Nature’s Wild Medicinal Herbs: For Healing, Care, and Enjoyment

Native medicinal plants are a valuable natural treasure, serving as essential components for home medicine cabinets, cosmetics, and the kitchen. Whether used as tinctures, ointments, ingredients in dishes, or teas, these plants offer numerous benefits. Understanding the proper care and usage of these plants is crucial for safe and effective application. Collecting these healing treasures can add an aromatic and herbal note to hiking in the beautiful countryside of places like Germany and Austria. With Eurohike, you can discover the healing power of nature on a relaxed and mindful hiking holiday. Here are seven native wild herbs and medicinal plants you may encounter on your next hike.

Stinging Nettle: The Versatile Healer

Stinging nettle leaves possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, boost metabolism, and detoxify the body. As a tea, stinging nettle promotes hair growth and can counteract chills and cold. The fresh leaves can be used in cooking, and both the leaves and root are used in tinctures, syrups, or teas. Stinging nettles thrive in nitrogen-rich soils and can be found in sunny and somewhat shady places. The best time to collect the leaves is from March to July.

Calendula: Skin’s Best Friend

Calendula is renowned for its benefits in treating skin problems like dry skin, impurities, and wounds. It also has antispasmodic properties, helps with joint pain, and can be used internally for stomach or intestinal ulcers. Calendula can be processed into ointments, tinctures, extracts, or teas. It grows in sunny or semi-shaded areas with nutrient-rich soil, and the best time to collect it is from June to October.

Chamomile: The All-Rounder

Chamomile is a versatile medicinal plant effective against stress, gastrointestinal complaints, ear canal diseases, and flatulence. It also supports wound healing. Chamomile can be used as an essential oil, tincture, or tea. It is commonly found in meadows, along hiking trails, or in fields. The best time to collect chamomile leaves and buds is from April to May, with flowers being harvested from May to August.

Lavender: The Calming Panacea

Lavender not only has a delightful scent but also offers numerous healing benefits, such as calming, balancing, and promoting sleep. It also provides relief from gas and gum inflammation. Lavender can be used as an essential oil, tincture, tea, in herbal mixtures, scented sachets, or in cosmetics. Originally from the Mediterranean regions, lavender now grows in Austria, Germany, and various home gardens. The best time to harvest lavender is during the flowering period from June to August, ensuring to collect flowers on dry days.