Talk:List of beneficial weeds

sourcing
...It does appear to cite some sources. Update to a more accurate tag? 67.66.92.222 11:19, 27 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Needs pinpoint refs, not simply general refs. --Shirt58 (talk) 10:12, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Does the "move to wikiversity" tag still need to be there? I see no content that comes under that description... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 217.64.120.254 (talk) 20:35, 17 September 2008 (UTC)
 * These are a modest list of examples for limited, but unspecified environments. They might be useful as a set of examples for a course. I don't see how this can be converted into a comprehensive list for the vast number of environments in the world. DCDuring (talk) 16:00, 12 June 2020 (UTC)

Stinging Nettle Edibility
The article stated: "Stinging nettle -- High nutritional value. Used like spinach." Uhh, no. Stinging nettle cannot be used as spinach because spinach can be eaten raw where as stinging nettle can't, unless you want you throat to swell. It is used only cooked as far as I know. I changed the entry. 174.6.130.25 (talk) 16:57, 20 June 2009 (UTC)BeeCier

This list needs some work
There are hardly any references here. Ideally, in addition to references for the benefits, there would be a reference for the plant being a weed (could be the same reference as for the benefits). I don't think nasturtiums and wild roses are commonly considered weeds. Some of the benefits are pretty dubious: "Tap root breaks up hardened soil and brings up nutrients from deep down" could apply to any of hundreds of tap rooted weeds, and weeds creating beneficial microclimates is a similarly broad benefit that could be provided by any number of plants.Plantdrew (talk) 20:07, 11 October 2012 (UTC)

Not reliably sourced
Every (!) source below fails MEDRS. Moving here per WP:PRESERVE until MEDRS sources can be for each item in this list. Per WP:BURDEN, do not restore without MEDRS sourcing


 * Medicinal use
 * Rumex—Dock. Commonly grows in association with nettle, is rumoured to cure or ease their sting. Crush a leaf before applying to affected area. Liver tonic, increases iron levels in the blood, regulates hormone levels and reduces menstrual flow and cramping.
 * Urtica dioica—Stinging nettle. Nutritive tonic, diuretic. Restorative to the adrenals and kidneys. Highly nutritive. Can be eaten after cooking to remove the stinging properties. Stinging nettle has been used as a successful pain reliever for arthritis by stinging the affected area with the raw plant.
 * Arctium lappa—Burdock. The root is used to stimulate detoxification of the lymph and liver, known as a "blood purifier". It also has diuretic and diaphoretic properties.
 * Taraxacum officinale—Dandelion. The leaves are a tonic to the kidneys, being one of the few diuretics that does not deplete the body of potassium. The whole plant, especially the root, is a detoxifying tonic for the liver. The whole plant is bitter and can be used as a digestive stimulant.
 * Capsella bursa-pastoris—Shepherd's purse. Used to stop bleeding.
 * Galium aparine – used in folk medicine to make poultices.
 * Stellaria media -- Chickweed. One of the most nutrient dense plants, full of antioxidants. Effective for skin conditions when infused into oil. Dissolves cysts and lumps.
 * Plantago spp.—Plantain, ribwort, pig's ear. Wound healing herb. "Not only does plantain increase the speed of healing, it also relieves pain, stops bleeding, draws out foreign matter, stops itching, prevents and stops allergic reactions from bee stings, kills bacteria, and reduces swelling." Mucilaginous. The seed husks are the main ingredient in psyllium laxatives. Identify this common weed by the 5 parallel veins on the underside of the leaf.
 * Hypericum perforatum—St John's wort. Tincture is used as an anti-viral and for muscle aches, shingles, sciatica, back pain, neuralgia, and headaches including migraines. Infused oil can be used to treat sore muscles, cold sores and genital herpes, and can be used as a sunscreen.
 * Achillea millefolium—Yarrow. Antibacterial, pain relieving. Herb for wounds. Regulates blood flow, so that it stops excessive bleeding while also preventing blood from pooling. Can be used to prevent and treat colds and flu. Diaphoretic. Digestive stimulant.
 * Malva spp.—Mallow. Whole plant is mucilaginous, extracted in cold water or vinegar, which is soothing internally (easing sore throats, upset tummies, heart burn, irritable bowel, colic, and constipation) and externally (relieving bug bites, burns, sprains, and sore eyes).
 * Impatiens capensis—Jewelweed. Often grows near poison ivy and can be used as an antidote (for poison oak as well)
 * Verbascum spp.—Mullein. The leaves are an expectorant, stimulating coughing to clear the lungs. An infused oil can be used for ear infections. All parts are stimulating to the lymphatic system and are helpful for any ailment related to the alignment of joint, bone or tissue.
 * Bellis perennis—Daisy. Relieves headaches, muscle pain and allergy symptoms. Different from the native daisy (Lagenifera petiolata).
 * Ambrosia trifida—Giant ragweed. A tincture can be made and used in small doses to treat ragweed (and other) allergies.

-- Jytdog (talk) 16:05, 11 February 2017 (UTC)
 * "is rumoured to cure or ease their sting" I suppose Wikipedia medical articles are not ready to have rumor sections. Very interesting collection of claims! Thanks for cleaning.   Blue Rasberry   (talk)  22:14, 13 February 2017 (UTC)

Contradictory title
A weed is by definition a pest. If a plant is beneficial it is not a weed. &bull; &bull; &bull; Peter (Southwood) (talk): 04:24, 14 February 2017 (UTC)

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