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p14
 Who would have thought that a
cemetery could be a place of health and well-being? Take a closer look at the foliage of
Abney Park and you will find a cornucopia of plant remedies. Though the cemetery was once
a celebrated arboretum, these medicinal treasures are not the careful planning of a health
conscious head gardener, they are the noble natives of our land - opportunist weeds to
most but potent medicine to those in the know.
The leaves of the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) contain a wealth of vitamins and
minerals including iron, calcium, silica and vitamins A and C. Nettle makes a highly
nutritious tea or soup and can be lightly steamed like spinach. Widely acknowledged as a
prime spring tonic, it strengthens, clears and energises the entire body, nourishes the
blood and is excellent for anaemia. It also clears toxins from the body via the kidneys
and lungs and alleviates cystitis, allergies, rheumatism, gout and arthritis. Nettle is
safe to use throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding, it actively promotes milk production
and improves its quality.
Nestling in the grassy verges you can find red clover (Trifolium pratense). Red clover is
a loving remedy. It nourishes the blood and circulatory system, calms the nerves and due,
to its powerful blood cleansing abilities, is good for skin complaints such as eczema and
psoriasis. Widely acclaimed as a potent blood thinner it is comparable to the modern drugs
Heparin and Warfarin and makes a good natural alternative to these. It is also a valuable
plant in the treatment of tumours and cancers, particularly of the female reproductive
system.
Guardian to the underworld and full of dark power is the matriarchal elder (Sambucus
nigra), whose fluffy white cream springtime flowers form a sharp contrast to the black
autumn berries. Steeped in magical folklore, this plant oozes medicine from its bark,
leaves, flowers and berries. The leaves can be applied directly onto wounds, bruises,
sprains and chilblains. The flowers are a classic, reliable remedy for colds, flu, catarrh
and hay fever. For colds and flu use elderflower tea mixed with yarrow flowers and
peppermint leaves. They also make good eyewash for conjunctivitis. The berries are high in
vitamin C and help to improve the immune system.
The sticky stems and leaves of cleavers (Gallium aparine) are hard to miss when foraging
in the bushes. This plant is the finest tonic for the lymphatic system (immune) and is
powerful against tonsillitis, enlarged adenoids, bone marrow and lymph cancers, arthritis,
eczema and psoriasis. Cleavers soothes and tones the urinary system helping with
infections such as cystitis and the passage of kidney/bladder stones. If that weren't
enough, it will treat all kinds of burns, soreness and itching as a skin wash.
So, quite literally within a few short steps, you have a fairly comprehensive medicine
chest not to mention the hawthorn for the heart, the coltsfoot for coughs, comfrey for
broken bones, oak bark for gum disease, horse chestnut for haemorrhoids. I could go on and
on...
Deanna can be contacted on 0207 503 4672
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