the herb walk

by Les Moore

Not much can beat a springtime herb walk, especially in the fertile Finger Lakes. Try a stroll down the Ontario Pathways Rail Trail on Route 96 between Clifton Springs and Phelps. Start at the parking lot located off Route 96 about one mile west of the intersection with Route 88.

One plant you’ll notice right away is the familiar Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis). Many people eat dandelions as salad greens or cooked spring greens, but it is also an important medicinal herb, indicated for both liver and kidney ailments.

Next is Plantain (Plantago spp.). It can be lance-leaved or oval-leaved, but is distinguishable by the thin threadlike filaments that run up the leaf. Plantain is nature’s bandaid, helpful for scratches, cuts, bites, etc., because of its antiseptic properties.

Continuing along the old railroad trail, you’ll come across Burdock (Arctium lappa). The root and stalk are used as food, but it is also one of the best herbs for skin disorders like eczema and for liver disorders. Not too far from the Burdock is the beautiful Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara). Its yellow flower comes up early in spring, before the hoof-shaped leaves begin to unfold. It is used in Asian, European, and American botanical medicine for upper respiratory tract infections, especially with a cough. Near it is Mullein (Verbascum spp.), an important remedy for cough and lung complaints. The yellow flowers are prepared in olive oil and used as ear drops for ear infections.

Along the side of the trail are some magnificent trees. The Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina) is in bloom and its distinctive lined bark helps it stand out. Not only is it a food source, but the inner bark has long been used by many cultures for medicine, especially for coughs and colds. Many of our cough syrups today continue this tradition by being ‘cherry’ flavored. Nearby are some Hawthornes (Craetagus spp.), still in bloom. The Hawthorne can be distinguished by its prominent thorns. The Hawthorne berry is the number one herb for the heart and cardiovascular system.

Coming into the woodland you will be greeted by some stunning small plants. The Violet (Viola odora) is in bloom with its defining violet-colored blossoms. The flowers can be eaten raw on salads or made into syrup. It is also a remedy for sore throat and is even mentioned in the literature for use with throat cancers. Near it is Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canandensis). Its leaves are uniquely shaped, but the root is what helps you remember the plant -- when scratched, it oozes a blood-red sap. Bloodroot is used for upper respiratory tract infections and also for wart removal. Sometimes in the same stand of Bloodroot will be Wild Ginger (Asarum canandensis). This plant is famous for its use with gynecological disorders.

After you cross the first bridge, there is a path that goes down to the river. Here are plants that grow near water. Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) is a beautiful plant, used in colds and flus, especially flu with achy bones and stiffness in the joints. Nearby is Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpurea), taller than Boneset, which later will be topped with a cluster of small purple flowers. It is also called Gravel Root, and is classically used for kidney stones (gravel).

Time to turn back now. On your way back, review the plants you identified to become more familiar with them. The herbs you have seen are significant, but do NOT pick or ingest them. Remember the first rule of being in nature: “take only pictures and leave only footprints.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Les Moore, ND, MSOM, LAc. is Director of Integrative Medicine at Clifton Springs Hospital in Clifton Springs, NY. He can be contacted at (315) 462-0390.