Number 27 - Fireweed

Also known as  Rosebay Willowherb, Epilobium angustifolium has sprung up all over the UK this summer.

The plant has also been known as bombweed, due to the sudden rise in population of the plant next to railways and in craters made by bombs in World War II. The plant is also known in Scotland as Singerweed, due to its sprouting of the plants on the bombed land of the Singer Sewing Machine Factory.

The plant's shoots can be eaten as an addition to salads, and if preserved, contain Vitamin C and Pro-Vitamin A. It's leaves can be used to make Kapoori/Kaporie/Kapor tea. In North America, Fireweed jelly, sweets and ice cream are popular treats. Rosebay is taken to ease stomach and digestion issues, such as cramps and diaherra.

However, even though the shoots of the plants can be eaten like asparagus, they are incredibly bitter, and are an aquired taste.

Rosebay can be taken as Kapoori Tea, in salads, or as pills and tinctures.

(A jar of Alaskan Fireweed Jelly. Would you eat this with PJ? Product of Alaska Pure Berry)

Number 13 - Ginger

The spice ginger, from the root of the plant Zingiber officinale, has many varried uses.

Ginger is popular when used in gingerbread and ginger cookies. In medicinal uses, the spice is used as help in easing nausea (especially that caused by motion sickness) and diarrhea. In treating motion sickness, the root is no more powerful than regular anti-nausea tablets, however they do not produce the same side effects as the regular medicines. There is also evidence for the spice effectively treating some forms of cancer.

However, when taking the root as a medicine, bare in mind that in similar manner to other herbs, they can interact with other medicines such as warifin. Ginger is not recommended for people with gallstones.

Ginger can be taken in foods, as a tea, or as tablets.

Some adorable gingerbread biscuits, one of the most popular Western uses of ginger (Source Unknown. I do not take credit for these gingerbread men)

Number 12 - Meadowsweet

After my vacation, I have returned to hopefully create more frequent posts. I may not be able to post daily due to upcoming exams however.


Filipendula ulmaria is used for its pleasant taste and smell in things such as wine and beer. It is a remedy for diarrhea. If the plant is prepared to be drunk as a tea, it helps soothe flu symptoms.


However, due to it's chemical make up which is similar to aspirin, it can induce symptoms of asthma.


As previously mentioned, it can be taken as a tea, the plant can be eaten as is, or it can be used as a pleasant pot pourri around the home.

Meadowsweet Tea. (Source Unknown. Product of Phytovie)