Dandelions, Stinging Nettle, Spring Bounty-Weeds or Medicine?

Dandelions were brought to North America in the 1600's by Europeans. You will find them in almost all parts of the country now.

Over the years I have heard many people make derogatory remarks about Dandelions; dreaded weed, hard to eliminate, ruins the lawn, etc;

I have never been able to figure out this mindset. Looking at a sea of Dandelions poking their heads out of the earth is a feast for my eyes. It is an indication to me of new beginnings, a fresh new start to the year. How is it possible to dislike such a bright and beautiful plant provided by Mother Nature to help us be healthy?

There are many lotions, potions and poisons available to dump on these harmless plants. There are many articles written on how to eradicate them from existing in our yards.

I think there are some folks that sit inside their homes, waiting and watching for signs of these plants so they can swoop down and destroy them.

Perhaps I could understand if there were negative effects attached to the flower.

As far as I understand from what I read, Dandelions are prolific and very challenging to get rid of. But again, how can one be offended by the sight of such a cheery looking little flower. Scotch Broom is another plant that grows  abundantly in our area. Scotch Broom is also very pretty to look at. I don't know if there are health benefits attached to using Scotch Broom and I don't understand the bad rap that plant gets either.

Both Dandelions and Scotch Broom are a bright and cheery sight(to me), with blossoms that are a gorgeous shade of yellow. They brighten up what could potentially be an otherwise dreary landscape.

I know a German herbalist that is very knowledgeable about uses for common flowers, herbs and weeds that grow among us, that the Universe provides for us to help prevent and even cure, a variety of human ailments.

She told me she eats ten Dandelion stems every day for ten days, at the beginning of Spring. She says it removes toxins from the body and purifies the blood.

I think this is a largely overlooked practice. Dandelions are said to detoxify the liver, dissolve kidney stones,lower cholesteral and relieve constipation, among dozens of other health benefits and uses.

This sounds like an impressive resume for a flower/weed that many consider to be a pest and nuisance.

According to the USDA Bulletin #8, "Composition of Foods", Dandelions rank in the top four green vegetables in overall nutritional value.

It is also one of the top six herbs in the Chinese herbal medicine chest.

I think this beautiful little plant ought to be revered and honored for all the health benefits if offers to humans, and perhaps animals too,

I haven't researched the benefits of animals eating Dandelions but I am sure, in some capacity they are consumed by and aid in, the overall health of our wildlife.

I haven't read anything to suggest Stinging Nettle is as offensive to the eye as Dandelion. Stinging Nettle grows abundantly in the Pacific Northwest in the Spring, blending in with the many other shades of green along a forest path. The plants grow up to five feet high. This plant has many hollow hairs on its leaves that act like little hypodermic needles. These little needles inject histamine and other chemicals into people and animals that brush against them, creating a stinging sensation.

The Stinging Nettle has a long history of medicinal uses. The Stinging Nettle is said to stimulate action in the kidneys and bladder. Eating Nettle shoots in the Spring helps to rid the body of toxins. Stinging Nettle is used to treat inflammation of the urinary tract. It also reduces symptoms of gout and arthritis.

The same woman that told me about the wonderful properties of Dandelions told me that she would pick Stinging Nettle bare-handed for a few hours in the Spring and, although it was painful and caused discomfort, after the sting went away her arthritis symptoms in her hands would also disappear, for up to six months!

We pick Stinging Nettle in the Spring, slightly steam it and eat it with our meals. Stinging Nettle is rich in antioxidants. It also contains beta-carotene and vitamin C.

Stinging Nettle is an all round good plant to ingest. It is also said to act as a diuretic and boost the immune system.

Get out and pick some to add to your diet. Give your immune system a treat and a boost.