Self Sufficiency
Medicinal Uses For Weeds Commonly Found Around Your Home – Part 1

When you notice weeds on your lawn or in your garden, you want them gone asap! Unattended, they can spread quickly. Once a weed is spotted, you then research for different solutions to get rid of them and are successful for the time being. You enjoy your weed free lawn or garden for about 2 weeks and then you see them reappear, possibly in a different spot. It is a somewhat of a back and forth act all season long. I know many of you reading this can relate.
Medicinal Uses For Weeds That Grow Around Your Home
However, what if I told you that some of those pesky weeds are edible and actually possess medicinal properties? There are literally hundreds of wild plants across the globe that possess medicinal properties. It would be impossible to list them all here. I did, however, compile a list of the most common weeds found in lawns and gardens that are edible and possess many medicinal properties.
Word of Caution…
Before I begin, I would like to share with you two articles which include information on safety precautions you need to be aware of when foraging for wild edible plants. In my article, Foraging Tips for the 7 Most Common Edible Plants, I share great tips on things to consider and to look out for when you forage for any and all wild edible plants. Another great article, “Need To Know” Rules When Picking Edible & Medicinal Plants, is written by Mykel Hawke, star of Discovery’s “Man, Woman, Wild”. He also talks about considerations and safety precautions to take when foraging in the wild. I sincerely encourage you to read these articles if you have never foraged for wild and edible plants. Foraging can be a great experience but, safety precautions are a must!
Let’s get started!
Commonly Found Weeds And Their Medicinal Properties
Purslane (Portulaca Oleracea)
This a ground cover weed and thrives most in direct sunlight. The stems and leaves are edible. Here, in the United States, it is considered a weed. In other countries, however, it is a popular salad vegetable and has a rich, lemony flavor.
It is rich in vitamin C, omega 3 and 6, and omega 9 (fatty acids). This plant also contains dopa and noradrenaline making it quite useful for growth hormone production, allergies, the entire endocrine system (all glands), and is great for heart health.
This plant can be eaten raw, steamed, or dehydrated.
The look alike (non-edible) plant to watch out for is called Spurge. The difference is that spurge has white sap inside of its stem – not red like purslane stems.
Ground Ivy (Glechoma Hederacea)
This wild plant belongs to the mint family and is another ground cover weed. Its main features are purplish flowers, square stems, and scalloped shaped leaves. It is important to note that the leaves of ground ivy are opposite of each other along its stems. Another telltale sign of ground ivy leaves is that they smell like mint when crushed. The leaves make great additions to salads. The flowers are also edible. The leaves and flowers can be juiced or made into a tea as well.
This wild plant has a long list of medicinal benefits which include:
The oil of this wild plant relieves congestion and sinus inflammation associated with colds, flu, and sinusitis.
- Possesses antibacterial properties
- Possesses anti-inflammatory properties
- Acts as an antioxidant
- Acts as an antiseptic
- Acts as an immuno-stimulant
- Acts as a sedative
Tea made out of the leaves aid in symptoms of various lung problems such as asthma. Tea also aids in the symptoms associated with ulcers, diarrhea, ear infections, fever, gas, and hay fever.
The tea also helps to purify your blood.
The tea can be given to children, ages 12 and up. It is important to test very small amounts of this plant before consumption.
There are look-alikes but, the best way to test ground ivy is to crush the leaves. If they smell similar to mint, it is ground ivy. Also, as I mentioned before, the leaves of ground ivy are opposite of one another along its stems.
Chickweed (Stellaria Media)
As another ground cover weed, this wild plant can be found almost anywhere year round, even under snow. Most people are unaware that it’s not only edible with medicinal benefits but, it has a great flavor.
The entire plant is edible but, there are certain parts of the plant that are rather fibrous and tough which is usually below the top two inches of the plant. You can harvest the tips of the young leafy stems, buds, and flowers. You can make tea out of the leaves and stems. The leaves and whitish flowers are great additions to salads.
Chickweed is rich in:
- Vitamin C
- B complex
- Ascorbic acid
- Calcium
- Beta-carotene
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
- Thiamin
- Copper
- Zinc
- Selenium
This beautiful wild plant has many medicinal properties which include:
- Possesses anti-inflammatory properties which will reduce inflammation in your lungs, bowels, and stomach
- Laxative properties
- Acts as an antioxidant
- Acts as an antihistamine which will aid in the symptoms of sinus congestion, circulatory problems, and bronchitis.
Tea made from this plant acts as an antiseptic, removes plaque from arteries, helps in the building of nerve tissue, heals ulcers, regulate thyroid levels, helps dissolve cysts and tumors, helps to cleanse the colon, aids in kidney issues, aids in the symptoms of rheumatism, neutralizes toxins within the body, and can aid in the alkalization of your blood.
This wild plant IS NOT recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.
The look-alike plant, which is toxic, is called scarlet pimpernel. It is often spotted growing with chickweed. It has orange or reddish flowers. The stems of this toxic plant have smooth stems whereas chickweed has slightly fuzzy stems. The flowers of the scarlet pimpernel plant have five petals. The flowers of the chickweed plant have tiny white petals.
Watch this video by johnny mars showing medicinal weeds in your backyard:
Coming Soon: Medicinal Weeds: Everyday Uses Around Your Home – Part 2
Do you know of any weeds commonly found around your home that are not mentioned above with medicinal uses? Let us know in the comments section below.
Here’s how to save your garden from weeds and boost harvest by plastic mulching!
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NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

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The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.
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Self Sufficiency
How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar
The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!
This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.
So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?
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Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know
Why Make Sauerkraut?
Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
- 1 tablespoon of salt
Tools Needed:
- knife
- bowl
- mason jar
- smaller jar
- rubber band
Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients
Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.
You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.
Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.
Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips
Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.
Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt
Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.
TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.
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Step 4: Massage the Cabbage
Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.
TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.
Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar
Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.
IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.
Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar
You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.
Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.
Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band
Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.
Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily
Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.
Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures
After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.
NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.
You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.
Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut
- Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
- Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
- Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
- If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.
Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!
So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.
What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!
Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!
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Self Sufficiency
9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN
Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!
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In this article:
Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!
Tomato
Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.
Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.
Eggplant
Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?
Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.
Beets
Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.
If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.
Spinach
Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!
Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.
Pea
Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.
Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.
Carrot
There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.
They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.
Radish
A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.
Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.
Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.
Asparagus
Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!
Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.
All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!
So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!
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