From the Spring Foraging Cookbook: Prickly Pear Cactus

The Prickly Pear and its related, Indian Fig, Cactus is one of my favorite wild foods.  I collect the fruit in late summer through winter, so that is a topic for another brook.  But, while the fruit varies in flavor and quality, it can be much like kiwi.  With the spines removed and peeled, the fruit is excellent eaten fresh, turned into a sherbet or similar frozen dessert, or used to make wine.  The cactus pads are not sweet like the fruit.  But, they are very popular in Mexican cooking, often called nopales or tunas.  The spines should be burned off and the cactus pads peeled.  Then, they can be eaten like okra or grilled and added to tacos, etc.  Honestly, I think prickly pear is fantastic!

I gave long instructions for fajitas under Orpine, and I think that gives you the general idea.  Nopales are more traditionally used in Mexican cooking and I would advise tossing them in with most any recipe for your favorite Mexican dish.  The only real difference is that cactus pads are much thicker and meatier.  A lot of people like to boil them and drain before cooking in a pan.  I usually grill them, so I skip this step.  Regardless, cook until soft and slice into bite sized pieces.  Nopales are nearly always cooked with tomatoes, peppers and onions.  This is a classic flavor combination.  This is one of the few wild foods commonly served in restaurants and most often I have enjoyed Nopal tacos made with this vegetable combination and cotija cheese.  This is probably the only vegetarian taco I really like.  The key is really the fresh corn tortillas.  Of course, you can use the same vegetable combination with scrambled eggs – topped with cheese and hot sauce or salsa, that is a favorite breakfast of mine.  Cooked nopales also make a great addition to a salad, especially if you have some smoked pork or grilled chicken.  Speaking of pork and chicken, the same vegetable combo added to some good broth or stock makes a great soup – I enjoy this soup, especially in the winter, topped with tortilla chips.  

Additionally, I would like to recommend that you try an ingredient that really freaks a lot of people out, but is traditional to most every culture before modern times.... pork brains (or calf brains if you can find them) – pork brains are still sold canned in rural grocery stores where I live.  The texture of brains is much like scrambled eggs.  They are soft and creamy as brains are mostly fat.  The combination of the brains with the soft, cooked Nopales, tomatoes, peppers and onions will make them barely distinguishable in the eggs.  But, they will add a richness and a good deal of nutrition.  This is a good way to introduce brains into your diet or to trick others into eating them... not that I would recommend tricking people, of course (mischievous grin implied).  But, if you throw enough hot sauce and cheese on there, very few people would even know.  Another great, forgotten ingredient is tripe.  Tripe is the stomach of the cow.  It is a bit difficult to prepare at home, but store bought it should be clean to a pure white and have little odor.  Chopped and added to a spicy soup as described above and simmered until tender, it is very good.  Tripe likes strong flavors and while I don't recommend over-indulgence, tripe soups have been considered a hangover cure in most every European country and Mexico.

This article is an excerpt from

The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54

Also, I am back on Youtube. Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTube

Read about my other new books:

Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist’s Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings July-December, 2025
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-daily-catholic-devotional-reflections.html

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist’s Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

and

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist’s Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist’s Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:

Judson Carroll, Master Herbalist

Herbal Medicine

Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist’s Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist’s Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB



Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: Herbal Medicine 101 - YouTube

Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I’m just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won’t even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have “traditionally been used for.” I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don’t even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.

Show 276: Smilax

 

Listen to "Show 276: Smilax" on Spreaker.

This week, we discuss the medicinal and edible uses of the Smilax and Aralia families. These are among the most ubiquitous and confusing of all herbs. Very little research has been done to differentiate between them, but most seem to be used interchangeably to varying extents. Wha that means, is the green briar you keep trying to eradicate in your back yard may be as medicinal and valuable as sarsaparilla, spikenard and ginseng.... and is almost certainly edible and quite good!

Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902   Judson Carroll - YouTube

Tune of the week:

Stock Time on guitar
I show you how to play Mississippi John Hurt's "Stock Time" on guitar. This is a basic buck dance tune. This genre goes back to at least the 1850s, but is just as enjoyable today. These tunes were made for dancing, so we discuss the importance of playing for dancers. Music dies when people stop dancing to it. Then, I discuss my Larivee guitar.... I consider it to be the absolute perfect guitar. It fits me, it is my other voice... I wouldn't sell it or trade it for an instrument ten times its value. To quote my old friend, Guy Clark, "Stuff that works, stuff that holds up, the kind of stuff you don't hang on the wall, stuff that's real, stuff you feel, the kind of thing you cling to when you fall"... there is no better guitar for me.
https://youtu.be/QiPHnYu0c_g

Email: judson@judsoncarroll.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southern-appalachian-herbs--4697544/support



Read about The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54


Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:
https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/


Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB


Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast:  https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: Herbal Medicine 101 - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7QS6b0lQqEclaO9AB-kOkkvlHr4tqAbs

From the Spring Foraging Cookbook: Poke (Phytolacca americana)

 

This native edible and medicinal plant is a matter of some controversy.  For centuries, Poke Salat (salat is an old English term for edible greens with roots in ancient Rome) was one of the most beloved wild edibles among both Native Americans and early Americans of European descent.  It remained popular in the Appalachians well into my childhood and is still beloved by the more traditional folks and some foragers.  The problem is that the plant is somewhat toxic.  

Your county Extension Service and Master Gardeners will likely only offer you advice on how to eradicate this “weed.”  Many modern foraging and herbal books discourage people from using Poke for reasons I consider less than valid.  I am sure that every year kids are rushed to the hospital after being seen eating Poke berries.  However, I can find no evidence of any fatalities due to eating a few berries.  They are certainly toxic, but they induce nausea and people who eat them generally throw them up, usually before the body absorbs enough toxicity to cause harm.  It would surprise many to know that early Americans learned from the Cherokee to make a Poke berry wine, taken in small amounts for arthritis… and many old timers still swear by it.  As an herbalist, I use poke root for its strong lymphatic, diaphoretic and antiviral properties.  The root is the most toxic part of the plant, and a large dosage could certainly prove fatal.  Some sources say ½ ounce of the tinctured root would be dangerous, others 1 ounce could be fatal… no knowledgeable herbalist would use such high doses.  Poke root tincture should be administered by the drop.

Most foraging books recommend using the small, tender, early spring shoots or the tender spring leaves, before any of the purple color of the stalk has moved into the leaves.  They then recommend boiling in 2-3 changes of water before cooking in fat.  Okay…. Officially, that is my advice as I dare not disagree with the “experts.”  But, that is not what I do.  My unproven theory is that people build up a tolerance to the toxicity of Poke if they eat the plant regularly.  I eat the leaves raw in early spring and never boil before cooking in fat to enjoy as a potherb.  I am not unique in this regard.  I have spoken with several experienced foragers and old mountain folks who do the same.  Meanwhile, a friend who was inexperienced with Poke mistook “salat” for salad in her first experience with the leaves and ate a large bowl, fresh and raw…. She called Poison Control, who told her not to worry because she would soon vomit and/or have diarrhea and be fine – she did, but she has an aversion to Poke to this day.  Perhaps experiences such as that are why so many fear this delicious plant and call it a weed, even though it is native.  

Poke is definitely in my top 5 favorite wild edible plants.  It is one of our first spring vegetables and I actually grow a few plants in pots so I can have Poke even earlier in the season!  I cook the young shoots just like asparagus, simply using the steam/saute method I described under that plant.  For the greens, I just wash them and cook them in pork fat – bacon, fatback, etc.  I cook them down well, but less than dandelions since they are more tender, and then serve with hot pepper vinegar.  For a salad, I add a few small, tender leaves to a mix of other spring greens.  Often, I just snack on raw leaves as I find them outdoors.  The flavor of Poke is very much like sweet garden peas.  I have never gotten sick, but I don’t eat a ton of them, either.  

Traditionally, mountain people have considered Poke to be a “blood cleanser.”  At least a few servings were believed necessary for the immune system and to help restore vitality after long winters of eating mostly dry beans, salted meats, sauerkraut and potatoes.  The old ways helped my great grandparents to live to an average of 100 yrs… all but one, at least to the mid-90s.  While I have no proof that such spring tonics as Poke, Ramps and Dandelion greens contributed to this, I have no reason to doubt it either.  My grandparents, who did not eat such things in adulthood, did not live as long.  I believe wild foods are essential for nutrition… and besides, they are delicious!  I must reference you to my disclaimer though; use caution.  I must repeat that every “official” source on foraging states that no part of Poke should ever be eaten raw, or cooked when mature – early spring greens and shoots only.  They advocate at least two changes of water and boiling cooking from 16-30 minutes.  So, I'll go along with that advice to be safe.

