduced. Remember to avoid harvesting from contaminated, industrialized and nearby roads with heavy traffic. You should not collect all the specimens from a given location. By leaving some plants behind, we give them a chance to regenerate and yield next year. The exception to this rule are species considered common and undesirable - e.g. weeds.

We don't destroy the environment

If we collect flowers, try to leave some of them on the plant. They will produce seeds that ensure species continuity and feed the animals. Similarly with fruit - some of them should be left for the birds. Sometimes this determines the survival of animals in the winter period. If we harvest the bark, it is only in autumn or spring, and from plants growing in the forest - only in consultation with the forest services.

  • WITHOUT BLACK- the shrub can be found on the edges of forests, in forests and wastelands. The plant is often grown in gardens. The fruit is eaten in the form of preserves. It is a natural remedy for fever, inflammation and an abnormal metabolism.
  • HOP- green cones are mainly obtained from plantations. Hops have an antidepressant effect, lower blood pressure, improve appetite, facilitate digestion and have a bactericidal effect.
  • WILD ROSE- fruit can be harvested from natural sites or from the garden. They are processed into preserves, juices, wines and tinctures. It is a vitamin bomb that increases the body's resistance. The fruit is recommended to eat with colds, flu, anemia and infections.
  • TWO-necked Hawthorn- both flowers and fruits are obtained from it. Medicines and hawthorn preparations are recommended in heart diseases, atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular ailments.
  • WHITE BRIGHTNESS- is a common plant found in meadows, bushes and balks. It looks likenettle. The herb is used internally for inflammation of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and bronchitis. Used externally, it has a positive effect on the skin.
  • KRUSZYNA- the bark obtained from it is a known natural laxative.
  • MEDICINAL MONSTER- infusions of crushed roots have a cleansing, antispasmodic and anti-diabetic effect. It is a good remedy for lowering blood pressure. Externally, it can be used on warts and warts.
  • PERZ- the rhizome is best harvested at the beginning of autumn. This nuisance weed as a medicine is helpful in urolithiasis and hypertension.
  • NETTLE STINGLE- is a common weed that grows on bushes, gardens, river banks, forests and ruderal areas. The leaves have a diuretic, astringent, diastolic, strengthening and anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
  • ROUGHTORN- fruits are obtained from it. They are used after processing for colds, flu, fever and inflammation.
  • CHAMOMILE- flowers are obtained from the plant. Chamomile extracts are most often used externally - for wounds, burns, skin diseases and eye fatigue.
  • Important

    With scissors in the basketWe go to the herb harvest with scissors. Cut the herb (stems with leaves and developing flowers) 10-15 cm above the ground. We don't tear all the leaves out of one plant. It is the assimilation apparatus that determines its development, and the stripped plant may not be able to regenerate. Sometimes plants can be harvested 2 or 3 times a year. But usually the young leaves before flowering are the most valuable.

    Raw materialHarvest dateImportant rules
    Elderberry fruitsAugust-SeptemberThe seed heads are cut when they are all ripe.
    Hop conesAugust-SeptemberPlantation cones should be harvested within 2-3 weeks. When ripe, they turn green-yellow.
    RosehipSeptember-NovemberThe collected fruits must be hollowed out and the hairs removed.
    Hawthorn berriesSeptember-OctoberThe fruit is harvested without stalks. They should be firm and dark red in color.
    White light herbMay-SeptemberThe herb is cut just above the ground.
    Buckthorn barkSeptember-OctoberThe bark is obtained from cut branches. It can be used after a yearstorage or after drying at high temperature.
    Dandelion rootAugust-NovemberDig deep - the dandelion produces a long root.
    Rhizome couch grassAugust-OctoberYou have to choose thick, firm and light rhizomes.
    Nettle leavesSeptember-NovemberIf possible, the plant is cut and left in the position. It loses its stinging properties after several dozen hours.
    Sea buckthorn berriesSeptember-OctoberFruits can be picked after frost, they taste better then.
    Chamomile flowersJune-SeptemberFreshly bloomed flowers are picked - systematically.
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