As spring comes in, we see grass start to grow and we start our mowing. But the first round of mowing seems to focus on winter type weeds that show up first. Mississippi has many invasive types of plants that grow with vigor with no help from us. Actually, many plants that are native to us have good supportive properties for our health. Most are an external application with some that can be used internally – but of course in our usual mistrust of anything not approved by the medical establishment, one would need to have that consultation.
Black-eyed Susans seem plentiful along roadsides much of the year. These have been used in Native American medicine for colds, worms in children, and snake-bite as well as dropsy, which is edema or swelling under the skin.
Ragweed preparations from the leaves and roots have been used for astringents, skin disinfectants, and fever reducers. Some people confuse ragweed to be the same as goldenrod, but goldenrod is a perennial and ragweed is an annual.
Goldenrod helps with fever reduction, muscle spasms, infections, and reduction of blood pressure. It can even help protect against free radicals, harmful bacteria, and yeast. This can be bought as a dietary supplement or tea.
Sassafras tea made from the root was used by my grandparents’ generation to treat fevers, rheumatism, and diarrhea.
Finally, that curse of yards and property, the Privet Hedge, has astringent and detergent properties to help especially in cleansing wounds.
Knowledge of medicinal plants has ceased to be amongst the common people and even in education circles. God has not quit making the healing plants that He gave us – we just have grown lazy in learning about them. The best sources of learning now for this are with those who still use them such as Native Americans and Amish people or some reliable online courses from universities or education entities.
