Wildcrafting Herbs: A Field Guide to 23 Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants

Wildcrafting is the practice of identifying and gathering plants growing in the wild, many of which are dismissed as weeds yet carry a long history of food and folk-medicine use. These are Amina's wild herbal trekking notes from a wildcrafting walk at the Hillier Retreat, where 23 wild-growing herbs and edible plants were found in a single stroll.

A word of caution before you start. Correct identification is everything in wildcrafting, because some plants have poisonous look-alikes. Only ever gather from areas free of spray and pollution, and if you are unsure of a plant, leave it be.

Bitter greens and liver-loving leaves

• Cobbler's pegs (Bidens pilosa). A remarkably well-studied plant, with hundreds of identified compounds and a long traditional reputation across many cultures.
• Cat's ear (Hypochoeris radicata). Similar to dandelion in appearance, though its flower stems branch from a single stem, where dandelion has one straight stem. Traditionally associated with liver and gall bladder support.
• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Leaves are high in potassium and traditionally used for fluid balance, while the roots have a long history in liver and gall bladder support. The roasted root is a popular coffee alternative.
• Nodding tops (Crassocephalum crepidioides). Also called redflower rag leaf, traditionally linked to liver and gall bladder support.
• Dock leaves (Rumex crispus). Traditionally used in herbal practice for sluggish digestion.

Edible wild plants for the plate

• Wild carrot (Leptophyllium). The roots are edible and taste much like garden carrot.
• Australian sorrel (Oxalis acetosella). Tangy and rich in vitamin C. Best avoided by those sensitive to oxalates.
• Purslane (Portulaca oleracea). Also called pigweed, it can be eaten raw or cooked and is a good source of vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus). A common edible green.
• Violet leaves. Edible and a pretty addition to salads.
• Amaranthus (pigweed). Small young leaves are edible, and the seeds can be roasted and ground as amaranth, a protein-rich grain.
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum). Not native, with edible roots once the plant is cut down.

Mineral-rich greens and skin-soothing herbs

• Gotu kola (Centella asiatica). Also called Indian pennywort, this is a celebrated herb in Ayurveda and traditional practice, rich in vitamins and historically valued for skin and circulation. You can read more in our notes on skin conditions.
• Chickweed (Stellaria media). A good source of vitamin C, chlorophyll and minerals, lovely in salads, juices or pestos.
• Tropical chickweed (Drymaria cordata). Used traditionally across Africa and India, and high in vitamin C, A and B vitamins plus minerals such as silica, iron, magnesium and zinc.
• Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). The leaf is rich in minerals and traditionally used in herbal practice for skin complaints such as eczema and dermatitis, while the root is traditionally linked to men's prostate support.
• Ribwort (Plantago lanceolata). Mineral-rich and traditionally used for dry coughs.

Tonic herbs with a folk reputation

• Blue tops (Ageratum conyzoides). Also called billy goat weed. The flowers have been rubbed onto insect bites in folk traditions, and the mashed plant applied to wounds.
• Fleabane (Conyza bonariensis). An astringent named for its traditional use as a flea deterrent, with leaves historically linked to digestive comfort.
• White clover (Trifolium repens). Traditionally used as an eye wash and for gout.
• Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus and Rubus hillii). A classic pregnancy tonic in the second and third trimesters, and an astringent traditionally used for upset stomachs and mouth ulcers. Always check with your practitioner before use in pregnancy.

Identify with care

Two plants on this walk are worth singling out for safety. Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) has white star-shaped flowers and edible purple berries, but it is easily confused with deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), which has purple flowers and is poisonous, so never eat a nightshade you cannot positively identify. This is why wildcrafting rewards patience and a good field guide far more than enthusiasm.

If you would like to explore how wild and cultivated herbs might fit into a considered plan for your own health, you can learn more about working with Amina through a consultation or get in touch. For more on supporting wellbeing through the seasons, see our notes on immune support herbs.

This article is general information and not a substitute for individual advice. Please speak with a qualified practitioner before foraging, or before starting any herb or supplement.