Weeds That Are Herbs

Sometimes referred to as Queen Anne's lace, this weed is actually an herb.

Herbs such as basil and oregano are common in the herb garden and lend their flavors to culinary uses. Other herbs are grown for medicinal purposes. Many of those herbs are common weeds found in the yard and along back roads. Native Americans used the weeds medicinally to treat everything from bad breath to pink eye. Teas made from certain wild plants helped quiet a cough or settle an upset stomach. Many medicines used in today's medical practices were derived from weeds.

Culinary Weeds

Chicory is an edible weed.

Dandelions and ramps are two weeds used in salads and other dishes. Other edible weeds include chicory and common mallow. Chicory is also known as bachelor's buttons in some areas. It has bright blue flowers alternating along tall stems. The roots are used as a coffee alternative. Mallow leaves resemble those of the geranium plant. The tiny pale pink flowers add to the beauty of the plant. Mallow is used to thicken soups and stews. The water used to boil the roots can be whisked to create a meringue.

Medicinal Weeds

Mullein is a medicinal weed.

Common weeds, such as plantain and yarrow, are both used to treat insect bites, swelling and soar muscles. Yarrow also helps blood clot faster. Another weed which is medicinal is mullein. Mullein is the ear, nose and throat medicine of the plant world. The flowers are used for ear aches, while the rest of the plant is used to treat sinus problems and upper respiratory infections. Mullein is also used as a pain reliever.

Endangered Weeds

The white bloom of bloodroot is one of the first flowers up in the spring.

Bloodroot, used for the red dye the roots produce, is classified as endangered in some areas. American ginseng is also an endangered plant. Both of these plants are now cultivated under controlled environments. In the wild, they are still weeds that are used as herbs.

Harvesting Botanicals

You may be tempted to gather some of the weeds growing in your local area and transplant them back to your garden. Check with local environmental agencies before you transplant any plant. Some jurisdictions do not allow such practices. There are also some plants classified as invasive weeds, and thus, it is illegal to introduce them to certain areas. Your local county extension office has more information about the legal and proper way to harvest botanicals in your area.

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