Plant Forage Health - M. Friend

10/12/2026

Wanted to share some thoughts on autumn olive, as it presents a unique case as both an aggressive invasive species and a valuable natural medicine.

While land managers actively work to control its spread—particularly in regions like northern Michigan, where it displaces native flora and alters soil chemistry—the plant offers exceptional health benefits. Its berries contain 5 to 17 times more lycopene than fresh tomatoes, supporting cardiovascular health and reducing cancer risks. Additionally, its flowers, leaves, and seeds demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antibacterial properties.

Foraging autumn olive berries creates a beneficial opportunity for both health and conservation. It provides a nutrient-dense, wild-harvested resource while simultaneously removing seed heads to help manage the plant's spread.

After the recent drop in temperature, I visited a few local areas where autumn olive grows and harvested a decent amount. I made a syrup to add to tea and make jam, and I am also planning to dehydrate some into a powder for muffins and smoothies. I love how much the land around us gives back - only when we look!

Curious about foraging? Visit: www.plantforagehealth.com

09/01/2026

NEED YOUR OPINION!

Are nut butters - like peanut, almond, cashew butters - a main staple for your family?

As a great source of protein, how often do u include nut butters in your diet?

What category do you fall under - u have to pick one over the other….
A. When I purchase nut butter, price dictates what I buy.
B. When I purchase nut butter, the ingredient list is as natural or wholesome as I can possibly get. 

Thanks for your input!

09/01/2026

After the rain, JLP and I took a stroll around the property and found these treasures. We had a great dinner featuring oyster mushrooms and fresh corn on the cob. Since we harvested more than 10 pounds of these babies, I will be dehydrating some to have with steaks this winter. I was also able to make wild mushroom bouillon to season soups stews and everything in between. We are so lucky to live in such a great area!

08/20/2026

Goldenrod and ragweed are often confused, but they are distinct plants with different characteristics and effects on allergy sufferers. Goldenrod, with its showy, bright yellow flowers and heavy, sticky pollen, is often mistakenly blamed for fall allergies. Ragweed, on the other hand, has inconspicuous, greenish flowers and lightweight pollen that is easily carried by the wind, making it the true culprit of seasonal allergies.

Goldenrod (Solidago species), a common wildflower, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for various ailments.

Key traditional and potential medicinal uses
Urinary Tract Health: Goldenrod is most well-known for its traditional use as a diuretic to promote urination and help flush out the urinary tract, potentially aiding in the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, and bladder inflammation. It is often combined with other herbs like uva ursi for enhanced effects.

Inflammation and Pain: Goldenrod has been used to alleviate inflammation and pain, including joint pain associated with arthritis and rheumatism. Studies, primarily in animals and in combination with other herbs, suggest it may have anti-inflammatory properties, according to Healthline.

Respiratory Conditions: Goldenrod's astringent and anti-inflammatory properties have led to its use in traditional remedies for congestion, colds, flu, allergies (particularly those with runny noses and eyes), sore throats, and laryngitis.
Wound Healing: The name Solidago, meaning "to make whole," reflects goldenrod's traditional use as a wound-healing herb, with historical applications as poultices or washes for wounds, burns, and ulcers.

Other Potential Uses: Preliminary research has explored goldenrod's potential role in areas like diabetes management, weight control, cancer prevention, heart health, and combating fungal infections, but more research is needed in these areas.

07/21/2026

My quiet morning walk brought Mullein Flowers and a mix of berries. Not enough for a snack but infusing what I netted with some local honey will make cough syrup to support the family’s respiratory health for the next couple of months.

07/17/2026

Oh my gosh! JLP found this while working in the yard- a white puffball! These ball-shaped fungi grow in various sizes—from marbles to the massive Calvatia gigantea (giant puffball) that can max out larger than a basketball.

Most puffball mushrooms are edible and are considered part of the "Foolproof Four" by foragers, as they lack gills and dangerous look-alikes when young.

Puffballs must be entirely white and solid throughout their interior (like a marshmallow).

Avoid: Any puffball that shows signs of yellowing, purpling, or has darkened gills inside, as this indicates it is mature and filled with spores instead of edible flesh.

