IF YOU flick through the pages of wild flower books you'll see a host of different types of bedstraws, many of which only those armed with a hand lens and a keen eye will be able to differentiate. Lady's bedstraw is a more conspicuous member of the family, being tall with bright yellow flowers. It is common on roadside verges and particularly on the limestone fells around Kendal.

Another common name for it is Our Lady's Bedstraw, as it was said to have been one of the Cradle Herbs,' the bedding used in the manger at Bethlehem. Unfortunately, the Bible sheds no light on the exact composition of the hay on which Christ lay, but we do know that this bedstraw was used in former days, even by ladies of rank, for stuffing beds.

The Latin name for this family of plants, Galium, comes from the Greek word gala, meaning milk, and sheds further light on the properties of this versatile flower. In the 16th century it was called Cheese Renning'. There are records of cheesemakers is the Scottish Highlanders, Cheshire and Gloucestershire using Lady's Bedstraw to curdle milk and colour their cheese. Today, dyers in Scotland use Lady's Bedstraw roots to give a range of shades, including orangey red or golden brown. The flowers yield a yellow dye which became popular during Henry VIII's reign for colouring hair, hence another of its common names, Maid's Hair'.

It is credited with many medicinal qualities, including being a remedy for epilepsy and hysteria. However, perhaps the attribute readers may find most useful is that a sprig in a shoe is said to prevent blisters. Martin Varley