A Weed Is Just a Weed, Or Is It - Weeds That Are Herbs

Weeds are adapted to conditions in the area where they grow. Many weeds appear to spring up wherever the soil is cultivated. Some are simply the result of the conditions of your landscape. While most people consider a weed to be nothing more than a nuisance, some of the most common garden weeds are actually beneficial herbs.

Common Weeds Used as Beneficial Herbs

There are a number of weeds used as beneficial herbs. Some of the most common ones include the following:

• Goldenrod - The commonly grown goldenrod is a natural occurring "weed" that has been used as an herb across the globe. Its genus name, Soledago, means "to make whole." It was once used by Native Americans to cure respiratory problems. The plant has also been used for healing wounds, diabetes, and tuberculosis. The leaves of goldenrod can be dried out and made into a calming tea to treat stress and depression.
• Dandelion - Dandelions are another of the weeds used as beneficial herbs. Its name comes from the French "dents de lion" meaning "teeth of lion." You may also know it by puffball as it turns into a white puffball when it goes to seed. While many people think of them as annoying weeds, dandelions are actually a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and D as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. The edible herb has been used to help stimulate digestion, cure warts, and relieve symptoms associated with the common cold and PMS.
• Plantain - You can't get any more common than plantain grass. This noxious weed can quickly fill the lawn. Plantain was commonly referred to as "Whiteman's Foot" by Native Americans, as it was thought to spring up wherever the white men went. It is said to have astringent properties, reducing inflammation of the skin, and as a result has been used to treat minor skin irritations such as stings, bites, burns, and cuts.
• Wild Garlic - Another weed popping up relentlessly in the lawn is wild garlic. This little herb is often confused with the wild onion; nonetheless, many people despise the plant. However, its juice can be used as a moth repellent, and the entire plant is said to repel insects and moles.
• Wild Strawberry - The wild strawberry often gets a bad rap because of its quick-spreading abilities, too. However, not only is the plant edible, but it has many medicinal properties as well. Among them includes the use as an anticoagulant, antiseptic, and fever reducer. The fresh leaves can also be crushed and applied to the skin as a treatment for boils, burns, ringworm, and insect bites.
• Chickweed - Chickweed is probably one of the most common weeds worldwide. However, this quick-spreading groundcover is actually quite tasty in salads and soups or when used as a garnish. This so-called weed is also a good source of vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, and potassium.
• Feverfew - Feverfew is a weedy perennial of the daisy family, commonly popping up wherever the ground has been cultivated. The entire plant has medicinal uses such as for the relief of migraine headaches and arthritis.
• Yarrow - Yarrow, or devil's nettle, may be difficult to control in the lawn or garden, but its fragrant, feathery foliage adds a peppery flavor to salads. The plant's oil is also said to be an effective insect repellant when the leaves are crushed and was believed to be used to slow the bleeding of wounds.
• Mullein - Mullein is another plant commonly deemed as a weed in the lawn or garden. Nonetheless, mullein has been proven effective against respiratory diseases, coughs, sore throats, hemorrhoids, and diarrhea.

Not only do some of the most common lawn and garden weeds exhibit edible or medicinal properties, but many of them produce lovely flowers as well. So, before you pluck that weed from the garden, give it another good look. You may be surprised to learn that your so-called weed requires a space in the herb garden instead.