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A Pennsic Herbal Primer

By Baroness Sadira bint Wassouf

General Ideas About Gathering Wild Plants

When I think about ancient people, I am awed by the fact that there was a time before farming and that they lived off of whatever they could find growing around them, using plants for food, medicine, and tools. To do this requires several concepts:

The Doctrine of Signatures

Ancient people often believed that the natural world contained a cure for everything if you could just figure out what it might be. One of their basic ideas was that if a plant looked like a particular part of the body, it might be able to help that area. The oddity is how often it worked. Two examples easily found at Cooper's Lake are:

COLTSFOOT: The outside of the leaf curves around rather like the outline of a horse's foot. The inside of the leaf forms a "throat" as it curves around the stem. This suggested that the plant could be used for throat ailments. A cough syrup or cough drop can be made by boiling the fresh leaves and adding sugar. The leaves were smoked in Europe as a cure for asthma. (The leaves can also be burned and used as a "salt". Caution: may be toxic in large doses. (Foster, p. 130)

BONESET: The plant has a very white umbel-type flower. The leaves are a rich, deep green and are pierced by the stem. People thought it looked like the leaf had "healed" around the stem. It became a poultice plant that apparently had some success. Caution: emetic in large amounts may cause liver damage. (Foster, p. 78)

Sevens

I don't know at what time in history it became tradition that for every seven plants, you can pick one; however, some sort of idea like this was utilized far into the past. Even ancient people realized that if you used up all the plants, or even a significant number of them, there would be no more in the future. Unless times were desperate indeed, some were left to propagate for the future.

At one point in the past, Cooper's Lake was the home of a particularly beautiful plant called FEATHERBELLS. There was only one flower each year in the same place. It had a flower that resembled a pine tree of tiny feathery bells about 18 inches high. Development of camping areas apparently killed the one root.

MINTS: These have four-sided stems and tufts of white or purple flowers along the stems which may also be purple. The leaves are usually pointed ovals. They have a pleasant mint-like odor. At one point a lady found some mint at Cooper's Lake. She would not tell where she found it because she was afraid people would "harvest" it to extinction, a wise precaution. It has now multiplied to the extent that I can tell you that it is somewhere near the Lake. Good hunting! Note: There are a number of plants in the mint family that smell strong or "rude". There are a number of related plants that have four sided stems that don't have the characteristic mint smell. Don't use them for applications in which you want regular mint. Be especially careful near the Lake not to confuse them with Mad-dog Skullcap, a reputed rabies treatment and handy medieval poison (flowers are not in tufts but on little stalks from the leaf axils.)

"Marker" Plants

Part of using plants for food and medicine means collecting them at the correct time. As a huntergatherer walked the land she noticed what was growing in that area at all times of the year, learning to recognize plants at all stages of development. Then later, he could come and gather what was needed at its optimum effectiveness. Having now walked the Pennsic site for 15 years and the Rochester, NY area for 17 years, I am amazed at how stable plant populations are providing humans don't meddle.

DODDER: This is a plant parasite that looks like shiny, bright orange plastic threads tangled around other plants, often goldenrods. It is found down near Cooper's Lake near Willow Point. It later has white flowers that look as if they are carved of wax and green fruits like tiny green peas. It is a poultice plant. Although it is called "vegetable spaghetti", the name is an aid to identification only since the plant is NOT edible. Chinese people might notice it early in the season and come back in the fall to gather the seeds which they used as an eye wash. (Foster, p. 66)

One of the best examples of a marker-plant is COLTSFOOT (see above) which has dandelionlike flowers very early in the spring. Their stems look like little asparagus shoots, and they have no leaves. Later, one might collect the more useful leaves in that spot - although the flowers can also be used for the same purpose.

"The problem and the cure grow together''

It was often thought that if one plant caused a problem, the cure was right there. In the case of poison ivy, this is often true.

POISON IVY: It is hard to identify poison ivy because the plant is immensely variable, and it is more prevalent than people expect. The things that remain the same are: The two bottom leaves are directly apposite each other on short or no stalks. The top leaf is on a little stalk and has a point. It does NOT have thorns. It NEVER has more than three leaves in a group anywhere on the plant- several look-a-likes do. Other than that all bets are off. Leaves can be from an inch or less in size up to eight inches or more. They can be smooth, lobed ("poison oak"), or serrated on the edges. The plant can be short, a vine, or a woody bush. The leaves can be light or dark, shiny or dull. (And whereas the leaves turn bright red in the fall, the stems are often green.)

