The healing power of the plants from Estonian Islands on the example of Prangli Island

Estonians are known as the ’nature folk’ and many of us know some wisdom passed on through generations about health and healing plants and herbs. Estonian islands are full of plants which have healing properties and our nature-loving tour leaders know them very well. They know which plants have healing powers. Which are the best plants with healing benefits on Prangli Island and how can you use them?

Tours to Prangli Island with our nature guides have been running regularly since 2011.

Breckland thyme

You can see this beautiful flower covering the fields on Prangli Island, especially in the southern part of the island. Many islanders are used to picking Breckland thyme and using it for making healing tea, which despite its bitter taste is a great cure against cold. It fights coughing, sore throat, runny nose and fever. Breckland thyme is also used in case of stomach problems and infections. It is possible to make a tincture using Breckland thyme to relieve joint pain. The first blossoms appear around Midsummer’s Eve, so you can pick it from July onwards.

Juniper

Juniper is well-known in natural medicine. Juniper berries are used against swelling, bad breath, cough and throat infections. You can also make tea from the berries, as well as tincture, syrup or oil. The tea helps to prevent common cold and relieves headaches. All berries are not edible, therefore you must look for the blue berries that are ripe. The area in the southwestern part of Prangli Island, from Prangli church towards Tallinn, is covered with Juniper bushes. The best time for picking Juniper berries is from September to the beginning of November, although in theory you can pick them all-year-round.

Blueberries

Blueberries have been used for their healing properties throughout time. The easiest way to consume these powerful berries is to eat straight from the bush! Blueberries are good for you as they benefit your memory and concentration, help to lose weight and they are used to help digestion and lower high blood pressure. For mouth tissue damage, you can drink blueberry juice. For skin irritations you can make a compress using the leaves from blueberry plants. In the pine forests on Prangli Island blueberries grow in clean environment so they can be eaten straight from the plant. The most blueberries grow in the south-eastern part of the island and they can be picked in July and August.

Icelandic moss

Icelandic moss can be found on Prangli Island for example by the Red Rock. It can be eaten raw! The moss is used to cure cough, pneumonia, sore throat and fever. Icelandic moss is like a natural antibiotic which improves the immune system and fights infections. It can be picked all-year-round, even in winter!

Rose hip

Rose hip is very common on Prangli Island and can be found by the seaside, especially on the southern and south-eastern part of the island. In traditional medicine, it is known for its high vitamin concentration used to strengthen the body and fight fatigue. Rose hip also fights viral diseases and blood vessel clogging. The berries can be used for tea and jam which are rich in vitamin-C.

Crowberry

Just like rose hip, crowberries are also a great source of vitamin C. The crowberries grown in Estonia can be used in medicine. Tea made of crowberries is calming and relieves headache. Tea made using the twigs helps to grow stronger hair. The best time for picking crowberries in Estonia is in July and August. On Prangli Island it is possible to find crowberries in many places near the shores, for example near the memorial of the Eestirand shipwreck.

There is power in Estonian nature that you can use to improve your health. Walk in the forests, bogs and wilderness and you can find plants that are good for your health. All these plants can be found on Prangli as well as other Estonian islands. Come visit Prangli Island this summer, enjoy the fresh island air, discover nature and maybe even pick some of the healing plants!

Sources: Our tour guides, Telegram & Tartu Ülikooli LO, Postimees.
Cover photo: VisitEstonia