Rumex acetosella

CULTURE:
Sow seeds in March or the beginning of September in light soil that has not been treated with chemicals or boosted with compost, even organic. Seeds may also be started off in well-drained trays in organic, lime-free compost. See illustration. Keep the beds moist until the second leaves are well established and well weeded throughout the growing season, preferably by hand so as not to disturb the newly establishing root system. Sheep sorrel is easily transplanted and propagated by root cuttings. Leave one shoot to each length of root and water well until established.

HARVEST:
Leaves and Stems – take the first cutting before the flowers open in May, allowing for a second harvest in July, possibly a third at the end of August depending on the season. The plant has passed its best for use in Essiac when the seeds are ripening and is best left until the seeds are harvested before cutting back to encourage good root formation ready for the following year.
Dry naturally either tied in small bunches or spread on clean, cloth-covered trays in a well-aerated dark, dry place. Store whole in clean, dry glass jars in a cool, dark, dry place. Coarse grind as needed.

Roots – in the second year lift at the end of September, preferably after the first frost, continuing throughout the winter (weather permitting) until active growth begins again in March. Wash until the water runs clear, shake well to remove excess moisture and trim off any remaining leaves or stems. Dry, store and process as for the leaves and stems.

Arctium lappa

CULTURE:

Easy to grow from seed and useful as a deep-rooted herb in an organic vegetable garden planted at the end of a three-year crop rotation cycle ie. in soil that has not been composted since the first year of the cycle. Sow either in September or the following spring, keeping the soil moist until the second leaves are established. Burdock is quickly overrun by Sheep sorrel when they are planted close together and does not thrive. Grow the herbs in separate beds.

HARVEST:

Lift at the end of the first year, twelve months maximum as second year roots become tough and woody and quickly lose their medicinal value. Trim off any leaf shoots, remove any remaining soil with a knife or a stiff brush and wash well until the water runs clear. Shake off excess moisture and dry either with a clean cloth or by leaving the roots outside in the air for a few hours. Burdock root is difficult to process if dried whole and should be chopped up before spreading on clean, cloth-covered trays to dry naturally in a well-aerated dark, dry place. Store in clean, dry glass jars in a cool, dark, dry place until needed.

Note: One or two plants should be left in place to flower and provide ripe seed at the end of the second year.

Ulmus rubra, formerly fulva

Rheum palmatum

CULTURE:

Sow in pots in an unheated, shaded greenhouse or under a plastic cloche in spring. Protect the plants during the first winter and plant out in their permanent position in untreated soil at the start of the second year. Planting Sheep sorrel around first year Turkey rhubarb plants has been seen to protect them from slug damage.

HARVEST:

Lift the entire root in the autumn of the sixth year, wash and clean as for Burdock root before cutting into several large sections and hanging up to dry naturally in a in a well-aerated dark, dry place. Put the newly dried root in a clean cloth bag and break up into smaller pieces with a hammer before storing in clean, dry glass jars in a cool, dark, dry place. Turkey rhubarb is easily ground as needed.

Trifolium pretense

CULTURE:

Sow seed in the spring or split and replant established Red clover herb in light soil that has not been treated with chemicals or boosted with compost. As with Sheep sorrel, seeds may also be started off in well-drained trays, but don’t plant the two herbs side by side in the same bed as Clover grows faster and will quickly overtake the Sorrel by the end of the season.

HARVEST:

Lift and process the root in the second year as for Sheep sorrel.

Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum

CULTURE:

Sow seeds in pots in a shaded, unheated greenhouse using organic neutral to alkaline compost. Keep the pots in water where the level can be maintained at a constant between 1.2cm – 2.5cm from the surface of the soil. Change the water daily to prevent fungal infection and plant out in running water when the stems are long enough for the leaves to float on the surface of the water.

HARVEST:

Lift and process the root in the second year as for Sheep sorrel.

Vinca major

CULTURE:

Propagated by the division of mature plants at the start of the growing season. Water regularly until established.

HARVEST:

Lift and process the root in the second year as for Sheep sorrel.

Coptis trifolia var. groenlandica

Hydrastis canadensis

CULTURE:

As for Goldthread.

HARVEST:

Lift and process the root in the fourth year as for Sheep sorrel.