Walking the Tides: Foraging 101

By: Antonio Garcia and Margie Blackwell

When foraging in the great outdoors it's important to note that although they may seem like ideal places to exploit for our benefit, as is our nature, it is truly up to the forest and subsequent wild areas to allow us to cross into their territory. As we are strangers in their land, so must we respect and abide by their rules, and although at one point our ancestors lived in close proximity with these untamed areas we have lost our ways with them and so we must earn back their trust. As with anything if you take something, you must give something back, this is so with many things in our modern world with buying and selling and the same holds here in the green realm. However these places and their folk are unfamiliar to our modern ways of purchasing as they believe in a more simple transaction, giving something of equal value to what you have taken from them.

Common things to give to these beings could be coins (although they cannot spend them, they are valuable to us), food stuffs like honey or baked goods, water or alcohol, and if you have absolutely nothing on you then simply your honest word will be sufficient enough as they too hold value. In different parts of the world the practice of gathering herbs for medicinal and spiritual uses is universal- with some may calling the practice rootwork, folk medicine, or even herbalism. However in my practice I use the term wortcunning to describe the practice, knowledge, and relationships that come with working with the land. The term wortcunning comes from the two old english words “wort” and “cunning,” wort was used as a general word for plant and it could still be seen in many modern plant names, whereas cunning used to mean one who is keen or knowledgeable in a certain trade or field. But regardless of how I can describe or define it for you there is no better way to understand than to stand outdoors and experience it, here are the wonderful gifts that the land has presented to me:

Mugwort: Artemisia vulgaris

An excellent beginner’s herb to forage, this plant is easy to identify with its dark green leaves that have a silver color underneath. Its scent varies from herbally to sweet giving it an almost tea-like aroma when the leaves and flowers are crushed. It gets its latin name Artemisia Vulgaris from the Greek goddess of hunting Artemis, with the vulgaris part simply meaning ‘common.’ Its English name however stems from the fact that it was used to flavor beer before hops, which were often served in mugs, and lastly wort is simply an old english name for plants in general. 

Medicinal uses: Mugwort is commonly used to regulate menstruation by easing cramps or to induce periods. Some people may also be familiar with mugwort being used to breech infants in the womb to encourage them to be positioned in the head down position during birth. This plant is also naturally bitter which could be used to stimulate the appetite and even be used as a mild laxative as I’ve come to find! Despite its numerous uses, it should be avoided by pregnant women as it has also proven itself to cause abortions (another good usage some may say). 

Spiritual properties: As I’ve mentioned before this plant has connections to Artemis, and by extension the very moon itself, so this plant can be used to promote visions, enhance intuition, and stimulate prophetic dreams. Mugwort is also used to remove jinxes and negative vibrations from the area by banishing it like the waning moon. But the moon may also be deceptive so I would argue that mugwort could also be used to cloud the judgement of others with its thick smoke. Lastly because mugwort could often be found growing on the edges of forests it could be employed in hedge crossings, the practice of altering your consciousness to reach other realms by means of astral projecting. Further I should mention that mugwort when placed inside your shoes will increase your endurance when walking, as it was done with the roman soldiers during their campaigns. 

Mullein: Verbascum thapsus

Medicinal uses:

    •    Respiratory conditions: Mullein is known for its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for treating respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and coughs. 

    •    Ear infections: The oil extracted from mullein flowers can be used as ear drops to relieve ear pain and inflammation caused by ear infections. 

    •    Skin conditions: Mullein leaves can be made into poultices or compresses to soothe skin irritations, burns, and wounds. 

    •    Digestive problems: Mullein tea can help relieve constipation and diarrhea. 

    •    Antioxidant properties: Mullein contains antioxidants that may help protect cells from damage. 

Spiritual uses: makes great candles can be very itchy but is a powerful herb for protection against negative energies, evil spirits, and curses, and for healing and spiritual cleansing. It is used in spiritual practices to create protective barriers, such as through smoke, baths, or carrying it in charm bags. Mullein also enhances courage, aids divination and dream work, and fosters spiritual connection. It can be burned as incense, added to protection spells, or placed in amulets to achieve these spiritual benefits

Ash: Fraxinus (general name of the genus)

This mighty tree is prized in many societies today for its straight limbs and fine wood, but in different pre Christian cultures this tree was also held in high reverence. In Norse paganism it’s often said that Yggdrasil the world tree is a mighty ash, with its branches reaching Asgard and its root touching the very base of the cosmos. 

