Many overlooked “weeds” are some of the best natural healers, says forager and self-taught herbalist Samantha Almond. Here are four with a multitude of medicinal properties
Despite the great advances of modern scientific medicine, many people still prefer plant-based natural cures over synthetic pharmaceuticals. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UK researchers, about 40 percent of people in the US and the UK use traditional medicines, mainly plant extracts or their active ingredients.1
Here are four multipurpose medicinal plants often dismissed as weeds that can help support health and healing. All are commonly found growing wild in the UK and US, so you can wild-harvest these herbs—that is, collect them yourself from gardens, commons, woodlands, marshlands, riverbanks and roadsides. Or you can simply buy them in fresh or dried form from a trusted herbal supplier.
Just remember that if you do want to forage for herbs, you must make absolutely sure you’ve correctly identified the plant prior to harvesting it, as consuming or using some plants may cause serious illness or even death.
Angelica sylvestris
Parts used: All
Edibility: Stems can be eaten fresh but are traditionally candied
Harvest: Summer for stems and leaves, and autumn for root and seeds
Angelica sylvestris, commonly known as wild or wood angelica, is a plant native to the UK that’s also found in eastern North America. It belongs to the Apiaceae family, which also includes parsley, celery and carrots, and is typically found in damp or marshy areas, along riverbanks, and in woodland clearings.
Wild angelica has a long history of medicinal and culinary uses and was cultivated around the 10th century into the familiar garden angelica (Angelica archangelica).
While most modern research into angelica is largely in relation to the cultivated variety, the wild variety can be used in the same way. Research shows the plant has the following properties.
Analgesic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. Angelica has been used in Chinese medicine to treat arthritis and rheumatism and as an anti-inflammatory herb.2 In a study using mice, a team of researchers identified a substance in the root with significant analgesic (painkilling) activity.3
Angelica can be found in the Turkish traditional herbal remedy Mesir paste, used to treat pain and other ailments.
Digestive support. Thanks to a compound called angelicin, angelica helps stimulate digestion and metabolism as well as ease indigestion, bloating and gas.
Expectorant. Angelicin also has a stimulating effect on the lungs and can help soothe asthma, coughs, bronchitis, and colds or flu; this is particularly true of the root and seed.
Uterine support. The stimulating effect of angelicin can also affect the uterus and promote menstruation. Angelica sinensis, another member of the family, is officially listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (as dong quai) and is one of the most commonly used Chinese traditional drugs for treating menstrual disorders and heavy periods.4 It’s also known to help release the placenta when given after childbirth.
Diuretic. The seed encourages diuresis (increased urination) and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. It also stops bacteria and fungi from reproducing, so it may well be useful against cystitis and other urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Antimicrobial. Angelica may kill harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi. In a 2016 test tube study, the roots of wild angelica, as a component of Mesir paste, were found to act against several types of bacteria, especially Enterococcus faecium, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus.5
Another test tube study reported that compounds in angelica (in this instance, the cultivated garden version), including imperatorin, also fight the herpes simplex (cold sore) virus and coxsackievirus, which causes digestive illness.6
Anticancer. An extract of angelica root was found to kill breast cancer cells in test tube studies and reduced the growth of tumors in mice due to angelicin, a type of coumarin (coumarins are known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and other effects).7
Anxiolytic. Rat studies found that coumarins isolated from angelica and its constituents imperatorin and isoimperatorin may reduce anxiety. The coumarins appear to have a greater effect together than separately, which is an argument for taking the whole herb rather than taking one of its coumarins as a supplement.8
Topical uses
Owing to its antifungal properties, the powdered, dried root of angelica can be used for athlete’s foot, and a decoction can be used to treat ulcers, bites, gout and sciatica. It also works to calm the skin and heal problems such as eczema and breakouts (it’s excellent when added to a bath for this purpose).
Dosage
Decoction: 1 Tbsp or 15 g of root in 17 oz (500 mL) of boiled water, drink ½ cup three times per day
Tincture: 1:5, 50 percent alcohol; take ½ tsp or 2 mL per day
Precautions
Not for use during pregnancy or heavy menstruation, or by those with diabetes or on warfarin. May cause skin photosensitivity with prolonged use and also increases stomach acid. Not suitable for children or for those who are pregnant or lactating.
