Knowing my wild plants really surprised me with how useful it’s been, way more than I ever expected. Last winter we got snowed in for three days, and I ran out of several things—simple teas, salves, that sort of thing. I ended up making a soothing tea from dried yarrow and wild mint I’d foraged earlier, which calmed my nerves and helped me sleep. Then, when my neighbor slipped and scraped her arm trying to get firewood, I put together a quick plantain salve for her. Honestly, I used to think those home remedies were just a nice hobby, but it’s incredible what you can do with what’s growing right outside the door.
It’s funny, I never thought “old-fashioned” plant knowledge would save the day, but now I keep a little kit of dried herbs and ointments just in case. Anyone else find that the most old-school skills end up being the ones you actually need?
