Welcome to the Leaf Retreat Community! A nurturing space where you can be inspired by nature. Enjoy thoughtful conversation and connection while exploring your journey into complimentary and nature-based wellness.

🌱Let's grow a community rooted in nature, balance, and simple living - a little sunshine in a world that is currently rebuilding!Why not create a profile, join in the conversation, simply enjoy some background reading.

🌱 Please do take a few moments to read the Disclaimer and Code of Conduct in the hope to keep everyone safe and to create a nurturing environment. I hope you all enjoy my writings (and that I don't rant on too much!)

In kindness, Margo

🌱 Disclaimer

The information provided on this platform is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only for those interested in nutrition and herbalism. Scientific research in these fields is constantly evolving and currently unregulated. The content presented herein reflects current understanding and available information, and readers are advised to critically evaluate it within the broader scientific and regulatory landscape.

The information shared on this platform does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or decisions relating to your medical care. If you have a chronic health condition or are currently taking medication, it is crucial to consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or incorporating herbal remedies.

Foraging for wild plants should be undertaken with the utmost caution – misidentification can be fatal. If there is any doubt regarding the identity of a plant, it should be left untouched. Prioritise safety and adhere to responsible foraging practices. In particular, do not uproot any plant on public land and avoid areas where pesticides may have been used. Relying solely on ID Apps is not recommended due to potential inaccuracies; it is much better to learn from a variety of reputable textbooks and build your knowledge year on year.

The content of this platform should not be interpreted as a recommendation or endorsement of any specific nutritional approach or herbal product. Note that there are many unregulated supplements on the market with varying degrees of safety and effectiveness; it is your responsibility to exercise due diligence.

Ideally, always consult with a qualified medical herbalist or registered nutritionist for personalised guidance rather than relying on generalised advice and personal interpretation when embarking on a health-related journey. This platform assumes no liability for actions taken based on the information provided herein.

If you will not seek advice, remember that even seemingly safe substances can be harmful in excess, and dosage is a critical factor, and it is therefore advisable to always apply moderation. Be aware that allergies can always occur, and reasonable precautions should always be taken.

🌱 Code of Conduct

I believe in the intelligence and discernment of our members in the exploration of diverse perspectives. Our community will engage respectfully and have thoughtful debate with constrictive feedback. Be aware that there will be  different levels of experience and understanding and to approach discussions with an open mind and a willingness to learn from one another. I welcome people sharing always but please refrain from using this space for unsolicited advertising or the selling of productions in the hope of keeping our members safe.

Members of this community are very welcome to share their personal recommendations and insights. It is however, important to remember that these are individual opinions and Leaf Retreat is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, any specific recommendations made by its members. Please always exercise caution and judgement and seek further advice.

This year I managed to grow a crop of purple brocolli - a total delight to eat this winter knowing I was absorbing some healthy vitamins, minerals and  phytochemcials.

Some notable nutrient values are displayed in the infographic below. Most green leafy vegetables are a good source of folate, in general. Notably, folate is involved in the making of new blood cells and DNA replication but also essential for the correct production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood, sleep, motivation, and cognition. Momma was right when she said to eat your greens!

Do you know what makes PSB purple though? That is where the phytochemcials come in. Anthocyanins are the phytochemcials responsible for the red, purple and blue colours of fruits and vegetables. For example, berries, blackcurrants, grapes, purple sweet potato.

While we have government recommended daily allowences (RDAs) for vitamin and minerals to stop us becoming pathological, we don't yet…

When I moved into Leaf Retreat I was blessed with lovely patches of Viola riviniana and reichenbachiana belonging to the Violaceae family. The low-growing perennial blossoms from March to April, turning the ground into a delicate lilac carpet. Commonly known as common dog violet, Viola riviniana and early dog violet (viola  reichenbachiana) are considered inferior to the fragrant and medicinal Viola odorata. Not inferior in nature however, as its heart-shaped leaves provide a home for the fritillary butterfly on which to lay her eggs. Viola  reichenbachiana have a purple spur as in the picture below, while riviniana has a paler coloured spur, with the latter flowering a little later too.

Last year I added some Viola odorata plants to my small patch of woodland in the hope to one day use the leaves and flowers for medicine. Like all Violas they have the cutest cordate (heart-shaped) leaves, around 3-5cm in size. The purpl…

🌱Hello everyone! It is that magical time of year again when wild garlic season begins. If you are a beginner forgager it is the perfect place start as it is easy to spot and very versatile in the kitchen! 🌱To get your natural culinary adventures started, I've created four recipe cards to get your started 🌱

Let me know how you get on, and enjoy your adventures 🌱

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Habitat