JEWELWEED or TOUCH-ME-NOT: The oval, gently scalloped leaves may be silvery under water. The stem looks translucent and is filled with a watery sap that reputedly stops poison ivy itching or prevents the rash altogether if used immediately after contact. Leaves may be used as a poultice. The plant may also be effective on insect bites. The yellow or spotted orange flowers are unmistakable and can be noted in the fall to locate the plant for use in summer (see "Marker Plants") Late in summer or early in the fall, small bean-like seedpods form. If gently squeezed or even lightly touched, a little "spring" causes the seeds to be shot out. It feels interesting. Leave this for last on a weedwalk - gown people get stuck playing with the jewelweed.

"Safe and Natural" or How much of that willow bark should I use?

Herbal medicine has come into wide popularity recently with the claims Such as, herbs are more "gentle" or "balanced". Modern medicines are usually highly refined substances with the advantages that the dosage, effects of the drug and side effects are consistent and predictable. However, herbal medicines contain more complex mixes of substances which may be better utilized by our bodies but may have the disadvantage of being extremely difficult to figure out dosages. For example, the dosage of digitalis (foxglove) that is effective in helping a weak heart is so close to the poisonous level that even refined versions can be fatal. Those, like myself, who have many allergies must also understand that we may react in unexpected ways. Chamomile, a common ingredient in teas, calmatives, and sleep preparations, can be a trigger for those who are ragweed sensitive. Recently, a child died from an overdose of mint tea - considered to be a very safe treatment for stomach ailments. Each person must decide for themselves what is best for them.

In ancient times, medicine was often given little by little until the desired effect was achieved, hopefully without killing the patient. When things went wrong, the bereaved family might be glad that someone had at least tried to cure their loved one, or conversely, they might have decided to try the "doctor" as a witch or have her killed, depending on their culture. The results of malpractice were more chancy in the past.

Medieval Connections between Food and Medicine

Medieval people saw no difference between food and medicine. All food was medicine in their minds. Its properties echoed the elements of earth, air, fire, and water; relative amounts of warmth, coolness, dryness, or wetness; or the four humors. (Scully, Chapter 3, pp. 40-50) The idea was to maintain an appropriate balance within the body. Modem texts often give food uses for a plant that sound perfectly safe, while the medicinal uses for the same plant sound a bit scary, making the reader wonder how safe it is to actually eat the thing. Medieval people would have had no problem at all with this concept since they were accustomed to thinking of food 2 potentially dangerous.

Too Much Work

At our current time in history, it is somewhat difficult to understand why people ate some of the wild plants that they did in ancient times. There are a number of plants that are normally considered to be poisonous which people in the past have eaten. For example, the "milk" in MILKWEEDS is poisonous, but the flowers, small fruits, or early shoots (wild asparagus) can be eaten if boiled in three waters (throw each pot of water out after boiling, get new water and boil again). Needless to say, this destroys most of the nutrients found in the plant. Since it is relatively easy for us to go to the store and buy asparagus or broccoli which are higher in nutrients and more interesting in taste, we would probably choose not to go through the bother. However, in a subsistence society, these plants provided important food value.

POKEWEED: the flowers are white along a long drooping stem, but the branches are bright purple and the poisonous berries are deep purple-blue. The bush can be very large and have flowers and fruit, both ripe and unripe, on it at the same time. The young shoots (less than 6 inches) can be eaten after being boiled in at least 2 changes of water (Peterson, Lee, p.46)

ACORNS: Any acorns can be used as food although those from white oaks tend to have less tannin and thus can be used more easily. To make flour, you shell and dry them, crush them, put them in a porous bag, boil in several waters until the water is no longer brown, dry them again and grind for flour. It's supposed to be very good. (Peterson, Lee p. 204)

Personal Thoughts

I started studying wild plants on a hike through Allegheny State Park when I was approximately ten years old. I don't remember the man's name who led the 15 mile hike, but he seemed to know every plant and its use. I was hooked. My mother, Elinor Deeb, taught me more, as did countless SCA botanists and novice weedwalkers (who asked the right questions) throughout the years. Then there were all the years of teaching and learning from my daughter, Melinda, which allowed me to repeat information until it stuck in my head. To you all, much thanks - I learn better from experience than from books.

In all, I have been actively identifying wild plants now for 36 years at least. But ANYONE can make mistakes, and in wild foods and medicines, mistakes can be fatal. When you learn the plants, check everything in reliable texts such as those in the bibliography. Be sure to notice identifying characteristics noted in the books. Sizes of flowers and leaves are extremely important. Times of flowering and locations can help you be more accurate. Most of all when you are leading a walk, don't be afraid to say you don't know or stop to check a book. Listen when someone has a different idea about a plant -and then check it out. It's better to look stupid than to endanger someone's life - you never know how someone might try to use what you have taught them.

