Bunchberry Tea
A BIT ABOUT BUNCHBERRY
Bunchberry / Cornus canadensis is a small woody shrub which is part of the Dogwood family. Also called ‘Dolleyes’. It grows in forested areas and spreads widely and quickly. This amazing plant is something we would want to sip on if we are congested, have a raspy or sore throat, clogged sinuses, etc.
After my first interaction with poison ivy, I had horrible wounds that wept for weeks! They were so itchy - and since the part of the plant that creates this wound is more like a sap, the scratching will spread it further. After a while of just trying to keep it clean, I turned to an infusion of Bunchberries: the berry, the leaves, the stems and roots. This plant is a capillary tonic, antioedemic, anti inflammatory, antispasmodic and hypotensive. Leaves and stems medicinal, treating aches and pains, kidney and lung aliments, coughs, fevers. It was the only thing that moved the healing along and got me through the worst of it.
BUNCHBERRY TEA
I harvested the Bunchberry from the property. You can use this fresh or dehydrated. What we tried was a mix of both dehydrated leaves and fresh berries, leaves and roots. Simmered in water for 30 minutes. When I was trying to heal my leg, I made the same version with a bit more roots for more medicinal value.
I brewed this for a gentle taste but many drink it daily to keep common cold symptoms at bay - in this case, make a stronger version.