Native wild comfrey grows on shady hills in Maryland. Andersonglossum virginianum, the Latin name, in the borage family, contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can damage the liver but has antibiotic & anti-viral applications. External use can help skin problems. #foraging #wildplantmedicine

Ah, nettle - it hurts so good! Urtica dioica, in the Urticaceae family, deliberately stinging arthritic hands, feet, or knees only hurts for a moment, but brings sweet relief for days. It takes a strong will to reach out, but it's worth it. #foraging #wildplantmedicine #arthritis #hurtssogood

Knapweed, or Centaurea nigra, is an invasive species in the US. It tends to spread prolifically & crowd out native plants. It is in the Asteraceae family. Knapweed roots were traditionally used to make a diuretic drink or a salve to help heal wounds. #naturalmedicine #foraging #wildplantmedicine

Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota in Apiaceae family) is the wild version of carrot. Eat root while it's young or be disappointed. The seeds can be used for birth control. Make sure the stem is hairy; a poisonous cousin has smooth stem & purple blotches. #foraging #ediblewildplants #wildplantmedicine

Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) can be found in fields & empty lots. In the Scrophulariaceae family, it is native to Europe & Asia. Europeans & Native Americans used the plant for lung & skin problems. Filter out fine hairs on leaves before ingesting. #foraging #photography #wildplantmedicine