For The Healing of Our Bodies

Several years ago I realized that almost every plant labeled "weed" is actually growing prolifically as a gift from God. These are the miraculous plants given to us for the healing of our bodies."Ezekiel 47:12
And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”
These "weeds" are actually am untapped wealth of medicinal and nutritional resources!
Here are a few of my favorites that grow locally.
Cleavers, Stick Weed

Uses & Scientific Evidence For:
The dried or fresh herb is said to have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diaphoretic, stimulant, laxative and diuretic properties. It stimulates the lymphatic system and has shown to be beneficial in skin related problems. Cleavers has cooling properties as well. Cleavers makes an excellent facial wash as it tightens the loose and sagging skin caused by wrinkling. This plant works very well in treating eczema, psoriasis, seborrhea, acne, boils and abscesses, arthritis and gout. Cleavers is also useful in treating swollen lymph glands, or congested glands and congestion in the breasts. The cooling properties of Cleavers makes is useful in reducing fevers and resolving infections associated with skin eruptions such as measles and chickenpox. It also works in soothing tonsillitis, hepatitis, cystitis and arthritis. This herb stimulates liver function and improves digestion and absorption. Externally the fresh leaves can be applied to cuts and wounds, or to help stop bleeding and enhance healing. The leaves also soothe burns, sunburn, acne and other skin inflammations. Bathing in the juice of the plant works to soothe and heal varicose ulcers. In 1947, French researchers discovered and extract of Cleavers to be effective in lowering blood pressure, by thinning the blood.

Cleavers act as a purifying tonic that cleanses and rids the body of toxins in several ways. It is said to act on the lymphatic system and be effective in removing and draining poisons and trapped bacteria from the lymph glands and help relieve glandular fever, swollen or enlarged lymph glands, adenoids and tonsillitis. Furthermore; Cleavers acts as a diuretic and as such the herb promotes in increased urine flow and helps to rid the kidneys and bladder of gravel and stones, helps clear the urinary tract of various infections, alleviates prostate disorders and treats other acute and inflammatory urinary diseases.
http://www.herbalremedies.com/cleavers-information.html

Plantain

Plantain Medicinal Properties and Herbal Use
Plantain is edible and medicinal, the young leaves are edible raw in salad or cooked as a pot herb, they are very rich in vitamin B1 and riboflavin. The herb has a long history of use as an alternative medicine dating back to ancient times. Being used as a panacea (medicinal for everything) in some cultures, one American Indian name for the plant translates to "life medicine." And recent research indicates that this name may not be far from true! The chemical analysis of Plantgo Major reveals the remarkable glycoside Aucubin. Acubin has been reported in the Journal Of Toxicology as a powerful anti-toxin. There are many more highly effective constituents in this plant including Ascorbic-acid, Apigenin, Baicalein, Benzoic-acid, Chlorogenic-acid, Citric-acid, Ferulic-acid, Oleanolic-acid, Salicylic-acid, and Ursolic-acid. The leaves and the seed are medicinal used as an antibacterial, antidote, astringent, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, antitussive, cardiac, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic, laxative, ophthalmic, poultice, refrigerant, and vermifuge. Medical evidence exists to confirm uses as an alternative medicine for asthma, emphysema, bladder problems, bronchitis, fever, hypertension, rheumatism and blood sugar control. A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of a wide range of complaints including diarrhoea, dysentery, gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, haemorrhage, haemorrhoids, cystitis, bronchitis, catarrh, sinusitis, coughs, asthma and hay fever. It also causes a natural aversion to tobacco and is currently being used in stop smoking preparations. Extracts of the plant have antibacterial activity, it is a safe and effective treatment for bleeding, it quickly stops blood flow and encourages the repair of damaged tissue. The heated leaves are used as a wet dressing for wounds, skin inflammations, malignant ulcers, cuts, stings and swellings and said to promote healing without scars. Poultice of hot leaves is bound onto cuts and wounds to draw out thorns, splinters and inflammation. The root is said to be used as an anti-venom for rattlesnakes bites. Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells in the gut, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes. The seeds are used in the treatment of parasitic worms. A distilled water made from the plant makes an excellent eye lotion.
http://www.altnature.com/gallery/plantain.htm
Dandelions

Dandelion Herbal use and Medicinal Properties
The whole plant is used as a medicinal herb internally and externally.
External Uses
The fresh juice of Dandelion is applied externally to fight bacteria and help heal wounds. The plant has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphococcus aureus, pneumococci, meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, proteus. The latex contained in the plant sap can be used to remove corns and warts.

