Irritating little weeds growing in your garden are the worst part of gardening. And it’s not a good feeling for any gardener to pluck out these little beasts every day. Now, what if we told you that these annoying weeds have excellent medicinal properties? Somehow, the treatment for a rough cough or a skin irritation can be in this unwanted little guest in your garden. Further, these wildlings help with heartburns and headaches that are prevalent after a stressful day in populated cities. These wild weeds are the least appreciated medicinal gifts your garden can produce. This nature’s gift provides your herbs with a healthy lifestyle and helps you keep your nature garden weeds-free.
Let’s take a look at ten common weed that has medical benefits:
1. Dandelions (Taraxacum)
Dandelions have properties that cure heartburn, appendicitis, kidney diseases, and liver diseases. The weed also has properties to work as a diuretic and appetite stimulant. Unfortunately, these plants can also be poisoned, so be careful when collecting them. These springtime weeds are rich in vitamins. Further, the entire plant is edible, and you can use every part of the plant.
2. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
This weed can be specifically used for urination problems, joint ailments, kidney stones, allergies, and fever. Stinging Nettle is rich in Vitamin A, B2, C, D, and K and has diuretic properties. It is also a great source of antioxidants, amino acids, and chlorophyll. Picking out this weed with your bare hands is a bad idea. Hence it is suggested to wear gloves while picking out this weed to avoid the stinging sensation, which the Stinging Nettle is famous for.
3. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
This weed is pretty to look at with abundant medicinal properties. Yarrow can be used as an ointment for wounds. It is also called the Soldier’s Woundwort. The weed is used to date in some parts of Scotland. People even make tea by crushing this herb’s leaves, which works wonders for an awful cold. Further, this green beast can also be used to relieve toothache if bitten on.
4. Plantain (Plantago major)
No matter how much weed killer you use on this one, it is not going anywhere. It is the most commonly grown weed. Fun fact, this weed has the same amount of Vitamin A as a carrot. It is used as a cure in some oro-nasal conditions and can soothe diarrhea and fever. You can eat the leaves of the Plantain either raw or cooked.
5. Curly Dock ( Rumex Crispus)
These leaves are a rich source of beta-carotene and Vitamin C, and the seeds contain a high amount of calcium. Its medical properties allow it to be used as a laxative or an astringent. The Curly Dock also has properties that promote wound healing. All parts of this plant are edible, and they can be eaten either raw or cooked.
6. Chickweed (Stellaria media)
This weed is rich in calcium, potassium, iron, vitamins A, C, and D. It can be applied on minor cuts or rashes as an ointment and treat constipation, joint pain, coughs, and kidney complaints. Chickweed can be used in soups, sandwiches, and salads.
7. Daisies
Surprisingly, daisies are weeds, and they have incredible medicinal properties too. Tea made with daisies has become a trend now, but this weed has been used to brew tea for a long time. It is known to treat respiratory and gastrointestinal tract-related disorders.
8. Common Mallow (Malva neglecta)
This weed has medicinal properties to cure irritated throats, coughs, treating wounds, and help relieve stomach issues. The pods of the Common Mallow contain about 21% protein. People usually prefer to cook this plant before eating it as the leaves taste bitter when raw. The plants typically grow in all types of weather, but be careful while picking up roadside Mallows as they could be wild or poisonous.
9. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
This weed’s luscious pink color seems very attractive, and the plant becomes even more desirable when you hear about its medicinal properties. Red Clover is a folk remedy for cancer and has anti-inflammatory properties. The weed is a rich source of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. It is used to treat conditions like bronchitis, cough, and anxiety. Further, its properties also help with hormonal imbalances and muscle spasms.
10. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
Purslane is famous for its herbal remedies and grows across empty garden beds and patios. This herb is rich in vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The sharp flavors of this weed make consuming it an acquired taste. It is usually used to treat insect bites, bee stings, and skin sores. Purslane can also be used as a remedy for diarrhea and hemorrhoids.
A pro tip would be to learn about these weeds before you start using them as treatment methods because some of them can be poisonous or irritable on touch. Be very cautious of using chemical weed killers, as consuming weed that has been treated with poison would mean ingesting poison. A natural grow always recommended to gain organic produce and to enjoy a healthy living.
We hope this list has motivated you not to throw out the weeds in your garden and enjoy your herbs, healthy lifestyle, and medical benefits.
