Useful Weeds: Garlic Mustard
Image created by Kathy McCabe and Copilot
I have quite a bit of garlic mustard around my property, and admittedly, I haven’t researched it really well. What I’ve discovered is that Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a fascinating medicinal weed with a long history of use. Here’s a deep dive into its benefits and applications:
Medicinal Benefits
- Respiratory Support – Traditionally used to ease bronchitis and asthma symptoms.
- Skin Healing – Helps with eczema, ulcers, and wounds due to its antimicrobial properties.
- Digestive Aid – Stimulates appetite and supports digestion.
- Immune Boosting – Contains bioactive compounds that help fight infections.
- Heart Health – Rich in antioxidants that support cardiovascular function.
- Bone Strength – Provides minerals like calcium and vitamin K, beneficial for skeletal health.
How to Use Garlic Mustard
- Culinary Uses – The leaves, flowers, and roots are edible. Young leaves have a mild garlic-mustard flavor and work well in salads, pesto, and soups.
- Tea Infusion – Brew the leaves into a tea to support respiratory health and digestion.
- Poultice for Skin – Crush fresh leaves and apply them to wounds or irritated skin for antimicrobial benefits.
- Tincture – Extract the medicinal compounds in alcohol for long-term use in immune support.
Garlic Mustard Tincture Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh garlic mustard leaves and roots (cleaned and chopped)
- 2 cups high-proof alcohol (like vodka or brandy, 40–50% alcohol)
- 1 glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Amber dropper bottles for storage
Instructions:
- Prepare the Plant Material: Harvest fresh garlic mustard leaves and roots (spring and fall are best for potency). Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Chop finely to maximize surface area.
Extract with Alcohol: Place chopped garlic mustard into the glass jar. Pour high-proof alcohol over the plant material, ensuring it is fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly.
- Infuse & Shake: Store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks. Shake the jar every few days to enhance extraction.
- Strain & Bottle: After infusion, strain the liquid through cheesecloth. Transfer into amber glass dropper bottles to preserve potency.
Dosage & Usage:
- General immune support – Take 30–40 drops (½ tsp) in water, up to 3 times daily.
- Respiratory aid – Add 20–30 drops to tea for bronchial relief.
- Digestive tonic – Use 10–20 drops before meals to stimulate digestion.
So, here I go off to harvest some garlic mustard! Have a blessed day! Kathy
Sources:
Garlic Mustard facts and health benefits
The 8 Powerful Health Boosts of White Garlic Mustard You Didn’t Know About
Kathy is an herbalist/naturopathy 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.