Chenopodium bonus-henricus 

'Good-King-Henry'

[Ex. Teesdale, England]

Chenopodiaceae: an upright perennial, stems are often streaked red. Favours disturbed arable land and waste ground. The flowers are numerous, in narrow, leafless spikes, from May-August. The leaves are mealy when young, but dark green with age. Introduced and very local in Britain. Most of Europe, including Britain, north to Scandinavia, Western Asia, Northern America.

USES:

The young leaves are used raw or cooked, the leaves wilt quickly after picking and so they need to be used as soon after harvesting as possible. They can be used as a potherb, and are best in spring and early summer, the older leaves become tough and bitter. The leaves are a good source of iron.

The herb is emollient, laxative and vermifuge, this remedy should not be used by people suffering from kidney complaints or rheumatism. A poultice of the leaves has been used to cleanse and heal chronic sores, boils and abscesses. The seed is a gentle laxative that is suitable for children.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow seeds in spring in a cold frame. Germination can be slow, but usually a high percentage will germinate.

HARVESTED: 2023*

 
APPROX. 200+ SEEDS