Wild Remedies: Curiosities and Ancient Wisdom from the Fields

Wild herbs have always fascinated me — not only for their healing properties but for the stories they carry, the flavors they surprise us with, and the quiet presence they hold in the landscape.

In this little guide, I share a few of my favorite wild plants — not as a botanist, but as a curious cook, a gatherer, and a lover of earthy, ancestral things.

You’ll find curiosities from folklore and tradition, descriptions of taste that might help you imagine their flavor before they even touch your tongue, and a few notes on their medicinal properties — the kind of wisdom passed down from hands that worked the soil.

These plants are not just ingredients. They’re wild companions, and each one has something to teach — if we’re willing to slow down and listen.

Waybread (Plantago Major)

Often called white man's footprint, this flowering plant earned its name in the Americas after spreading across the land by hitching rides on the shoes and clothing of European settlers. In Europe, however, it has long been a well-known and respected presence in fields and along pathways.

Highly resilient, Waybread held deep symbolic meaning for many northern European cultures — representing a strong bond with the Earth, endurance through hardship, and the power to regenerate and heal.

In rural traditions, its leaves were tucked into shoes during long journeys to soothe tired feet and prevent blisters. Celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties, Waybread has been used to calm and relieve a wide range of physical discomforts.

Waybread has a deep, earthy flavor — reminiscent of freshly cut grass and mushrooms.

Properties: Astringent and restorative, it helps soothe inflamed intestines and supports digestive balance by counteracting excess stomach acidity.

Nettle (Urtica Dioica)

Nettle is a plant known since ancient times. Its Latin name "urere" means to burn, which refers to its stinging properties — it leaves red, itchy spots on the skin when touched. However, there's an old remedy: to reduce the itching, simply chew a few leaves of dock or wood sorrel and apply the pulp directly onto the skin to soothe the irritation.

Nettle contains serotonin, and in many cultures it was used in bundles to gently whip the body and stimulate blood circulation. The ancient Romans even applied it to their genitals as a stimulant to increase arousal.

Its taste is hard to define — delicate yet sweet, creamy and peppery, with notes reminiscent of green beans, umami-rich meat, and dried hay, finished with a distinct mineral touch.

Properties: Nettle, alongside aloe, is one of the few plants that contains complete proteins. It is a tonic and remineralizing plant, known to purify the blood and promote circulation by thinning and oxygenating it.

Renowned for its powerful cleansing and nourishing effects.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow takes its name from Achilles, who, during the Trojan War, used the plant to treat his soldiers’ wounds — aiding blood clotting and promoting healing.

The Navajo people also used yarrow as a healing poultice to treat wounds, headaches, and toothaches.

This plant is also considered an ally of feminine beauty and balance — known to regulate the menstrual cycle and support uterine health.

It has a slightly camphor-like scent, with an aromatic, tonic, and refreshing flavor.

Properties: Yarrow helps stop bleeding, disinfect wounds, and promotes healing of cuts, boils, insect bites, and even nosebleeds. Thanks to its high content of vitamin P, it strengthens the walls of blood vessels and is often used to relieve couperose and varicose veins.

Burdock (Bardanass)

Burdock grows abundantly in shaded, woodland areas.

It’s also known as “elephant herb”, because when it reaches full maturity, its large leaves resemble elephant ears.

In Ayurveda, burdock is used to treat throat infections, while Native American tribes used its root during ceremonial rituals to induce labor and to relieve lung conditions. In medieval Europe, herbalist monks even used it as a remedy for rabies.

In the countryside, its broad leaves were once used as makeshift cups to drink water directly from springs.

Burdock stems are especially juicy and crunchy, with a delicate flavor reminiscent of green tea or cardoon.

Properties: Rich in antioxidants, tannins, and vitamins B and E, burdock—like mallow—contains mucilage, which gives it powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It’s traditionally used to soothe coughs and colds, but also eczema, insect bites, and psoriasis. It contains chlorogenic acid, which supports skin metabolism, making it highly effective in treating acne and seborrhea.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

The name Verbascum comes from the Greek barbascum, meaning “bearded”, a nod to its thick, velvety, almost wool-like leaves. Often found growing tall and proud along country roads and open fields, mullein is a plant that doesn't go unnoticed — with its towering yellow flower spike and silvery foliage, it feels almost regal.

Used since antiquity, the Romans wrapped figs in mullein leaves to help preserve them. The thick foliage was also soaked in animal fat and turned into torches — its name “torch plant” comes from this very use. The dried flower stalks were even used as natural candle wicks.

But perhaps the most curious uses were its roles as makeshift shoe insoles for long walks, and — thanks to its softness — the rather humorous title of "forest toilet paper."

Though not edible, mullein is a powerful ally for the respiratory system. Its flowers and leaves, when dried and steeped in hot water or infused in oil, are known to soothe coughs, ease sore throats, and calm inflammation in the lungs. Its mucilage content helps coat irritated mucous membranes, making it a gentle remedy for bronchitis or dry, spasmodic coughs.

Its scent is subtle — slightly earthy and herbaceous — while the texture of its leaves is unforgettable: soft like felt, almost lamb’s ear-like to the touch.

Properties:

• Expectorant and emollient

• Soothes dry coughs, throat irritation, and chest tightness

• Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial

• Used in earache remedies (flower-infused oil)

• Astringent and helpful in topical treatments for minor skin irritations

Milk thistle (Cardo Mariano)

Milk thistle takes its name from the Virgin Mary — some say it's because of the plant’s ability to stimulate milk production, while others believe the white markings on its leaves were formed by drops of Mary’s milk. This sacred association contributed to its popularity in ancient herbal medicine, especially in medieval monasteries.

Its flavor is bold and bitter, reminiscent of artichoke. Both the leaves and stems are edible, though best prepared after removing their spines.

Properties: Milk thistle is renowned for its powerful antioxidant and liver-regenerating properties. It helps repair liver cells damaged by alcohol, hepatitis, corticosteroids, or NSAIDs. It's also celebrated for its anti-aging effects and digestive benefits, making it a strong ally for detox and overall vitality.

Chickweed (Stellaria Media)

Chickweed gets its name from its popularity among hens — it's a favorite food for chickens and is even said to stimulate egg production.

This humble wild herb also plays an important role in Japanese tradition. During Nanakusa no Sekku, a celebration held on the morning of January 7th, chickweed is one of the seven herbs used to prepare a detoxifying dish after the indulgences of the New Year. Women gather in the kitchen to chop a mix of aromatic greens, including chickweed, daikon, shepherd’s purse, white turnips, and other traditional Asian herbs. The mixture is slowly simmered with rice into a light porridge. During its preparation, it’s customary to sing a blessing song to invite good health for the year ahead. These herb mixes are also sold dried and used in teas during the season.

Chickweed has a fresh, mineral taste and is surprisingly thirst-quenching, making it a refreshing addition to spring salads or green juices.

Properties: Chickweed is known for its anti-inflammatory and emollient qualities, especially in topical use — often applied to soothe itchy skin, rashes, and minor wounds. It contains saponins, so while it’s edible and nourishing, it should be consumed in moderation.