by Betty Carew

Created on: November 24, 2008   Last Updated: December 02, 2011

In the past foraging for herbs and plants was a necessity, in today's world we can grow just about everything we need or buy it at a supermarket although that doesn't stop some of us from wanting to forage. There could be several possible reasons we do this, it provides an opportunity to connect with nature, it lets you slow down and observe the world around you, and maybe you just want to try out different herbs. Some think there are possible health benefits in wild herbs such as hemopathy benefits and sometimes people just want to supplement their groceries. It doesn't matter what the reason, you should know a few things on how to forage for herbs before you head out on your own into the wild.

When you are foraging for herbs the best tool you can take with you is common sense, and some accurate information will run a very close second. Every plant you come across will not be fit to eat so therefore you should do some research before you even start. Some herbs have a very unpleasant flavor and no matter what you do with them it doesn't improve the taste. There are herbs that can make you very sick and as bad as it sounds some of them can kill you.

Before you eat any herb or wild plant it is very important that you are able to identify it. To begin foraging, it is best to take a few trips first, just to practice identifying the plants. You could take an experienced forager with you until you become accustomed to what you're looking for. If you have a person with you who doesn't  have any experience don't ever take their word on what's edible or what isn't. The bottom line will lie solely with you to accurately identify what you are foraging. You are the one who will be eating it so you must remember the golden rule of foraging, if you're in doubt, don't eat it.

Any herbs that you find lying near a highway should give you pause for thought, they will probably be contaminated, especially a highway with heavy traffic. This can happen due to so much exhaust from vehicles and it is a hazard to be on the side of the road for the same reason. The herbs that you use should also be free of herbicides or pesticides. When you are certain that you have collected the right plants and herbs taste just a small portion of the herbs and plants you collected and the reason for this is you may be allergic to some of them.

Don't gather mushrooms at first; wait until you have a little more experience as it is very difficult to separate the edible ones from the poisonous. Gathering mushrooms is not for a beginner as they can make you very sick if eaten, with even a little in your system, so it's best to leave mushrooms alone until you are well versed in choosing the right ones.

It doesn't matter where you live you can become an experienced forager. When you do have experience then you will know what type of herb or plant you are choosing. Taking someone who knows about plants is always a help. Another suggestion would be if there are classes given in your area about foraging herbs, take it, a little knowledge goes a long way. With all these suggestions in place relax and enjoy your trips to the wild. Happy foraging!

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