Groundsel
Groundsel (Glechoma hederacea) creeps along the ground and erects itself on its flowering shoots.
Its small, kidney- to heart-shaped leaves sit opposite each other on a square stem and are strongly notched at the edges. Above the pairs of leaves are small purple lip flowers.
The plant reaches a height of 15-40 cm.
Groundsel
Image source: S. Geiberger
Family and collection time
The Groundsel belongs to the family of labiates.
Parts of the plant used: Leaves, flowers
Collection time in detail:
- Leaves: March – June
- Flowers: March – June
Healing effect and application
Healing effect:
Anti-inflammatory, expectorant, chronic cough, wound healing.
Ingredients: (selection)
- Bitters
- Tannins
- Vitamin C
Recipe for the kitchen: chocolate tundra leaves
Young, fresh leaves are dipped in melted dark chocolate and placed on baking paper to dry.
Recipe for the kitchen: cream of ground elder
Mash young, finely chopped ground ivy leaves with the flesh of an avocado. Add salt, pepper and lemon juice.
Recipe for the kitchen: Gundonade
Ingredients
- 1 handful of ground ivy leaves and flowers
- 2 organic lemons or 2 organic oranges
- 1 liter water
- 1-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
Put the leaves and flowers in a glass bottle and pour boiling water over them. Now cover so that the essential oils do not escape and let the “Groundsel-Water” cool down. Add juice of 2 lemons or oranges and sweeten as needed.
Tastes great with still or sparkling water or with sparkling wine or prosecco.
Gundona vein recipe according to Heike Engel www.strahlemensch.de
References:
Beiser, Rudi: Our edible wild plants. Kosmos Nature Guide 2018
Bühring, Ursel: Praxis-Lehrbuch der modernen Heilpflanzenkunde; Grundlagen – Anwendung – Therapie. Sonntag Publishing House Stuttgart 2005
Pahlow, M. Pharmacist: Medicinal Plants. Bechtermünz Publishing House Augsburg 2001
Schneider, Christine: Finding wild herbs. Ulmer Publishing House Stuttgart 2017
Recipe by Dr. Markus Strauß www.dr-strauss.net
