Catsear

Cat's Ear
Also known as "false" Dandelion, it is often mistaken for dandelion, but there are a few small differences , Catsear flowering stems are forked and solid, Dandelions possess un-forked stems that are hollow. Both plants have leaf grouped together and a central taproot. The leaves of dandelions are jagged in appearance, whereas those of catsear are more lobe-shaped and hairy. Both plants have similar uses, although dandelion has higher mineral content.

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Purslane

Purslane
A common edible weed with a mild, sweet-sour flavor and a chewy texture. Purslane just happens to contain alpha-linolenic acid, one of the highly sought-after Omega-3 fatty acids. Why pay money for fish oil when you can grow your own Omega-3 fatty acids as part of your edible landscaping? Not only does purslane have leaves in Omega-3 fatty acid, but it also has stems high in vitamin C. Omega-3 fatty acids are instrumental in regulating our metabolism. Purslane contains a very high concentration of alpha-linolenic acid, several times the concentration in spinach.

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WILD SENNA

"Wild" Senna
Its lovely bright yellow flowers blooming in July and August attract bees and butterflies; followed by beautiful fall foliage. This is the infamous herbal laxative, the whole plant is used, the pods have the strongest laxative effect, can cause gripping if not used with a Carminative.
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Wormwood

Wormwood
Grows wild in the Midwest, it is a bitter plant that can be used to treat digestive issues. It keeps the digestive system stimulated and moving smoothly. Wormwood improves digestion by stimulating the production of stomach acid and bile. It helps to relieve gas and bloating and can help convalescing patients gain their strength. As its name implies it also helps to expel intestinal parasites. In addition, it can be used to repel or kill insects.

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Catnip

Catnip
A member of the mint family, as its name implies cats simple love this plant, when they rub against it, it's like "cat-crack" to them!!! Tea made from catnip has been used to relieve intestinal cramps and gas discomforts, also they have been applied to sore breasts of nursing mothers and to the neck for tonsillitis. Has a mild calming effect, can be combined with chamomile for a restful night sleep. A great herb to gather in the "wild."

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MINT FAMILY

If you pick a plant with a distinctly square stalk and simple, opposite leaves, then it is very likely a member of the Mint family. Be sure to smell it too, since many species of the family are loaded with aromatic volatile oils. Some mints include Basil, Rosemary, Lavender, Marjoram,Thyme, horehound, and Horehound to name a few!

Medicinally this family is rich in volatile oils, especially menthol, often used as the penetrating vapors in cough drops. These spicy oils are stimulating and warming, causing the body to open up and sweat; so most of these plants are listed as diaphoretic in herbal books. This property can help you break a fever. A fever is the body's way of "cooking" the microorganisms that cause infections. Using a diaphoretic herb can help raise a mild fever just high enough to "cook" a virus, thus "breaking" or ending the fever. Volatile oils are also highly lethal to microorganisms

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Minerals

Minerals are utilized by the body for virtually every function the body undergoes to maintain life. Only plants have the ability to convert dead, inorganic minerals gathered from the soil to organic, living minerals utilized by the animal kingdom.  The plant kingdom can bond a protein molecule with an inorganic mineral. How can we put a dead, inorganic substance in our body and expect it to grant us life?  If we could, we would be naturally attracted to consume, with delight, soil, sand, and powdered rocks.
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