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If your gardening gloves are getting wear and tear from pulling pesky weeds, you probably already know weeds and wild flowers are extremely resilient plants. These rebel plants grow unrestrained and hard to kill! Their resilience is a unique factor, making them self-sufficient and strong members of the plant kingdom. 

A stronger plant is typically more nutrient-dense. Because wild plants are not watered with a garden hose on a regular basis, they have to seek water for themselves, deep within the ground; thus, their roots run deep and spread further than conventionally grown plants.

Dandelion, a small, bright yellow flower, is one example of an edible weed. In fact, all parts of the plant are edible, right down to the root. It has enormous health benefits. It contains beta carotene, vitamins C, B-complex, and D, and potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, sodium, and magnesium.

It is also a good source of fibre and a good source of quality plant protein. Medicinally dandelion has been used to treat the skin and especially the blood. It’s a natural diuretic and digestive aid. Many use it for liver and kidney support because it is a powerful detoxifying plant. Studies have also shown dandelion to effectively reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.

In addition to eating this plant raw, popular forms of dandelion are herbal capsules and herbal teas. Start with a tea and see how you like this powerful, resilient weed!

Article by Christina Leidenheimer, Guest Blogger for the BodyMind Institute