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Plants (And Weeds!) That Are Actually Good For You
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items Before modern medicine people turned to plants for health. Most offer benefits with little to no side effects. Here is a list of the plants many may not know that can help with health conditions……and some can be found in your own back yard! As always...
YES! Believe it or not, this weed is actually packed with vitamins. The whole plant is edible. I make jelly from the flowers….tastes like honey.
Dandelion: Health Benefits and Side Effects - Healthline
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Another weed that has health benefits, it can help with respiratory ailments, skin conditions, and digestive issues, among other things.
MULLEIN – Uses, Side Effects, and More - WebMD
Also known as marigolds, a flower that does more than look pretty! It is used for wounds and skin conditions mainly, but has many other uses too.
7 Emerging Uses of Calendula Tea and Extract - Healthline
Roses, especially the hips, can be used for beauty products and in teas for added benefits. Great for the skin.
5 Health Benefits of Rose (Petals n' Hips) - Blume
The flower actually has nectar in it which is sweet! But mainly used for menopausal symptoms.
Red Clover: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects - Healthline
This pretty blue flower root can be used as a coffee substitute so no caffeine. Provides other health benefits too.
Are There Health Benefits of Chicory? - WebMD
You've probably seen these all around but never knew they could be healthy!
Plantain Weed: Benefits, Side Effects, and Uses - Healthline
While being considered more of a pest for people with allergies, it does have it's benefits.
Ragweed: This Foe May be a Friend Too
You may have this plant growing wild in your yard, but didn't know it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Japanese Knotweed: Compounds, Uses, Safety, and More
I guarantee everyone knows this plant just by looking at it, but it can help with many ailments, including migraines. Flushes toxins from the body.
The Benefits of Queen Anne's Lace - Bella Vista Farm
You've probably seen these growing out of sidewalk cracks. But these weeds actually have a high omega-3 content, along with vitamins A, C and E.
Health Benefits of Purslane - WebMD
The plants with the spiny stingers can actually be a benefit to people with sinus and allergies. It helps with some other things too!
6 Benefits of Stinging Nettle (Plus Side Effects) - Healthline
Used for digestive issues and skin ailments. Has a laxative effect, but also detoxes. Only take in pill form! The plant itself is poisonous.
Yellow Dock - Uses, Side Effects, and More - WebMD
Shake your shamrocks! Three leaf clovers. The seeds are used in culinary arts, but the plant is good as an immune booster with some powerful vitamins and nutrients.
White Clover Seeds: Common Uses for Food and Medicine
Related to the tomato plant, American bittersweet (nightshade) has uses for respiratory ailments and skin conditions. American bittersweet is harmless, but the Oriental bittersweet is highly toxic.
Bittersweet Nightshade Uses, Benefits & Dosage - Drugs.com
A weed that helps with bone formation and strengthening due to the silicon it contains. Also helps with hair, skin and nails.
Horsetail: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects - Healthline
Starweed. They look like mini versions of daisies. They can help with immune health due to their high vitamin and mineral content.
Chickweed: Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions, and Dosage
They may look scary and uninviting, but these weeds have the benefit of protecting the liver. It can also help with blood sugar and cholesterol.
Milk Thistle: Benefits and Side Effects - WebMD
A versatile herb with many benefits, it is mainly used to staunch bleeding so it's good for people with nose bleeding issues and heavy menstruation.
Shepherd's Purse: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, and More
These little yellow flowers are high in vitamin C so it's a good immune booster.
Wood Sorrel: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions
Common mallow has a soothing effect so it's good for use in respiratory ailments such as coughs and sore throats.
Benefits of Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris) - Permaculture
Good for wounds and abrasions since it has astringent properties. Also good to cook with, as it can be used like traditional basil.
[PDF] Wild Basil - Creative Native Foods
Also known as ground ivy, it can be used in cooking despite it's strong flavor. It is also used medicinally in tonics to relieve headaches. High in vitamin C.
Why I Love Creeping Charlie… - Lamb Shoppe
Violets can be candied and used for edible decorations. In traditional uses it is used for soothing nerves and coughs.
Plant Medicine: Wild Violet Benefits and Uses - Calico and Twine
They look similar to lettuce and are just as healthy. Just a serving gives you half your daily dose of calcium and magnesium. Loaded with vitamins.
Lambs Quarter - Wild Blessings
Can be used as a detox as well as immune support.
What Are the Benefits and Side Effects of Cleavers? - Verywell Health
No one would think these spikey plants have any benefit but they do. Detox and hormone balancer. Also good for the skin.
Burdock Root: Benefits, Side Effects, and More - Healthline
Much more than a pretty flower! Not only are they edible, they can be used for gastrointestinal and respiratory issues.
The Remarkable Properties of the Humble Daisy - The Herbal Hub
About now everyone knows the benefits of the elderberry in immune support, but that is just the berries! The flowers can be used to make teas and even champagne.
The Pros and Cons of Elderberry - Healthline
Everyone has seen these, and may at one time got the ink from the berries staining their hands. Although every part of the plant is toxic, it can be harvested to be beneficial. Ongoing studies say it might be a treatment for cancer.
Poke Root: Potential Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, and Where to Get It
These water-loving plants are packed with nutrients, the shoots and the stalks specifically. They can be eaten raw, and can even be dried and made into a flour.
Health Benefits of Cattail, Uses And Its Side Effects - Lybrate
Everyone knows the seeds are good for you, but the petals are also edible. Can be used in cooking, added to salads, or made into teas. Good for the skin.
Health Benefits of Sunflower Seeds - WebMD
Just like a traditionally grown strawberry if you're lucky enough to find them. Packed with vitamin C and other vitamins and nutrients. Don't throw away the leaves! They are just as beneficial and can be used in teas.
Wild Strawberries: Medicinal Weed and Superfood
A highly nutritious weed, it can be used in salads, soups and other culinary dishes. It is also used medically in salves to treat cuts and scrapes, or the raw plant can be used topically for first aid.
Foraging & Uses for Purple Dead Nettle - Lonely Pines Farm
The flowers are edible in moderation, and offers the same benefits as garlic. Contains selenium, so too many can be harmful.
Castilleja coccinea (Indian Paintbrush) Schrophulariaceae
The bark of the tree contains salicin, and was used as an early form of aspirin. Since it acts like aspirin caution must be taken when using it.
Willow bark Information | Mount Sinai - New York
Just the smell of pine alone is good for you! It can boost immunity and in turn fight viruses and some suggest fight cancer. The needles are high in vitamin A and C and can be used in teas. The cones can even be used as an extract to help with auto-i...
5 Reasons To Plant Pine Trees | Garden Goods Direct