I was out weeding in the garden this weekend and kept thinking about how my “weeding” looks a lot different than my neighbors. My kids learned early on that when we “weed” we pull the grass out of all the beautiful plants that we’ve either planted or that have “volunteered” in our garden. This weekend I was especially grateful for some of my favorite “volunteers” that show up year after year. 

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): The flowers of this happy plant bring me so much joy! I remember picking dandelion flowers for our salads when I was a child, and my dad still pops flowers in his mouth from my yard when he visits. Dandelion is a bitter herb, excellent for digestion and as a tonic for the liver. The whole plant can be used – roots, leaves, flowers. No matter how much you dig, dandelion always comes back, thankfully! Dandelion is an alterative herb – meaning it helps the body transition to a healthy state by supporting the body’s waste elimination organs allowing it to detox and find balance.

Marshmallow (Malva neglecta): Dr. Christopher used Althaea officinalis (common name is also marshmallow) in his herbal formulas. Malva neglecta has similar properties and grows freely and abundantly in our yard. We pull and dry the long roots to have on hand for making ointments, tinctures and teas. Marshmallow is a demulcent herb and will soothe mucus membranes throughout the body, it helps with inflamed respiratory, alimentary, intestinal and genitourinary areas. Dr. Christopher had great success using this herb for cases of gangrene, mastitis, skin eruptions, external ulcers, coughs and bronchial afflictions. 

Plantain (Plantago major): We have an abundance of plantain growing in our yard and love that it grows so freely. I blend the fresh herb with dandelion and/or marshmallow to support my cleansing. We use it often for bee stings, mosquito bites, rashes and anytime we need to draw toxins out of the body. Plantain is also an alterative herb and is high in proteolytic enzymes which help reduce inflammation in the body. It aids in chronic lung issues (a fresh tea is safe enough for children), digestive issues, hemorrhoids, blood poisoning and more. I love finding this herb almost everywhere I go – my medicine cabinet is literally at my feet! 

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea): David’s recent newsletter espoused the benefits of purslane, so I don’t need to cover all of that here. I will say that I enjoy purslane for a snack as I weed – I eat the plants that are crowding out my garden veggies and leave the rest to pick fresh for salads throughout the week. They are an excellent ground cover, high in omega 3’s, and a wonderful nutritious food source. And they are just beautiful. 

Every spring these faithful volunteers return, asking for nothing and offering so much. While others may see weeds, I see food, medicine, and old friends that have become part of our family's story.

I am deeply grateful for the medicine cabinet growing in my backyard—and for the knowledge passed down through Dr. Christopher and my family that allows me to recognize these gifts for what they are. The next time you walk through your yard, take a closer look. You may discover that some of nature's most valuable medicines are already growing at your feet.

Tara Christopher Eyre is a Master Herbalist and Foot Zone Therapist dedicated to helping individuals reclaim their path to wellness. Carrying forward the legacy of her grandfather, Dr. John R. Christopher, she finds her greatest joy in teaching the simple, natural principles that restore both body and soul.