Watershield (Brasenia schreberi) is common around Haliburton, Ontario in still or slow flowing waters up to 1 m deep. Like lilypads, the leaves float on surface. They may also be confused with some species of pond leaves. The underside of the leaves are coated in slime.
Edible Uses of Watershield
The young leaves when still coiled can be cooked in soups or stews. The coiled leaves look vaguely like green beans. It’s best to chop them finely, otherwise they will form a slimey glob. As with any aquatic plants, don’t eat these raw as there may be parasites, and beware polluted waters.
Medicinal Uses of Watershield
Watershield is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Digestive
- Integumentary
- Respiratory
Medicinal tags include Antibacterial, Astringent, Demulcent, Mucilage. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage is the slimy leaves for dry coughs, colitis and the many other conditions that may benefit from mucilaginous supplements. The jelly can be freeze dried and stored to add mucilage to water or for encapsulation. It’s much more popular in Chinese medicine than in Western herbals.
Alternative Uses for Frog Leaf
Watershield slime is at least being studied as an industrial biological/green lubricant (e.g. to stop wear caused by friction between two pieces of steel).
Growing Brasenia Schreberi
One folk name is “deer food” and another “frog leaf”, so you know it’s going to be good for wildlife. Pollinators too! A great although aggressive native addition to your pond (if you can find it for sale); you may have to eat it to control it so other plants can coexist, if the various ducks and turtles don’t forage it enough. And note, some plants may not like the chemicals it releases. In your pond it’ll also help control bacteria and algae and will offer shelter for pond residents.
WARNINGS
Eating aquatic species raw can expose you to parasites. Pollution is another consideration.
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
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REFERENCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: of Eastern and Central North America (The Sam Thayer’s Field Guides) Paperback – June 1, 2023 and this plant IS featured as one of the edible wild plants in this area. I highly recommend this guide for your bookshelves!
https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/plant_animals/plants/brasenia_schreberi.html
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