Medicinal uses: The american species white ash (Fraxinus americana) was used by native peoples by peeling the inner bark of young saplings as a strong laxative; its leaves were also used as a poultice for snake bites.

Spiritual uses: Folklorically ash has been used in various charms to cure infants and children from various ailments; one such charm includes taking a lock of the child’s hair and tying it to an ash tree to cure them from whooping cough. Another use of this tree is in the creation of staffs and wands. As I've mentioned it makes for an ideal choice due to its straight limbs and also because of its connections to the axis mundi (or the world tree). The wood of ash is also highly protective and is said to protect travelers from both danger and serpents. Its seeds are known as keys due to their resemblance to a set of keys and could be used to unlock favorable outcomes. If one were to pair this with its leaves you could create a wonderful charm to unlock the heart of whom you desire.

Yellow dock: Rumex Crispus

Medicinal use: Obviously, we know maybe not yellow dock but different docs can be ground up and used as flour but yellow dock Yellow dock

) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for digestive, skin, and detoxification support, but its effectiveness lacks validation from clinical studies. The plant contains compounds like anthraquinones that have a laxative effect and tannins that act as an astringent. Raw and excessive consumption of yellow dock carries notable health risks and should be avoided. 

Spiritual uses: I’ve always heard that it helps to bring business and prosperity to a business increasing business As well as primarily for its properties of purification, emotional release, grounding, and attracting prosperity. Its powerful cleansing action and deep,

Black eyed susans: Rudbeckia hirta

Despite its unsettling name it actually has a rather sweet origin, as it comes from the 18th century English ballad “Sweet William’s farewell to Black eyed Susan.” These yellow cone flowers are related to both sunflowers and purple coneflowers which also means they function similarly to them medicinally as well, albeit in their own unique way. Due to its abundance and prolific growth in wastelands another name for black eyed susans are poor-land daises.

Medicinal uses:

Much like their purple coneflower cousins the root may be used in an infusion for colds, but some native tribes use this tea externally for sores, snake bites, and swelling. In a pinch this plant could also be used to stimulate the immune system with its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimutagenic properties.  

Spiritual uses:

Because of its abundant nature you could utilize this flower in spells for growth or prosperity- but one could also use the origin of its name as a way to bring unity among a couple, as sweet williams are also a type of flower. You could plant these two together around the home or even sew them in a charm bag with some Adam and Eve oil for this intention as well. I would even argue for the usage of this plant in glamour magick to keep those eyes on you whether in person or online. 

Boneset: Eupatorium perfoliatum

In spiritual practices, boneset is used primarily for protection, cleansing, and exorcism to ward off evil spirits and negative energy. It can be used by sprinkling an infusion around a home

Medicinal use: treating symptoms associated with feverish illnesses like influenza and the common cold. However, due to the presence of potentially liver-damaging compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), most modern herbalists and medical professionals caution against ingesting it. 

Spiritual uses: Great for reversal, work cleansing, and taking off negative

Vervain: Verbena stricta, Verbena hastata

Perhaps one of the most potent herbs there is out there, vervain regardless of the species has always been a close symbol of witchcraft and religion due to its endless abilities. As such it has been called various names throughout time such as holy herb, devil’s hate, herb of grace, and even van van; even its flowers have been used as talismens for protection as they form the shape of the pentacle, a potent symbol in itself for protection and material wealth. It’s said to be picked around the period of time known as the dog days which highlight a period of dry and hotter days from mid-July to early to mid-September.

Medicinal uses: In the Midwest there predominantly grows two varieties of vervain, hoary vervain (verbena stricta) and blue vervain (verbena hastata). Despite their similarities with common vervain (verbena officinalis) they serve different functions medicinally. The leaves of hoary vervain could be used in infusions for stomach aches, insomnia, headaches, and circulatory problems. Whereas blue vervain is used for its abilities for soothing anxiety, mood swings, menstrual health and support, stimulating milk production, and boosting respiratory health.

