For all of the remedies that people pour out money to buy, how many of them can be found in their own backyards? Nearly all of them, according to naturalist and wildcrafter Ila Hatter, David Holt's guest on this episode of Folkways.

Wildcrafting is a term for the age-old practice of collecting plant materials in their natural habitat for food, medicine, and craft. Originally such activity was the only grocery store, medicine chest, and hardware store, available to man. But eventually the "found materials" became a source of income to buy what could not be "gleaned" from nature. People today continue to provide for their families by harvesting such things as moss, ginseng and other medicinals, natural dyes, mushrooms, wildflower seeds, berries, landscaping plants (and stones), and saps such as maple or pine.

A lush mountain path provides the perfect setting for Ila to point out several of these plant materials. Sassafras, for instance, makes not only a delicious tea but also an effective blood thinner. Yellowroot heals stomach disorders and was used during pioneer times for ulcers. Besides the willow tree, sweet birch bark relieves a headache because of its salicylic acid ingredient, but it also has a refreshing wintergreen flavor. Spicebush and sumac make good seasonings for food.

But identifying the plants is only the first step. Next, Ila demonstrates how common weeds transform into helpful medicines and simple foods. A bunch of jewelweed make a soothing itch-relief lotion. Later by a campfire, Ila and David feast on a meal of tea tonic, persimmon coffee, roasted trout spiced with sumac seasoning (which Ila explains how to prepare) and lemongrass, persimmon corn cakes, and a pear compote for dessert.

Ila has an extensive Web site for those who are interested in wildcrafting or showing their children how to use natural resources wisely. Opportunities for wildcrafting are not just found in the countryside. There are "wild" places in cities and in one's own backyard. Many landscaping plants and trees have fruit that goes to waste every year. Crabapple and quince are just two examples. In your own yard or in your neighborhood may be native persimmons, walnuts, fiddlehead ferns, dandelions and wild roses. In wildcrafting we are harvesting the bounty of the earth and should always approach collecting with respect and thankfulness.