There are some weeds you spend hours pulling out of your garden that are surprisingly beneficial to you in other ways. They have health benefits that are too good to be ignored, so we’re talking about them now. If you are interested in learning about 5 weeds that are beneficial to you {just not in your garden!} stick around for today’s post!

5 Weeds That Are Beneficial To You

You don’t want to let them take over your garden, but these 5 weeds are beneficial to you in other ways. You may have heard about one or two of them already, but I promise to try and surprise you if you keep reading. Here are the 5 weeds you should think about utilizing indoors if you have to pull them out of your yard. Before you use the weeds in your yard, be sure to properly identify what they are, because some are poisonous.

1. Dandelion

Dandelions are like the universally-hated weed by gardeners, because if you don’t pull them out of your yard before they go to seed, one or two dandelions can quickly turn into scores of dandelions. If you need to pull them, don’t just toss them into the trash or the compost bin. You may already know that the leaves are edible, but in fact the entire dandelion plant is healthy for you, and that includes the yellow flowers. Dandelions actually contain more vitamin C, K and A then your ripe garden tomatoes do. They also contain some important minerals, including calcium, iron and potassium. Eat dandelions when young, because they are tender and taste the best.

2. Plantain

Plantain is a broadleaf weed that is widely available and looks similar to the dandelion. If you’ve walked around outside, you’ve likely seen it even if you didn’t recognize it by its name. Like the dandelion, the plantain contains a lot of healthy minerals and tastes best in early spring. The older it gets, the tougher it gets. Plantain leaves have a taste that is almost like eating asparagus, so if you like asparagus you will likely enjoy this weed.

3. Stinging Nettle

Yep, that weed that can really hurt you if you touch it is actually tasty and good for you when prepared as a tea. Use thick garden gloves to get the stinging nettle inside, but once you boil it the needles fall off. The taste of stinging nettle is similar to spinach, but with a richer flavor. Nettles have tons of protein, as well as lots of minerals.

4. Purslane

This weed grows easily in the cracks of sidewalks, so you’ve probably seen it hundreds of times, if not more. Purslane is unique among beneficial weeds because it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are extremely healthy. Stems, leaves and flowers are all edible and have a lemony taste.

5. Goosefoot

Goosefoot also grows in sidewalk cracks right in the city. The leaves and younger stems are edible, and taste best when sautéed or boiled. They are similar to Swiss Chard. One cup of goosefoot provides 10x the recommended daily intake of vitamin K!

Try these 5 weeds that are beneficial to you and let me know what you think. Interested in more garden edibles? Check out my post on delicious ornamental edibles!