Dandelion -
Taraxacum officinale
(Asteraceae Family)
The Dandelion plant is not native to North America but was introduced by Europeans.
Due to the fact that it does spread easily and has such a deep tap-root, many people do not want this plant in their yard. For fans of the Dandelion, rest assure that there are just as many people who love to have this plant ally in their yard or garden.
The edible and medicinal uses are amazing; but did you know that because of the deep tap-root, it helps bring up nutrition to the shallow rooted plants? Dandelion also is an amazing plant for attracting pollinating insects.
For these reasons, the Dandelion is a wonderful plant for companion planting.
The entire plant; flower, leaves, stem and root are all edible.
Medicinal uses:
Most people have heard of Dandelion root being used as a liver tonic. It helps purify the liver but also encourages digestion.
The root stimulates bile, which helps break down cholesterol and fat. You can also use the root in place of caffeinated coffee.
Dandelion is a natural diuretic, so it aides in detoxifying the body as well as helping control blood sugar and the treatment of hypertension
Dandelion leaf has been found to be a good source of potassium.
An oil or salve made with the aerial or root can have amazing anti-inflammatory action against swelling and related pain like arthritis.
Recipe:
Dandelion tea (made with root):
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Slice or chop Dandelion root and place on a cookie sheet. Then bake for 30 – 40 minutes, or until the root is a dark brown shade. Once the root has cooled, grind it like you would coffee beans. Because this is made with the root, you will need to make a decoction.
Decoction instructions from Rosemary Gladstar:
- Place 4 to 6 tablespoons of dried herb in a small saucepan. Add 1 quart cold water.
- With the heat on low, bring the mixture to a slow simmer, cover, and let simmer for 25 to 45 minutes. (The length of simmering time and the amount of her you use will affect the strength of the tea.) For a stronger decoction, simmer the herbs for 20 to 30 minutes, the pour the mixture into a quart jar and set it aside to infuse overnight.
- Strain and drink
- Drink ½ to 1 cup two or three times daily, or as desired.
Warning:
Dandelion is generally safe, but do not use if you are allergic to plants in the same family or similar plants like ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, yarrow or daisy.
DO NOT TAKE WHILE PREGNANT OR NURSING
Mullein
Verbascum Thapsus
(Figwort Family)
Mullein is not a native to North America, but was introduced in the 1700’s by Europeans. It can be found in any type of soil from rocky, dry areas to beautiful, maintained gardens in someone’s yard. This plant can be found abundantly in fields where livestock live due to the fact that it is toxic to livestock and they will not touch it. Therefore the seeds are spread and germinated in abundance. The entire plant, including the root has been shown to be medicinal (with the exception of the stem).
Medicinal Uses:
Mullein is considered a SUPER medicinal plant.
Its leaves are anti-spasmodic & an expectorant. Because of these properties, mullein is a miracle worker when it comes to bronchitis, chest colds & allergies as well as other issues with the respiratory system.
You can use mullein as a tincture, a tea, a poultice or even smoking it. Smoking the leaf has been shown to help with asthma.
A tea made up of the leaves and flowers added to a bath can help relieve rheumatic pain.
If drinking tea made with the leaves or taking tincture, keep in mind that because it is an expectorant, it helps induce mucus and will cause you to cough and expel the congestion.
The flowers are an effective anodyne (relieves pain) with antiseptic and infection fighting properties. You can make you own oil infusion with the flowers and then use it for ear infections caused by upper respiratory congestion. It not only fights the infection but also reduces the pain. Keep in mind that this does NOT help earaches due to any other reason but upper respiratory issues. It will NOT help with swimmers ear.
Another use for that same oil infusion is for sunburns and inflamed skin conditions. The anti-inflammatory properties work well for this. Did I mention that you can also use this oil for muscle spasms? Simply rub the oil on the muscle you are having issues with.
Another amazing medicinal use is with the root of the plant. Mullein root powder can be rubbed onto warts and it will kill the virus at the root and will remove the wart.
Recipe:
If you are interested in making your own mullein powder, follow these directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Slice or chop Dandelion root and place on a cookie sheet.
