Putting knowledge to use.
I like most folks here go camping prepared and bring the necessary items to have a great time. I looked for opportunities to use and experiment with wild plants while participating in a Civil War reenactment.
Three opportunities presented themselves.
I identified a Spice bush
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindera_benzoin
From the leaves I made a green sun tea by picking the leaves about 1/2 cup and cutting them with a knife. I put them in a glass pitcher with water and left it out all day. The flavor was pleasant almost a citrus taste. We added a bit of honey.
I also spiked a portion of a leg of venison with 1/8" to 1/4" diameter sticks with the bark shaved off. I soaked them in water the night before and studded it like you would a ham. The added flavor was slight so i haven't decided the effort was worth it. It may have worked better with chicken or pork because of the lighter flavor of the meat.
The red mature berries in the fall also can be used. I need to experiment a bit more with this one.
Wood sorrel was plentiful so I added it to a salad. It added a tangy flavor to the greens. Quite pleasant with a oil and vinegar dressing.
http://juliecache.blogspot.com/2007/...le-plants.html
At these events I portray a printer and print recruitment flyers and other odd things. I clean up the ink with mineral spirits. I managed to get a chemical burn from the mineral spirits that got on to my shirt cuff. It was minor irritation, it felt like a sun burn.
I identified Which Hazel
l W
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch-hazel
And
Jewel Weed
Jewel Weed
I took leaves from the which hazel and the leaved and stems from the jewel weed and crushed them. Crushed enough to get a few table spoons of liquid that I strained and squeezed through a cotton T shirt. I took two cotton balls and soaked the liquid up. I placed the cotton balls on the burn and held it in place with a piece of plastic shopping bag. Over that I used T shirt cotton to wrap the burn. It was on the back of my wrist.
Go figure, I could feel the astringent burn from the which hazel and the sting dissipated in about 5 minutes. It definitely eased the burning. I used just the cotton the next day as a wrap just to keep things clean.
I'm quite pleased that I was able to recognize and remember the plants. I used my field guide to double check before I did anything because I'm still learning in a new location.
