Wild and Organic Corn Dogs?
I'm Brat gal, myself...
You cannot tell me that when you were a youngin', you didn't think Corn Dogs grew in the wild near ponds. I mean--I CANNOT BE the ONLY ONE. Right?
Cattails: Cat-o-nine-tails, reedmace, bulrush, water torch, candlewick, punk, and corn dog grass. It has as many names as it has uses, And I'm not talking about adorning your Mommas giant wicker vases, along with Pampas grass and other 70's décor. Cattails are a utilitarian plant. Practical daily use, and medicinally adaptable.
Cattail fluff or down (seriously, it has fluff) is an environmentally-friendly goose down alternative. The cattail seed fluff can be used for stuffing and insulation. I mean, you're going to need a TON of cattails, but the point is it IS doable. More practical applications: the leaves can be woven together to make temporary shelters, mats, chairs, baskets, and hats. The dried stalks can be used as arrow shafts or hand drills, and the fluff can be used as tinder to start a fire.
Medicinally, cattails are outstanding in their field. (See what I did there???) Seed fluff can be used like cotton balls to staunch a wound, and poultices made from crushed cattail roots can be used on cuts, stings, burns, and bruises. Cattails also provide two forms of antiseptic; both the ashes from burned cattail leaves and the droplets of sap (gel) that form at the plant’s base can be applied to wounds to keep them from getting infected. The sap can also be used on toothaches.
If you are following the journey of Whole Plant Holisitcs, and want the full benefit of the entire plant, you should know that cattails are edible. The sweet fiber in cattail roots provides an abundance of starchy carbohydrates. Stalk shoots can be eaten to obtain Vitamins A, B, and C, potassium, and phosphorous. Did you know cattails can be used in recipes for pancakes and bread, casseroles, and stir fry? I am on the hunt for some tried and true recipes.
If you are science minded and fascinated by the wonders of nature and how it works hand in hand with it's environment, you'll be excited to learn most recently, scientists have claimed the potential for cattails to be used as biofuel. I mean, COME ON!! This is FASCINATING STUFF.
**As always, I am NOT a doctor and I am NOT doling out medical advice. I am just in tune with my body, my surroundings, and have learned to adapt to using what God has given us naturally to heal from within. I am led to share and help others on their own journey. Please, if needed, consult your trusted physician with any concerns. And ALWAYS DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH.
Be safe, stay well, and forage your backyard.