When we walk into a grocery store we have peace of mind knowing all the items in the produce department are safe for consumption. But when we are in the wild, we need to approach all plants and berries with caution. Here are a few common plants found worldwide that are safe for you to eat. Take note!
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Native to Europe, this lawn weed provides edible flowers, leaves, and roots. Dandelion is also a great tonic to improve the circulatory system and improve liver function.
Plantain (Plantago major)
Native to Europe, this plant has edible leaves that are also medicinal. Apply crushed plantain leaves to bee stings and other venomous insect and arthropod bites for fast relief.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Native to Europe, yarrow leaves make a tea and several medicines. I’ve often called it “nature’s Neosporin.” Yarrow crushed and applied as a poultice can stop bleeding and reduce the risk of infection.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
Native to Europe, these mint leaves are edible and medicinal. Use mint for upset stomach and nausea. Pregnant women should avoid strong mint foods and drinks, though, as they may be harmful to the baby.
As luck would have it, we have loads of dandelion in our backyard and had no idea they were safe to eat. We're going to try some later just to see how they taste. Thanks to the team at Outdoor Life for putting together such a helpful list of safe plants. To read even more plants to keep an eye out for, check out their article here.
Do You Know Any Wild Plants That Are Safe To Eat?
If you know of any safe-for-consumption plants or plants that have natural remedies useful to survival, share them with us!