One problem that many gardeners struggle with is weed control. Most weeds are invasive, and they can cause significant damage to surrounding plants. However, not all weeds are pests just waiting to take over your flower beds or veggie patches. Surprisingly, many of them possess medicinal properties capable of treating anything, from insect bites to kidney stones.

Here are five weeds that can serve as natural medicines.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

These yellow-headed flowering plants are technically weeds, but they are rich sources of beta carotene. Beta carotene is the red-orange pigment that gives vegetables like carrots and tomatoes their vibrant colors. Beta carotene is absorbed by the body as vitamin A, which is a potent antioxidant that serves many important functions. For instance, vitamin A helps maintain healthy bones and eyesight as you age. Dandelions are also rich sources of vitamin C, which helps fortify the immune system and rids the body of disease-causing free radicals. As such, dandelions are particularly useful for treating heartburn, kidney disease and appendicitis. They can also be used as a diuretic to detoxify the liver and kidneys.

The entire dandelion plant is edible. The dandelion leaves are often added to salads and soups, and the roots are consumed as an herbal tea or ground as a coffee substitute. The flower itself is popular among kids as a tasty little treat.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)

Stinging nettles are infamous weeds known for their prickly hairs. But don’t be fooled – their roots and leaves are packed with vitamins and minerals, like iron, calcium and vitamin K. Nettles are also rich sources of antioxidants including vitamins A and C, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and metabolic disorders. Moreover, nettles have been shown to eliminate uric acid, relieve symptoms of gout and treat allergic rhinitis or hay fever.

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)

Purslane, or pigweed, is a green, leafy weed known for its high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Purslane may thrive in poor soil, but its leaves contain more omega-3 fatty acids than any other edible plants. Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly important nutrients that do wonders for the body. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, improve symptoms of metabolic syndrome, fight inflammation and promote brain health. Purslane is also rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and magnesium. As such, you can use purslane to treat insect bites, bee stings, skin sores, diarrhea and hemorrhoids.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a small flowering plant mainly used as an ointment to treat wounds, which is why it is more commonly known as soldier’s woundwort. Yarrow also possess powerful antioxidant properties. It can also slow down bleeding. As such, yarrow is best used to treat hemorrhoids, scrapes and toothache. Additionally, yarrow can also be used to increase appetite and relieve symptoms of colds, like runny nose, cough, congestion and sore throat.

Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Like yarrow, chickweed is a small, white flowering plant known for its high amounts of vitamins A, C and D. Chickweed is also a rich source of calcium, iron and potassium, which all help the body stay healthy and perform various functions, like metabolism and digestion. As a medicinal weed, chickweed is best used as a topical treatment for cuts, burns and rashes. You can also use chickweed to treat coughs, constipation and wounds. Chickweed can also relieve joint pain and bladder issues.

There are plenty of common garden weeds that possess medicinal properties. Watch out for them the next time you rid your pots and garden beds of the pesky little plants. They might just come in handy.

Sources:

MorningChores.com

HealthLine.com