Spiritual uses: Regardless of the species, vervain in general can be used for protection against spells, unwanted spirits, and even storms (as it is sacred to weather deities like Thor and Jupiter). When hung in the house or placed into a charm bag it can be a good defense for predatory or parasitic entities, black magick, and will aid in enchanting the wearer to hide from enemies. In hoodoo this herb is sometimes included in van van oils, although more often than not the herb being used is lemon verbena (which isn’t a true species of vervain), it can still be utilized in prosperity workings. However one of the most best uses out of vervain is for exorcism and purification rites, if steeped in wine or other spirits it can be used much like holy water. 

Catnip: Nepeta cataria

Medicinal use: Catnip has been used in folk medicine as a nerving for calming and sleep, a digestive aid for colic and gas, and to promote sweating to reduce fever. It has also been applied topically for skin issues like inflammation and bruises.

Spiritual use: attract love, promote friendship,  sex magic…enhance relaxation and happiness, and ward off negative energy

Compass Plant: Silphium lacinatum

A cousin of sunflowers, the compass plant shares some similar folklore in regards to direction with the sun. Its large basal leaves have a tendency to orient themselves in a north-south direction whereas its flat surface tends to face east-west, hence its namesake as it was used as a form of direction by natives and pioneers alike.

Medicinal uses: Beyond being a living compass of sorts its medicinal uses are pretty scare, however some tribes have used the root in a tea as a general overall tonic and as a worm expellent for horses allegedly. The leaves have also been used before in remedies against coughs, lung ailments, and asthma. 

Spiritual uses: It's believed that this flower grows in abundance where lightning is more prone to strike, hence it is advised to not camp in such areas; conversely one source of mine suggests that burning the leaves during thunderstorms would act as a charm to avert lightning strikes. However because of its name I would suggest using a compass plant in finding your way in a situation, or even to reveal what is hidden. 

St. John's Wort: Hypercium perforatum

Alongside vervain, St. John's wort has been used time and time again for its miracle-like properties throughout human history. It gets its name from blooming near the feast day of St. John the Baptist on June 24th, which also so conveniently lands near the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. During this time it was harvested as it was seen to be at its peak for its powerful healing and spiritual uses, also if you crush the fresh flowers of this plant you can produce a red sap that is also said to be the blood of the saint. 

Medicinal uses: This fine plant has been used in salves for psoriasis, open wounds, cuts, nerve pain, bruises, sores, burns, hemorrhoids, dermatitis, and eczema; its topical properties also extend to suppressing and reducing cold sores, and it may also be used to inhibit the spread of HIV. When made into a tincture or tea it can be used to treat mild forms of depression and anxiety, seasonal affective syndrome (SAD), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), postpartum blues, hay fever and sinus infections. As wonderful as it is medicinally it should be noted that just like with grapefruit juice, St. John’s wort can interact with a wide variety of medications such as antidepressants, birth control, blood thinners, or even HIV drugs which could potentially reduce their effectiveness. Because of this caveat this herb is restricted from certain uses in Germany and is sometimes even its usage in products is banned like in France, so please speak with your doctor before taking herbal supplements made from this plant.

Spiritual uses: As I’ve mentioned before when this herb is picked around midsummer it will be at its most potent state for being used for protection and banishing. When burnt inside the midsummer bonfire its smoke can purge the fields of famine and bring upon them fertility- those who wish to jump over its smoke however will be blessed with protection, wealth, health, and prosperity up until next midsummer. It is also used as a talisman for attracting a new partner and is allegedly said to bring fertility when collected in the early morning of midsummer. When hung near the window St. John’s wort protects against thunder strikes, ghosts, and unwanted company, this herb may also be burnt in incense blends to banish spirits and demons.

Tinctures, oils, salves, and basic recipes:

Whenever I start creating a tincture I like to use herbs that have dried completely so that the alcohol is able to extract the compounds from it completely. Some may argue that you could use fresh herbs when making a tincture but if there is too much moisture inside your batch then it’ll spoil it, rendering the entire thing unfit for consumption. It’s also important to note that when you create tinctures be sure to use only one herb at a time, as mixing different herbs together could produce adverse side effects in your batch or allergic reactions to others. 

