True healing can only be found in nature. Mother Earth provides EVERYTHING that we could ever need, it’s all there. When we take the time to tune out of the distractions of our fast-paced lives and look inside of ourselves, we learn what our bodies and minds truly need. And the earth is always willing to help us. When I feel down or confused, I go outside and sit underneath a big Oak tree and quiet my mind. The tree tells me what to do, to be still, to grow, to breathe, and to live. The tree tells me that everything is here. Underground. In the air. The tree tells me to find guidance in the plants sometimes.
There are so many amazing, healing plants that grace us in Missouri! Some folks find them annoying and consider them “weeds”, but to me there are no weeds. There is a purpose for every plant, even if we don’t know what it is… So let’s get to know some of these amazing herbs that we can probably find in our own backyard!
Dandelion
This is one we have probably all met before. She shines a beautiful yellow light when she is in bloom, and then turns to a white puff that flies to the sky and spreads more dandelions here and there and everywhere.
- roots and leaves are potent healers
- a mild diuretic that contains potassium
- stimulates and aids our liver to eliminate toxins in our blood
- known to cure hepatitis
- leaves are wonderful in salads and full of nutrients
- flowers may be used to make dandelion wine
Mullein
These plants are super fuzzy and known to some as “cowboy toilet paper” because they’re soft on your hind side! 🙂 I love using them in cough remedies and bronchial teas.
- leaves and flowers are used
- effective treatment for asthma
- oil is used as a remedy for ear infections
- great for colds and bronchial spasms
Wild Carrot / Queen Anne’s Lace
These beautiful frilly plants smell just like carrots! That’s how you can be sure it’s a wild carrot. 🙂
- leaves, seeds, and flowers are used
- great for urinary system
- juice is good for kidney complaints
- regulates fertility – can be used as contraceptive after intercourse
Milk Thistle
These are spiky ones so wear gloves when harvesting. They are extremely powerful to the liver, kidneys, and blood. My mom has used it to effectively treat her liver cirrhosis.
- seeds are used
- regenerates liver cells
- stimulates bile flow
- antidepressant
- can be used for spleen problems, jaundice, and gallstones
Passionflower
I love seeing these grow down the hill where I live. They are so beautiful when they are in flower, and you can eat the amazing fruits!
- leaves and flowers are used medicinally
- nervine – used in neurological problems like Parkinson’s, epilepsy, anxiety, hypertension, etc.
- said to be aphrodisiac in large quantities
- improves circulation and nutrition to nerves
Nettle
Another prickly one, use gloves to harvest! Do not eat this plant uncooked… it will prick you from the inside out, not good.
- whole plant is used
- used to stop bleeding
- treatment for gout
- helps increase aromatic oil content of other herbs
- promotes milk production in humans and animals
Red Clover
We have some red clover growing HUGE in our garden. It is so beautiful when it begins to flower, and the roots are great for the soil because they produce nitrogen!
- flowers, leaves, and blossoms used
- natural blood thinner
- excellent blood purifier
- cleanses and soothes bronchial nerves
- used in the treatment in of cancer
Plantain
This herb grows all over the US and has been used historically to remedy snake bites by Native Americans.
- leaves and seeds are used
- diuretic
- tea is excellent for diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and ulcers
- urinary tract infections
- used for skin wounds, poison ivy, bug bites
Re-Grow Roots 