By Andrea Jackson

I love weeds. There, I said it. Don’t worry, I do pull them (there’s a reason why they’re called weeds, after all) but I am much more likely to make a tincture, or a salve, or something good (yes good) to eat than to discard them completely.

After all, weeds were really the first herbs. Emerson said, “weeds are but an unloved flower.” They have also been called a plant out of place. Consider a field of commercial dandelions with a single forlorn rose bush growing in the middle. Now which one is the weed?

Weeds tell wonderful stories, and as we learn them, they take us on a journey to discover where they came from and how they came to be who they are today. For example, there’s common plantain (Plantago major). Also called broadleaf plantain, this plant is everywhere, which is a good thing for us because chewing a leaf and applying it to a sting will relieve it instantly. It is an unparalleled remedy for skin conditions and finds its way into just about every salve I make. The common name evolved from the Roman name planta, or the sole of man’s foot, because it seemed to follow the Roman legions wherever they went throughout Europe. This is certainly a good indication that plantain has been around for quite a while. The Anglo-Saxons called it the mother of herbs and used a magical verse anytime it was applied to a wound.

If you have a garden, you have purslane (Portulaca oleracea). Its succulent leaves, spread out in all directions, make it look rather like a prostrate jade plant. Although it is an annual, even the tiniest stem left behind will sprout a new plant. Purslane has been enjoyed all over the world as a potherb, thus its species name oleracea, meaning “used as food.” It is known as the vegetable for long life in China.
Purslane is one of the highest plant sources of omega 3 fatty acids and can be used in simple summer soups and salads. Each summer I make a wonderful purslane relish that far surpasses any relish from the grocery shelf. The recipe is in my current favorite wild foods book, The Forager’s Feast, by Leda Meredith.

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and black mustard (Brassica nigra) are certainly some of the most invasive plants around; fortunately, they are also delicious. Make a yummy pesto with the young leaves or sauté a crushed clove of garlic, toss in a handful of garlic mustard leaves and violet leaves, and cook for no more than 30 seconds. Then sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and a dash of soy sauce and you have a healthy, delectable side dish.

This is just a teaser to help you to see weeds in a different way. Since they have always been with us and will always be with us, perhaps it’s time to get to know them better. For more fascinating information about these plants, read Just Weeds by Pamela Jones or A City Herbal by Maida Silverman.

Medicinal Disclaimer: It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.

Photo Credits: 1) A field of dandelions (Public Domain); 2) Broad leaf plantain (Robert Flogaus-Faust); 3) Purslane (Harry Rose); 4) Garlic mustard (Archenzo)