In March, we talked about eating our spring lawns.  Here we are into summer and I don’t know about yours, but my lawn has exploded.  Here are some of my favorite yard goodies available to us here in southern Indiana right now:

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

My favorite use of Red Clover is with skin conditions.  It can be very helpful in cases of eczema and psoriasis.  It is known traditionally as a blood purifier and helps the lymphatic system purify the blood.  It is a gentle expectorant, so can be helpful with coughs and colds.  Pick the ripe flowers now and dry for use this winter.  It is generally prepared as an infusion. Caution: Red Clover has blood thinning properties, thus it should not be used by those taking blood thinning medications, those who have hemophilia, or by anyone before a surgical procedure.

Plantain (Plantago major)

This little plant is thought of as a common weed and grows just about everywhere in my yard.  My favorite use, and one your kids will love, is to take a leaf, chew it up a bit, and then apply it to mosquito bites. Works wonders! Internally, the infusion is useful to soothe sore throats and coughs, stop diarrhea, and assist with urinary tract infections, especially if there is bleeding.  Be sure you have the right plant before your put it in your mouth!

Wild Carrot (Daucus carota)

Wild carrot, sometimes referred to as Queen Anne’s Lace, is known to be a cleansing diuretic, so is useful for cystitis, prostatitis, kidney stones, and gout.  It can be helpful with general edema (swelling), puffy eyes, and rashes.  The seeds can be useful for gas and indigestion.  The root can be eaten as a substitute for carrots. Due to it’s historical use as an abortifacient and possible damage to a fetus, wild carrot should NOT be used in pregnancy.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

Although spearmint does not grow naturally in my yard, once I have a small bit, it goes wild.  Chances are good that you have some type of mint in your yard, as well.  Mint infusions or adding mint to food is useful for indigestion, nausea, gas, motion sickness, and intestinal colic.  It has also been thought to aid urinary complaints. Have a cup of mint tea after meals to get the digestion moving along peacefully.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Last, but not least, one of my very favorite herbs of all is Lemon Balm.  I like it best for it’s effect on the mood. When I add it to my patients’ infusion blends, it is up-lifting.  I add it for mild depression, insomnia, stress, or when people are just feeling blah. Lemon Balm is helpful for indigestion and abdominal spasms, and gas.  It can be used to lower fevers and might even help lower blood pressure.  It is delicious made as sun tea.

Take a few minutes to walk around your yard and see what medicines you have growing around you and use these free gifts from mother nature!  Please post any questions you have about these plants.  I would love to hear your comments about how you have used any of them.  Share this post now with your friends.