Wellness Weeds Workshop: Spring Herbs Part 2
- Kim Moynihan
- May 14
- 5 min read
We covered a lot of information in this month's Wellness Weeds Workshop -- too much for one blog post!! In fact, I probably could have written a separate blog on each of the herbs.
Now, let's continue on with 3 herbs that are often confused for one another when our foraging...
Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)
Esteemed for its medicinal benefits for centuries, Creeping Charlie, or Glechoma hederacea, remains a vital player in natural wellness regimens. This low-growing, ivy-esque herb is endowed with an array of nutritional constituents including essential vitamins and minerals. It possesses robust antioxidant properties, which play a significant role in combating destructive free radicals within the body. The unique ability to support the body's natural detox processes, particularly in the spring, makes Creeping Charlie an indispensable contributor to seasonal health and vitality. Identifying this beneficial plant is straightforward thanks to its distinctive rounded, scalloped leaves and its proclivity for moist, shaded areas. In the spring, it boasts beautiful blue or purple funnel-shaped flowers that add a touch of color to its environment.
Creeping Charlie harnesses its medicinal prowess to offer significant benefits relevant to spring wellness. Its expectorant properties help in alleviating allergies, and the rich blend of vitamin C and minerals serves as a natural rejuvenator. By integrating Creeping Charlie into your spring wellness regimen, you can effectively address seasonal allergies, fortify your immune system, and enhance overall vitality for a smooth seasonal transition.
However, it's important to differentiate it from Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), another plant often mistaken for Creeping Charlie. Henbit thrives in similar environments but has unique heart-shaped to nearly circular leaves that clasp directly to the stem, and lavender-colored, tubular flowers appearing in the axils of upper leaves. Both Creeping Charlie and Henbit offer distinct attributes that broaden our understanding of local flora, proving invaluable not only in the realm of herbal medicine, but also enriching our culinary experience with their unique medicinal and nutritive profiles.
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)
Often overlooked and dismissed as a mere garden weed, Henbit (known scientifically as Lamium amplexicaule) is far more beneficial than meets the eye. This humble plant, identifiable by its heart-shaped to nearly circular leaves and unique square-shaped stem, conceals a wealth of medicinal virtues which have remained a secret in many households. From its upright posture growing up to 10-30 cm tall, to the distinctive, delightful pink-purple tubular flowers nestled in its upper leaf axils, Henbit's physical attributes are as unique as the health benefits it offers. The stem, which may appear green or slightly purple, also has a distinctive hairy texture that sets Henbit apart from many other plants.
Henbit's myriad of health benefits are largely attributable to its rich content of minerals and vitamins, particularly iron and vitamin C, which boost the immune system and combat oxidative stress respectively. The plant brings about a gentle detoxification process with its subtle diuretic properties, ensuring your kidney health is taken care of while flushing out toxins from your system. Additionally, Henbit offers a natural solution to inflammations and pain with its remarkable anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Not only ingested, this magical weed can be applied topically in the event of skin irritations or injuries, suggesting that it is a resourceful addition to your first-aid kit.
Henbit's calming effects come in handy to deal with anxiety and insomnia, helping you adjust to the changing season smoothly. Consuming it as a tea has been known to alleviate allergies and promote overall well-being, among other amazing medicinal benefits. Therefore, the next time you spot this weed in your garden, consider the rich bouquet of health support it can provide. Henbit might just be the secret ingredient you need for a healthier, more vibrant life.
Purple Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum)
The Purple Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum) may be frequently misidentified as a simple nuisance, but this herb carries a treasure trove of health benefits. It bursts with essential antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and an impressive vitamin C content that all combine to support overall wellness. This herb has been used medicinally to treat a variety of conditions, and its leaves, which can be consumed raw or cooked, offer assistance in battling allergies and boosting the immune system. Additionally, it promotes digestive health and offers soothing relief for skin irritations.
Identifying the Purple Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum) is straightforward. It is characterized by a square stem and unique triangular to heart-shaped leaves. The upper leaves, located near the flowers, have a distinctive purple or reddish tint. In the early spring, one can spot small pink to purple clusters of flowers on it. The Purple Dead Nettle thrives in cool, moist soils but showcases impressive adaptability to various environments. Ensure to forage carefully and consult proper guides for identification. This spring, let this herb bring you the beneficial asset of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and a vitamin C boost to help you navigate through the changing season with vitality.
Because these plants are often confused, I am providing this helpful side by side comparison. Save this to your phone so you have it when you are out foraging.
Plantain (Plantago major)
Plantain is much more than a typical lawn weed. It boasts a rich tradition in the realm of herbal medicine, offering health benefits and medicinal properties due to its wealth of vital nutrients like vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. This unassuming herb is a powerful promoter of health and well-being.
The leaves can be crushed or chewed to create a healing poultice, effective for treating minor wounds, insect bites, and various skin irritations. Consumed as a tea, Plantain serves a myriad of purposes, including soothing sore throats, battling coughs and colds, and promoting better digestion. Identifying plantain is straightforward due to its distinct features: broad, oval-shaped leaves arranged in a rosette form, slender and flexible flower stalks, and a small, dense spike of greenish-brown flowers. It's also easy to spot in its typical habitats—compacted soils like walkways, lawns, fields, or disturbed city or country areas.
In the spring, Plantain comes into its own as a natural remedy against seasonal allergies and skin irritations. Its leaves possess anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties which can provide relief for hay fever symptoms. Thus, the humble Plantain, often dismissed as a common weed, is actually a treasure-trove of natural health benefits. It's also a versatile herb that can be used in various forms, such as fresh or dried leaves in teas and tinctures, or as an ingredient in salads, soups, and stews.
And there you have it! I love sharing this information with you at our monthly workshops -- I hope you find it useful. Be sure and sign up for next month's workshop by going to the Workshops tab on my website.
And don't forget to download your FREE Spring Herbs Recipe Guide! More than 25 delicious recipes made using all of the herbs we talked about.
See you at the next Wellness Weeds Workshop!
Kim
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