Given the eye-watering price of dietary supplements, it’s easy to start wondering whether you really need them. Surely there’s got to be a more natural way? It might be time to green up your life! If you’re quick, you still have time to start exploring the world of hedgerow herbs before autumn turns to winter. So, get out there and find the superfoods growing on your doorstep!
Daisies, dandelions, and nettles – plants from childhood that everyone remembers. Sometimes they were carefully picked apart, other times mixed with dirt and water into a smelly potion. The curious ones might have cautiously tasted them, while others felt the sting on bare skin after brushing against nettles. What do all these plants have in common? They’re part of the ubiquitous yet invisible green background to our lives, lining our local paths and trails, yet fading into the background beneath our feet. Or worse still, they’re merely weeds – unwelcome wild intruders into our carefully manicured flowerbeds and vegetable patches. Yet they belong to a magical circle of plants, packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and myriad other health benefits: we’re talking about wild herbs.
Superfoods are everywhere these days, flown in from who knows where: goji berries from Mongolia packed with antioxidants, chia seeds from China rich in omega-3s are a must in every muesli, and mineral-rich quinoa salads from Chile are found in every supermarket. Great for our insides, but not so great for the environment. Meanwhile, we have our own superfoods right here, sometimes even in our own gardens or in the green spaces just outside our doors! The problem? We have no clue.
Sure, no one who enjoys spending time in nature is completely clueless. “Look what I brought back!” is something you hear often from May onwards, after a morning run or MTB ride through the woods. Most of the time, it’s a few leaves of wild garlic or woodruff poking out of a jersey pocket, giving off a fragrant scent. But let’s be honest: how many of us can really tell the difference between lady’s mantle and coltsfoot, never mind their nutritional properties? Mistaking wild herbs can have deadly consequences too. That’s when we, the casual foragers, inevitably need to call in the experts. Fortunately, there are people who’ve made wild herbs their speciality and are eager to pass on their knowledge to us wilderness-ignorant city folk. Experts like wilderness educator Sandra, who is taking us on a leisurely ride through the fields, woods and meadows that wrap around the outskirts of Stuttgart, to show us all the natural treasures hiding in plain sight in our local area.
Generation 4 – The wild herb expert
Is she a modern-day herbal witch? Sandra doesn’t see herself that way. Her side business, where she leads wild herb walks, doesn’t need a fancy title. What she connects with it is more of a feeling: an appreciation and fascination for nature’s treasures – an interest which has been passed down through generations in her family. Her great grandmother was even lovingly called “the herbal witch.” Generations of knowledge about wild herbs and their use as natural home remedies: for Sandra, as part of the new generation, it’s a true treasure, one she expands with her passion for plants and the environment.
Why does Sandra share her knowledge of wild herbs? For the wilderness educator, it’s all about creating awareness of the world around us. “Only when I know something can I truly appreciate it. When I build a relationship with the things out there, engage with plants, and recognize their potential, I become more mindful of them and better equipped to protect the entire ecosystem.” Sounds logical and meaningful – we want that too! So, what do we need to do? Sandra became a wild herb expert by completing further training as a wilderness educator. But a lot of it was also self-taught: going out, experimenting, using field guides and good apps. She occasionally shares her experiences from nature walks and her discoveries on her Instagram account, wildflowersandherbs. You’ll also find mini plant profiles and dates for her herb walks there.
Wild herbs à la surprise
Tuesday afternoon, late August. We’re ready to explore nature’s treasures for ourselves. With ebikes, we set off on a motorised wild herb hike through the enchanted Siebenmühlental, on the outskirts of Stuttgart. It’s beautiful. Our eyes wander expectantly over forests, meadows, and tractors with mower attachments… Wait a minute: mower attachments? Damn, are we too late? A closer look reveals most of the meadows are freshly mowed, most of the herbs have bloomed, and the leaves are no longer young and tender. Great. Should we call it off?
