‘More Than Meets The Eye’

Five Common Wild Plants/’Weeds’ That Are Amazing

Even if we aren’t aware of it, we come in contact with many plants and ‘weeds’ that can be of use to us.

Living in British Columbia, we are lucky, blessed, fortunate — whatever term you want to use — to have a variety of climates and seasons which produce the most beautiful array of fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices and wild and domestic plants for us to enjoy.

I’ve always been keen to learn about what the Earth has to offer. I like learning about how I maximize what it can provide and be understanding and respectful to what it needs in return.

Heading out to pan for gold and pick more choke cherries the other day, I saw an abundance of these five plants/’weeds’ and thought I’d write on them to highlight their uses and benefits. There is definitely more to them than meet the eye…enjoy!

In order from top to bottom and left to right in the photo and keep in mind to always consult a health professional before using and obviously make sure they aren’t harvested in areas that are sprayed with pesticides.

As well, make sure to know EXACTLY what you are picking as there can be poisonous lookalikes to some beneficial plants and do thorough research on proper harvesting, processing, eating procedures, allergic reactions and all other warnings/precautions:

(My own tip…also try to pick in places where dogs or people most likely haven’t taken bush dumps or urinated on them ;)

• 1. DANDELION— roots, leaves, stem and flower

Has a long history of treating liver and stomach issues. They are loaded with fibre, vitamins, minerals, other compounds and may help with blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

“A study in mice with artificially induced inflammatory lung disease showed a significant reduction of lung inflammation in those animals that received dandelion”-healthline.com

• 2. WHITE CLOVER— flower, stems and leaves

Blood cleanser, tonic, detoxifying, antirheumatic properties, helpful eyewash and aids coughs and colds.

White clover should be used from places with cooler climates such as Canada. Otherwise, it can be poisonous.

• 3. LAVENDER — flower, stem and leaves

Lavender oil may help hair grow, is used as a calming agent, promotes good well-being and lowers stress.

Research suggests that it may be useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness. Some studies suggest that consuming lavender as a tea can help digestive issues such as vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas, upset stomach, and abdominal swelling.”-medicalnewstoday.com

• 4. WILD ROSE— stems, leaves, petals and hip/bud

Roses are known for their immune system benefits. They are also anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant.

“Studies were done in Japan that showed rose extracts help with damage to collagen and elastin.” -thegoodstuffbotanicals.com

• 5. GOLDENROD — flowers, stems and leaves

Known to inflammation and pain, considered to help with gout and helpful for urinary issues.

“Goldenrod in Phytodolor has been tested in people as well. In a review of 11 human studies, treatment with Phytodolor was equally effective as aspirin for reducing back pain and knee arthritis.”-healthline.com

Happy foraging!

-Becky