TEACH ME TUESDAYS: YOUR GARDEN MEDICINE CABINET- WILD STRAWBERRY

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Wild Strawberry has a long history of being used for all sorts of remedies from using the root for stomach ailments, jaundice, and extremely heavy menstrual cycles. 


Even esteemed botanist Linnaeus is quoted in study journals as using the wild berries to treat gout.

Parts Used:
Leaves, Berries, Roots are known to be used for therapeutic uses

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How it works:
The leaves and roots of the Wild Strawberries contain tannin (like Camila plant aka  tea!) that act like an astringent. The leaves are also contain titerpene alcohols, flavonoids, citral, and traces of vitamin C (60 grams/100 gr of fruit!) along with fruit acids, and minerals (Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc, Calcium, & Iron!!)


USES:
Leaves: Can be used for a tea bc of the astringent action to reduce inflamed mucus membranes

Fresh Root Decoction:

• 1 gram Wild Strawberry Root to about 1/2 C of cold FILTERED water
• Heat over a double boiler and allow to steep for 20-30 min

Drink 2 Cups daily before meals for diarrhea relief

Gargle

• Add 1/2 Chopped Fresh Wild Strawberry Leaves to 1/2 C BOILING FILTERED water 
• Steep for 30 min.
• Use gargle and rinse mouth several times a day to reduce inflammation of the mucus membranes, great to use during seasonal allergy season or anytime you experience oral inflammation of the mucus membranes

Sun Burn RELIEF
Soothing Bath:

• Add 2 Palm-fuls of dried Wild Strawberry leaves to your tepid bath water. 
• Dry your own or purchase at reputable Health Food Store

Poultice:

• Add Crushed Berries to sunburned areas or other skin inflammations and cover with damp cloth. Allow poultice to work for 10-20 min then GENTLY wash berries off with tepid water.