- Then bake for 30 – 40 minutes, or until the root is a dark brown shade.
- Once the root has cooled, grind it like you would coffee beans.
If you do not have mullein powder, you can use the infused oil for the same affect.
Warning:
In some people an allergic reaction might occur. If you have skin irritations, stomach pain and breathing difficulties, do NOT continue use.
DO NOT TAKE WHILE PREGNANT OR NURSING
Oxeye Daisy
Leucanthemum vulgare
(Asteraceae Family)
Like the previous plants, Oxeye Daisy is not native to North America but was introduced by Europeans.
This plant, like so many others can be found in disturbed landscapes. You may find it on a roadside, by a creek or even in some people’s gardens. Oxeye Daisy is not to be confused with the Shasta Daisy. The Shasta Daisy is much taller.
The leaves, young shoots, flowers and root are all edible. Young shoots and leaves are good cut up and placed in salads.
Medicinal Use:
The entire arial parts are medicinal but the flower is the most potent. Oxeye Daisy has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, and tonic properties. It is known to induce sweating, relieve coughs, and heal wounds.
Like Mullein, Oxeye Daisy is a super plant allie. A tea or tincture made of the Oxeye Daisy flower can be used for chest congestion and coughing. Because it has antispasmodic properties, it helps with asthmas due to relieving spasms in the airway.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Oxeye Daisy can be used as a tonic to sooth irritation and inflammation in the body. It can also be used for wounds, bruises,
rashes, fungal infections and other skin diseases.
Oxeye Daisy is also a mild diuretic and can expel toxins through the urine and the skin.
And to top off all its abilities; it can also be uses as eye drop/wash for eye infections and conjunctivitis.
Recipe:
Tea can be made with the flowers, leaves and stalks combined or individually. Keep in mind that by using all the above parts of the plant, you are gaining the most medicinal use possible. Simply place a tsp. per 8 oz. cup of boiling water, cover and steep for 10 minutes. Once steeped; then strain and drink. You may add honey to help with flavor.
Another recipe is for eye drops. Eye drops can be made by simply boiling the flowers in distilled water as you would a tea. Let sit to cool and then strain. You can now use the strained, distilled water as drops or a wash.
Warning:
Not enough is known about the use of Oxeye Daisy with pregnancy and breastfeeding, so the recommendation is to avoid during these times.
Plantain
Plantago major
(Plantago Family)
Plantain is NOT native to North America but like other plants, was introduced by Europeans.
Plantain is as common as finding dandelion in your yard. Many people don’t realize how amazing this plan is, that’s why they call it a “weed.”
Like many plants, there are several different types of plantain.
The picture above is considered the “Common” plantain, known as Plantago major.
The additional types of plantain are;
- Narrowleaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
- Blackseed plantain (Plantago rugelil)
- Bond plantain (Plantago ovate)
- Braceted plantain (Plantago aristata)
- Chines plantain (Plantago asiatica)
- Buck’s-horn plantain (Plantago coronopus)
- Wooly plantain (Plantago patagonica)
The above list of plantain types is not only edible, but they are medicinal as well. Narrowleaf plantain can be used exactly as you would use Plantago Major (Common Plantain).
Plantain can be found growing in difficult landscapes as well as in maintained gardens. The leaves and seeds can be used is salads and other meals. It is nutrient dense and has protein, starch and other vitamins which make it a great plant for an emergency food. The younger leaves are the best as the older leaves become stringy like celery.
Medicinal Uses:
Plantains medicinal qualities include anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-oxidant, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, hepatoprotective, immune modulating, and a weak antibiotic.
Plantain can draw toxicity from the body. It has a history of being called a “blood purifier”. It helps stimulate the liver and clean the blood, so is used for blood poisoning.
. If you find yourself in need of a laxative, the plantain seeds can help. The seeds that grow on the long stalks are rich in mucilage and make a mild laxative.
You can combine the juice from the leave with water to create your own gargle. This can be used to help with sore throats and swelling of the gums. If you have a toothache, place a fresh or dried leaf on the infected area. It can help relieve swelling, infection and pain.