Internal Uses

Dandelion is also used for the treatment of the gall bladder, kidney and urinary disorders, gallstones, jaundice, cirrhosis, hypoglycemia, dyspepsia with constipation, edema associated with high blood pressure and heart weakness, chronic joint and skin complaints, gout, eczema and acne. As a tonic, Dandelion strengthens the kidneys. An infusion of the root encourages the steady elimination of toxins from the body. Dandelion is a powerful diuretic but does not deplete the body of potassium.
Research is revealing that the many constituents of Dandelion including Taraxacin, Taraxacoside, Inulin, Phenolic acids, Sesquiterpene lactones, Triterpenes, Coumarins, Catortenoids and Minerals, mainly Potassium and calcium, are very valuable in curing a number of disorders and illnesses. Dandelion is traditionally used as a tonic and blood purifier, for constipation, inflammatory skin conditions, joint pain, eczema and liver dysfunction, including liver conditions such as hepatitis and jaundice.
Other Uses
When placed in a paper bag with unripe fruit, the flowers and leaves of Dandelion release ethylene gas ripening the fruit quickly. A liquid plant food is made from the root and leaves. A dark red dye is obtained from Dandelion root. A cosmetic skin lotion made from the appendages at the base of the leaf blades distilled in water, is used to clear the skin and is effective in fading freckles.
http://www.altnature.com/gallery/Dandelion.htm

Stinging Nettle

The following is a concise reference of the ailments stinging nettle treats:

*Congestion
Coughs
Tuberculosis
Bronchitis
Lung congestion
Laryngitis
Consumption
*Joints/muscles
Arthritis
Rheumatism
Gout
Bursitis
Tendonitis
Loss of muscular power
Paralysis
*Allergies
Hay fever
Seasonal allergies
Asthma
Hives
*Neurological disorders
Sciatica
Neuralgia
MS
*Spring tonic
*Circulation
*Hair
Loss of
Restores color
Scalp Conditioner
Dandruff
*Stones
Gravel from bladder
Kidney stones
Increase urine output
*Internal bleeding
Excessive menstruation
Hemorrhoids
Ulcers
Lungs/stomach
Bleeding piles
Diarrhea/dysentery
*External bleeding
Nose bleeds
Other
*Skin complaints
Eczema
Acne
Insect bites
Chicken pox
*Urinary Tract Infection
Bladder infection
*Women’s complaints
Increase lactation
PMS
Menopause
Prenatal/eases labor
*Anemia/fatigue
*Burns and scalds
*Enlarged prostate
*Pelvic decongestant
*Parasites
*Goiter/scrofula
*Debility
*Blood purifier/builder
*Metabolic disorders
*Fever/cold
*Ague
*Lupus
*Bladder infections
*Lowers blood sugar
*Raises blood pressure
*Gingivitis
*Scurvy
*Celiac disease
*Weight loss
http://www.herballegacy.com/Vance_Medicinal.html
Use gloves to pick them and boil them for eating. They are delicious!

Common Cattail

Uses and Parts Used:
Root:
Pounded roots used as a poultice for burns and sores.
Seed down:
Fuzz from flowers also used to treat burns and sores and to prevent chafing in babies. Young flowers can be ingested for diarrhea.
Nutritious food:
The cattailís every part has uses. It's easy to harvest, very tasty, and highly nutritious. It was a major staple for the American Indians, who found it in such great supply, they didn't need to cultivate it. The settlers missed out when they ignored this great food and destroyed its habitats, instead of cultivating it.
http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Plants.Folder/Cattails.html