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June Herb Walk * 28/6/26 10am-12noon * Slades Park Bournemouth

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:16:54 GMT

Let's go on a herb walk...

A few days after the summer solstice, the herbal world is vibrant and abundant. Come on an inspiring herb walk to explore our natural heritage and learn about medicinal plants on your door step.

This is like a guided herbal treasure hunt to find medicinal herbs and learn how to use them in your everyday life.

On Sunday 28/6 from 10am to 12noon, join Claire, medical herbalist at The Meadow, to walk around Slades Park and study at least 10 different seasonal medicinal plants, their properties, their traditional usage and how you could use them and benefit from them.

The walk takes about 2 hours at a slow pace.

Tickets include a discussion on herbal tinctures and other herbal extracts with the opportunity to taste a few of them, and a pdf guide on the herbs we have studied.

Meeting point at 9:55 by Slades Park Pavilion (cafe). Parking on Ensbury Avenue or in Slades Farm Car Park.

Max 12 people. £9.50 + booking fee.

Come along! This event is perfect for nature lovers and those interested in medicinal herbs.

See you there!

May Herb Walk * 24/5/26 10am-12noon * Slades Park Bournemouth

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 03:41:04 GMT

Let's go on a herb walk...

...to explore our natural heritage and learn about medicinal plants on your door step.

This is like a guided herbal treasure hunt to find medicinal herbs and learn how to use them in your everyday life.

On Sunday 24/5 from 10am to 12noon, join Claire, medical herbalist at The Meadow, to walk around Slades Park and study at least 10 different seasonal medicinal plants, their properties, their traditional usage and how you could use them and benefit from them.

The walk takes about 2 hours at a slow pace.

Tickets include a discussion on herbal tinctures and other herbal extracts with the opportunity to taste a few of them, and a pdf guide on the herbs we have studied.

Meeting point at 9:55 by Slades Park Pavilion (cafe). Parking on Ensbury Avenue or in Slades Farm Car Park.

Max 12 people. £9.50 + booking fee.

Come along! This event is perfect for nature lovers and those interested in medicinal herbs.

See you there!

April Herb Walk * 26/4/26 10am-12noon * Slades Park Bournemouth

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 02:38:13 GMT

Let's go on a herb walk...

In April, spring is buzzing with energy and the lush green world is singing brightly! Come and explore our natural heritage and learn about medicinal plants on your door step.

This is like a guided herbal treasure hunt to find medicinal herbs and learn how to use them in your everyday life.

On Sunday 26/4 from 10am to 12noon, join Claire, medical herbalist at The Meadow, to walk around Slades Park and study at least 10 different seasonal medicinal plants, their properties, their traditional usage and how you could use them and benefit from them.

The walk takes about 2 hours at a slow pace.

Tickets include a discussion on herbal tinctures and other herbal extracts with the opportunity to taste a few of them, and a pdf guide on the herbs we have studied.

Meeting point at 9:55 by Slades Park Pavilion (cafe). Parking on Ensbury Avenue or in Slades Farm Car Park.

Max 12 people. £9.50 + booking fee.

Come along! This event is perfect for nature lovers and those interested in medicinal herbs.

See you there!

August 2025 Herb Walk - Slades Park Bournemouth - Wheelchairs welcome!

Sun, 18 May 2025 13:31:38 GMT

This is a herbal treasure hunt to find at least 10 different medicinal herbs and learn how to use them in your everyday life.

The walk takes 2 hours at a slow pace, starting at Slades Farm Park in Bournemouth, accessible to wheelchairs.

On Sunday 3rd August 2025 from 10am to 12noon, join Claire, local medical herbalist, to discover the medicinal herbs growing just on your doorstep.

Meeting point at 9:55 by Slades Park Pavilion (cafe). Parking on Ensbury Avenue or in Slades Farm Car Park.

Tickets include a discussion on herbal tinctures with the opportunity to taste a few of them, and a pdf guide on the herbs we have studied.

Max 12 people, wheelchairs welcome!

Come along and explore our natural heritage with us! This event is perfect for nature lovers and those interested in herbal medicine. See you there!

July 2025 Herb Walk - Bourne Valley Park Poole

claire.savoldelli@hotmail.co.uk (Claire Savoldelli) — Fri, 16 May 2025 14:41:56 GMT

A herbal treasure hunt to find at least 10 different medicinal herbs and learn how to use them in your everyday life.

