Herbal Collage by Kathy McCabe and OpenAI
The abundance of growing herbs in my yard is astounding! As I’m still regaining my strength from my recent illness, I’m putting this article out to shed some light on the bounty growing in my region.
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Known for its bright yellow flowers and fluffy seed heads. Herbal Benefits: Dandelion is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and is known for its diuretic properties. The roots are often used to support liver health and digestion (source).
- Chickweed (Stellaria media): A low-growing plant with small white flowers, often found in lawns and gardens. Herbal Benefits: Chickweed is known for its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties. It can be used to soothe skin irritations and is often included in salves for treating cuts and rashes (source).
- Plantain (Plantago major): Broad, oval leaves with prominent veins, commonly found in lawns and disturbed soils. Herbal Benefits: Plantain leaves have been used for their wound-healing properties. They can help draw out toxins and reduce inflammation when applied as a poultice (source).
- Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea): A creeping plant with round, scalloped leaves and small blue-violet flowers. Herbal Benefits: Ground Ivy is traditionally used for respiratory issues. It can help alleviate coughs and congestion and has been used in teas to support lung health (source).
- Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata): An invasive biennial herb with heart-shaped leaves and white, four-petaled flowers. Herbal Benefits: Garlic Mustard has antimicrobial properties and can be used as a digestive aid. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, providing a mild garlic flavor (source).
- Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum): A member of the mint family, with purple-tinged leaves and small pink flowers. Herbal Benefits: Purple Deadnettle is known for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. It can be used to treat allergies and skin conditions and is often included in herbal teas (source).
- Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea): A succulent plant with fleshy, green leaves and yellow flowers. Herbal Benefits: Purslane is high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. It is used to promote heart health and has anti-inflammatory properties (source).
- Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris): Named for its triangular, purse-like seed pods; it has small white flowers. Herbal Benefits: Shepherd’s Purse is used to reduce bleeding and support menstrual health. It can help with conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage (source).
- Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule): Another mint family member, with scalloped leaves and tiny pink or purple flowers. (Henbit is often mistaken for Purple Deadnettle.) Herbal Benefits: Henbit has been used to support digestive health and reduce inflammation. It can also be used as a mild sedative and to treat minor wounds (source).
- Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): A tall, aromatic herb with deeply lobed leaves, commonly found in disturbed areas. Herbal Benefits: Mugwort is known for its calming effects and is often used to promote restful sleep and vivid dreams. It can also aid in digestion and is used in traditional practices like moxibustion (source).
These plants are usually abundant and can be found during this time of year in various habitats, including gardens, lawns, fields, and roadsides.
Kathy McCabe with OpenAI
Kathy is an herbalist/naturopathic practitioner who is constantly researching to expand her knowledge. She came to herbalism after her migraine medicine was suddenly removed from the market and she had to find something new. After discovering the magic of herbs she’s never looked back. She is accredited by the International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine (IPHM) and is an Associate Member of the American Herbalist Guild.