Identifying Herbs

Herbs are mainly classified for two uses: nutritious and medicinal.  Some herbs do both such as garlic, alfalfa, nettle, beet root, and such.  There are many great herbs in our own back yard that could be used, IF we knew about them and could identify them.  

    Here are some herbs that freely grow in SD, and what they have been used for:

Nutritious Herbs
Dandelion – food, coffee substitute, great for the liver and kidneys
Burdock – blood cleanser, food, liver cleanser
Nettle – high in iron and many minerals, used as spinach, tastes great

Purslane – nutritious, salad green
Alfalfa –  food, high in minerals, has Vit D, 
Cattail – most of the plant can be eaten, survival food
Chickweed – salad green, used for skin conditions
Watercress – salad green

Medicinal Herbs
Yellow Dock  – historically been used for cancer
Elderberry – flu prevention
Echinacea – immune stimulant
Plantain – used for the bladder and bed wetting
Mullein – used for glandular problems
Yarrow – a complete medicine chest
Feverfew – help for migraines, used for fevers
Angelica – used for female problems
Chamomile – used for sleep, fevers, colds

Herb Walk
Every year, I’ve been doing an herb walk where I identify herbs for you.  This has been a great time for many to be able to learn about herbs and their benefits.  We walk on a bike trail, and as I identify the herbs, I also teach what they are good for, some history, and how to use them.
 

Please let me know if you plan to come.
  

We’re Here to Help YOU!
Amy Willis, M.H., CN