Fall into Foraging

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

Here in the northeast, our forests and roadsides are awash with color. The plant world is pulling out all the stops, a showy display of ripening hues, before finally dulling, decaying and falling into Winter slumber. Autumn is in every sense, a time of transition and for us, a time of inner work, of contemplation, and ultimately release. We may sometimes forget our connection to the natural world, somehow viewing ourselves as separate from it, because let's face it, we've done a pretty good job of distancing ourselves from it. However, during this time of year, when we are hit smack in the face with nature's beauty, beauty which is born from flux, we can choose to either go about business or take a moment to connect, deepen that relationship with nature and in turn, ourselves.

Autumn strolling

For me, foraging is a means to do just that. To forage I must not only step outside and take a walk, but I must slow down and observe my surroundings. I need to take note of just what sort of plant community I have wandered into, the interplay between the plants, the soil, the sun, and water source. Recognizing these elements helps me to know just what plants I might see or tells me that I need to take a side trail to reach the particular plants that I seek. Although Autumn is a raucous color show - we have to think outside the box of greens and flowers - when considering our plants useful for food and medicine.

White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Our Pines, those trees in the Pinus genus, that we may pass daily without much regard are our most important cold weather herbal allies. Steep the needles in hot water for an infusion that is firstly antiseptic, making it excellent internally or externally for fighting infections. Compound this action with the fact that needles are also Vitamin C rich - a healthful boost to the immune system - decongestant and expectorant - perfect for quelling the symptoms of a sinus infection or cold. Needles are lastly, diuretic and diaphoretic, therefore cleansing to the body. Any of our true Pines may be used for medicine, with White Pine (Pinus strobus) being one of the safest because it is effective yet gentle.

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) in plum-color for Autumn

Then there are evergreens that are not always so obvious. These may lie hidden beneath the copious  needles of a White Pine or the leaf litter of Birches and Oaks, often they are sheltered by twiggy wild Blueberry shrubs. Behold the usually humble Wintergreen, aka Teaberry, scientific name Gaultheria procumbens. It is a member of the Heath family with absolutely no relation to Mint although its common name, aroma, and flavor would suggest otherwise. Although it is evergreen, select plants in Autumn or Winter will turn a reddish or deep plum color. 

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) - typical coloring

Wintergreen leaves may be steeped in hot water for a minty beverage, fully equipped to reduce muscular aches and pains. The berries, which appear in Autumn are also edible and provide the perfect trailside nibble. Collect enough and use an adornment your atop holiday cakes or in baked goods.

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) fruiting cone

Speaking of fruits, Sumac is rich in them! Well, kinda sorta. Sumac's fruits may be more aptly described as seeds covered in an acidic coating. Staghorn Sumac's (Rhus typhina) fruits are fuzzy as is its branches, reminiscent of a young buck in velvet. Smooth Sumac's (Rhus glabra) fruits are, as its name suggests, smooth. Both may be used interchangeably. Clip a fruiting cone at the base and submerge in cold water for several hours. Water will turn a rusty hue. 

Sumac fruiting cone in mason jar of cold water - Sumac infusion in the making

Remove cone, strain liquid through cheesecloth to catch fine hairs and any little critters that may have made home therein. Then add honey and sip to your health. Like Pine needle tea, Sumac infusion is rich in Vitamin C. 

Burdock burrs (Arctium)

Let's not forget those roots. Digging these will also warm bones on a brisk Fall day - trust me. Many folks know Burdock by its Velcro-like burrs. Although plants with these burrs will be too mature from which to harvest roots, they are a good indicator that smaller first year plants may be nearby. Look for large leaves with fuzzy undersides. Then pick up your shovel.

Burdock roots (Arctium)

It is unlikely you'll manage to pull up the whole taproot which can reach over a foot in length, but you should manage to ease at least a portion from our rocky soil's grips. Burdock root has a long history of use as both an adaptogen and an alterative. It is a nourishing food - edible as a root vegetable - as well as medicine -  pleasant as a tea. This time of year, the roots contain a fiber called inulin. Inulin acts like a pre-biotic, literally feeding your pro-biotics, or healthy gut flora. Give your flora what they need to flourish and guarantee yourself not only stable digestive tract but a strong immune system. 

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

While on topic of roots, let's take another look at that first photo, Sassafras (Sassafras albidum). The creamy white roots of Sassafras saplings - please only harvest these rather than from a mature tree - are intoxicatingly fragrant and provide one of the most delicious and warming teas around. Clean, peel, and dice roots, then simmer in hot water for 20 minutes and strain. Your beverage will taste of earth and spice and lemon, will increase heat in the body and cleanse the blood. I think of Sassasfras as a medicine for supporting the body's own methods detoxification and preventing illness.

There are so many more we can discover! Please join me for an Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk, a seminar on Seasonal Foraging or Hiking Essentials, or a Wild Medicinal Tea tasting at The Lodge at Woodloch, located in Hawley, PA. As their Certified Herbalist, I offer an array of activities weekly, centered around getting outside and connecting you with the plants. For dates and times, please see: https://www.thelodgeatwoodloch.com/activities/