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Some Herbal Teas Found in Macedonia
By: Doug Urqhart – MAK 9
So we’ve all seen the collections of herbal teas gathered
from the mountains, hills, and forests of Macedonia.
These teas have been used as home remedies for years that and rakija, you’re saying. With help from both
books and babas, I’ve put together the following list to
provide some info on collecting some of the common
teas and their uses. This list probably covers less than a
quarter of what exists out there so keep an eye out for
other teas.
1. ????????, ??????? (Chamomile): Collect the
whole plant and flowers from spring until the end of
summer. Perhaps the most common tea found in homes
here, ask a knowledgeable neighbor what you can use it
for and you’ll get a long list.
2. ??????? ??????, ??????? (Thyme): The whole
plant is collected: stems, leaves, and flowers. Teas are
taken for sore throat, respiratory illnesses, nervousness,
and trouble sleeping.
3. ?????? ????? (Lily of the valley): When buds begin to show, the whole plant is collected. They say it’s
good for the heart.
4. ?????, ???? ???? (Rose-hip): Collect the hard,
mature fruits, minus the stem of course. This tea is rich
in vitamin C.
5. ???????, ??????? (Primrose): Collect the flowers in
dry, sunny weather. This plant is rare so collect in small
batches. The tea is used to help treat a cough and a
runny nose. It’s also said to be good for cabin fever, i.e.
cleaning the blood after those long winters.
6. ?????, ????????? ??? (Oregano, marjoram): Collect the whole plant and flowers. The teas are used for
liver and kidney problems.
7. ??????? (Nettle): Be careful of it’s sting, collect
the leaves in July and August, roots in the fall and
spring. Tea from nettles are said to be great for the
blood and cabin fever.
8. ????? (Elder): Collect the whole plant once blossoms start to come out in May-June. Teas are said to be
good for the flu, colds, and other respiratory illnesses.
9. ???? ????, ??????? ????? (Common yarrow): The
whole plant is collected from May to September. Said
to be good for illnesses in the liver and kidney.
10. ?????? (Juniper): Collect the fruits when they become dark blue from the end of August to September.
Teas are brewed for illnesses in the lungs, helping a
poor appetite and gastric pains.
11. ??????????? ??????? (Narrow leaf plantain): Collect the leaves from May to October once the flowers
have blossomed. Teas are said to be good for cough,
diarrhea, and even ulcers.
12. ???? ????? (Mistletoe): The symbol of a Christmas
kiss is also brewed as a tea for wellness in the circulatory system. Collect the leaves and stem from Novem-
ber to March. Note that the plant grows very slow
so be sure to collect in small batches.
13. ?????? (Raspberry): Gather the leaves in
summer months. Teas are drunk for diarrhea and
other pains in the stomach.
14. ???? (Peppermint): Collect the leaves before
the plant blossoms in May. Said to be good for
stomach pains, intestinal problems, and other gastric pains.
????? ????????? (Centaury): Collect the whole
plant before blossoming. Used to increase appetite
and lessen pains in the stomach and intestines.
Remember, we’re all ekologs so be sure to leave
enough of the plant so that others can continue to
enjoy it down the road. Take only what you need.
If you’re with your host family collecting in large
batches, the best way to know it’s being done in a
sustainable fashion is to:
leave 80% of the plant population when gathering roots.
leave 70% of the leaves when gathering the
leaves.
leave 30% of the plant population when gathering the plants and flowers.
leave 20% of the fruits when gathering fruits.
A great place to keep the dried plants is in a clean
glass jar. Also, before you brew a pot, be sure you
aren’t going to have an allergic reaction to it, and
if you’re sick, calling the PCMO is your smartest
solution. Herbal teas are simply household remedies and don’t offer guarantees. That said, happy
sipping and ask your fellow Macedonian what teas
you’re passing by on that next hike.
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