Using garden weeds as Medicinal Herbs

We all know internal health and digestion play a large role in skin health. Digestion and assimilation of nutrients are often related to how and what we consume. Food choices can be reflected through the skin. Choosing foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre can help to improve skin health. We all know that growing our own vegetables is a sure way to increase the nutrient level. Have you ever thought however, about eating the weeds from the garden too?

In todays society it is more common to buy food from the store than collect it from nature. However there are many benefits to adding some wild plants into your diet. Weeds contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals and add diversification to our diet.

Our not too distant ancestors ate a much larger variety of food giving them access to many nutrients. Wild plants provide a different set of nutrients to conventional produce. Eating wild foods nourishes us and connects to the land.

Here are three of the most common and easily identifiable edible weeds that are beaming with medicinal properties:

Nasturtium flower:

This common weed grows in abundance. It is part of the mustard green family and has a similar peppery taste to watercress. The leaves are a fantastic for blood and lymphatic system purification. The leaves are also known for stimulating appetite.

The beautiful, round, bright green leaves can be included in pestos and soups for a hot zing of flavour and nutrients, the vibrant red, orange and yellow flowers are also edible and can be used to garnish salads and cakes!

Dandelion:

Dandelion is also an extremely abundant herb that is probably in your backyard as you read this. Before mowing the lawn, gather up the dandelion leaves and flowers as they are ultra medicinal.

The leaves are bitter which stimulates saliva release to create enzymes to help with digestion. They are also known to be blood purifiers and are an excellent contribution to pestos, salads and smoothies for a touch of wilderness.

There are few weeds that look similar to dandelion so always be sure that it has a hollow stem and that the leaves are hairless!

Ribwort Plantain:

This resilient little weed grows like crazy. It is known to be beneficial for respiratory conditions such a bronchitis and coughs. It is high in vitamins C, E and K as well as being high in plant protein and iron. I love this in soups, as a salad garnish or steeping a handful of leaves in hot water with liquorice root and fennel for a medicinal tea to ease winter ailments.

*When foraging for your edible weeds always make sure the area has not been sprayed.  Choose not to pick from sides of roads or public areas as we never know the state of the soil and it is likely dogs have been doing their business- your back lawn. Community gardens or the untouched forest is best! Always be certain that is the indeed the correct edible weed you are about to pick, if in doubt do not eat, ask a wise old soul or do some research!

Detox Tips for Radiant Skin

Imagine for a moment that your liver is an island beneath the sea. Stay with me here… On the island live workers (your liver cells) whose job it is to recycle everything in the sea (your bloodstream).

That’s a big job.

If one of the workers gets overtired, the island will create another worker to keep things running optimally. However the island can produce only so many workers. When the number of workers starts to decrease or the workload starts to increase, the island prioritises to cope with the load. The most important items are recycled first, and the remainder gets sent back out to sea (the blood stream), where it floats around until the island can process it. Or it gets sent to the water’s surface (your skin) where it sits on top. The surface of the water, just like your skin, will reflect what is going on underneath.

Increasing liver function is key when treating skin conditions and for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Giving your liver the help it needs to maintain clear skin can start with some very simple changes.

Dani Rameakers is a yoga teacher and Naturopath at Golden Yogi

1. Avoid the foods that pack the heaviest load. Alcohol, caffeine, trans-fats, refined sugar, synthetic substances (medications, pesticides, topical skin creams, lotions, washes etc.).

Tip: Try having a break from alcohol and notice the effects on both your energy levels and your skin.

2. Keep things clean and green. Amp up whole foods, green smoothies and juices. Include plenty of wholegrains, dark green leafy vegetables – think broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts and even cabbage and cauliflower.

3. If you’ve suffered an infections or viruses (e.g. glandular fever), a few too many big nights out, or a caffeine habit your liver will be working overtime. Milk thistle, globe artichoke and schisandra are all fantastic herbs which support liver function. The quality of these herbs is important, so be sure to consult a naturopath or herbalist, especially if on existing medication.

Tip: Switch up that second cup of coffee with herbal tea containing the above herbs or green tea for its antioxidant properties. Rooibos is a great caffeine-free option.

4. It goes without saying that the fundamentals of health are ample sleep, hydration, nutritious food, exercise, correct breathing (yoga is an excellent way to learn diaphragmatic breathing) and a peaceful mind. Over time the choices you make day-to-day have a large impact on the health of your liver and skin.

Tip: When you wake up in the morning, rehydrate by drinking a glass of warm water with lemon or diluted with a capful of apple cider vinegar with ‘the mother’. Brush your teeth afterwards to help protect tooth enamel.

Detoxification happens daily, making choices each day that support this process (or hinder it) will affect the health of your skin. By following some of the tips above, you can help your liver do its job properly, leaving you fresh faced and radiant.

Written by Danielle Ramaekers, Naturopath and Yoga Teacher