Recipe: Angelica decoction
Scant ½ cup (15 g) angelica root and leaf
16 oz (500 mL) water
Taraxacum officinale
Parts used: All
Edibility: Young leaves are added to salads and are packed with many vitamins and minerals; roasted root makes a wonderful substitute for coffee
Harvest: Leaves in spring, flowers in spring and summer, roots in autumn (best in November)
There are several species of Taraxacum in the UK and US, including several hybridized species, but the best known is Taraxacum officinale, the common dandelion, a widespread plant found in gardens, grass verges and waste grounds. It is a member of the daisy and sunflower family, Asteraceae.
Dandelion is a well-known diuretic and is chiefly used in kidney and liver disorders. Modern research has found or confirmed the following properties.
Diuretic. Dandelion leaves are a potent diuretic owing to their high potassium content and are far superior to over-the-counter diuretics.9 One study showed the leaves increase urinary frequency and fluid excretion in healthy people,10 while test tube and rat experiments show a potential positive effect on the treatment and prevention of kidney diseases, such as urolithiasis (kidney stones).11
Antidiabetic. Some 40 percent of the mature dandelion root is composed of inulin, a mixture of complex carbohydrates that acts as energy storage, promotes beneficial intestinal microflora, improves bowel function, stabilizes blood sugar, and helps with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
One test tube study revealed that powdered extracts from the plant, particularly the stem, may help to slow the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates,12 making it a potential candidate for the management of diabetes.
Anti-inflammatory. A Chinese study showed dandelion root extract can help heal ulcerative colitis,13 while another study found it’s able to prevent colitis altogether. In this study, the extract was reported to have a stronger effect than a comparable anti-inflammatory drug, seemingly through antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and regenerative activities.14
Another study showed that dandelion extract is able to improve the symptoms of colitis by controlling fatty acid metabolism and dysbiosis (imbalance in the gut microbiome).15
Hepatoprotective. Research backs up the traditional use of dandelion for liver health. A team of researchers found that dandelion helped improve liver tissue function in rats and showed strong antioxidant effects. They concluded that dandelion may help stop liver damage from getting worse by fighting harmful free radicals and calming inflammation.16
Covid-19 prevention. A 2021 report showed dandelion leaf extract can block Covid virus spike proteins from binding to receptors in human lung and kidney cells, which is how the virus “unlocks” cells and infects them. The water-based extract stopped not only the original strain of the virus but also several mutant strains.17 This could be a major advantage in Covid prevention.
Topical use
As a natural anti-inflammatory, dandelion is perfect for sensitive skin or chronic conditions like rosacea and eczema. The root can be ground and mixed with water to treat skin disorders like acne, eczema and psoriasis as well as rashes and boils.
A Canadian study reported that dandelion leaf and flower extracts can block harmful ultraviolet radiation, protecting the skin from sun damage and lowering the risk of skin cancer.18
Dosage
Tisane: 3–4 tsp or 15–20 g per 250 mL boiling water, drink ½ cup to 1 cup freely
Root decoction: 1 tsp or 5 g per 250 mL boiling water, drink ½ to 1 cup freely
Tincture: 1:5, 25 percent alcohol; take 5–10 mL three times per day
Precautions
Contact dermatitis has been reported, and dandelion may enhance diuretics. Avoid dandelion use if you have diarrhea, acid reflux, acute irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis. Not suitable for children or for those who are pregnant or lactating.
Recipe: Dandelion leaf tisane
8.5 oz (250 mL) boiling water
3–4 tsp (15–20 g) dried dandelion leaves
Boil the water and pour it over the leaves. Allow to steep for 10–15 minutes.
Use as a diuretic, as an anti-inflammatory for joints, and to support digestion and promote liver health. It may also prove to be therapeutic when dealing with Covid-19 infection.
Epilobium spp.
Parts used: All above-ground parts
Edibility: The young shoots and leaves of rosebay willowherb are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Harvest: When in flower
In the UK alone, there are approximately a dozen species of willowherb, including the three focused on here: hairy (Epilobium hirsutum), hoary (Epilobium parviflorum) and rosebay (Epilobium angustifolium). These varieties are also found in the US.
