Foraging for detox · The Beyond Detox Portal

Foraging for detox

I came across a video for a detox tonic drink made from wild sticky buds which are found in abundance in UK woodlands. These are the sticky weeds that stick to clothes. These will start growing round about now. Off i go to the woods with my basket. 😄

Do these grow where you are?

Details below

STICKY WILLY & WILLY WATER

(Galium aparine)

This plant, known by many names including Cleavers, Goosegrass, Sticky Weed, Bobbies Buttons and Mother’s Milk, is often found stuck to people’s backs, especially on the way to school. During spring, it’s commonly used as a tonic to cleanse the lymphatic system, often likened to a bottle brush due to its structure. It helps move lymph fluid, clear stagnation and support the immune system. It’s particularly effective for swollen glands, tonsillitis, urinary problems and fluid retention. To use it, wash the plant and place it in water overnight. The next day, you’ll have “Willy water”, a cold infusion and unfortunate name that can be drunk throughout the day and is often consumed for several weeks in spring. While generally safe, it’s advised to avoid it if you’re pregnant or taking blood-thinning medication. A cold infusion is preferred, but juicing and making teas are also popular methods.

The young shoots have a pea-like flavour and are often used fresh, but they become tough quickly. Juicing and infusions are best for this stage.

This plant has numerous medicinal uses. It can be applied externally to treat sunburns, burns, blisters and nettle stings.

Also a relative of coffee where the seeds (Bobbies Buttons) can be roasted to make a wild coffee. Mother’s milk comes from its use to use the fine hooks to remove impurities from milk (Greek word for milk is “gala”). Geese are fond of it hence the name “Goosegrass”. “Cleave” means stick or cling.

Do you have more names for this plant? Share any meanings behind the names if possible.

📹 @cbcontentstrategy

#willywater #cleanse #spring #tonic #forage

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