Wild herbs grow in our immediate vicinity, which we usually walk past without paying attention to. They are a true treasure chest, filled to the brim with healthy and healing ingredients. Get to know them with all your senses. We'll tell you what to look out for when collecting.

When collecting wild herbs, be careful of the risk of confusion

Edible or poisonous?

An important question when it comes to which herb should end up in the basket. Every collector should be aware from the start that there are all sorts of poisonous wild herbs in nature. Some even look confusingly similar to edible wild herbs. Therefore, the most important rule is: only collect edible wild herbs that you can clearly identify.

Identify plants with certainty

Don't worry: the more often you collect wild herbs, the more familiar they will become. Eventually you will know for certain what herb it is. But at the beginning you should inform yourself in detail about their identifying characteristics.

  • Read wild herb books
  • Visit wild herb hikes and seminars
  • Use the wild herbs app
  • Thoroughly study images with identifying features

It makes sense if you take everything with you on your first forays into nature that can help you to identify the herbs.

Usable plant parts

Most edible wild herbs have delicious leaves. Some species score with their flowers, seeds, roots or fruits. As a collector, you should know this for every plant you are looking for or find. Collection time also plays a role. Leaves collected early are young and tender, while some become quite bitter with age.

The importance of the collection point

Every weed has its preferred locations where it thrives and is easy to track down. A few species seem to do well almost anywhere. So it is not surprising that we can find some wild herbs in the garden. For example the Chickweed. Each collection point must be subjected to a critical review, so that no harmful substances are guaranteed to adhere to the herb. For example, it is important to clarify the following questions:

  • Do dogs run past it?
  • Is there a busy road nearby?
  • Are chemicals being sprayed on nearby beds/fields?

Helpful collection items

Don't go empty-handed on an extensive wild herb hunt. The following utensils are part of the basic equipment, which can make the search much easier. Assemble them as needed each time.

  • basket/bag
  • scissors/knife
  • shovel
  • Long clothing (ticks/thorns)
  • Field guide or app

tips

It is best to always take a bag with you on your nature walks. You never know when you might unexpectedly come across an edible weed.

Wild herbs to start with

The number of edible wild herbs is large. Not all species grow in moderation, nor in every region. Anyone looking for wild herbs for the first time should therefore start with a few well-known specimens:

  • daisy
  • dandelion
  • goutweed
  • nettle

If you like, add new herbs soon. Preferably those whose identification appears to you to be certain based on clear external characteristics.

Category:

Herbs