We love the beautiful Autumnal season and in October is when we have focused on harvesting Elecampane, Marshmallow and Burdock! In this blog we will talk you through how we harvest these herbs, the benefits and what products they are featured in.

Burdock

Now we know what you’re thinking….what a funny looking plant!!! Here at Herbfarmacy looks never phase us – it’s all about what’s on the inside of the plant that counts!

Inside these Burdock roots are powerful antioxidants which have been used for many years to alleviate a variety of conditions. We use Burdock root in our inner cleanser Dandelion & Burdock Extract. The Dandelion & Burdock combination is an ancient one (hence the drink which has a therapeutic origin although many versions have seen either herb!). It is a great conditioner for the liver and kidneys and also contains bitters that stimulate the digestive juices. Mixing it with fruit juice is a good combination. In our trials, many found improvements in skin condition when taking it, and some reported other benefits.

Marshmallow

This month, we will also harvest Marshmallow - our signature herb - with it’s gentle mucilages that are so soothing for sensitive skins. The soft silky feel of these can be felt if you split open the fresh root and rub with your fingers. The roots form “fingers” growing into the ground and we use a fork to lift them and then shake off the soil ready for washing. Then it’s into the Herb drier for a few days so they are ready for extracting to use in most of our wonderful products.

As well as appearing in most of our products, we also sell the infused oil (Jojoba Oil with Marshmallow) which can be used as a beautifully light emollient for the face and sensitive areas - use it to soothe any soreness/abrasion from wearing a mask.

Elecampane

Introducing Elecampane to our range! It is a spectacular herb with its bright yellow herbs and it grows taller that our Echinacea, reaching 5-6 ft. It is also quite popular as an ornamental though some of the smaller varieties are more widely grown. Paul Richards first encountered it growing wild in Herefordshire, not far from the site of an old monastery where several other unusual medicinal herbs also grow. We harvest the roots once the tops are dying down and when the ground allows. We aim for October, but sometimes the weather has other ideas! This year we will be harvesting it on cue in mid October. It is washed and made fresh into a tincture which is a soothing expectorant that also contains mucilages which reduce damage from coughing associated with a stubborn chest. It is often used when a cold goes onto the chest and is also in cough some syrups.

Keep your eyes pealed as this herb is being featured in a new product soon! 😀