Part 8: Edible Weeds

Appreciating what we have around us! Edible wildweeds are medicinal.

Why do weeds come?

1. Usually they come to help heal the soil in some way. There might have been a disturbance like a fire, or overgrazing, or through digging and ploughing. Nature says: if some catastrophe has happened, we better feed the people and animals and give them medicine, and let our amazing pioneers who can handle tough environments, poor soils, full sun, wind etc grow as quickly as possible to cover the earth again. Protect the soil and all the sensitive life forms from the elements.
2. To soften the rainfall, prevent soil erosion, and help heal the soil in various ways. Just like when we develop a scab over a wound. The weeds are like a scab, there to protect and heal. And what do we do, we keep picking the scab or taking out the weeds and complaining that it keeps growing back. The best thing to do is let them grow, and then chop and drop.
3. Some weeds like mustard and amaranth have strong roots that can break up clay soils. Others have clumping roots that help to clump sand which improves water and mineral retention. Some will indicate the PH levels of the soil. And many weeds are edible and medical.

Gallant Soldiers

• Good for healing wounds
• Helps stop bleeding
• Anti inflammatory
• Treats stinging nettle stings

Stinging Nettles (LEAVES)

Use in stir fry, soups, stews, tea.
Super nutritious with tons of minerals, vitamins, fats, amino acids, anti oxidants.

• anti inflammatory
• good for arthritis, soothes pain
• may treat hay fever caused by inflammation
• may lower blood pressure and rejuvenate blood sugar levels
• good for liver, kidneys and prostate
• strengthens bones

Dandelions (leaves and roots) tea leaves cooked.

• improves immune system
• stimulates appetite, helps digestion
• detoxify liver and gallbladder
• nutritious
• anti inflammatory
• regulates blood sugar
• reduces cholesterol and lowers blood pressure

Amaranth (leaves and seeds) quinoa is a kind of amaranth.

• Super nutritious - good source of protein, source of vitamin C,boost immune system.
• Seeds can be eaten as a porridge or in soups and stews or used to make bread together with flour. Leaves eaten like spinach.

Illustration above by KT Sherphard Permaculture

Action Steps

1. This is part of a 8-part series. Read Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 ///

2. Can you help us grow? Learn about Growing Hope: Mission 2022

3. Subscribe below for future updates.

4. Start your own veggie patch or home garden.