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Food as medicine 🍄‍🟫🌿🧄

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Nettles (Urtica dioica) are a powerhouse of the plant world, rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. In the fall, while the leaves may be tougher, the roots and seeds are at their most potent for supporting urinary and reproductive health.

Traditionally used in teas, soups, and tinctures, Nettles are a gentle yet nourishing ally, helping to strengthen the body and maintain balance through the changing seasons. 🌿

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🌿 Western Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum) is one of the quiet gems of the Pacific Northwest forest. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves form lush ground cover beneath the trees, while its hidden, deep maroon flowers bloom close to the soil — pollinated by beetles and ants rather than bees.

The rhizomes release a warm, spicy aroma reminiscent of true Ginger, though the two aren’t related. Traditionally, Indigenous peoples used Wild Ginger as a warming and stimulating herb, but it’s best appreciated today as a beautiful native plant that supports the forest ecosystem.

Take a slow walk in the woods sometime and see if you can spot this shy but enchanting plant. 🌿

Christopher Hobbs

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🍄 Morel mushrooms (Morchella) — rare spring fungi prized for their honeycomb caps and rich, earthy flavor. 🌿 Found in forests after rain, they’re a forager’s gold and a chef’s favorite. Always cook before eating!

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🌿 Cleavers: Nature’s Gentle Detox! 🌿
Meet Galium aparine — the sticky little plant that loves to cling but also helps your body cleanse. 💧 Known for supporting the lymphatic system and skin health, cleavers are a springtime favorite for herbal teas and tonics. 🌱✨

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🍂 Sweet Bay Laurel — Warming Medicine for Soup Season

As the air cools and pots of soup and chili begin to simmer, consider adding a few leaves of Sweet Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis). Used for centuries in both kitchens and medicine, Bay leaves lend their gentle aroma while supporting healthy digestion.

I prefer Sweet Bay Laurel over California Laurel, which can be a bit too strong for flavoring soups and stews. A leaf or two in your next pot of chili adds both depth and quiet herbal nourishment.

Thank you for walking the plant path with me,
— Christopher Hobbs 🌿

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Shingled Hedgehog (Hawkwing) Mushroom
(Sarcodon imbricatus and related species)

This fascinating mushroom, commonly called the shingled hedgehog or hawkwing, is often found growing under fir and spruce trees. The species Sarcodon squamosus has smaller scales around the margin, while Sarcodon imbricatus — the most widespread species — is recognized by its distinct, layered, shingled cap.

Identification Tips 🍄‍🟫

To identify this mushroom and assess edibility, look for these key features:
1. Shingled top – layered, scale-like surface.
2. Color – brown when young, darkening with age.
3. Underside – toothed rather than gilled or pored.
4. Habitat – found in forest duff, most often beneath spruce or fir.

Description 🌿

• Cap: Convex to flattened, with a shingled or tiled surface ranging from brown to reddish-brown.
• Hymenophore: Underside lined with soft spines instead of gills; these “teeth” can be easily separated from the cap.
• Stipe: Short, stout, and solid.

A Word of Caution ⚠️

Always practice caution and respect when foraging for wild mushrooms. Misidentification can lead to serious health consequences. If you’re new to mushroom identification, learn directly from an experienced forager or mycologist, and consult reliable field guides.

Thank you for walking the plant (and mushroom!) path with me 🌿

— Dr. Christopher Hobbs

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🌿Aloe Vera: Nature’s Healing Gel

This powerhouse plant isn’t just for sunburns — it’s packed with vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants that soothe skin, support digestion, and boost hydration from the inside out. Whether you use it fresh, in skincare, or as a juice, aloe vera’s cooling magic makes it a must-have in any herbal routine. 💧

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