It’s time you looked in your garden weeds with a ‘roving eye’ because it is hiding all sorts of nutritional and medicinal gems!
“Common weeds” can cure heartburn, cystitis and coughs, and they can also provide you with free protein, vitamins and minerals. Woefully, most gardeners and cultivars alike arduously dig them up, mow them down, or exterminate them in all possible ways.
So, let’s take a closer look at what’s really growing in your backyard:
1.Daisies (Bellis perennis)
The petals and greens of this common garden flower can be eaten either raw or cooked although some find their flavor a little bitter. Daisies have been brewed into a tea and used in traditional Austrian medicine for gastrointestinal and respiratory tract disorders because they have anti-inflammatory properties.
And those daisy chains that kids make around their necks are just loveable too!
2. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
It is part of the mustard family, and is considered an invasive species in North America. However, it brings with it a lot of great health benefits: aside from being a good source of vitamin A and C, the garlic mustard is good as a diuretic, helps with weight loss, improves heart health, lowers cholesterol, and strengthens the overall immune system. Historically, it was used to flavor salt fish, but it’s also really flavorsome when mixed with mashed potatoes, soups or salads.
3. Chickweed (Stellaria media)
This garden weed is an excellent source of vitamins C, A, and D as well as of valuable amounts of calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc! The chickweed has a delicate flavor that resembles the one of spinach. It works well when freshly picked and added to sarnies and summer salads. If you dislike the taste, you can still reap its benefits by mixing it in soups and stews.
As a medicine, the chickweed can be used as a topical remedy for minor cuts, eczema, burns, and rashes. It is also a mild diuretic, so it is deemed to relieve cystitis and irritable bladder symptoms.
4. Dandelion (Taraxacum)
The most popular of all weeds, the ‘humble’ dandelion is, in fact, bursting with vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals such aspotassium, iron, and zinc. There is probably ‘a ton’ of this nutritious weed right in your backyard!
The dandelion has been used throughout human history to treat everything from liver problems and kidney disease to heartburns and appendicitis. Today, it is mainly used as a diuretic, as an appetite stimulant, and for the liver and gallbladder.
The good news is that every single part of this common weed, from the roots to the blossoms, is edible. Use the leaves in sandwiches and stir fries – they boast more beta carotene than carrots, meaning they are great for your eyesight! Roots can be made into herbal tea, or roasted and ground as a coffee substitute. The sweet flower heads will add vivid color to salads too.
5. Lamb’s quarters (Chenopodium album)
This fast growing summer weed produces black seeds which are related to the protein-rich quinoa. Much like their cousin, the seeds of lamb’s quarters are a great source of protein, along with providing calcium, phosphorus, potassium and vitamin A. However, the harvesting of these seeds does take a little dedication.
If it seems like too much work for you, don’t get upset – you can also enjoy the young shoots and leaves of the plant. Whether raw or sautéed, they make a great stand-in for spinach since they’re just as nutritious. Medicinally, a tea made from the leaves is said to help with digestion disorders and stomach aches.
6. Elderflowers (Sambucus nigra)
Although the truly versatile elder is not exactly a weed, it’s quite a common wild tree, especially around riverbanks 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 pear or apple. Dry the flowers in bunches to make sweet tea.
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 the flu.
7. Plantain (Plantago major)
Another common weed that can be used topically to treat burns, stings and other wounds. It should not be mistaken for the banana-like Caribbean fruit! While the young leaves are tasty either raw or cooked, the older leaves are a bit tough and unpleasant tasting. A hundred grams of plantain contains the same amount of vitamin A as a large carrot, and is very rich in riboflavin and vitamin B1.
Research has shown the plantain to be beneficial for treating bronchitis, sore throats and cold symptoms.
8. Wild violets (Viola)
It also grows in the wilderness and is considered a weed by some – although a very eye-catching one! The mild tasting leaves and stems of the viola can be eaten either raw or cooked. Leaves can be dried for a tea which has mild laxative qualities, and the flowers can be added to vinegar for a homemade dressing, or simply drizzled over salads.
9. Wild garlic (Allium ursinum)
The wild garlic is a great find for all foragers. Just like the ‘tame’ garlic we’re used to buying in stores, the wild variety also features antibacterial, antibiotic, antiseptic and antifungal properties.
With delicate white flowers and thin shoots, this useful ‘weed’ is delicious when used in a homemade pesto. It can also be used in place of chives or green onion, and added to salads, sandwiches, or soups.
Keep in mind: The wild garlic has been found to have the greatest ability to lower high blood pressure of all the garlic varieties!
10. Red clover (Trifolium pratense)
Maybe you haven’t noticed, but this lovely pinky-red flower attracts all the bees to your garden. It’s not just a great source of food for them, but it is also for you! Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the red clover has been used as a folk remedy for cancer. However, as the American Cancer Society states, there is no evidence to back this claim up. So, it’s best to use the red clover simply as ‘a well’ of calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium,thiamine, and vitamin C.
Since it’s also rich in isoflavones [chemicals that act like estrogens in the body], take it easy on your intake! Small amounts of raw clover leaves, or the flowers, can be added to salads, sautéed or pan roasted.