Up on the Sussex Downs with views that stretch for miles with the sea to the South and hills all around everywhere else, grass bleached yellow by the sun, blue skies with fast moving clouds overhead and the occasional drop of rain, there are wild plants available for free in abundance that make a delightful anti-anxiety tea (tasting of pineapple!) if you know what to look for. 

Foraging in Sussex

I love foraging here. This time of year (August - late summer) there are elderberries ripening to make health tonics in preparation for cold and flu season, cobnuts to collect, mushrooms, blackberries and rosehips! In addition to these wonderful wild herbs that line our hedges and pathways. You don't need to go far to find them! 

Yarrow, red clover, mugwort & pineapple weed

These herbs in particular are beneficial for women, each offering assistance in regulating hormones or aiding menstruation. Almost all of them are anti-anxiety and who couldn't benefit from some anxiety relief?! 

Mugwort 

Aids in digestion and helps regulate menstruation. It is also a laxative and a sedative.  It's anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and relieves stress and fatigue.

Pineapple Weed 

Helps menstrual cramps, promotes sleep, helps to treat colds and relieves anxiety. 

Yarrow

Calms anxiety, regulates periods, helps relieve pain, is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and aids digestion 

Red Clover

Helps regulate female hormones, rich in protein, calcium, vitamin A, C and B-complex and helps ease menopausal symptoms. Also improves heart health and balances fluid levels in the body. Warning: There's mixed information about the safety of consumption of this plant when breastfeeding and pregnant so be careful. 

How to Brew

Snip the flowers from the yarrow stalks. Lightly crush the herbs and stick in a cup with some hot water and let it steep for a few minutes. 

What a beautiful way to relax even more after absorbing the medicinal properties of a day immersed in nature!