Sandra isn’t bothered at all: “Every season shows a different side of a plant. Now, in late summer, we may not find many young plants, and those bearing fruit have already finished blooming, but there’s still plenty to harvest.” Lead us to some of your personal favourites, Sandra. We hop back on the bikes and continue through late-summer forests and meadows, scented with mushrooms and freshly cut grass, until Sandra finds a spot where we can park the bikes: a large, green meadow in a clearing. Tons of weeds sprout everywhere, lining the banks of a nearby stream. Pretty unspectacular. Are we really going to find any amazing plants here? But Sandra immediately spots a wild herb she loves so much that she has it tattooed on her: yarrow. It blooms in every second meadow until early fall. We bet most of you didn’t know that it’s not just something to admire – you can also harvest and eat it! And that since ancient times, it’s been known as a special healing herb for women, with properties that help reduce bleeding and heal inflammation?
“It’s especially valuable for children to learn that the nettle doesn’t just sting, but also has amazing benefits.”
Ouch! While searching for more herbs in the banks of the stream, we literally sit in the nettles. Those annoying things – best to trample them down, right? No way! To our surprise, Sandra has so many good things to say about this prickly wild herb that we quickly change our minds. Sure, we knew that nettle manure makes an excellent fertiliser for the garden, and we’ve seen it in tea blends. But we never really trusted nettles. Yet, they’re one of the few plants that truly deserve the title of superfood. Sandra is impressed by their abilities: “Nettles are incredibly tough. They have amazing defence mechanisms like stinging hairs, and they’re packed with minerals that have helped them survive for millions of years. And we humans can benefit from these defences too.” Sandra is like a walking herb encyclopaedia, but way more exciting than any boring old book.
We continue on our ebikes through the Valley of Seven Mills until we reach the next spot, where Sandra expects to find her third favourite herb. Sure enough, she finds what she’s looking for as we stop beside a little patch of unassuming low vegetation – ground ivy. We’ve never heard of it. “Yes,” Sandra confirms, “this wild medicinal herb is subtle, and not everyone knows it. But ground ivy was used extensively in ancient and medieval folk medicine to treat respiratory issues, digestive problems, and to heal wounds.” Hildegard of Bingen, the renowned herbal expert who greatly inspires Sandra, was one of the first to document ground ivy’s healing properties. It’s recommended wherever pus and mucus are involved.
After just three wild herbs with Sandra, we’re delighted by what surrounds us when we wander through the woods. But how do we find our own favourite herb? Sandra suggests: “Just head out into nature and take a mindful look around. It’s important to find your own connection: What feels good to you? Which plant catches your eye? At first, you might not even know why. Maybe it’s the way it looks, or perhaps its scent draws you in. The more you explore, the more you might discover why it’s so beneficial for you.” Or maybe you won’t – and maybe it doesn’t even matter to know the reasons.
We pack our healing plants into a tin we brought in our backpacks. If you’re gathering wild herbs on foot, not with an e-bike, it’s best to use a basket. No, we’re not going back to fairy tales. A basket gives any little critters on your plants the opportunity to crawl out before you take them home.
But is this all just useless trivia?
A glimpse into Sandra’s favourite herbs already shows: wild herbs are as fascinating as they are diverse. Our ancestors knew this well. Midwives were among the first in Europe to truly recognize their medicinal value, using them in women’s health. Soon, this knowledge expanded into general medicine. But these aren’t the only areas where wild herbs shine.
Quick overview: What wild herbs are good for
- Medicine: Today, wild herbs are used in the pharmaceutical industry to create herbal medicines and supplements. But we can also make our own wild herb tinctures and salves, using echinacea compresses or calendula ointment to treat injuries. It benefits the body and saves money!
- Cuisine: Whether in smoothies, fresh or dried as tea, to flavour water, or as an addition to salads and sauces, or even in a wild herb butter, freshly picked herbs add a healthy boost to our diet.
- Cosmetics: Wild herbs are also used in natural skincare products like creams, shampoos, and salves with anti-inflammatory or soothing effects on the skin. You can easily make these yourself – there are plenty of guides online.
- Household use: Nettle manure is used as a garden fertiliser, while yarrow can be processed into a natural pesticide. Thyme and lavender are popular for decoration and as natural air fresheners, and herbs with essential oils are perfect for incense.
