Backyard Weeds: Surprising Medicinal Qualities When Ingested

Every morning while my dogs run about the yard doing, well, their business, I search for my morning meal. I'm a vegetarian by choice, and a nature foodie by occupation. Well, soon-to-be occupation, as I am in the midst of studying natural living. And yes, I may be studying the natural living of companion animals, but the rules of healthy eating for dogs apply to people as well.

Here are a few backyard nuisances that are actually GOOD for your body (even if they are bad for your yard). You may be surprised...

Dandelion-this little yellow party crasher is first in line because we ALL have them in our yards and run shrieking with the weed killer the second it pops up. Personally, I am delighted these guys tend to multiply so quickly as their nutritional value is enormous. Their bitter leaves, enjoyed either cooked or raw in a salad are jam-packed with vitamin A and C. The roots provide healing ailment for the liver and gallbladder when brewed into tea, and the flower itself is often used to make a dye. (you may eat the flowers themselves but the texture is that of eating feathers). Dandelion tea made from the leaves serves as both a diuretic and a mild laxative.

Another common backyard weed, though not nearly as despised as dandelion would be yarrow. Mainly found in open fields but sneaking its way into backyard properties, this pretty white-flowered plant has interesting healing properties. It's leaves and flower tops boiled and drank make a great headache reducer. In its dried form a powder can be made to use as a salve for open wounds. Even chewing on leaves of the plant will reduce a toothache as the plant is known for its anti-inflammatory agents. You can even use the plant for an astringent.