This article is an excerpt from

The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54

Also, I am back on Youtube. Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTube

Read about my other new books:

Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist’s Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings July-December, 2025
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-daily-catholic-devotional-reflections.html

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist’s Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

and

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist’s Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist’s Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:

Judson Carroll, Master Herbalist

Herbal Medicine

Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist’s Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist’s Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB



Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: Herbal Medicine 101 - YouTube

Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I’m just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won’t even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have “traditionally been used for.” I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don’t even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.

Show 275: Schisandra

 

Listen to "Show 275: Schisandra" on Spreaker.

This week, we discuss the medicinal and edible uses of the Schisandra family.  These plants are extremely important to Asian herbal medicine and have edible berries that are considered to be one of the most delicious foods known to man.  One variety is native to my region but has no documented medicinal or edible use..... I will have to experiment with it this year and hope I survive!

Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902   Judson Carroll - YouTube

Tune of the week:

Black and Tan Blues on guitar
I show you how to play Blind Boy Fuller's "Black and Tan". Fuller was a legendary North Carolina guitar player and singer. A protegee of Blind Blake, he ruled the Durham piedmont blues scene until his untimely death at age 36. His playing was dynamic, complex and energetic.
https://youtu.be/1ctcBGtrdo8

Email: judson@judsoncarroll.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southern-appalachian-herbs--4697544/support



Read about The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54


Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:
https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/


Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB


Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast:  https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: Herbal Medicine 101 - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7QS6b0lQqEclaO9AB-kOkkvlHr4tqAbs

From the Spring Foraging Cookbook: Plantain

The leaves of Plantain are edible year ‘round, but are most tender in the spring.  This tasty wild edible is very nutritious and useful medicinally.  Like Dandelion, our ancestors brought it here, to be used as food and medicine, but we have fallen so in love with the grass lawn that it is now considered a weed.  Tender raw leaves are an excellent addition to a spring salad.  As a cooked green, Plantain may be prepared in any way you would cook spinach.  The seeds may be ground into a flour, but remember that the fiber from the seeds is a popular laxative, so be sure to clean and sift them well.  Plantain leaves make a nice tea, if you like green tea…. I don’t.

An excellent way to use the sauce I described for Pepper Grass would be to marinade a nice pork loin in it overnight and then either roast or grill it.  Slice the pork and serve it over cooked Plantain leaves and drizzle the sauce over the meat and greens.  If it is spring and the leaves are still very tender, I might do the same thing, but leave the leaves raw and include a boiled egg, sliced on top of the salad.  Ramps or wild onion would top off such a heavily spiced pork with salad perfectly.  Plantain leaves are so mildly flavored that they need such strong flavors.

Plans For A Future Tells Us:

Medicinal use of Common Plantain: Common plantain is a safe and effective treatment for bleeding, it quickly staunches blood flow and encourages the repair of damaged tissue. The leaves are astringent, demulcent, deobstruent, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic and refrigerant. Internally, they are used in the treatment of a wide range of complaints including diarrhoea, gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, haemorrhage, haemorrhoids, cystitis, bronchitis, catarrh, sinusitis, asthma and hay fever. They are used externally in treating skin inflammations, malignant ulcers, cuts, stings etc. The heated leaves are used as a wet dressing for wounds, swellings etc. The root is a remedy for the bite of rattlesnakes, it is used in equal portions with Marrubium vulgare. The seeds are used in the treatment of parasitic worms. Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells up in the gut, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes. Sometimes the seed husks are used without the seeds. A distilled water made from the plant makes an excellent eye lotion. 

This article is an excerpt from

The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54

Also, I am back on Youtube. Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTube

Read about my other new books:

Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist’s Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings July-December, 2025
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-daily-catholic-devotional-reflections.html

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist’s Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

and

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist’s Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist’s Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:

Judson Carroll, Master Herbalist

Herbal Medicine

Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist’s Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist’s Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB



Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: Herbal Medicine 101 - YouTube

Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I’m just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won’t even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have “traditionally been used for.” I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don’t even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.

Show 274: Virginia Creeper and Kudzu

 

Listen to "Show 274: Virginia Creeper and Kudzu" on Spreaker.

This week, we discuss the medicinal uses of two very useful plants that are too often despised as weeds.  

Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902   Judson Carroll - YouTube

Tune of the week:

Any Old Time on guitar
I show you how to play my version of the Jimmie Rodgers classic "Any Old Time". This is a very unique song in his repertoire, because it was recorded with Louis Armstrong in more of a Dixieland style. I do it as an easy swinging country blues. It is a very fun song to play, with a laid back rhythm that lets you experience a little of the joy these legends shared in the studio when music was less confined to strict genres and bootleg liquor fueled many a great recording.
https://youtu.be/bQjQAz28bHs

Email: judson@judsoncarroll.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southern-appalachian-herbs--4697544/support



Read about The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54


Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:
https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/


Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB


Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast:  https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: Herbal Medicine 101 - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7QS6b0lQqEclaO9AB-kOkkvlHr4tqAbs

From the Spring Foraging Cookbook: Oxeye Daisy and Pepper Grass

Oxeye Daisy

I kind of hesitate to include this plant.  It is little more than a tasty herb in small amounts… not really a nutritional food.  Gather the tender spring leaves and toss them into most anything for flavor.  It does have some medicinal value, but mostly we eat this in small amounts, just enough to perk up a dish with their unique flavor.  To my taste, the spicy effect is somewhat like Yarrow.  A few leaves would make an excellent example to the noodle dish above – it is somewhat like the edible chrysanthemum sometimes used in certain Asian dishes.  The flavor is a little strong and bitter for many people's taste, so it would be best to experiment by adding just a little at a time until you get used to it and I would not use much if serving someone who is unfamiliar with the flavor.

Pepper Grass

Pepper Grass, and the closely related Field Cress (both are Lepidium species) is a much under-utilized plant.  Medicinally, these herbs may have adaptogenic properties and increase testosterone in men.  That has been shown in the Lepidiums that grow at high elevations, but I doubt much study if any has been done on the more common “weeds”.  The tender greens and shoots of these plants may be prepared as a potherb or eaten raw.  But, the real value in this plant in culinary terms is in the seeds.  The seeds, as the name implies, taste like black pepper!  These days, most folks take black pepper for granted.  In ancient Rome, pepper was one of the most expensive and valued of all spices and they would go to great lengths to ensure the trade routes that imported it.  Pepper is both medicinal and enhances the flavor of food.  Of course, it is also peppery.  If anything were to happen that could disrupt supply chains in modern America, as we experienced during the COVID pandemic, black pepper could be sorely missed.  So, whether you just want to enjoy a wide array of wild foods, or you are preparing for times of scarcity, Pepper Grass is an important plant to learn to identify and use.

I think that Pepper Grass works best in marinades and sauces, and speaking of ancient Rome, here is one that includes several of the flavors that were popular and written about by the classic writer, Apicius.  Combine Pepper Grass, a small amount of rue (but only if you are not pregnant as rue can be dangerous), and really any other green herbs you like, such as oregano, mint, marjoram, parsley, lovage, etc.  Mix into olive oil. Add some wine and honey and a spoonful of fish sauce.  Of course, the ancient Romans used a fish sauce called garum, but Asian fish sauces are similar.  Just use enough fish sauce to make the sauce salty enough for your taste.  If you don't like fish sauce, leave it out but add salt and maybe a dash of Worcestershire or soy sauce.  An anchovy or two would also be a nice option – just mash it up into the sauce if that is something you like.  The flavor is very assertive, but you will find it a good accompaniment to grilled pork and chicken.  In ancient Rome, meat was often boiled and the sauce would be added to the boiling water and also used at the table.  I like to add some crushed garlic and hot chili pepper to the sauce but that is not traditional, especially since hot peppers were not known to ancient Rome.  They did, however, use a lot of black pepper and long pepper, as well as hot spices such as ginger, cinnamon and cloves.  Such hot spices would often be added to such a sauce.  Cumin fennel, and coriander were also widely used.  But, as always, that is up to your taste.  A sauce like this is also a good way to experiment with such strong herbs as Yarrow, Ox Eye Daisy or Fireweed.

 

This article is an excerpt from

The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54

Also, I am back on Youtube. Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTube

Read about my other new books:

Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist’s Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings July-December, 2025
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-daily-catholic-devotional-reflections.html

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist’s Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

and

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist’s Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist’s Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:

Judson Carroll, Master Herbalist

Herbal Medicine

Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist’s Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist’s Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB



Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: Herbal Medicine 101 - YouTube

Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I’m just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won’t even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have “traditionally been used for.” I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don’t even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.