Wild herbs right outside your door – 3 beginner plants
If you’re already eager to take advantage of these green all-rounders nearby, start with these easily recognizable wild herbs:
1. Dandelion
Everyone knows it! But probably not its healing properties. Dandelion is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium. It’s also packed with fibre, and has diuretic properties. Fun fact: In Swabia, the dandelion is called “Bettseicher” (‘bed-wetter’) because it was once believed that eating it could cause nighttime accidents. But back to the dry facts: The bitter compounds in dandelion can help relieve digestive issues like bloating. Almost every part of this wild herb is edible – leaves, flowers, and even roots. Dandelion leaves are great in salads, smoothies, or as a side vegetable, and the roasted, ground roots were brewed as a coffee substitute during times of scarcity, something which is now back in vogue among self-sufficiency enthusiasts! Okay, this might not cut it for real coffee connoisseurs, but we have a special treat for you: our sister magazine DOWNTOWN is dedicating a special edition to coffee, with a growing number of stories on the black gold. Be sure to check it out!
2. Plantains
These healing plants can be found in any semi-wild garden or meadow. The most common varieties are narrowleaf plantain and broadleaf plantain. Both are often used as home remedies: narrowleaf plantain’s mucilaginous compounds help soothe sore throats and loosen mucus during a cold. As for broadleaf plantain, you can recognize it by its wider leaves, as the name suggests. Both serve as a first-aid plant, found almost anywhere in nature. Got a bee sting at the playground, or a blister while hiking? The juice from crushed leaves has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. Sandra even tosses them into salads and soups.
3. Clover
Poor clover is often cursed as a weed in gardens, but despite its humble appearance, it has been a valued medicinal herb since the Middle Ages. Its phytoestrogens act as natural hormone regulators and are especially used by women during menopause to alleviate symptoms like hot flushes. In natural medicine, red clover is mainly used to support the immune system, and as an anti-inflammatory treatment for skin problems. Adding it to your smoothie or as a decorative touch in a salad is a great choice, as it’s rich in vitamins (A, B, C, K) and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Red clover also makes a beautiful garnish for bread with wild herb butter or infused water.
No risk, no reward? – Proceed with caution!
Disclaimer: It cannot be stressed enough: Some popular wild herbs can easily be mistaken, with potentially deadly consequences. Therefore, you must be absolutely certain before harvesting them. We assume no liability for any health issues that may arise after reading this article.
Wild herb hiking for inner balance
Knowing your wild herbs definitely gives you a boost in everyday life, Sandra is sure of that. When work and routine keep her away from wild herbs for too long, she feels more tired and dissatisfied. She compares it to when you take a break from sports and fall into a slump. Sandra isn’t quite sure what it is – maybe it’s the minerals, or the time she dedicates to her passion – but when the whole package is missing, she feels it. And we notice it too on this wild herb tour. With our newfound knowledge, we realise how much nature can captivate us. Sandra’s enthusiasm for the world of green power plants is contagious, making our little expedition a unique highlight of the week. Naturally, we plan to start using this underrated greenery whenever we can, and we’re confident that regularly incorporating local wild herbs into our weekly meals (even starting with “every now and then” is great) will probably make us healthier and more resilient against the stress that life throws our way, and a little happier too.
“Google Lens says it’s fine!” – Staying safe while foraging for wild herbs
Enough talk. If you’re ready to dive into the world of wild herbs, we’ve got a few final useful tips from the herb expert herself, like how to protect yourself from death by the wrong Google Lens results 😉
Dos
Don’ts
- Don’t rely solely on identification apps – they’re not perfect. With Flora Incognita, the probability that your photographed plant matches the identified wild herb is shown in percentages. And beware – Google Lens can also make mistakes!
- Minimise harm to the plant when harvesting: Avoid using dull or metallic knives; a ceramic knife is best, as a clean cut helps the plant heal better.
- Harvest in moderation, taking only what you can process.
- Not everyone tolerates plants like narrowleaf plantain or hazel catkins. If you’re unsure, don’t consume the plant right away. Do a sensitivity test: rub it on your forearm, and your skin will soon let you know if you’re allergic or not.
Superfoods from overseas might be healthy, and pharmacies have their place. But how cool is it to have your own superfoods right at your doorstep and be able to mix up your own healing salve? Just because something is freely available doesn’t make it any less valuable: in fact, we think it’s even more so. By engaging more mindfully with our surroundings, it’s amazing what we can find not far from our doorsteps.
If you want to learn more about wild herbs or join a wild herb walk, check out Sandra’s Instagram page: wildflowersandherbs.
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Words: Felicia Nastal Photos: Antonia Feder
