5 Edible Backyard Weeds With Extraordinary Health Benefits
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Did you know your garden is hiding all sorts of nutritional and medicinal gems?
From curing heartburn, cystitis and coughs to providing free protein, vitamins and minerals, common weeds have some truly amazing benefits. Sadly, most people simply dig them up, mow them down or kill them in various ways.
Why not take a look at what’s really growing in your backyard? you might just think twice about adding them to the compost-heap.
1.Dandelion
Dandelion has been used throughout history to treat everything from liver-problems and kidney-disease to heartburn and appendicitis. Today, it is mainly used as a diuretic, appetite stimulant and for the liver and gallbladder.
Every part of this common weed is edible, from the roots to the blossoms. Use the leaves in sandwiches and stir fries – they boast more beta carotene than carrots, meaning they are great for healthy eyes! Roots can be made into a herbal-tea, or roasted and ground as a coffee substitute.
2.Purslane
A nutritional powerhouse, purslane contains more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable. It’s rich in Vitamin-A, C, E as well as magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron. In traditional Chinese medicine, purslane leaves are used for insect bites and bee stings, sores, diarrhea and hemorrhoids.
With a somewhat sour and salty flavor, it’s an acquired taste, but works great in soups and stews. Try breading and frying the leaves for a tempura style side dish.
3.Stinging Nettle
Another popular medicinal weed, you’ll require gloves or thick skin when picking this! It’s used for urination-problems and kidney-stones, joint ailments and as a diuretic. The leaves are also said to help fight allergies and hay fever.
Nettles are rich in Vitamins-A, B2, C, D, and K and have important nutrients like antioxidants, amino-acids and chlorophyll. They’re also a good source of calcium, potassium, iodine, manganese, and especially iron.
Stir-fry nettle makes a side dish similar to collard greens and is great when added to omelets. You can also make some delicious dips, teas, soups and pesto.
4.Curly Dock
Curly dock is one of the hardiest and most widespread weeds, so you should have no trouble finding a source. The leaves are high in beta-carotene, Vitamin-C, and zinc ensuring good immunity, and the seeds are rich in calcium and fiber.
The stems of the curly dock can be peeled and eaten either cooked or raw, and the mature seeds can be roasted to make an earthy, warm drink.
5.Chickweed
This garden weed is a great source of Vitamins-A, D and C, as well as iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc! Chickweed has a delicate flavor, much like spinach, and works well when freshly picked and added to sandwiches and salads. If you don’t like the taste, you can still reap the benefits by hiding it in soups and stews.
Medicinally, chickweed can be used as a topical treatment for minor cuts, burns, eczema and rashes.
If you’re picking weeds from a public place, make sure they’re not sprayed with chemicals.
DISCLAIMER: The materials and the information contained on Natural ways channel are provided for general and educational purposes only and do not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. None of the information on our videos is a substitute for a diagnosis and treatment by your health professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provide.
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