That's No Weed! 12 Medicinal & Edible Plants You Can Grow In Your Yard

Did you know that many types of weeds can actually be potent natural remedies? If you're interested in herbal remedies and plant-foraging for food, here are 12 medicinal and edible plants you can grow in your yard. Better yet, they could already be growing in your back yard, or on your street, and all you need to do is go out and pick them. One of the first rules of herbal lore is to always use what is available. When it comes to so-called weeds, they are always available � too available, in some people's opinion. When you think about it, there's really no need to spend a lot of money on organic herbs and supplements at the local grocery or health food store. All you need to do is go for a walk and keep your eyes open. If you identify some of the plants discussed in this article, you will have an ample supply of natural medicines and healthy foods that are full of nutritional value, all within reach - and all for free.

The best example mentioned here is the dandelion plant. There's a very good chance that you already have dandelions growing on your land or near your home. Notoriously hardy and prolific, dandelions are all-too-often spurned as persistent pests. For this reason, they are cut down, weeded out, and treated with all kinds of chemical herbicides, but no matter what people throw at them, dandelions always seem to grow back. Could it be possible that such a resilient plant could also promote resilience within our own health as well, if we consume it? The answer is a resounding yes. If you live with dandelions in close proximity, you are very blessed indeed because you have a superfood, and one of nature's most potent medicines, in your midst. It is said that every part of the dandelion has a specific medicinal purpose - its roots being particularly beneficial for liver cleansing in the spring time. Dandelion greens are extremely nutritious and can be used in salads. They are particularly delicious when you mix them with spinach, kale, and arugula as these other greens balance out their slightly bitter flavour. According to the calorie counter website, dandelion greens are very high in dietary fiber, iron, calcium, manganese, thiamine, and potassium. They are also very high in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin A. A cup of chopped, raw dandelion greens yields 452 mcg of vitamin K, a key contributor to healthy bone density as well as an important blood clotting component. When you collect your dandelions, however, do make sure they are coming from a pure, organic source and that they haven't been sprayed with herbicides.

This educational write-up on weeds as natural remedies, comes from the �Natural News Network�, a diverse, informative directory where you can find all manner of guides, opinions, articles, videos, and blog posts on natural health. The intention of the Natural News Network is to help inform people so that they can make the best possible choices when it comes to their own health. You'll find lots more natural remedies, natural therapies, and natural medicine articles over at the Natural News Network, in addition to articles on fitness, exercise, natural science, consumer discernment, and environmental sensitivities. If you're researching healthier ways to live and need a little helpful advice, the Natural News Network is one of the best places to start looking.*