Strawberry - Fragaria vesca
(mountain strawberry, wild
strawberry, wood strawberry)
The strawberry is a perennial plant,
with the leaves and flowers growing on stalks directly from the rootstock,
which also produces long runners. The leaves are light green in colour and
the small white flowers appear during May and June. The red berry is
actually the enlarged, fleshy receptacle which holds the seed-like fruits on
it's surface.
The plant (rather than the fruit), is astringent,
diuretic and tonic. An infusion can be used for diarrhea, dysentery and
hematuria, as well as other urinary tract problems. Used internally and
externally, it can be effective against eczema and acne. The juice makes a
good refrigant for feverish illnesses, and an infusion may also be a good
tonic for children and convalescents.