Willowherbs are typically found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, heathlands and roadsides. They are often pioneer species, thriving in disturbed or recently cleared areas, and play an important role in ecosystems as they provide nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Willowherbs have been studied for their potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Research has discovered and confirmed the following effects.
Astringent. The leaves have astringent properties and will therefore help to heal wounds. We now know that this is because they contain tannins, which are polyphenolic compounds with astringent properties.
Antimicrobial. Studies have found that willowherbs fight bacteria. Hairy willowherb shows strong activity against Staphylococcus aureus standard strains and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) strains. It also works well with ampicillin or tetracycline antibiotics to increase the effect against S. aureus.
The polyphenols in hairy willowherb (combined with a water-alcohol extract) interfere with the reproduction of influenza viruses.19
The antimicrobial activity of the hoary willowherb was also confirmed against S. aureus and Escherichia coli,20 and the root extract shows significant antifungal activity, such as against Candida glabrata, Candida lusitaniae and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.21 Rosebay willowherb extracts were found to block the growth of E. coli, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S. aureus more effectively than the antibiotics vancomycin and tetracycline.
Later research confirmed these findings and found the extracts also worked against Bacillus subtilis, Proteus mirabilis, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida dubliniensis and S. cerevisiae.22 Another study confirmed the effects were due to flavonoids and tannins, particularly oenothein B.23
Antioxidant. All of the willowherbs contain antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
A study of hairy willowherb showed it had the highest antioxidant values among 32 plants tested, owing to the catechins and procyanidins it contains. It was also the only one of the plants selected for testing that contained the bioflavonoid myricetin, which is also found in berries, walnuts, onions and red grapes. This suggests it could be used as a natural antioxidant source.24
Analgesic. In a mouse study, hairy willowherb extracts appeared to block pain better than diclofenac and morphine.25 Another mouse study found rosebay tincture showed similar analgesic activity.26
Prostate support. A team of researchers investigated how well extracts of five herbal remedies treated benign prostatic hyperplasia (abnormal enlargement of the prostate). Hoary willowherb extract lowered inflammation, stimulated production of prostaglandin (a hormone that regulates prostate function), slowed the growth of E. coli and showed antioxidant activity.27
The European Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products concluded that due to its long-standing use, willowherb can be used by patients with BPH to relieve lower urinary tract symptoms, such as difficulty starting urination or a frequent need to urinate.
Anticancer. A 2021 paper was the first to show that hoary willowherb could block the growth of breast cancer cells in a test tube and might help treat human breast cancer. A root extract made with methanol had the strongest effect.28
In laboratory experiments, extracts made with water or ethanol stopped colorectal cancer cells from multiplying, which suggests hoary willowherb may be used as a therapeutic agent against colon cancers.29
Likewise, treatment of androgen-sensitive human prostate cancer cells with willowherb extracts promoted the death of those cells.30 Various willowherb extracts, including extracts from rosebay willowherb, caused a similar effect on human prostate, breast and brain cancer cell lines and inhibited DNA synthesis in human brain tumor cells.31
Topical uses
A 2014 study has shown evidence that the antioxidant benefits of hairy willowherb could help treat diabetic foot syndrome, a serious complication of diabetes.32 Rosebay willowherb is also used as a cleansing, soothing, antiseptic and healing agent to treat minor burns, skin rashes, ulcers and infections, and inflammations of the ear, nose and throat.
The photoprotective and anti-aging properties of rosebay willowherb extract have been revealed in both lab experiments and human testing, making it a potentially helpful addition to skin treatments.33
Dosage
Tisane: 2 tsp or 10 g, drink freely
Decoction: 1 tsp root, half a cup three times per day
Tincture: 1:10, 45 percent alcohol; take 1–2 tsp three times per day
Precautions
Epilobium interferes with the hormone progesterone, so if you are pregnant, taking hormone replacement therapy or on birth control pills, you should avoid using this herb.
