Thursday, May 14, 2015

May 14, 2015 - Cat's Foot


Before you mow your lawn and get rid of that weed, consider that it may be a blessing in disguise.  We used to call this “cat’s foot” when I was little because it is related to the catnip family of plants.  You probably know it as ground ivy or even creeping Jenny.  “How do I get rid of it?!” everyone says, and I say, “How do I find some more?”

Cat’s foot (Glechoma hederacea) is a bane to the perfect lawn keeper but a boon to someone who knows how to use plants.  Look for this little plant that spreads like crazy and grows low to the ground with teeny tiny purple or sometimes blue flowers.  People used to make a tea or infusion out of it that is helpful for coughs and asthma, acting as an expectorant.  It was one of the herbs of choice back in the day when tuberculosis, also known as “consumption,” was rampant.

Cat's foot (Glechoma hederacea).

Long before people used hops to flavor and clarify their beers, they used “ale hoof,” which is yet another name for cat’s foot.  It has a bitter taste due to volatile oils contained in glands on the underside of the leaves.  Like hops, a little of this flavor in beer can be a very good thing.  These oils also helped with the keeping quality of beer, and people swore that it gave good health to those who drank it.

Cat’s foot has enough vitamin C in it to ward off scurvy, but one of the really strange things it was known for centuries ago was “painter’s colic,” an old name for lead poisoning.  Supposedly, an infusion made from this and drank daily for a month or two helps to cleanse the blood and tissues of toxic metals.  In modern times, people use a dropperful of tincture of cat’s foot to help remove heavy metals from the body and as a radiation countermeasure.

An infusion of cat’s foot is also used for black eyes, sores, and bruises.  Combined with yarrow, it is used for abscesses and tumors.  Dripped into the ears, it is said to help with tinnitus, or ringing of the ears.  Steeped in wine, it is said to help with sciatica and gout.

And you thought it was just a weed!!  Look around and you will see that you are always surrounded by everything you need.  You only have to open your eyes to see it.


[To make an herbal infusion or tea, see my article on Red Clover for instructions.  There are also instructions in that article on how to make herbal ointments and salves.  For instructions on how to make an herbal tincture, see my article on St. John's Wort.  Yes, I have to put a disclaimer in.  This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any ailment.  If you need medical advice, seek a physician.]