Featured Herb
Welcome to featured plants. Here we will post plants that grow as uncultivated weeds in yards and fields along with medicinal and culinary herbs, vines and trees that are cultivated with intention. Check back monthly for additional featured plants. Many beneficial herbs that grow in the garden or field are considered weeds and in turn are chopped down, uprooted, disposed of or sent to the burn pile. Here you will discover many benefits of the 'weeds' (herbs) you have been missing out on. This is only a snippet of information, but our hope is that it will inspire you to dig deeper.
The information posted here is for educational purposes only. Consult your healthcare professional before using herbs and plants posted here.
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"He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man:
that he may bring forth food out of the earth." Psalms 104:14
Lamb's Quarter
Chenopodium album
From the Goosefoot family. Considered a wayside weed. It is very nutritious and mineral-rich as its roots penetrate deep into the soil. The tender young leaves can be cooked like spinach. It can be added to green drinks and salads for additional vitamins and minerals. The stems and seeds can also be used. Research the use of seeds before consuming. It is beneficial in cases of anemia. Made into a tea or poultice it soothes sunburned skin.
Cautions: Contains oxalic acid. Do not eat excessively.
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Considered a nuisance to well manicured lawns. It is one of the most beneficial spring herbs. All parts of the plant can be used. The leaves can be made into tea for purifying the blood, eaten raw or cooked. The blossoms can be made into fritters. The root is used for aiding the liver, stomach and kidneys. Sap from the stem has been used to remove warts.
Cautions: Can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive persons. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you have an obstructed bile duct or gallstones.
Chickweed
Stellaria alsine
Another wonderful spring herb. Chickweed is edible. It can be eaten raw, cooked, juiced, dried and made into a tea or added to green drinks. It has been used to promote weight loss as it helps to curb the appetite, and some say burn fat. It is used to reduce inflammation, clear toxins, and to help dissolve plaque in the arteries. It can be made into a salve to soothe dry and itchy skin, and to relieve diaper rash in infants. It can be made into a compress or poultice.
Cautions: Used excessively can cause diarrhea.