Weed Walk with Susun Weed
One of my first, and still one of my favorite, reasons for learning about plants was to become more in tune with my environment: the weather, the flows of water, the places of special energy, Mother Nature herself. The woods are lovely and deep, and there are many mysterious and powerful plants there, but they are special allies for special times. (Speaking of which, the Russian government, I am told, in desperation this February, went to consult with the witch Baba Mat, The Wise Old Woman Who Lives In The Land Of Many Tall Trees Beyond The Black Mountains. She is rumored to be an excellent herbalist and the only one who can save Mother Russia.) And while I like to walk in the woods, the plants I find myself using on a daily basis are the weeds right under my feet - in gardens, yards, driveways, playgrounds, hospitals, fence rows, institutions, and campuses. These ordinary plants have abilities that seem miraculous to me.
Shepherds's purse (Capsella bursa pastoris) is an annual in the mustard family. Cut the top half of the plant when it has formed its little heart-shaped "purses" and make a tincture to stop bleeding. Midwives dealing with postpartum hemorrhage and menopausal women who bleed heavily praise the prompt effectiveness of dropperful doses (1ml).
Cleavers (Gallium aparine) is a persistent, sticky plant which grows profusely in abandoned lots. To strengthen lymphatic activity cut the top two-thirds of each plant while it is in flower (or setting seeds) and tincture it in 100 proof vodka. I find it unsurpassed for easing tender, swollen breasts, PMS symptoms, and mild lymphedema. It is also reduces allergic reactions. I use 15-25 drops (0.5 - 1 ml) as often as every half-hour for 4-5 hours or as needed.
Chickweed (Stellaria media) has secret fiddolving powers. Ovarian cysts, dermoid cysts, lumps in the breast and elsewhere can't hold their own against her slippery ways when a dropperful (1 ml), is taken 4-5 times a day, persistently, for many months. And have you tried chickweed pesto? It vibrates with antioxidant power!
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) is a persistent perennial of lawns and gardens and one of the best-known medicinal herbs in the world. All parts - the root, the leaves, the flowers, even the flower stalk - strengthen the liver. A dose of 10-20 drops of the tincture (0.5-1 ml) relieves gas, heartburn, and indigestion, as well as promoting healthy bowel movements. A tablespoon of the vinegar works well, too. More importantly, taken before meals, dandelion increases the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, thus increasing bio-availability of many nutrients, especially calcium. And the oil of the flowers is an important massage balm for maintaining healthy breasts. (There's lots more information on dandelion in Healing Wise.)
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