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Beneficial Weeds You Must Know About
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4. Stinging Nettle
This prickly weed is native to North America and has a long history of being used in traditional medicine. The plant has relatively short leaves with serrated edges but the leaves and stems are not stinging themselves – in fact, what causes the stinging sensation are the stinging hairs present on the plant. The way the plant works is that when the stinging hairs are touches, the tip comes off and injects a concoction of chemicals that triggers an allergy-like reaction in our bodies. But stinging nettle is not all stings and unpleasantness.
In fact, this plant has many medicinal uses. It has been known to be helpful against seasonal allergies, since the plant itself can act as a sort of ‘vaccine’ for allergies. It is also helpful for joint pains, osteoarthritis and other inflammatory pains. The weed is rich in iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, and Vitamins A, D, and C. The weed can be used in teas, as poultices, or dried and used in infusions. To eat, the weed can also be used in soups, salads, and even frozen and used later.
5. Shepherd’s Purse
This weed is part of the mustard family and is found abundantly in many North American backyards and is actually one of the most common weeds in the world. The name of the weed comes from the shape of the seed pods of the plant which are heart-shaped in nature and resemble the shepherd’s purses that the shepherd’s used to carry. The weed has a peppery taste and can be used dried in place of pepper itself. Fresh, it can add a spicy punch to a salad or any dish it is used in.
The weed is high in Vitamin K and has been used historically as a way to treat wounds and regulate blood flow. It has been used by soldiers on the battlefield when medicines were scarce to treat wounds and stop bleeding and has roots in Chinese medicine as a treatment for hemorrhages and can be used for any kind of blood regulation. The plant can be made to be used both internally and externally and is helpful against nosebleeds and even menstrual cramps.
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