Indian pipe (Monotropa uniflora)
Yes! Isn’t that an interesting plant there on the forest floor? It is not a parasitic plant, though its white color tells us it does lack clorophyll. It is a saphrophyte, meaning it lives on decaying matter, but it is a true flowering plant. I was introduced to this magical plant many years ago as a treatment against convulsions in children, but have never had an opportunity to try it out. Herbalist Ryan Drum is fond of Indian pipe and may have written about it. The tincture or tea of the roots, alone or mixed with fennel, taken in small doses, can be used to cool restless, pained nerves and soothe sore, inflamed, burning eyes. Its reputation as an antispasmodic to the nerves leads me to think it may be an ally for hyperactive children.

Tall meadow rue (Thalictrum polygamum)
Along the river, this lovely, lanky plant caught my eye.

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
Let’s take this path home. It goes through an area where there are baby sassafras trees. The root, actually the bark of the root, of the sassafras is considered the most medicinal part, but I prefer the mellow action and taste of the leaves. I like the very mild root-beery taste. Do you? Dried, ground up sassafras leaves are “file” (fee-lay), the necessary ingredient for file gumbo, a classic n’orleans dish with okra, shrimp, fish, and tomatoes. I use an infusion of the dried green or yellow (autumn) leaves as a delicious,
slippery immune system nourisher and a mild alterative.