Recipe: Willowherb infused oil
Scant ½ cup (100 g) dried leaf of any of the willowherbs
2 Tbsp alcohol, such as Everclear
6–10 oz (200–300 mL) melted coconut oil, or enough to cover herbs
Betonica officinalis
Parts used: All above-ground parts
Edibility: Leaves are generally used as a tisane substitute for black tea
Harvest: When in flower
Betonica officinalis, commonly known as betony or wood betony, is a woodland plant belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Betony has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. It was considered a panacea in medieval times and was believed to have a wide range of medicinal properties.
I’m not sure there is an herb that has been held in higher repute than betony, yet it’s not often used in modern herbal medicine. Betony fell out of favor because it can take a long time of continuous use to see results. According to medical herbalist David Hoffmann, its underlying action appears to be through toning and strengthening the nervous system while simultaneously soothing nervous tension.34
Antioxidant. Betony has demonstrated significant ability to fight free-radical cell damage. This is thought to be due to the strong antioxidant activity of its flavonoids and other polyphenols,35 which are believed to help lower blood pressure.
Anti-inflammatory. Betony extracts have anti-inflammatory activity similar in strength to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac, according to a study in rats.36
A Romanian research team confirmed this anti-inflammatory effect and attributed it to the plant’s ursolic acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, quercetin and anthocyanidin content.37 This supports its traditional use in the treatment of headaches and other pain conditions.
Menstrual flow regulator. Betony may be useful for treating abnormal uterine bleeding caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to one clinical study. Women aged 15–45 with PCOS were randomly assigned to receive either medroxyprogesterone (a form of synthetic progesterone) or betony for three months. Both groups saw a similar reduction in abnormal uterine bleeding, but there were fewer side effects in the betony group.38
Topical uses
A poultice made from the herb can be applied to heal wounds and bruises on the skin. Betony’s anti-inflammatory properties help ease skin inflammation caused by eczema and other skin conditions.
Dosage
Tisane: 1–2 tsp or 5–10 g three times per day
Tincture: 1:5, 45 percent alcohol; take 2–6 mL per day
Precautions
Not suitable for children or for women who are pregnant or lactating.
Recipe: Betony-infused tincture
If you’re using 40 percent alcohol (80 proof), such as vodka, make a simple tincture by covering 1 part herb with 5 parts alcohol.
If you’re using Everclear or another nearly 100 percent alcohol, use the following method for a specific tincture:
Scant ½ cup (100 g) dried betony
7.5 oz (225 mL) alcohol
9.25 oz (275 mL) water
Research into many of these and other plants is in its infancy and may still be restricted to in vitro (laboratory) and in vivo (animal) tests rather than clinical studies on humans. These types of studies do not necessarily translate to humans in real-life situations.
Also remember that herbal remedies are often not quick fixes. Their effects are cumulative and, in many cases, focus on assisting the body’s ability to adapt and heal itself.
Foraging for wild plants and using herbal medicines can involve risks, including the possibility of misidentifying plants, allergic reactions or adverse health effects. Not all plants are safe for human consumption or medicinal use, and some may be toxic. It is strongly recommended that readers seek advice from a qualified herbalist, botanist or healthcare professional before attempting to forage or use any plant for medicinal purposes.
Here are a few tips to help you harvest wild herbs sustainably:
Some fresh herbs, such as dandelion and rosebay willowherb, can be eaten raw in a salad, but it’s usually best to take the herbs in one of these forms:
Check the individual herbs for the suggested dosages and recipes, but a standard tisane is 1 tsp in 250 mL water, and a standard tincture is 1:5, which is one part marc (herb) to five parts menstruum (liquid).
Many herbalists use duty-free grain spirit (such as Everclear), and it needs to be diluted from nearly 100 percent alcohol to the desired percentage using water. Here are a couple examples of how this might work:
If math isn’t your strong suit, you might choose to make your tincture using a spirit that’s already diluted to the right percentage. For instance, you could use an 80 proof vodka or white rum to make a 40 percent alcohol tincture, and no dilution will be necessary. But note that higher alcohol content is often more effective at extracting active compounds from plants.
You can easily measure milliliters of a tincture to take your daily dosage using these equivalents:
Adapted from Old Remedies for Modern Living by Samantha Almond (Aeon Books, 2025). For 20 percent off the book, use code ORM20 at health.aeonbooks.co.uk
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