The walk takes 2 hours at a slow pace, starting at Bourne Valley Park in Bournemouth.

On Sunday morning, 20/7/25 from 10 to 12, join Claire, local medical herbalist, to discover the medicinal herbs growing just on your doorstep.

Meeting point at 9:55 at the end of Turbary Close, which is off Turbary Road and Herbert Avenue.

Parking on the street.

Tickets include a discussion on herbal tinctures with the opportunity to taste a few of them, and a pdf guide on the herbs we have studied.

Max 15 people.

Come along and explore our natural heritage with us! This event is perfect for nature lovers and those interested in herbal medicine. See you there!

Catnip, relaxing ally from the garden

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:43:23 GMT

In the human body, the nepetalactones, chemical constituents from catnip, are similar to valepotriates from valerian and produce a very relaxing and calming effect. Catnip (latin name Nepeta cataria ) grows very well in the garden and can be picked for useful homemade infusions. It is a bit of a forgotten herb, maybe because too famously known by its effect on cats, and a few lines about it may help to increase its popularity!

Walking in the countryside and foraging whatever herb is in season is one of my favourite activities, but I also love to hang out in places selling plants, particularly Cherry Tree Nursery in Bournemouth, a charity based on horticulture providing support to people with mental illness. Their plants and herbs and trees are beautiful, mostly kept outside, and cared for without forcing growth. It is lovely to stroll amongst the plants, bees busying around the flowers, green lushness clearing the mind, and waiting for a particular plant to call you.
Last saturday, the attraction came from catnip and I couldn't resist to get some for my garden.

A member of the Lamiaceae family (it is a mint), catnip is an aromatic perennial with heart shaped leaves and whorls of white flowers. In herbal medicine, the arial parts are used and gathered when in flower in summer and autumn.

It's chemical constituents include iridoids, tannins and volatile oils. It produces nepetalactones, which are iridoids used by the plant as an herbivorous insect repellent. Nepetalactones can indeed repel insects with efficiencies comparable to the synthetic repellent DEET. On another hand, possibly by mimicking feline pheromones, they have quite a contrary effect on these animals, attracting them and inducing playful actions such as rolling over and pawing.
In the human body, nepetalactones from catnip are similar to valepotriates from valerian and produce a very relaxing and calming effect. But they are only some of the plant's constituents and together with all the other chemicals it contains, catnip has multiple effects.

It is a carminative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, nervine and slightly astringent herb.
As an antispasmodic, it is useful in intestinal colics, cramps, menstrual cramps, IBS...
Catnip is markedly antiflatulent, helping to settle indigestion and colic (Andrew Chevalier) and moreover it is beneficial in headaches associated with digestive issues.
Diaphoretic, catnip is a godsend for colds and flu, and as a first aid to bring down fevers, opening the pores and stimulating sweating, supporting the body to fight infection.

Gentle and caring, this herb is of great value for children and is helpful in fevers, colics, nervousness. William LeSassier explains that it is particularly suited to the 'quiet, nervous, overactive and restless child' (Wood M.).

Nicholas Culpeper, in 17th century, wrote about catnip that it is of 'special use for the windiness of the stomach and belly. It is effectual for any cramp, or cold aches, to dissolve cold and wind [...] and is used for colds, coughs, and shortness of breath.' He also mentions that the juice of the herb made up into an ointment is effective for hemorrhoids.

Catnip can be used as infusion or tincture, by itself or associated with other herbs.
Infusion of catnip, yarrow and peppermint: digestive infections
Infusion of catnip and fennel seeds: to relieve bloating and flatulence
Infusion or tincture of catnip and black haw (dried bark): menstrual cramps
Hot infusion catnip and elder flowers or berries: colds, flu and fevers

To make an infusion, 1 or 2 teaspoon(s) of the herb can be used per cup of hot water, cover for 15 minutes in order to preserve the precious volatile oils, then strain and drink.

