Herbs have been food, medicine, scent and magic. Here are six plants that grow in Norway, told honestly: what tradition says, and what we know today.
TraditionExperienceKnowledge
Six Nordic herbs
All six grow wild in Norway. The labels show what is tradition, and what is knowledge.
St John’s wort (perforate St John’s wort)
Hypericum perforatum
Tradition
Flowers around Midsummer, and the name points to John the Baptist. Herbs gathered on Midsummer Night were thought to be extra powerful, and St John’s wort was among the most important.
Knowledge
Some studies suggest an effect on mild to moderate depression in the short term, but this is unresolved. The most important knowledge is about safety: it can weaken the effect of contraceptive pills, blood thinners, heart medicines, HIV medicines and anti-rejection drugs, and carries a risk of serotonin syndrome with some antidepressants.
Do not use St John’s wort together with other medicines without asking a doctor or pharmacist.
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Tradition
The Latin name points to the hero Achilles, who according to legend used the plant on wounds. In folk belief yarrow belonged to the herbs against bleeding and wounds.
Knowledge
We have not found good research showing that yarrow helps wounds in humans. Clean wounds are washed with water and covered. Yarrow belongs to the daisy family and can cause allergy in people who react to such plants.
Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
Tradition
Chamomile tea has been an evening tea, a tummy tea and a comfort for young and old for generations. The flowers are picked when fully open.
Knowledge
The evidence for effects on sleep and restlessness is weak, but a cup of warm tea is a good evening ritual for most people. Chamomile belongs to the daisy family and can cause allergy.
Stinging nettle
Urtica dioica
Tradition
Nettle soup was the first green vegetable of spring and a rescue when the food store was empty. The stems were also used for thread and cloth.
Knowledge
Young shoots make a good leafy vegetable. Boil or blanch them briefly and the stinging hairs disappear. Wear gloves when foraging.
Juniper
Juniperus communis
Tradition
Juniper water, made by boiling juniper twigs, has been used in traditional Norwegian farmhouse ale and to scald wooden bowls and troughs. The scent of juniper belongs to Norwegian homes and holidays.
Knowledge
Juniper berries are used as a spice in small amounts, for example with game. Use them sparingly, and not as a cure. Like other herbal preparations, they are advised against during pregnancy.
Meadowsweet
Filipendula ulmaria
Tradition
The Norwegian name, mjødurt, means mead herb: the plant was used to flavour mead. The flowers smell sweetly of honey and almond, and in several countries the plant was strewn on floors for its scent.
Knowledge
Meadowsweet contains salicylates, substances in the same family as the active ingredient in aspirin. The name aspirin comes from the old genus name Spiraea. If you are allergic to aspirin or take blood thinners, stay away.
Knowledge
What research says about herbs in general
Most plant-based products have weak or no documented effect, and side effects are usually mild, such as stomach upset and rash. Rare, serious side effects do occur, and quality varies with growing, harvesting and processing.
Interactions between herbs and medicines are poorly studied. Children, older people and people with serious illness should be especially careful. Herbal preparations are advised against during pregnancy and breastfeeding because they have hardly been studied.
In Norway a suspected side effect can be reported to the Norwegian Medicines Agency, just as for ordinary medicines.
Tradition
Incense and scent
Many cultures have burned herbs and resin to mark transitions, cleanse rooms and gather their thoughts. Scent is a powerful memory: the smell of juniper, dried thyme or a candle just blown out can take us straight back to childhood.
Knowledge
Smoke indoors, and why we choose scent without smoke
All indoor smoke contains small particles that can irritate the airways, especially for children and people with asthma. White sage, often sold for “smudging”, is a plant held sacred by several Indigenous peoples in North America and is under pressure from overharvesting.
So we suggest Nordic scent without smoke: a sprig of juniper in a vase, dried herbs in a bowl, a candle you blow out with thanks, and an open window. If you do burn something, air the room well and never leave it unattended.
Experience
Foraging rules we follow
Be certain of the species. Many plants have poisonous look-alikes.
Forage far from roads, sprayed fields and dog-walking areas.
Take only a little from each place, and never protected species.
Forage in dry weather and dry the herbs in an airy, dark place.
Label the jar with name, place and date.
Thank the place you foraged from. It costs nothing and reminds you to look after it.
