List of Weeds that are Healthful and Beneficial

Most of us get so centered on having a picture-perfect backyard that we dismiss a lot of the plants we find on it as bad weeds. Little we know that we may have a hidden treasure at the back of our homes. A plant-dense backyard usually means a lot of weeds that can be used for infusions, as well as ingredients for meals. Many of them even have hidden medical properties, so don’t get rid of them without checking our list. You can also keep growing them to cover for some of your needs at home.

• Dandelion

People get rid of Dandelion at alarming rates, and most of them don’t have the slightest idea of the many benefits of that plant as it comes. For starters, Dandelion is edible no matter the stage of it, and even the flowers can be used. According to the NASDA, the nutritional values of Dandelion rivals those of spinach and kale. Half a cup has more calcium than a glass of milk, and the plant is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and iron. The flowers are great to make tea, and the roots can be roasted to make coffee out of it. Probably the most complete option out of our list.

• Burdock

Burdock is often regarded as the wild rhubarb, but it is a very different plant by itself.  A native plant of Japan, the main difference with rhubarb is that the stems of burdock are not as firm. As for the features of this weed, Burdock full of amino acids, calcium, vitamins A, C, B1, K, potassium, minerals, iron, phosphorous, and magnesium. It’s a favorite ingredient in many Japanese dishes, where it’s called “Gobo.”  In medical circles, it is often used as a diuretic and a diaphoretic. It’s also pretty good to cleanse the blood and to treat chronic pain ailments such as arthritis.

• Plantain

This one has no relation to the largest bananas referred to as “Platanos” by our Latin American friends. Plantain is a common backyard weed that grows no higher than ground level, but it sprouts many long and thin stalks. Native Americans noticed that this plant always started to grow in places already explored by colonialists. That’s why they nicknamed it “white man’s foot.” As for medicinal properties, plantain is known for having marvelous antiseptic properties, as well as being a great pain reliever, ideal for treating itches and the after-effects of rubbing your skin with other poisonous plants.

• White Clover

White clover is identifiable for being a ground cover plant. It’s one of those weeds that are entirely edible. It usually grows on soil that lacks nitrogen, and it can help fertilize any garden just by being there. It’s an excellent ingredient for infusions, tinctures, and eyewashes.

• Goldenrod

The favorite plant of pollinators, this plant can be made into a tea that is used to treat urinary infections as well as swelling. It can also be used for Gout and some skin conditions such as Eczema.

• Milk Thistle

Thistle is another option that is almost entirely edible. You need to make sure to take out the prickly part of the plant. After that, you can have the roots, the leaves, the stalks, and the flowers prepared any way you want. The plant is considered an excellent substitute for spinach, one that is much sweeter and pleasing to the taste. The tea is regarded as an infusion with healing properties, and the roots can be used to make coffee.

• Sting Nettles

Often regarded as the most bothersome weed to deal with in any household, this plant is one of the best detoxifiers offered by nature. Its consumption is relatively easy to process. Just pick plants that haven’t flowered yet and make an infusion out of them.

• Mullein

Mullein carries a very distinctive look, with fuzzy silver-green leaves and yellow flowers. On the medical front, this weed is regarded as a potent expectorant. The leaves can be used fresh or dried out to make tea, oils, or tincture from it.

• Yarrows

Yarrows look a lot like sunflowers, but they are pretty useful by themselves. Yarrows are known for being helpful to deal with sprains, bruises, or swelling. The plant can be chewed as it comes, to help you digest a heavy meal. It can also be combined with other weeds to expand its healing effects.

• Chickweed

As the name implies, this is a tiny plant that is mostly found roadside of rural areas. It wouldn’t even land on your radar if it wasn’t for how dense it can grow. It usually makes itself noticeable because it has a lot of small white flowers that can be used as infusions. The plant is full of vitamins A, B, C, and D as well as iron, calcium, and potassium. A lot of companies use it as an ingredient for ointments to treat eczema, acne, burns, cuts, and rashes.

• Yellow Sorrel

This weed is quite distinctive because it looks like clover, and it has a lime-like flavor that can make any salad taste real good. While the plat is edible, it doesn’t have high nutritious value, but it can be used to treat skin problems such as burns, bites, and rashes.

The Realization of a Hidden Treasure

Now you know all the stuff you are missing every time you get the weeds out of your backyard garden. If you are not sure about what you have, you can always ask a gardener. They can even give you some pointers about having more of these weeds growing in your garden for your benefit.

( Photo credit: Bigstock.com )