Plantain is considered a “super poultice.” Due to its many properties, it is used for wounds, sores, stings, insect bites and snake bites.
Another medicinal use for plantain is for ulcers, colitis, leaky gut and autoimmune diseases. For these specific issues, you will want to use a tea or a tincture to help with healing your insides.
Recipe:
For plantain tea, place 1 tsp. of dried plantain leaves or 1 tablespoon of fresh plantain leaves into an 8 oz. cup of boiling water. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink.
For autoimmune and other chronic diseases, drink 2 cups a day.
For a plantain seed infusion, simply follow the directions above, replacing the leaves with the plantain seeds. DO NOT STRAIN! This will give you a very mucilage tea that you can drink. Drink once cup of this before bedtime to help relieve constipation
To make a poultice for sores, bites, stings, snake bites etc., simply crush the leaves and place them on the area. For a stronger poultice, you will want to do a “spit” poultice. Take the leaves and chew them up in your mouth, releasing the plants juices. Then place the spit poultice on the affected area and cover with a cloth. You may repeat this act as often as needed.
Warning:
There are no known reactions or side effects. Due to lack of knowledge for women pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid using this plant.
Yarrow:
Achillea millefolium
(Asteraceae Family)
Yarrow, like the others is not native to North America but introduced by europeans.
There are different types of yarrow and the flower colors range from white, yellow, pink and red.
All parts of the plant are medicinal and have anti-inflammatory anti-funfal and anti-bacterial properties.
Yarrow can be found in poor, dry soil. It does not like humid or wet conditions.
Medicinal Uses:
Yarrow can be used to stop internal and external bleeding. It is affective on bruises, sprains, swelling, as well as fever colds and measles.
When using yarrow to stop external bleeding, be aware that yarrow will start healing from the outside. This is fine for small injuries, but if it is a deep wound, use yarrow only to stop the bleeding till you can be seen by a medical professional. Wounds need to heal from the inside out so be mindful of the depth of your injuries
To use yarrow on a wound, first make sure to clean the wound thoroughly as the yarrow will stop the bleeding and keep the dirt in the blood. Then chop the leaves finely and place on the area and cover. You can do this a couple times a day till the area has healed.
You may find relief with dental pain by chewing on the yarrow root.
The best ways to use yarrow is either by a poultice of fresh leaves, infused oil, salves, tea or powdered.
Recipe:
For yarrow tincture you would chop up fresh yarrow leaves and flowers. Then add them to a quart mason jar and cover with 80 proof alcohol (vodka, rum, brandy). Label the jar with ingredients and the date. Place in a cool, dark location and check on it every few days. Make sure to shake the jar when you are checking on it. Let this sit up to 4 – 6 weeks. Then remove and strain. The liquid is now your tincture. When taking, start with just a few drops a day and slowly add if needed.
To make yarrow oil, you will take fresh or dried leaves and place them in a mason jar. Make sure that your fresh leaves do not have any dew on them as it will cause the oil to go rancid. Once the leaves are in the jar, cover them with organic olive oil or another carrier oil of your choice. Make sure your lid is on tight and place in the sun. You will need to let this sit for 4 weeks, then strain the plant matter from the oil.
If you would like to make this process quicker, you can use a pan (or crockpot) with 1/3 of it filled with water. Set the mason jar with the yarrow and oil in it and let it heat for 2 – 3 hours. Then strain and it is ready to use.
If using and oil infuser machine, please follow their directions for that specific machine.
In order to make a salve, simply take the oil infusion, measure out 4 oz. of oil into a double boiler. Add 1 oz. bees wax and stir till the wax is melted. Then place in a container and let the contents setup.
For yarrow tea, you will use a tsp. of either fresh or dried leaves and flowers per 8 oz. of boiling water. Cover and let steep for10 minutes, then strain.
Warning:
Yarrow is generally safe, but do not use if you are allergic to plants in the same family or similar plants like ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, yarrow or daisy.
DO NOT TAKE WHILE PREGNANT OR NURSING
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