The best recipe: After cleaning with salt water and a brush and removing outer “skin”, cut puffball into cubes and rinse in salt water. Take ritz crackers and crush them and place them in a ziplock bag along with a packet of onion soup mix. Add cut up puffball to the mixture and shake until fully coated. Place on a shallow cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes - stirring after 15 minutes. After baked, top with cheese - I used Chipotle shredded cheese.

Crispy, Earthy, … Enjoy!!!!

07/16/2026

Poor air quality can stress your garden plants by clogging their leaves with particulate matter and restricting their ability to photosynthesize. When dense smoke, soot, or smog blankets your area, it blocks necessary sunlight and introduces ground-level ozone, which can cause visible damage like yellowish patches or crispy leaf edges. Taking specific cultural steps can help buffer your landscape from these airborne pollutants.

Protect Your Plants During Poor Air Quality

Gently wash the foliage: Use a soft spray from a hose to rinse dust, soot, and ash off the leaves. Clogged leaf pores (stomata) restrict respiration and water regulation.

Maintain consistent watering: Keep your soil hydrated so your plants have the strength to handle environmental stress. Check the top inch of soil; if it feels dry, water deeply at the base early in the morning.

Hold off on pruning: Avoid cutting branches or harvesting heavily during peak pollution periods. Open plant wounds create extra stress when the air is filled with toxins.

Postpone fertilizing: Do not push your plants to generate new growth while they are struggling for sunlight and clean air. Wait for the skies to clear before feeding them.

Clean edible crops thoroughly: If you grow backyard vegetables, harvest them as usual but wash the produce vigorously before eating to remove any settled particulate matter.

06/07/2026

THINGS PEOPLE USED BEFORE SUPPLEMENTS

1. Bone Broth wasn’t sold in tubs and powders, people drank it for protein, minerals, and collagen-building amino acids.
2. Pasture-Raised Eggs weren’t marketed as superfoods, they were a daily source of protein, choline, and essential nutrients.
3. Cod Liver Oil was used long before vitamin D capsules existed because it provided vitamins A and D naturally.
4. Sauerkraut wasn’t considered a probiotic, it was simply a traditional way to preserve food and support digestion.
5. Garlic wasn’t packaged into pills, people used it daily in meals to support overall health and wellness.
6. Liver wasn’t popular, but it was one of the most nutrient-dense foods available for iron, vitamin A, and B vitamins.
7. Fermented Dairy like kefir and yogurt supplied beneficial bacteria long before probiotic supplements were invented.
8. Seaweed provided iodine and trace minerals naturally in many coastal cultures around the world.
9. Herbal Teas like chamomile, peppermint, and ginger were used to support sleep, digestion, and relaxation.
10. Sardines and small fish supplied omega 3 fats, calcium, and vitamin D long before fish oil capsules existed.
11. Sunlight was the original source of vitamin D before people relied on bottles and tablets.
12. Oysters were valued for their zinc, copper, selenium, and other trace minerals long before mineral supplements became common.

06/07/2026

NUTRITION HACKS THAT WORK

1. Cinnamon in your coffee - Helps support steadier blood sugar and may reduce energy crashes later.
2. Lemon on leafy greens - Helps your body absorb more iron from plant foods.
3. Black pepper with turmeric - Increases absorption of curcumin significantly.
4. Olive oil on vegetables - Helps your body absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K.
5. Protein before carbohydrates - Helps slow digestion and support more stable energy.
6. Apple c***r vinegar before meals - May help reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes.
7. Chia seeds in smoothies - Add fiber that helps support fullness and digestive health.
8. Blueberries with Greek yogurt - Combine antioxidants, protein, and probiotics in one simple snack.
9. Sauerkraut with meals - Provides beneficial bacteria that support gut health.
10. Pumpkin seeds as a snack - Supply magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats that support energy production.
11. Kiwi before bed - Provides nutrients associated with healthy sleep quality.
12. Brazil nuts with breakfast - Supply selenium, an important mineral for thyroid health.
13. Parsley on your meals - Adds antioxidants and vitamin K with almost no effort.
14. A pinch of sea salt in water after sweating - Helps replenish lost electrolytes.
15. Walking for 10 minutes after eating - Helps muscles use glucose more efficiently.

04/10/2026