by Katri Marson

Created on: April 02, 2009

There is a good chances that every spring you find yourself wanting to pull your hair out, when you see all the weed that have made their way across your beautiful landscape. Instead of screaming and running to the store to get pesticides, learn to find the joy in your unintentinal herb garden.

Dandelion (taraxacum officinale)

Parts Used: Leaf, flower and roots

Dandelion is probably the most common and most commonly hated weed, but also possibly the best most healing weed there is. Dandelion has been known to cure liver problem, such as hepatitis, used as a treatment for breast cancer, stomachaches, used to help purify blood, decrease blood pressure and literally so much more it deserves an article all its own.

Dandelions are high in vitamins and minerals. The leaves have a slightly bitter taste, though the younger the leaves, the less bitter they are. The leaves and flowers are great raw, in salads and sauteed. The flowers can also be used thrown in a salad or made into make wine. The roots are good to use for tea or boiled and eaten. Often the roots are roasted and sold as a substitute for coffee. Tea can be made with 2 tablespoons of leaves and/or root to 1 cup of water, let it steep. Drink daily or throughout the day during stomachaches or other illnesses.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Parts used: Leaves

It is often slightly feared for the its little stinging hairs. But, those little hairs are the only thing to fear about this plant. Stinging nettle is rich in nutrients and a good general blood tonic. It is used in prevention of osteoporosis, as a treatment for allergies, asthma and other bronchial conditions. It is also used as a hair tonic to help stimulate new hair growth.

Nettle is best picked with gloves on, to avoid being stung. It should not be consumed raw, for the same reason you don't want to touch them with bare hands. It should be cooked or dried first, which will destroy the stinging hairs. The leaves can be steamed or simmered in water, seasoned and eaten. It can also be used to make tea and is often used to make beer.
Wood nettle and Slender are similar nettle plants, often found in the east of the United States. They can be used in the same way.

Plantain (plantago lanceolata, plantago major)

Parts Used: Leaves, seeds

Not to be mistaken with the fruit of the same name, plantain is a plant commonly known as a weed, often found in backyards, fields and on roadsides. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be used for poison ivy and stinging nettle

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