Did you know your garden is hiding all sorts of nutritional and medicinal gems?
From curing heartburn, cystitis and coughs to providing free protein, vitamins and minerals, common weeds have some truly amazing benefits. Sadly, most people simply dig them up, mow them down or kill them in various ways.
Why not take a look at what’s really growing in your backyard before you add these to your compost heap.
Here are 7 edible weeds found in most yards:
Chickweed (Stellaria media)
This garden weed is a great source of vitamins A, D and C, as well as iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc! Chickweed has a delicate flavor, much like spinach, and works well when freshly picked and added to sandwiches and salads. If you don’t like the taste, you can still reap the benefits by hiding it in soups and stews.
Medicinally, chickweed can be used as a topical treatment for minor cuts, burns, eczema and rashes. It’s also a mild diuretic and is said to relieve cystitis and irritable bladder symptoms.
Curly Dock (Rumex crispus)
Curly dock is one of the hardiest and most widespread weeds, so you should have no trouble finding a source. The leaves are high in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and zinc ensuring good immunity, and the seeds are rich in calcium and fiber.
The stems of the curly dock can be peeled and eaten either cooked or raw, and the mature seeds can be roasted to make an earthy, warm drink. This has also been used for pain and swelling (inflammation) of nasal passages and the respiratory tract, and as a laxative and tonic. It is also used to treat bacterial infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Yellow dock is also sometimes used to treat intestinal infections, fungal infections, and for arthritis.
Dandelion (Taraxacum)
Probably the most well-known of all weeds, the humble dandelion is actually bursting with vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. The great news is that there’s probably a ton of this nutritious weed in your backyard.
Dandelion has been used throughout history to treat everything from liver problems and kidney disease to heartburn and appendicitis. Today, it is mainly used as a diuretic, appetite stimulant and for the liver and gallbladder.
Every part of this common weed is edible, from the roots to the blossoms. Use the leaves in sandwiches and stir fries – they boast more beta carotene than carrots, meaning they are great for healthy eyes! Roots can be made into a herbal tea, or roasted and ground as a coffee substitute. The sweet flower heads will add color to salads and can be used to make wines.
Elderflowers (Sambucus nigra)
The truly versatile Elder is not exactly a weed but is quite a common wild tree, especially around rivers and lakes. The flowers can be collected in spring to make elderflower cordial, soda or champagne. With a refreshing, mild taste, they’re great when paired with apple or pear. Dry the flowers in bunches to make a tea.
Once the flowers on the tree die off, the green berries can be picked (before they ripen) and pickled to make elderberry capers. Make sure to leave some, as the ripened berries make a delicious balsamic vinegar.
The leaves, flowers, fruits, and root extracts are used by herbalists to treat bronchitis, cough, colds, flu and fever. Studies have shown that the wild plant is effective in treating influenza.
Red Clover (Trifolium pretense)
You might have noticed that this pretty pinky-red flower attracts all the bees to your garden. It’s not just a great source of food for them, but also for you!
Traditionally used in India for its anti-inflammatory properties, Red Clover has also been used as a folk remedy for cancer. However, as the American Cancer Society states there is no evidence to back this claim up, it’s best to enjoy red clover simply as a source of calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C.
Because it’s also a rich in isoflavones, chemicals that act like estrogens in the body, go easy on your intake. Small amounts of raw clover leaves or the flowers can be added to salads, sautéed or pan roasted.
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
A nutritional powerhouse, Purslane contains more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, E as well as magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron. In traditional Chinese medicine, purslane leaves are used for insect bites and bee stings, sores, diarrhea and hemorrhoids.
With a somewhat sour and salty flavor, it’s an acquired taste, but works great in soups and stews. Try breading and frying the leaves for a tempura style side dish.
Even though this weed happily grows in sidewalk cracks, try looking for some that’s a little less trampled – you’ll probably find some in your garden.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Another popular medicinal weed, you’ll require gloves or thick skin when picking this! It’s used for urination problems and kidney stones, joint ailments and as a diuretic. The leaves are also said to help fight allergies and hay fever.
Nettles are rich in vitamins A, B2, C, D, and K and have important nutrients like antioxidants, amino acids and chlorophyll. They’re also a good source of calcium, potassium, iodine, manganese, and especially iron.
Boiled nettle makes a side dish similar to collard greens and is great when added to omelets. You can also make some delicious dips, teas, soups and pesto.
Lost Book of Remedies
Over time we have slowly moved away from natural medicines toward prescription drugs. Today, there are prescriptions for every ailment. These drugs may provide a temporally relief, but long term are very bad for our bodies.
As we become more aware of the effects of prescription drugs, many of us are wanting an alternative, natural solution to common ailments. Our parents and grandparents knew there were common “weeds” found all over North America that can be used to treat these aliments.
Author Claude Davis has documented almost all the plants in North America that are hiding all sorts of nutritional & medicinal secrets.
If you are interested in learning more of this hidden knowledge, I urge you to check out his presentation where you will learn some additional backyard weeds not listed in this article. He teaches how to harvest and prepare them for the maximum benefit.
Check out the Presentation Here.
I think this is an important presentation to watch – even if you have no intention of purchasing the book. The free tips Claude provides are worth the few minutes you are giving up because I guarantee you will learn something new!