3 Spring Medicinal "Weeds" to Harvest in Your Backyard

What do I use, when do I use, and how do I use the top 3 plants or WEEDS that I harvest every spring: purple dead nettle, dandelion, and mullein. These spring medicinal “weeds” can be found in your own backyard, so let’s go through them!

Purple Dead Nettle plant in grass. Medicinal properties.

1. Purple Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum)

With its purple-pink flowers and serrated leaves, purple dead nettle adds a pop of color to early spring landscapes. Although, it’s not related to stinging nettle and is entirely safe to handle.

purple dead nettle Medicinal Uses:

Healing: Helps heal bruises and minor cuts
Anti-inflammatory: Purple dead nettle contains compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for reducing inflammation and swelling.
Immune Support: Rich in antioxidants, it can help boost the immune system, aiding in overall health and well-being.
Menstrual Support: Alleviates menstrual cramps and discomfort, it can be consumed as a tea or included in herbal remedies for menstrual health.
Natural Diuretic: Purple dead nettle leaves act as a gentle diuretic, promoting the elimination of excess water and toxins from the body.

purple dead nettle Harvesting Tips:

Harvest the aerial parts of the plant, including the leaves and flowers.
Choose plants that are free from pesticides and pollutants.
Dry the harvested parts in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

Dandelion flower in grass. Medicinal properties.

2. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Despite being the world’s most famous weed and considered a nuisance by many gardeners, dandelions have many medicinal benefits. Every part of this resilient plant, from its roots to its flowers, is full of nutrients and healing compounds.

dandelion Medicinal Uses:

Liver Support: Dandelion roots are revered for their ability to support liver health by aiding in detoxification and bile production.
Digestive Aid: Both the leaves and roots are rich in bitter compounds that stimulate digestion and support gastrointestinal health.
Diuretic Properties: Dandelion leaves act as a gentle diuretic, promoting the elimination of excess water and toxins from the body.
Other: Helps with painful periods, treat bee stings, and treat bedwetting
Culinary: Salad, fritters, wine, tea, jelly

dandelion Harvesting Tips:

Harvest dandelion roots in early spring or late fall when they are most potent.
The leaves are best harvested when young and tender for use in salads or teas.
Ensure you gather dandelions from areas free of pesticides and chemical pollutants.

Mullein plant along fence row. Medicinal properties.

3. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Mullein, with its tall stalks and soft, fuzzy leaves, is commonly found in meadows, along roadsides, and in neglected fields. Mullein’s leaves and flowers hold many medicinal uses.

Mullein Medicinal Uses:

The only herb known to man that has remarkable narcotic qualities without being poisonous and harmful.
Respiratory Support: Mullein is renowned for its ability to soothe respiratory discomfort. The leaves and flowers are often used in teas or tinctures as a relaxing expectorant and bronchodilator while also drying up mucous secretions to alleviate dry irritable coughs, bronchitis, and asthma symptoms.
Ear Health: Mullein oil, extracted from its flowers, has been traditionally used to ease earaches and inflammation. A few drops warmed and gently applied can offer relief.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Its leaves contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for treating conditions like arthritis and joint pain.
Nerve relief: Infuse the flower into oil to relieve nerve pain.
Other: Helps remove splinters, draw out boils, soothe aching back, decrease lymphatic swelling, help heal broken bones
Natural toilet paper, diapers, food wrappers, insoles for shoes

Mullein Harvesting Tips:

Look for young mullein plants with vibrant green leaves.
Harvest the leaves before the plant blooms for maximum potency.
Dry the leaves thoroughly before storing or using them.

These three springtime weeds—purple dead nettle, dandelion, and mullein—offer a wealth of medicinal benefits if you are willing to look beyond their status as garden or yard nuisances. So, the next time you encounter these weeds, harvest a handful or two and consider their potential to heal and nourish your body. Watch our video to learn more: