The other day I heard on a Netflix documentary that the herbs and plants you need as a human being come close to you.
Meaning, you don't need to go to a pharmacy or the doctor to get your drugs.
They come to you into your backyard.
So, I checked. Probably the first time of my life.
And what did I discover?
Stingy nettle and dandelion like crazy.
I was disappointed. Because, stingy nettle...well, they sting, and since I'm a kid, I watch out for them not to come close to me. And dandelions, I kind of thought were just these boring yellow flowers which leave a yellow mark on your hand when picking them...
So, I moved on with my life. But the thought kinda stuck.
What if these plants are actually good for me? I wondered...
So I checked again. This time I researched the internet. And OMG, what can I say. I'm such an idiot. Or let's say a completely brainwashed modern medicine believer.
It turns out I've got a vitamin, mineral, iron, and antioxidant pharmacy in my backyard. And a free one, if I might add.
Let's have a look at it, shall we?
Stingy Nettle
Stingy nettle is basically good for everything. It contains Vitamins A, C, and K, as well as several B vitamins. Minerals such as Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. Fats like linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid. Pigments such as Beta-carotene, lutein, luteoxanthin, and other carotenoids. And it's an antioxidant helping you defend your cells against damage from free radicals linked to aging, as well as cancer and other harmful diseases.
It's great as a tea - just add hot water,
pesto base - add a handful of nuts, lemon and olive oil
and even on pizza, see below.
Make sure you cook or bake them first to avoid the stingy experience.
(Find out more about the benefits of stingy nettle here)
Dandelion
Dandelion is another wonder flower.
Full of vitamins and minerals, it's again an antioxidant, ready to reduce cholesterol and inflammation, regulate blood sugar, reduce cancer risk, and boost your immune system.
You can pick the flowers and cook a syrup out of them. Or put the leaves into your smoothy or salad. It's bitter, but the benefits just speak for themselves. Don't they?
Find out more about the benefits of dandelion here. Or if you can't make peace with them and wanna get rid of dandelions, do follow Happy DIY Home for a comprehensive guide on how to free yourself of dandelions here.
Now in my discovery process (oh, of course, still going on as there is so much green everywhere), I wondered:
Why did I never learn about this in school or at home?
Of course, I have my theory. And I did my research.
But: What do you think?
In any way, herbal medicine has been there for thousands of years. It's ancient science, and as we can still luckily look up on the internet: It works.
We have a pharmacy at our fingertips for free. Flowers and plants, who are concerned about your health and wellbeing. Nothing else. All for free.
Isn't that amazing?
Being a change maker means changing the perspective to the resources that we have. Generously. Everywhere. And use them.
So. What are you discovering in your backyard? On the streets? In your garden?
Here is a tiny list for inspiration (link)
Let me know in the comments below.
Be the change you wish to see in this world.
With all my love and so much light,
Hedi