Finding Cures in Your Backyard for Free: 10 Weeds That Heal

This may come at a surprise, but did you know the weeds in your background can have an impact on your health in a good way?

Yes, these are the same weeds that often become a nuisance and soon end up in the trash because most people don’t like the look of them. However, before you think about throwing away your weeds, you may want to save them, especially if they are noted below.

#1 Chickweed

Chickweed is considered as one of those “annoying weeds.” The Latin name of this plant comes from the word ˝stella,˝
which means star – because chickweed flower resembles a star. Chickweed was appreciated vegetables in Roman times, and it is an edible and medicinal plant, full of vitamins and minerals. The spring fatigue people often feel is actually due to a lack of vitamins after a winter diet, and chickweed can help with that.

#2 Dandelion

All parts of Dandelion can be used: the flowers, leaves, and roots. Although they all heal, we use them in different ways and for different purposes. For example, the whole stalk is rich in vitamin C and minerals. Young leaves are also full of vitamins and unusually delicious when making the green salad. Various studies have revealed that dandelion also includes the large quantities of iron. With iron, we fight against the feeling of fatigue and a sense of heavy breathing. Also, we know that it is required for the formation of red blood cells.

#3 Nettle

Nettle grows in neglected places like all weeds we see in the yard. The leaves and stems are covered with bulbs and are very uncomfortable to touch. Nettle has always been used as food and medicine, even the ancient Egyptians used it as a vegetable, and the ancient Greeks used it as a fresh herb for a massage against rheumatic pains. The root of nettle helps with difficulty in urination due to an enlarged prostate. Lectins and polysaccharides from the roots affect the metabolism of the hormone testosterone, and the nettle root extract inhibits the enzymatic activity in the prostate; it also has the inhibitory effect on the protein binding to the receptors.

#4 Wild Violets

Wild violets are one of the spring heralds that begin to blossom at the end of February, and generally, bloom until late April. In addition to the beautiful looks, violet is recognizable by the smell, which is something unique and memorable. It is most used in the treatment of cancer, and digestive disorders. Contains salicylic acid that is a component of aspirin, for which it is useful in the treatment of a headache, migraine, and insomnia.

#5 Daisies

This tiny lovely flower grows everywhere, but no matter how small – its healing properties are magnificent. Daisy has always been present in folk medicine for the cleansing of the body, in the treatment of exhaustion and prevention of blood diseases. Daisies tea is used in the treatment of bronchitis and chest pain. If that’s not enough it also helps with irregular menstruation, relieves pain and cramps, rheumatism, gout and arthritis.

#6 Chicory

Chicory is another plant/weed that has many health benefits. It relieves digestive problems, prevents heartburn, reduces the pain of arthritis, cleanses the body, prevents bacterial infections, and reduces the risk of heart diseases. It is important to note that chicory is also a specialty in many European kitchens.

#7 Purslane

During history, purslane was mostly utilized as a fresh, crunchy salad and a salad plant. Purslane is a wonderful source of omega-3 fatty acids, various vitamins, and minerals. It also contains vitamin A, all B vitamins, as well as vitamin C. Still not enough? It’s also known to strengthen the heart and prevents many diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

#8 Red Clover

Red clover is a herbaceous perennial plant of the legume family. It is considered a significant plant in agriculture because the clusters of symbiotic bacteria on its roots bind nitrogen from the air, and thus –fertilizes the soil. Young leaves are not particularly tasty and contain a lot of pulp, but the flowers are edible, sweet and have a pleasant taste. They are used chopped, pickled or dried and milled.

#9 Rosemary

Rosemary has needle-like leaves and light blue flowers, and it is classified as an evergreen plant. It is used for flavoring vegetables and is known to stimulate circulation and blood flow to the brain, improving concentration and even curing headaches. Although dedicated to the goddess of beauty and love – Aphrodite, Rosemary is also a symbol of wisdom which strengthens memory.

#10 Plantain

Plantain is a popular and easily recognizable kind of meadow plants. The most famous use of plantain is in the treatment of a cough, but it is useful in all respiratory diseases. It helps to all the respiratory organs, especially in diseases characterized by mucus discharge. It is recommended in the treatment of asthma, pneumonia, and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Posted by Stephanie L, the co-founder of Howmuchisit.