Wild Strawberry is the common name of Fragaria vesca species, from Rosaceae family.
Also known as: alpine strawberry, mountain strawberry, wood strawberry, woodland strawberry.
Wild strawberry fruit is small and fragrant
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Features of Wild Strawberry
Height to 10-12 inches. Zone 5-9. Perennial.
hairy stem.
red, small, sweet fruit in summer and autumn.
white and yellow flower in spring and summer.
Growing Wild Strawberry
- by root division during spring. Divide runner plants.
- by seed during spring. Sow at temperature around 60-65F (15-18C).
Wild strawberries yield a smaller fruit than the supermarket variety, but the small package packs a much stronger flavour and is much sweeter.
Archaeological finds have shown evidence that humans have been consuming the fruit as early as the Stone Age.
Rich in iron and potassium, wild strawberries are good for anemic patients.
Fresh or dried eaves of the fruit may be turned into tea, and has been used to treat diarrhoea.
Using Wild Strawberry
Cosmetic
Lotion
An decoction of the leaves is a mild astringent for oily skin. (Use leaf)
Lotion
Use in cleansing lotions and face masks to cleanse skin and lighten freckles. (Use fruit)
Rinse
To whiten teeth and remove tartar, rub fresh fruit on teeth and rinse after 5 minutes. (Use fruit)
Culinary
Dessert
Eat fresh or add to jams and desserts. (Use fruit)
Drink
Add dried leaves to herbal teas to enhance the aroma. (Use leaf)
Medicinal
Medicine
Decoct as a gargle for sore throat. (Use leaf)
Medicine
Apply externally to relieve sunburns and inflammations. (Use fruit)
Tea
A tea for digestive and urinary disorders. It is also soothing for nervous tensions. (Use leaf)
Traditional Remedies
- Digestive » diarrhea, constipation, intestinal problems
- Mood » tension, anxiety
- Disorder » fever, urinary problems
- Muscle And Joint » joint pain
- Other » dietary, circulation
Traditional remedies may or may not be supported by scientific evidences.
Cautions
- Please consult with your doctor before using wild strawberry for health related purposes.
Notes
Garden varieties of strawberry, which have large fruits, lacks medicinal properties.
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