Wild Herbs Growing in Your Yard

Did you know that in addition to the common dandelion, it is very likely you have two other amazing herbs popping up in your yard? These herbs are useful for several different herbal remedies, making it well worth the time to harvest and dry a handful.

The day before you mow your lawn, walk about and take a look. You are very likely to see these growing among the grass.

Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) is a perennial herb that grows all over North America, Europe, and Asia.

Plantain (Plantago lanceolata and Plantago major) is native to Europe and Asia, but now grows all across the globe.

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Benefits of Self-heal

The name of this little purple flower says it all. I call it Self-heal, but it is also known as Heal-all or Woundwort, among several other names. Because I harvest from my yard, which is often mowed, the plant is short and only has a few small leaves. But if you can find larger plants, the leaves are indeed edible, so feel free to add a few to your salad.

Self-heal is typically used in topical remedies to make first-aid type products, because it aids in wound healing and pain relief. It can also be used as a gargle tea to soothe a sore throat.

Learn more about Self-heal HERE.

Benefits of Plantain

Similar to Self-heal, plantain leaves are edible. I find the broad-leaf variety is too fibrous, but you could add a few leaves of the narrow-leaf variety into your salad.

Plaintain leaves are also used to draw out infection, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. This makes plantain another great herb for first-aid remedies. It can also be used topically for bug bites or other rashes in which you want a drawing/drying action.

Learn more about Plantain HERE.

How to Harvest and Dry

First and most important...do NOT harvest any herb from an area that is sprayed with pesticides or fertilizers. If you have your yard sprayed, stop. If you insist, go harvest from your crunchy friend's house. Also, don't harvest close to a road or in any place where you feel the soil or air quality might be gross.

The best time of day to harvest is after the morning dew has dried but before the hot summer sun has the plant looking wilted. The plant should look healthy and robust.

For Self-heal, I harvest the flower and a couple of leaves. For plantain, take a few healthy leaves.

Since you never know what animals are wandering around and relieving themselves in your yard, it is best to rinse the herbs and then allow them to dry on a towel.

Once the herbs are dry, I simply allow them to dry for a few days on a paper towel. You could also use a dehydrator, but I find they dry pretty fast just sitting on the counter. You can cover the drying herbs with another paper towel if you worry about dust collecting on them. This still allows for plenty of air movement.

Once the herbs are dry, transfer to a glass jar and store in a cool dark place. You want to keep the herbs out of direct sunlight.

Bonus Herb

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Benefits of Yarrow

You can often find yarrow at your local garden center. In fact many people purchase this perennial for their flower beds. But, if you are lucky enough to have a small meadow (or your yard is just a mowed meadow) you might find this plant growing wild. I often find it growing in the tall, unmowed areas of my property. But even in the lawn, tucked among the Self-heal flowers, I can find lots of baby yarrow leaves.

Yarrow also reduces inflammation and promotes wound healing. It is often used to help control bleeding. In fact, if you get a gash while out in nature, you can place a couple of fern-like yarrow leaves over the wound to help 'bandage' it and stop the bleeding.

Learn more about Yarrow HERE.

Final Thoughts

One of the easiest ways to start learning about herbs and herbal remedies is to learn about the 'weeds' that grow in your area. Many of the best herbs are considered weeds by many.

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