Edible Weeds

If you can't beat 'em, eat 'em! Just make sure the weeds haven't had any herbicides applied in the last 60 days or so.

The following chart is a list of common lawn weeds that can, in part, be eaten.
Weed Name

Edible Part

Preparation

Burdock root pickled, boiled in soups and stews

Chickweed leaves chopped in salads


Cresses leaves young in salad; cooked in soup

Dandelion

leaves, flowers young leaves in salads, steamed, wilted, or cooked in dandelion gravy (served over mashed potatoes); young flowers in wine; dipped in egg then cornmeal and fried

Lambsquarters

leaves, shoots young in salad; cook and use like spinach

Plantain

leaves blanch and saute in butter and garlic

Purslane

leaves, stems very young leaves chopped in salads, salty garnish; blanch and saute with olive oil, garlic, and chile

Red clover flowers chopped in salads, steeped in tea, cooked in soup


Shepherd's purse leaves blanch and saute with olive oil, garlic, and chile

Violet leaves, flowers young leaves in salad, add to marinara sauce; flowers in fruit salad, syrup, sorbet, candied


DETOX HERBS


The use of herbal formulas to cleanse and detox the body has been used throughout the world and throughout the ages. Herbs can be used alone for their individual functions or together for a more complete cleanse. They are often used in conjunction with a fasting detox to accelerate and enhance the cleanse.

Herbs come in many forms such as tinctures, teas, powders, fresh, or dried. They can also be purchased as combinations as part of a cleanse program. Please be aware of potential drug interactions prior to taking any herbal remedies and check with your physician if you are pregnant or nursing.

Some of the more commonly used detox herbs are:

Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle helps cleanse the liver from alcohol, drugs, heavy metals as well as protecting the liver from future toxins. It is also a mild laxative and soothes and moistens mucus membranes.

Spirulina
Spirulina is actually a very safe whole food (not an herb) and can be eaten every day. It is a blue/green algae containing chlorophyll which is known as nature’s green magic for its cleansing capabilities. It also builds the immune system, lowers cholesterol, rebuilds intestinal flora. Effective in eliminating heavy metals and dioxins, spirulina is also a terrific source of protein, beta carotene, iron and GLA (an essential fatty acid).

Red Clover
Red clover cleanses the blood, increases urine & mucous production, improves circulation, and stimulates bile production.

Echinacea
Echinacea is used to cleanse and detox the lymphatic system.

Licorice Root
Licorice Root cleanses the colon, supports lung & spleen function, and promotes adrenal gland function. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and increases mucous fluidity in lungs.

Dandelion
In addition to dandelions many nutritional benefits, it provides urinary & glandular benefits, acts as a liver & kidney tonic and as a blood purifier.