The following herbs are easily forageable, palatable and versatile, making them good candidates for your home herb dispensary or first aid kit.

Plantain, referring to three weeds commonly found in temperate climates of the Northern Hemisphere, is a home herbalist’s ally and can be found at most times of the year. It lends itself to a wide range of first aid situations. Ribwort (Plantago lanceolata) has long, spear-shaped leaves with distinctive cords running along its length. If the plant is growing in longer grass or near a source of shade, the leaves can stand quite tall from the ground while in full sun very small leaves can be arranged in a basal rosette. The flowers occur as a dark spike with a halo of lighter seeds from mid-spring to late summer. Greater plantain (P. major) has broader, rounder leaves than ribwort plantain, but retains the same distinctive cords. Hoary plantain (P. media) is, as the name suggests, hairy, and is distinguished from greater plantain by its generally smaller leaves that taper to a short stem. Hoary plantain is less common than the others (2). 

All the plantains are considered wound healers, and while they have traditionally been allocated different affinities (ribwort has been connected with the respiratory tract – under the ribs – while greater plantain is thought to have a greater affinity with the skin and urinary tract), they can all be used in your home herb kit interchangeably. Most Western herbalists will use what they have available. Used fresh, plantain leaves can be crushed between the fingers as a poultice for stinging nettle stings, insect bites, scrapes and scratches that occur when outside. These plants contain mucilage, a soothing carbohydrate-based constituent, in addition to tannins which assist with knitting tissues, and iridoids like aucubin with measurable antimicrobial activity (3). Together, these constituents create an effective spectrum of actions to address wounds: soothing, healing and antimicrobial. Plantain leaves can also be infused into a tea and drunk along with nettle, yarrow and elderflower to address allergies and all these plants are easily foraged and abundant. 

Yarrow is another herb that is commonly found in the temperate North and can be used externally, internally and in food. Named in Latin for the Greek god Achilles, Achillea millefolium was chosen as the herb to be taken into battle to staunch the blood from otherwise fatal wounds. True to myth, yarrow is an effective styptic, meaning to slow blood flow. Either use it fresh, crushing it until it becomes juicy, or use a strong tea of the aerial parts and apply as a wash to wounds. Taken internally, yarrow is considered an excellent venous system tonic (effective at preventing or reducing the progression of varicose veins and venous insufficiency) and to assist in conditions of pelvic stagnation (3). It should not, however, be taken internally during pregnancy.

The flowers and leaves of yarrow, harvested just as the plant is coming into flower, were traditionally incorporated into a tea for acute fevers alongside peppermint and elderflower. This combination of easily foraged herbs has the synergistic effects of inducing a sweat to assist the body in cooling and elimination, addressing microbial pathogens and modulating the immune response.

In food, young yarrow leaves such as those found during spring and autumn lend a lovely variety to green salads. Their feathery appearance, denser texture and earthy, aromatic, and mildly bitter flavour are a welcome complement to any meal. Julie and Matthew Bruton-Seal suggest making a foraged ‘za’atar’ spice alternative using dried yarrow flowers, ground ivy leaves and toasted sesame seeds (4), which is delicious sprinkled on toast, flatbreads and into sauces. 

Elderberry and elderflower are both foundational foragable herbs to have in one’s home herb kit, either in a liquid or dried form. Cordials and syrups are familiar preparations to make with each of these herbs enabling them to be preserved for a time of need, such as a cold or other viral infection. Cheap white sugar can be used to make the syrup, making it a very cost-effective home remedy, as well as a lovely gift. 

Nettles are the heroes of home herbal tonics. The leaves, before going to flower and seed, are incredibly rich in essential micronutrients like iron and calcium. Regularly drinking nettle tea is a wonderful way of staying nourished, even if other nutrient-dense foods are out of reach. It has a mild, rich flavour and can even be used to cook other foods, like pasta or rice, as an easy way to give it to children. Nettle seeds, usually available from August to October, are excellent energy tonics, so much so that they can keep people awake if eaten late in the day. Blended into smoothies, sprinkled on cereals, or nibbled on as they come, nettle seeds have a mild nutty taste and are very rich in nutrients.