Naturopathic Uses of Common Garden Weeds

May 22 was the International Day for Biological Diversity. Plants in nature always serve a purpose, and when plants pop up in the garden that were not intentionally planted by the gardener, some people can see it as a nuisance. But it may be interesting to note that many of these garden surprises may have medicinal value. What may be even more interesting to note is that some of the most common garden weeds have been used traditionally for generations and even have some research to support their common uses. Discussed below are four common garden weeds that have significant uses in naturopathic and herbal medicine.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis)

Dandelion is a commonly recognizable weed and is one of the first flowers to come up in early spring. Their deep, hard-to-remove taproots and effective way of spreading seeds give dandelions the tenacity that makes them so hard to remove from a garden. Before getting too frustrated with them, though, it may be worth pausing to recognize their many benefits. Dandelions are not only a food source but can also be used to support liver and kidney health. Let us start with dandelions as a food source. Dandelion leaves can be a great addition to salads if picked early in the spring before they start flowering. The leaves are a source of phenolic compounds like chicoric acid and dietary fibres like inulin. Once the dandelion starts to flower, the leaves often become too bitter to eat, but this is a great time to enjoy the flower. The flower is a good source of antioxidant flavonoids¹, and it can be fun to add to cookie or muffin recipes. Once the dandelion leaves become too mature and bitter to eat is a good time to use them for tea. Leaves can be dried to use for tea later on. Dandelion-leaf tea is something I will often use in practice to support kidney health. Animal studies have also shown that dandelion may be a useful diuretic², and it can help with clearing kidney stones³. The dandelion root is the part of the plant that is highest in the compound inulin. This makes it a good source of fibre. It has even been shown to benefit the natural flora of the digestive tract as a prebiotic⁴. In practice, I use this part of the plant most often as an extract such as in a tincture (alcohol extract) or decoction (water extract) to support liver and digestive health.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

This plant stings if you get too close, which can make it a bit of a nuisance if it shows up in the garden. It does have several medicinal properties, though, that make it rather useful. Like dandelion, nettle can also be eaten as food, but once it is cooked. I most often use nettle in practice to help with allergies and prostate health. If you have ever been stung by nettle, the thought of eating it may sound a bit strange. However, as long as it is cooked, it can safely be eaten and has significant nutritional value. Some important micronutrients found in nettle leaf include vitamin C, magnesium, carotene, vitamin K, calcium, and potassium⁵. Both the root and leaves of nettle can be used medicinally, and there is preliminary research into its use in helping with allergies as well as prostate health.^{6, 7} You can enjoy a green soup made with its leaves as well as a bitter healthy tea by making a decoction of the root.

Great Plantain (Plantago major)

This plant can be found in abundance in the summer months. You may have even seen it growing between sidewalk cracks. It grows quite easily and is tolerant to being trampled on. Great plantain does not have a significant amount of research on its medicinal properties, but it has been traditionally used orally for digestive concerns and topically for wound healing. In practice, I have found great plantain to be particularly helpful in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, along with dietary and lifestyle changes. In these cases, I most often use great plantain leaves as a hot-water infusion or tea.

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

This is another tenacious, deep-rooted weed that does not have a significant amount of research to support its medicinal use, but that has been used traditionally. It is one that can be recognized most easily by the burs it forms, that might stick to your clothes as you walk by in mid- to late summer. The leaves somewhat resemble rhubarb, and another common name for burdock is Indian rhubarb. The part of the plant that is most used traditionally is the root. Like dandelion, burdock root contains inulin⁸, and in practice, I often recommend a decoction of the root to help support liver health and digestion.

Hopefully, this information brings about a new perspective on common garden weeds. Listed in this article are only four of many useful garden weeds. Some others not discussed in this article include lamb’s quarters, chickweed, chicory, and many more. The next time you notice a new weed pop up in your garden, try taking a mindful moment to get to know the plant before pulling it: It may just be a friendly gift from nature, good for your health and for our biodiversity.