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This summer my mom, my daughter, and I have worked on several things; one of them being "Identify all the thangs!" I've taken nature walks, read books, joined an herbal school ( yesss, that certification is pending yall - I will be legit soon! LOL), grown a couple thangs, and made some mistakes in my gardening journey, but I am still alive and live to tell the story.
The story today is about how I've been told all my life that certain things in my yard are to be destroyed. I use that word realizing that it has a strong and negative connotation but I want that effect to settle in your spirit. LOL I have been told to destroy all weeds!
*****I have been taught my entire life to destroy what has the ability to heal my body***** Did it sink in yet?
I am still navigating the "whys" but that's not what this post will be about. This post will be about said weeds and things...things that I now keep in my yard, eat, and have made a part of my daily life. They are weeds...and they are medicinal...and they are magical!
Oh! And this post is for education purposes only. It is not meant to replace medical advice and you need to consult your medical professional(s) before you go run and tell the feds that I told you to eat plants out yo' yard! You need to do your research too, and you need to ask questions. But I am willing to give you a head start. :) Read on ladies and gents! :)
First runner up is Dandelion. That's right. I said Dandelion!
My first experience with dandelion was at a place called "Produce Junction"; its a local market in the Philly area that provides numerous fresh produce for a good price. I remember buying the plant leaves then taking it home and cooking the leaves like collard greens. I slept like a baby that night and was feeling flyyyyyy the next morning. I also remember craving it non stop for over 2 weeks. I kept eating it and kept feeling better. I'm pretty sure it helped me with muscle aches and pains. I'm sure it helped me with inflammation. I made it in tea form, ate it boiled, and dried it and made it a dried seasoning. I now how it everyday in one of those forms.
Here are notable health benefits of Dandelion and Dandelion leaves:
* They contain vitamin E, C, K, B, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium.
* Dandelion has antioxidants ( which are awesome things that help to fight off cellular damage and helps fight free radicals.)
* Dandelions help fight inflammation in the body. #truestory
Next we have my 2nd favorite: Burdock Root
I am currently growing Burdock Root, and its taking over 2 months to grow it. However you can also find it in an Asian Market. I know I found plenty at my local Asian market and scored plenty for less than $10. I'm loving Burdock root in the form of tea. Burdock helps keep my skin clear and helps me heal whenever I get hives or allergic outbreaks. I swear by it. There have been days I get hives and I boil pieces of it, then throw the soggy pieces on my skin, while drinking the tea daily until my hives finally go away!
Here are notable benefits of Burdock Root:
* Has been long used to treat eczema, acne, psoriasis and resolve issues when applied topically.
* Has been long used as a blood detoxifier
* annndddd...can be used as an aphrodisiac. Don't ask me how I know that. HA! Moving right along...
3. Stinging Nettle
( You'll need some gloves for this one!) You cant touch this directly or it will burn your skin! I've used stinging nettle to make balms for muscle or joint pain! (As a yoga teacher, 5k runner and never sitting down single mom I be using this jawn on the daily!) Its also been good for me when I am feeling bloated and need help to get rid of water retention. It also helps with allergies as it has been shown in studies to block histamine response. In emergencies I have reached for Benadryl. The following day, I stay drinking stinging nettle tea until inflammation ceases!
4. Red Clover
This was the first weed I picked and learned how to identify in a wooded area. One of my favorite people in the world took me to a meadow and let me hike to my hearts content. By the end of the hike I rummaged through the woods and picked flowers. I was drawn to the beautiful purple flower, rummaged through my botanical books when I got home and "Oh my gosh! This is clover!"
After reading through my books, I discovered clover has been used for asthma, bronchitis, coughing, PMS and STDs.
Also noted to have the following:
* calcium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin c.
I have used this flower as a tea and also have a seasoning and it is helpful for those dreadful times of the month. I used to have debilitating cramps, however as of late, I'm able to function when I stay on top of my clover game! I can tell when I haven't had enough of it and I get the dreaded reminders every 30 days if I don't consume enough of them.
Now about those resources; I've been using the following for my general information gathering:
and I've also received formal training from Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine :)
Ive also just used these items myself whenever I have ailments and it keeps me lookin and feeling fly...or gets me there on my rough days. đ
Later in life SYP will have an herbal series online available to SYP members. Dare to dream!
For now, subscribe to the blog for future posts and keep an eye out for recipes and instructions on how to make tinctures and balms. Tea is good for the "beginners" but we've got more to offer...bet!
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Until "later in life" comes, let the weeds grow in your yard and continue to put yourself and your health first!
Besos!