So, if you find errors in my printed work or in the discussion on the weedwalk, please let me know. Or if you have something interesting to share, I'd love to hear from you. My contact information is:

Pat Chakalis
377 Brooks Ave.
Rochester, New York 14619-2314
Phone: (716) 436-1281

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Foster, Steven and James A. Duke. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants Eastern and Central North America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1990.

Peterson, Lee Allen. A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern/Central North America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1977.

Peterson, Roger Tory and Margaret McKenny. A Field Guide to Wildflowers of Northeastern and North-central North America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1968.

Scully, Terrence. The Art of Cookery in the Middle Ages. Great Britain: The Boydell Press, 1995.

Appendix

Here are some lists of plants commonly found at Cooper's Lake. For wonderfully accurate line drawings, please consult Peterson's Guides. I find these work much better than the photographic texts since a photo captures only one specimen, while the Guides indicate identifying characteristics of the plant in general. In my weedwalks, I consistently use names used in Peterson's to facilitate looking them up later.

1. Joe Pye Weed	Often over 6 feet tall with fluffy mauve flowers, each big enough for a bouquet by itself. Leaves are in whorls of 4 or 5 around a purple-spotted stem. It was used as a cure for typhus by Joe Pye, a white "Indian promoter". (Foster, p. 164) (Peterson, Roger, p. 298) The legend is that he saved a village, and they named the plant after him in gratitude.
2. New York Iron Weed	Also very tall, the flowers are deep purple with alternate leaves. (Peterson, Roger, p. 298) Personally, I have never seen it in New York maybe it can be found in the southern regions of the state??
3. Pokeweed	Technically, the flowers are white along a long drooping stem, but the branches are bright purple and the poisonous berries are deep purple-blue.
4. Purple Loosestrife-	OK, OK, I don't remember whether you can find it at Cooper's Lake, but you'll see it everywhere on the way to and from the site in almost any swampy area. Purple, 6-petaled flowers are on a tall spike on the top of the plant. For Europeans, this was an important medicinal plant which was used for diarrhea and dysentery. (Foster, p. 156) In our modem America, it has become a real headache. Cows insist on eating it which can be fatal. It produces numerous seeds which are nearly 100% viable. It crowds out cattails which provide food and nesting areas for waterfowl. Birds do not like to nest near the plant because it is sharp and uncomfortable. New York State is experimenting with introducing an insect that destroys the plant. In other places, people have physically gone and pulled it out.

NOTE:
Since these plants are on private land PLEASE DO NOT HARVEST. These descriptions are for information only and can be used for harvesting back home where you have permission to gather the plants. Be extremely careful about your identification: people have died from misidentifying a plant that is different in other parts of the country or in other countries.

Huge Purple Things- These are found pretty much all over at Cooper's Lake. Finding them should not be particularly difficult.

Some Really Nice Edibles

1. Arrowheads	These water plants have leaves that are shaped like thin or thick arrowheads with brilliant white blossoms and yellow centers. The tubers can be harvested with a rake and cooked and eaten like potatoes. ( Peterson, Lee, p. 24) Medicinally, tubers were poulticed for wounds and sores Gathering them may cause dermatitis. (Foster, p. 16) Several species are seen around the Lake.
2. Cattails	Nearly all parts of the plant are edible, tubers, small shoots (prepare like leeks but they taste very mild), pollen. They have a dark brown hot-dog-on-a-stick shaped flower. Be careful not to confuse them with yellow irises which grow in the same environment.
3. Blackberries	Like poison ivy leaves but with thorns, right?
4. Ground cherry	Flowers are pale yellow with purplish throat or spots, fruit is contained in a green "lantern" made of the sepals of the plant. Ripe fruit is edible raw or made into jelly. Unripe fruit is poisonous. The plant is found at the foot of one of the roads leading to the Lake. (Peterson, Lee, p. 68)
5. Elderberries	Flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers give way to dark purple berries. Berries must be ripe to be at all edible and they must be properly prepared. Lee Peterson gives great instructions as to how to prepare them on p. 172. My grandmother told me that you harvest them by running a fork through the flowerhead. Medieval people liked the flowers in cakes and fritters. They believed that it was not safe to sleep under an elderberry bush because the "Elder", the elves might come and steal you away - or at least, give you bad dreams. So be careful out there!

There are probably thousands of other edibles on site. You could add your own list here: