A Week of Wood Avens

“Avens… They grow wild in many places under hedge’s sides, and by the path-ways in fields; yet they rather delight to grow in shadowy than sunny places.”

― Nicholas Culpeper

Wood Avens (Geum urbanum) or herb Bennet is a pretty yellow-flowered plant in the rose family, long associated with the ability to ward off evil. This herb may be little known today, but in the old days had various uses. Let’s learn this week why it’s called the Blessed Plant. 

Image via: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geum_urbanum

Protection - that is the primary message with Wood Avens. This plant is said to ward off the Devil himself if used to protect a home. It’s said if one wears an amulet made with Avens, they will be protected from vicious dogs and venomous snakes. Even carrying the root works! 
    
Image via: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1113671201/1831-antique-geum-urbanum-herb-bennet

Wood Avens has powerful astringent properties, making it great for clearing up issues related to the mouth and gums, as well as gastric upsets. It's also a fever reducer. The roots have been used for tooth pain and due to the aromatic quality, have even been used as pest repellant! 

Image via: https://botsocscot.wordpress.com/2021/06/27/plant-of-the-week-june-28th-2021-wood-avens-geum-urbanum/

Being a temperate zone plant, Wood Avens does not grow naturally in Florida. It would have to be maintained in containers to be successful. In appropriate growing zones, it loves shade and will grow in almost any soil conditions as long as it’s able to stay moist (hence the shade). 

Image via: https://www.wildfooduk.com/wild-plants/wood-avens/

Wood Avens, or the Blessed Herb (herba benedicta) - names for the plant named after St Benedict, the patron of Benedictine Monks of the Christian religion. Known for its power to drive away evil, the trefoil leaves were also said to represent the holy trinity in medieval times.

Image via: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Benedict-of-Nursia

While the weather is still nice, let’s use the roots of this week’s plant to enjoy some herbal hot cocoa! Use regular or non-dairy milk as the base for this Wood Avens infused treat! This one takes a little bit of preparation, but it’s worth it. If you like cloves, you’ll love this! 
    
Image and Recipe via: https://fermentalgreens.com/2023/01/25/wood-avens-hot-cocoa/