HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
FORAGING FOR EDIBLES IN MARCH Make Use of Edible Plants & Weeds in Cyprus Are you aware of how many edible plants and weeds grow naturally here in Cyprus? If you are one for being out and about in nature, you may be surprised to hear that many of the plants you come across carry many health and medicinal benefits for all types of conditions and illnesses. This month we spoke to Linda Bee, a plant specialist and beekeeper from The Netherlands, now living in Cyprus. “I have always been interested in medicinal plants, and edible plants have had my interest since I first saw my mother add fresh nettles to my soup, to help me get rid of anaemia as a child. Later in life, I studied herbs and became a beekeeper offering lectures on ‘the flowers and the bees’. Upon arriving in Cyprus, I signed up for the P3A Foraging Group lead by Steve Catchpole in Polemi. Being outside and foraging in nature is not only good fun but also very healing and restorative for the body and mind. March is an excellent time for foraging because of the process of blooming changing the chemistry of the entire plant.” Linda Bee
EDIBLE PLANTS & WEEDS IN CYPRUS IN MARCH Wild Marigolds (Kitrini Margarita) Wild Marigolds have a pleasant aroma, and the crushed flowers are used in ointments to heal wounds. The flowers are much smaller than the cultivated ones and open only when the sun shines. Harvesting is best on bright and sunny mornings.
Milk Thistle (Gaidourangatho) Milk thistle has striking white veins on its broad leaves. Legend has it that the Virgin Mary spilt milk from her glass onto the leaves of the Milk Thistle plant. It is used to stimulate lactation in women, heal liver damage and aid depression. Make sure you cut off the prickly edges before using it!
Fennel (Marathos) Fennel is one of my favourites because of its rich and distinctive anise taste. Fennel offers excellent benefits for the digestive system and helps against baby cramps when the breastfeeding mother eats/drinks it. It is primarely used by Cypriots in the traditional Pumpkin Pie and to give an aromatic flavour to the preparation of dried figs.
Nettles (Tsouknitha) Nettles in Cyprus have thicker leaves and are much hairier than the ones in Northern Europe. The sting may be harsher, but it does not last as long. Wear gloves! Don’t be afraid to use Nettles in your food or tea because the hot water takes away the sting immediately. Nettles are excellent for help in purifying the blood and are full of Iron, Vitamin A and C. They are also considered beneficial for blood circulation and detoxing the liver.
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March 2020