References

American Chemical Society (2010), Nepetalactone. [online] Available at:
https://www.acs.org/molecule-of-the-week/archive/n/nepetalactone.html

Chevallier A., The Encyclopaedia of medicinal Plants (1996)

Culpeper N., Complete Herbal (original text 1653, edition 2007)

Hoffmann D., Medical Herbalism (2003)

Lichman BR., Godden GT., Hamilton GP., Palmer L., [...] , and O’Connor SE. (2020). The evolutionary origins of the cat attractant nepetalactone in catnip. Science Advances. [online] Available at: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aba0721

Wood M., The Earthwise Herbal (Vol 1) (2008)

Medicinal Spring Star: Wild Garlic

Fri, 12 May 2023 14:24:29 GMT

Wild garlic, also known as ramsons, can be considered of similar potency than culinary garlic, with similar medicinal actions. It has the advantage of being well tolerated, much less pungent, easily included into food and a wonderful spring tonic. The numerous qualities of this warming plant include depurative, anthelmintic, anti-infective, hypotensive, rubefacient and stomachic. It is a great ally to promote a healthy body by fighting infections, cleansing, regulating and strengthening the cardio-vascular, respiratory and gastro-intestinal systems.

Foraging and Identification

Wild garlic can be gathered in the wild, it is abundant and not under threat, but keep in mind that moderation is always part of ethical harvesting. Its strong garlic-like odour is a helpful feature for identification, along with the triangular stem, to distinguish it from other similar looking plants. You can pick a leave, smell it, and you will know!

Member of the Amaryllidaceae family, Allium ursinum L. in latin, wild garlic grows on damp soil in shady locations and luxuriously covers woodland floors. It's a perennial commonly found in England. It appears in early spring, at about the same time than bluebells, using the light coming through the bare trees, and rapidly forces its way to the surface to mature to about 30 cm tall, enjoying then the shady protection of the canopy of trees. It blooms from March to June, developing its symphony of white star-like flowers arranged in umbels on top of triquetrous stems. The plant reproduces via seeds and also bulb vegetative propagation. Wild garlic dies down completely in summer, leaving space for other plants to flourish.

Which active chemicals and constituents are involved?
The smell of wild garlic is an indication of the presence of sulphur-containing compounds broken down when the plant is crumpled or munched on, to give volatile compounds, including allicin (Brunning, 2020). These chemicals are used by the plant against pests, and also to inhibit the growth of other plants. In the human body, they exhibit antibacterial, anti-parasitic, antibiotic and antimycotic activities and furthermore, 'unlike conventional antibiotics, allicin is volatile and can kill bacteria via the gas phase' (Leontiev et al., 2018, p.1), conferring on ramsons useful properties for lung diseases.
A. ursinum is a good source of phenolic compounds and kaempferol derivatives which contribute to its anti-oxidant properties.
Steroidal saponins are also part of its constituents and often found in other members of the Amarylidaceae family, and in the Asparagaceae, Lilliaceae and Dioscoreaceae families as well. They participate in a wide range of actions as expectorants, platelet aggregation inhibitors, anti-parasitics, anti-bacterials, anti-fungals, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour agents (Escobar-Sánchez et al., 2015).
Additionally, wild garlic has been found to contain higher levels of magnesium, manganese and iron than culinary garlic (Allium sativum)(Sobolewska et al., 2013).
Finally, the bulbs are rich in nourishing polysaccharides and fatty acids.

How useful can it be for my health?
Wild garlic was already known by the Celts and later on it was recorded by Dioscorides as endowed with depurative properties (Sobolewska et al. 2015). It is still used as a spring tonic. Similarly to garlic, ramsons have a wide range of indications. A comparative study of the two plants concludes that despite some minor variations, it is appropriate to consider 'wild garlic as a substitute of garlic' (Sendl et al., 1992, p.1).
It is useful for respiratory conditions like 'asthma, bronchitis and emphysema' (PFAF, 2020). It is also a potent agent to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases. An in vitro study found that A. ursinum exerts similar anti-aggregatory effects than A. sativum, with similar potencies, preventing the creation of blood clots (Hiyasat et al., 2009). It is additionally a good hypotensive agent and vasodilator, with cardio-protective qualities. It could actually be more effective than garlic in lowering blood pressure and decreasing cholesterol (Preuss et al., 2001).
Wild garlic improves digestion and intestine health and is of great value in treating related conditions like diarrhoea, flatulence, colic and parasitic infestations (PFAF, 2020). Externally, it can be used to support wound healing and also as a rubefacient in order to ease painful rheumatic or arthritic joints.
As a strong anti-infective, it is effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enteritidis, Candida lipolytica and Mycoderma (Sobolewska et al., 2015).
Additionally, it has potential inhibitory effect against the proliferation of various cancers 'including breast, lung, colon cancers, lymphomas and neuroblastoma' (Sobolewska et al., 2015, p.94)

Is it safe?
Generally, A. ursinum is recognized as safe. It is not part of the list of banned and restricted herbal ingredients in the UK, and can be used freely (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, 2014). However, likewise garlic, some allergic reactions are possible (Sobolewska et al., 2015). As with all herbs, it is always wise to start slowly, with small/moderate quantities. Wild garlic may also potentiate anticoagulant therapies and in this case it should be used moderately and with caution (Hiyasat et al., 2009).

