Many gardeners consider the following three herbs nuisance "weeds," and will promptly remove them when they pop up, but they may not comprehend the many healing and nutritional benefits these powerful plants have to offer.
GOLDENROD solidago virgauria
Contrary to the widespread belief, goldenrod is not the cause of late-summer seasonal allergies or "hayfever." In fact, it is used to treat ragweed and grass allergies marked by mucus build-up and coughing. It is also used to treat upper-respiratory infections. It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-catarrhal and diuretic.
Goldenrod tea made from the dried aerial parts of the plant (preferably before the plant has flowered) is used to treat flu, cystitis, and laryngitis.
CLEAVERS galium aparine
Also known as "goosegrass," this herb is used as a cooked green, salad, and the dried seeds are used as a coffee substitute. The shoots are best in the spring and the fruits for drying and consuming as a coffee-like beverage are ripe in early summer.
The dried or fresh herb has many healing properties including being anti-inflammatory, astringent, detoxifying, and diuretic. It has a mild laxative effect and is stimulating to the lymphatic system. It has been used to treat skin conditions such as wounds, ulcers, eczema and psoriasis, and also more serious diseases such as cancer.
Consumed as a tea or infusion, it has been used to treat tonsillitis, hepatitis, cystitis, liver, and bladder infections.
PLANTAIN
Plantain (the herb, not the banana) is one of the most well-known and well-documented herbal medicines in cultures throughout the world, its mild antibiotic and antiseptic properties make it an excellent all-around natural remedy and its leaves can be consumed raw, as a cooked green, dried as a tea, or in tincture form. It is rich in vitamins B1 and riboflavin.
There are over 200 species of plantain, but two predominant types are naturalized in North America, common plantain, plantago major, and English or lance-leaved plantain, p. lanceolota.
The leaves and the seeds are used medicinally as as an alternative medicine for asthma, emphysema, bladder problems, bronchitis, fever, hypertension, rheumatism and blood sugar control. A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of a wide range of ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, cystitis, bronchitis, catarrh, sinusitis, coughs, asthma and hay fever.
Plantain also causes a natural aversion to tobacco and is currently being used in smoking cessation preparations. It is also being studied for its apparent uterine muscle toning action and liver protecting effects.
A poultice applied to cuts and wounds draws out thorns, splinters and inflammation. The leaves are said to promote healing without scars.
Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which acts as a bulk laxative and sooths irritated membranes. The seeds are also used to expell parasites. A distilled water made from the plant makes an excellent eye lotion.
Both the roots and leaves are used as an anti-venom. Recent research reveals that the plant contains the glycoside Acubin which has been reported in the Journal Of Toxicology as a powerful anti-toxin and anti-inflammatory. Bruised, crushed (or chewed) plantain leaves have long been used as a traditional folk remedy for bites (including rattler and other venomous snake bites), insect stings, ulcers, and many other skin ailments.
The following is a simple recipe for healing salve and facial cream:
PLANTAIN SALVE
- 1 pound of plantain (entire plant)
- 1 cup vegetable shortening/coconut oil
Cook on low heat in a non-metal pot or pan until mixture softens and strain while still hot.
When cool it can be used for burns, bites, rashes and sores, and also as a facial night cream.
Some othodox gardeneners might still insist that these herbs have no place in a formal garden and might argue that their looks might tend to detract from the aesthetic quality, but, with a little ingenuity, there are many ways to incorporate wildflowers and herbs into a traditional flower bed and benefit from their many valuable uses. With little or no effort at all It is indeed quite possible to have a garden that is as useful as it is pleasing to the eye.
SOURCES:
The Dictionary of Useful Plants, Nelson Coon, 1974,Rodale Press
Folk Medicine of the Delaware and Related Algonkian Indians, Gladys Tantaquidgeon, 1972, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The New Holistic Herbal, David Hoffman, 1983, Element Books Limited
Back to Eden, Jethro Kloss, 1972, Woodbridge Press
Get Well Naturally, Linda Clark, 1965, ARC Books Inc.
Natures Medicines, Richard Lucas, 1966, Parker Publishing Co.
Natural First Aid, Brigitte Mars, 1999, Storey Books
Veronica Timpanelli - Artist, photographer, wildcrafter/herbalist, researcher, and avid music-lover, Veronica makes and sells natural skincare products at ...
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