Goutweed is not only used in the Middle Ages, in lean times of war and by poor people. This herb, which is native to this country and is mainly found in deciduous and mixed forests, can also be of interest to the common man today.
Cooked ground elder tastes similar to spinach
Ground elder as a medicinal plant
The goutweed, which is also affectionately referred to as gibberish herb, is a real medicinal plant! Unfortunately, very few people know that… It can help with the following ailments or illnesses, among others:
- arthritis
- cramps and tension
- rheumatism
- gout
- to cough
- worm infestation
- constipation
- toothache
- sunburn
- insect bites
Goutweed as a tea, poultice or bath additive
Ground elder can be used fresh or dried for medicinal purposes. Prepare a tea from the goutweed, for example, to alleviate internal ailments. 2 teaspoons of the dried herb are sufficient for one cup. You can also make poultices and tinctures with goutweed.
The powerful herb can also be used as a bath additive. This is especially useful in external ailments. Boil a broth of 500 g fresh ground elder and water, let it stand for about 15 minutes and pour it into the bath water!
goutweed for nutrition
If you don't shy away from collecting and are fed up with the low-mineral supermarket goods, goutweed is just what you need. It is nutritious, free and can be collected from April to October. The fresh leaves taste best. The older leaves are a bit chewy and spicier. They're more like something to brew teas with.
How does gout taste taste?
Ground elder can be eaten both fresh and cooked. The young, fresh green colored leaves taste pleasantly spicy, slightly salty and are reminiscent of parsley. The older leaves are spicier and less appetizing when raw. The flowers taste sweet and the seeds have an appealing spiciness.
In the kitchen: preparation ideas
Here are a few options for what you can do with ground elder in the kitchen:
- salad
- stews
- soups
- pesto
- herbal dips
- sauces
- juices and smoothies
- casseroles
- scrambled eggs
- meat dishes
- spinach
tips
If you have goutweed growing in your garden, you can uproot the plants and use the leaves as mulch for other plants.