Bitter Vetch

[hummus]

Lathyrus linifolius - Lathyrus linifolius - Wikipedia
A friend told us about this, 'heath peas' .. apparently it's how the scottish armies marched all the way down to england without stopping .. sounds like some sort of stimulant to me.. anyone had any experience with these?
They're out about nowish so might have a wonder and give it a shot.

 

[jdubs]

Please do! Any thing like this could have untold benefit - and right on our own doorstep

 

[hummus]

Well had a walk around and found some tufted vetch (vicia cracca), will try and look for some linifolius .. really confusing trying to differentiate different types of vetch .. all about the shape and number of leaves and shape of tendrils

 

[SnozzleBerry]

The Agronomy Institute says:

This is a herbaceous plant of the pea family which produces a small tuber.

Uses: It has a tradition of use in Scotland where the tuber was used to make a liquorice-flavoured drink having stimulant properties and taking away appetite.


Here too:
A plant which seems likely to be the ubiquitous bitter, or tuberous vetch (Lathyrus linifolius) is mentioned in classical sources (including Julius Caesar) as having been added to beer for use in brewing by the native Britons. Up until the 1950s, this practice is thought to have continued, it having been included in a home-brewed heather ale by older Highland folk. It is likely that the addition of L. linifolius, with its stimulant properties, may have complemented the intoxicating effects of the beer and potentially enhanced its ritual significance to the various Celtic tribal groupings who used it.

 

[jdubs]

This must surely be available a bit further south also, in say...northern England? Does anyone know?

Also, what is its natural habitat? Like mountains and hills?

This is a potentially exciting find hummus!

 

[jdubs]

Becasue the Scots kept out the Romans! hehe, may be something pretty potent :lol: