Herbalism 101~Part 2
Here is the second entry on Beginner Herbalism from my sweet friend, Jamie. I love how she makes it understandable and easy to jump in with one foot…and then two!
Using weeds for food & medicine
Happy Spring! After looking at the questions to answer when looking into herbs in a previous post let’s take a look at one of the most common harbingers of spring - the humble dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). What on earth could dandelions be good for besides free wishes? Normally considered a weed and eradicated from most lawns, this lovely little plant is a nutritious food as well as medicine.
Using dandelions as food brings many beneficial nutrients to our diets. Everything from the roots which are high in nutrients like iron and potassium to the flowers which are high in lutein to support eye health the whole dandelion plant is full of nutrition. So much goodness in this often overlooked herbal ally.[1]
Another amazing spring herb that’s even used for seasonal allergies is stinging nettle (urtica dioica). Just like with dandelions the whole young nettle plant can be used for food. They are often called a “super food” because of their high vitamin, mineral, and protein content. Helping with allergies, eczema, arthritis, and lowering blood pressure, are just some of nettles' gifts. It does take careful harvesting methods as the plants do live up to their name and will sting an ungloved hand.[2]
Making and introducing dandelions and nettles into our diets is one more amazing way to utilize the art of herbalism as another step in our journey toward healthy living. As you begin your herbal journey there are a couple things to remember; I’ve included references below to assist in learning how to identify these herbs, it’s important to only forage herbs, like dandelions and nettles from a place that has not been sprayed with weed killer for at least three years and it’s important to harvest sustainably. We share the plants with the bees so we don’t want to take them all.
See you outside,
Jamie
This information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
