Show 53: Wild Quinine, Prickly Pear Cactus and Wound Healing Herbs

judsoncarroll4

https://www.spreaker.com/user/13414994/show-53

Torey

Well, you have introduced me to two new herbs today, Judson.

Parthenium and Zizia. Neither one grows anywhere near me so I will use that as an excuse for not knowing either of them. We have a species of Zizia here in BC but its habitat is further north in the Peace region, on the other side of the Rockies and some in the extreme southeastern corner of the province. It is called Heart-leaved Alexander.

Wild quinine sounds like a very useful one to have. Richter's has seeds but it says zone 5 so that might be iffy for me.

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/905545#Comment_905545

The article tomorrow will have all the details on wild quinine. It is an interesting herb that could really help with viruses and urinary issues, etc. Even if you have to provide some cover or grow it in pots, it is more viable than cinchona.

Torey

I was just at the Richter's website and found a listing for Alexanders. But not a Zizia species. Smyrnium olusatrum. Definitely a member of the Apiaceae family and looks somewhat like the pic I saw of Golden Alexander.

This is what it has to say about the uses. "Alexanders (Black lovage; Horse parsley) A tall Mediterranean herb introduced to Britain and northern Europe by the Romans. The leaves, young shoots, and flowers have a celery-like flavour and can be added raw to salads or cooked in soups and stews. The spicy seeds can be used as a substitute for pepper. Even the roots can be boiled and used in soups, with a celery-like flavour. The whole plant was formerly used for asthma, menstrual problems and wounds. Best grown in sunny areas with well-drained soil. Good bee plant."

Also a zone 5 plant so maybe I will try both the Parthenium and the Smyrnium.

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/905588#Comment_905588

Cool - I'll plan to grow some golden alexanders, too. Sounds tasty!