• Books

    Book Review: Why The Bee Bible by Sally Coulthard Instantly Became My Favourite Bee Book

    The Bee Bible by Sally Coulthard review The Bee Bible: 50 Ways to Keep Bees Buzzing by Sally Coulthard completely won me over from the first random page I opened it to. As someone who loves nature, I picked it up out of curiosity. A beautiful book What initially struck me was how beautifully laid out the book is. Every page feels like a little gift. The section on planting wildflowers to support bees made me want to rush outside and start planning new flower beds. The illustrations are gorgeous. See the beautifully designed title pages here: For me, The…

  • Books

    Book Review: John Wright’s The Forager’s Calendar

    The Forager’s Calendar by John Wright review As a family herbalist passionate about wildcrafting and foraging, I often find myself dipping into my copy of The Forager’s Calendar by John Wright. This beautifully written guide is not just a popular, award-winning foraging book – it’s a year-round companion for anyone eager to connect with nature through seasonal wild foods. A month-by-month companion, year after year Mr Wright’s approach is incredibly practical, offering detailed descriptions of plants, mushrooms, and other edibles you can find month by month. What I particularly love is the way he balances descriptive accuracy with personal anecdotes,…

  • fungi

    Medicinal uses of Birch Polypore, Fomitopsis betulina

    Scientific name: Fomitopsis betulina, (formerly Piptoporus betulinus) Common name: Birch polypore Medicinal uses of birch polypore Birch polypore has several medicinal uses. It can be used as a natural bandage due to its antimicrobial properties, preventing wounds from becoming infected. The fungus contains compounds that can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. To use birch polypore as a plaster, cut a long strip from the underside of the mushroom and apply it directly to the wound. If applying to a finger, wrap it around itself, its natural texture makes it self-adhesive. Otherwise, cover with a bandage or strip of cloth.…

  • fungi

    Medicinal uses of Orange peel fungus, Aleuria aurantia

    Scientific name: Aleuria aurantia Common name: Orange peel fungus Name in Welsh: Croen Oren Medicinal uses So far, I have not come across the use of orange peel fungus in folk and herbal medicine. Please do get in touch if you have! Potential applications in medical research: Aleuria aurantia contains Aleuria aurantia lectin (AAL), which binds to fucose. Studies have been conducted with regard to cancer, allergies, and cell communication. Constituents:  Aleuria aurantia is known to contain: Further detailed chemical analysis of its full constituent profile is limited. Culinary uses Generally used sparingly to add colour to salads or as…