How to use wild garlic
All parts of the plant can be used as medicine and eaten as food: leaves, flowers and bulbs (Plants For A Future - PFAF, 2010)(Sobolewska et al., 2013).
It is best used fresh as drying the herb will cause the loss of most of the volatile oil. Traditionally, ramsons leaves and flowers are added to salads, soups and omelets. They can be finelly chopped and folded into hot vegetable dishes, stews and curries, just before serving. A fiery pesto can be prepared by mashing the leaves together with basil, pine nuts, lemon juice, olive oil and grated parmesan (Gorham, 2013). A flavoured salt is obtained by stirring finely sliced leaves into sea salt.

A bit of folklore from the past...
The latin name of ramsons, Allium ursinum, is derived from the Latin word for 'bear' and refers to the fact that bears tend to eat the plant after their long winter hibernation, probably as a detoxifying tonic. In the middle age, pregnant women were encouraged to carry it in their pockets, which might be a reference to the action of the volatile oil, enveloping the lady with a protective antimicrobial scent.

References

Brunning, A. (2020). The chemistry of wild garlic. [online] Available at:
https://www.compoundchem.com/2016/04/04/wild-garlic/

Escobar-Sánchez, ML., Sánchez-Sánchez, L. and Sandoval-Ramírez, J. (2015).
Steroidal Saponins and Cell Death in Cancer. IntechOpen, [e-journal], chapter 15, pp. 331-351. https://doi.org/10.5772/61438

Ghédira, K., Goetz, P. (2016). Ail des ours : Allium ursinum L. (Amaryllidaceae). Phytothérapie, [e-journal], 14, pp. 165–169. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10298-016-1042-7

Gorham, L. (2013). Herbal Condiments. [online] Available at: https://theherbarium.wordpress.com/

Hiyasat, B., Sabha, D., Grötzinger, K., Kempfert, J., Rauwald, J., Mohr, F., Dhein, S. (2009). Antiplatelet Activity of Allium ursinum and Allium sativum. Pharmacology, [e-journal], 83, pp. 197-204. https://doi.org/10.1159/000196811

Korpelainen, H., Labokas, J., Draper, D., Eliáš, P., Tavares, M., Strajeru, S., Smekalova, T. & Bulińska, Z. (2011). Ramsons, Allium ursinum. [online] Available at:
https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/172110/6826231#assessment-information [Accessed 7 December 2020].

Kräuterhaus Sanct Bernhard KG (2020). Wild Bear's Garlic Capsules. [online] Available at: https://www.sanct-bernhard.com/en-GB/products/wild-bear-s-garlic-capsules

Leontiev, R., Hohaus, N., Jacob, C., Gruhlke, M.C.H. and Slusarenko, A.J. (2018). A comparison of the antibacterial and antifungal activities of thiosulfinate analogues of allicin. Scientific Reports, [e-journal], 8(6763), pp. 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-25154-9

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency [MHRA] (2014). Banned and restricted herbal ingredients. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-banned-or-restricted-herbal-ingredients-for-medicinal-use/banned-and-restricted-herbal-ingredients

Natural Medicines (2020). Bear's garlic. [online] Available at: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=247 [Accessed 9 December 2020].

Peška, V., Mandáková, T., Ihradská, V. and Fajkus, J. (2019). Comparative dissection of three giant genomes: Allium cepa, Allium sativum, and Allium ursinum. International journal of molecular sciences, [e-journal], 20(3) 733, pp. 1-25. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20030733

Plants For A Future [PFAF] (2010). Allium ursinum - L. [online] Available at: https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+ursinum

Preuss, HG., Clouatre, D., Mohamadi, A., Jarrell, ST. (2001). Wild garlic has a greater effect than regular garlic on blood pressure and blood chemistries of rats. International Urology and Nephrology, [e-journal], 32(4), pp. 525-530. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014417526290