The alcohol being used could vary as some may use rum or food grade ethanol, but I always go for a general cheap 80 proof vodka which is 40% alcohol and 60% water. This will do the job just fine however if you wanted to create a stronger batch with a higher extract yield or are using fresher herbs you’ll want to use a higher proof alcohol like 160 proof which is 80% alcohol and 20% water. Another thing to keep in mind is the ratio of your tincture, this will determine things like potency and taste. I keep it simple and do a general 3:4 ratio (which is 3 parts herb matter and 4 parts alcohol)- but if you want a stronger potency then you’ll want to increase your herb matter, and if you want a more diluted tincture then simply increase the amount of alcohol. 

Before I mix the two ingredients however I like to crush my herbs to increase the surface area, allowing me to get a better extract, and once I do I have the mixture sit in a cool dark area for about 4-6 weeks. Afterwards strain your plant matter from the finished product and store them in sterilized amber jars to protect the compounds from the sun’s UV light.

Much of the same applies for the creation of herbal oils however for this I like to do a ratio of 1:1 for these batches. Olive oil is a good choice however it will eventually spoil over time unless you mix some vitamin E or benzoin extract in it; an ideal choice would be jojoba or even unscented almond oil however grapeseed, avocado, or castor oil shall suffice. When combining your herbs and oils you could either do a cold infusion (which is simply letting the herbs steep in the oil) or a warm infusion (which is gently heating the herbs up inside the oil). The cold infusion technique is the longest as it could take up to 3-6 weeks to completely absorb the plant’s properties, whereas the warm infusion technique is faster however it poses the risk of frying or overheating the chemicals in the herb. As with the tinctures be sure to separate your blends when creating them however if you do wish to blend different oils or tinctures be sure to only do it afterwards, and then again be aware of any potential side effects when mixing the two and of any possible allergens.

To create a salve mix in ¼ cup of beeswax to 1 cup of infused oil over a double boiler. Gently warm the two together until the wax has completely melted and store them in containers until later use. Apply the salve on the afflicted when needed.

Elderblossom cordial: Put this syrup in cold drinks to rejuvenate yourself in the heat, elders not only ensure protection but also healing energies as well.

For dried elderblossoms start with about ½ a cup and adjust to taste, but when working with fresh blossoms use about 8 to 10 large flower heads. Create a simple syrup using equal parts of sugar and water and boil until it has thickened to your liking, allow it to cool for a moment and slice a lemon on the side. Afterwards when the syrup has cooled slightly go ahead and add your lemon and blossoms and stir, cover the mixture and allow it to steep for 24 hours before use. Pour it into a jar and store it in the refrigerator, this syrup can last up to 3 months. 

Sun’s splendor tonic: Use this tea when you need some uplifting and higher spirits, I also find it does wonders during the cold winter months that make us feel so blue

Mix equal parts of St. John’s wort, lemon balm, and passion flower into a tea bag. Steep it in some hot water for 10 minutes to fully extract its properties and sweeten to taste, serve it warm. 

Wortcunner’s granola: A unique blend of various wild foraged goods, this granola isn’t just food- it’s trail medicine.

Gather the following: 

2 cups of rolled oats

½ cup of toasted yellow dock seeds

¼ cup of toasted plantain seeds

1 cup of chopped black walnuts (or store bought walnuts)

½ cup of dried wild berries (blueberries, cranberries, serviceberries, etc.)

3-4 tbsp of lightly crushed juniper berries

5 tbsp of honey

¼ cup of packed brown sugar

4 tbsp of walnut oil (or coconut oil)

A pinch of sea salt

Cinnamon

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees and blend together your rolled oats, toasted seeds, juniper berries, and walnuts in a large bowl. In a small saucepan on low heat mix together your sugar, honey, oil, and salt until they’ve dissolved together- at this point add in your cinnamon to your liking. 

Pour the binder over the dry ingredients and mix them until everything is coated. Spread the mixture on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 25 minutes. Stir halfway through its baking time and once it’s done pull it out and allow it to cool, afterwards go ahead and add your berries and store it in a jar.