HERBAL FOLKLORE

When Vicky was studying herbal medicine she came across some interesting historical uses and memorable stories about herbs. Here she shares a few of her favourites.

MOUSE TRAPS!

Devils Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is known as the grapple plant due to it’s unusually shaped seed cases. Some sources say these have been traditionally been used as mousetraps, though with no explanation of exactly how!

VELCRO

Velcro was invented after a scientist noticed how the seeds of Burdock (Arctium lappa) stuck to his dogs coat!

MARSHMALLOWS

Although not used in making the modern day sweets the root of the Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) was once an essential ingredient.

DYES

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) makes the yellow dye for Buddhist robes. Indigo (Baptista tinctora) makes a blue dye.

PETER RABBIT…

Finally for today, did you ever wonder why Peter Rabbit fell asleep in the vegetable garden? Well, it may have been the wild lettuce! Lactuca virosa, a relative of garden lettuce is renowned for inducing sleep.