These common plants grow just about everywhere in temperate climates, and many gardeners yank them right out of their yards. But guess what? These spring weeds have many edible and medicinal benefits!
From being nutritional superstars to soothing the skin and supporting digestion, these five edible and medicinal spring weeds are well worth getting to know. You might even find yourself tending your own weed patch…
Remember, it is important to have 125% accurate identification of your plants before using them for food or medicine. If you aren’t sure, consult a field guide or better yet, ask someone knowledgeable in your area.
#1 Cleavers
Cleavers (Galium aparine), also known as goosegrass and bedstraw, is high in minerals and vitamins. This plant also supports the kidneys, urinary tract, and lymph. Juicing it makes a wonderful cooling drink for warm spring or summer days.
Learn more: Cleavers
#2 Dandelion
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is one of the world’s most nutrient-dense greens. As a bitter tonic, this edible and medicinal spring weed also supports your body’s digestive system. Try adding a few dandelion leaves to your salads to get those bitter benefits!
Learn more: Dandelion Greens
#3 Mallow
Mallow (Malva neglecta and other species) is a soothing plant that helps to heal the digestive tract as well as parched throats in hot, dry climates. You can put the leaves and flowers in salads, soups, sandwiches, smoothies, and more.
Learn more: Mallow
#4 Nettle
Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a nourishing superfood full of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Cooking, steaming, blanching, or boiling it gets rid of the sting. Check out my easy and delicious 10-minute nettle soup recipe at the link below…
Learn more: Nettle
#5 Plantain
Plantain (Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata) is one of the best remedies for bee stings and is a great one to teach kids about. This abundant weed also reduces inflammation and infection in minor cuts and scrapes and can be used to soothe sore throats.
Learn more: Plantain
I’d love to hear from you! Have you seen these plants growing near you? Do you have any experiences making food or medicine with them? Please share in the comments below.
All these and more are great in green smoothies. if you like your smoothie to gel, put in more mallow leaf….plantain leaf helps here too, and adds a bit of silkiness. Chickweed is awesome green for early spring smoothies while the weather is still quite cool and moist. very mild and great minerals and demulcent. I actually miss it now that it’s drying up with the heat. I used to be frustrated by it’s rampant growth in my garden, and now I vigorously celebrate it and harvest and eat it!
I’ve been gathering and drying nettles for a long time – today making asparagus and nettle soup!
Yummy!